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from BJ Conner

 

 April  2014       Issue # 43
 

 

April brings daffodils, blooming dogwoods and the warmer weather of spring. Plan to visit Hot Springs Village this month and enjoy the beauty of the season.

 

Remember, I can help you obtain luxury accommodations at HUGE discounts. During your stay, I will be happy to give you a personal tour of our little slice of paradise that we call home.

 

Just give me a call at 501-915-2297 or email me at [email protected]

 

BJ
 
In This Issue
Community Calendar
Mortgage Calculator
Solar: So What?
BJ's Featured Listings for April
Hot Springs Village Homes Feb/Mar 2014
Real Estate Matters."Boomers Speak Out"
newsletter archives 
 
 
BUTTERFLY    
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
 
 
 
  
CalendarHot Springs Village 
Community Calendar
  
  
 

 

 

Mortgage Calculator

Mortgage Calculator 

 

 

Click for Current Rates

 

 
Solar: So What? 

As any homeowner knows, heating and cooling bills can top the charts during the height of summer and winter in many parts of the country. Homes that are well insulated can aid in keeping bills in line by helping to keep temperatures at a constant - but there are additional ways to tackle energy bills, and increasingly popular solutions include solar energy. 

 

Depending on your climate and surrounding buildings, trees and topography, solar energy can be a resource that could be harnessed to lower your bill from the local electric company. In fact, many people are able to generate enough electricity and heat from the sun to power their home without the need for power from a utility company at all, and a few even manage to generate excess energy that they can sell back to the power company energy credits or for a profit.

Contrary to popular thought, solar energy is not just for dry desert climates. Northern regions where summer days are long and often sunny have a distinct advantage: solar panels operate more efficiently at cooler temperatures. While the diffuse light of a cloudy day will not generate as much energy, there is still some benefit seen. And climates that have rain will also see benefits to maintenance, as periodic rains can help clean the collection panels.

Passive solar homes use smart design and construction to capture energy from the sun and keep it within the home as heat when it is needed, and generally reject heat when it is not needed. With distinct features of southern windows and heat-gathering materials, passive solar homes don't use mechanical systems to collect and convert energy into electricity, but rather use their environment to the best advantage and store heat in a thermal mass for distribution in the home over time.

However, most people who are considering solar as part of their energy profile are seeking to outfit a more traditionally designed and built home to take advantage of sunny days to produce electricity for diverse use. There are three popular "active" systems for using solar energy that are of importance to homeowners - the first is the type of system that is intended to generate electricity. This system, comprised of Photovoltaic (PV) collection panels, tracking mounts to move the panels to follow the sun, inverters, switches, wiring systems, and meters that work together to create electricity that is usable in your home and by others on the power grid. The second system is a solar hot water heating system. These systems enable homeowners to use the power of the sun to heat water used in showering and cleaning. And finally, there are also solar heating systems for heating the water in swimming pools.

To generate electricity, one of the biggest issues is where to mount the collection panels. In areas where land is at a premium, the roof is the obvious answer. Closest to the source of power (the sun) and usually unobstructed by trees, roof mounted panels can be unobtrusive and effective at the same time. However, professional installation is advised, and sometimes extra support is needed for the extra weight added to the roof. Often it is advised to replace the roof prior to installing the solar panels to reduce efforts later as the roof ages. If solar water heating is also being employed, a water tank would often be installed on the roof, close to the solar panels, resulting in even more weight. Again, these are often jobs that would be accomplished by professionals who understand the issues involved. Aesthetic issues may also be raised.

Solar energy systems begin at the very beginning - first steps include having a site assessment followed by a design and planning period. Professional installation is desirable due to the load on the roof and wiring and electrical issues. Savvy homeowners can do their own maintenance and monitoring, though check-ups by the professionals might result in higher efficiency.

There are some potentially off-putting financial considerations. Initial costs can be high, though State and Federal incentives and subsidies can bring them down. Choices during installation can be made that will lower the bill, so good planning up front will be a distinct advantage. Generally, it is wise to stick with simple, tried-and-true technology and a professional company with a good track record that specializes in sales and installation of quality products. Get recommendations and talk to homeowners who have been through the process as they can shed light on your concerns.

On the Federal level -- homeowners can get a Residential Income Tax Credit of 30% of the total cost of an installed system. This incentive is available until 2016 and can be "carried over" each year until it's used up, or until time is up, whichever comes first.

Some states offer no sales tax on solar installations, and even pay customers a base rate on the total energy produced by the system, regardless if it is used by the building or sold back to the grid.

There are arguments against solar: Photovoltaic (PV) panels are created using quite a bit of energy, and they do contain heavy metals (cadmium), so they should be disposed of properly at the end of their life cycle. However, if they are maintained well, that could be 25 or 30 years from now. Systems are also costly to install, even with governments making them less expensive through incentive programs. Be sure to look closely at the installation and warranties offered by those doing the work; warranties offered by companies that are small may be worthless if the business fails. Additionally, stay on top of industry trends and know what you are buying: not all solar panels are made with the same quality, and the new, thinner PV sheeting seems to break down more easily, shortening its useful life, so you might want to consider whether or not to use it.

In areas that are off grid, where solar systems are in use, there are also banks of lead-based batteries that serve as storage for power collected during daylight hours. These batteries are not environmentally friendly, and must be maintained and disposed of properly as well. These expensive panels of batteries may require replacement every 5 years. Solar water heating systems sometimes require the use of antifreeze in the system, which can be an environmental hazard so a good maintenance plan is desirable.

Know how to maintain your system and what to do in an emergency. Keeping panels free of debris, dirt and pollen will ensure maximum production and keep the panels from deterioration. Everyone in the home should know how to disconnect the system from the house in case of fire, and how to disconnect from the grid power as well.

A quality solar power system can provide many years of excellent service, reducing your electric bills, and enable you to be more self-sufficient. In addition to the benefits of lower power bills, homes that are efficient and whose owners have invested in quality systems are often valued at a higher rate. Remember to keep all records associated with the purchase, materials, installation, warranty and maintenance. As buyers become more familiar with the benefits and use of solar power, these systems can set your home apart and make a difference in the sale.

For additional information in understanding the basics of photovoltaic (PV) systems,http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-basic-components-of-a-home-solar-power-system.seriesId-246926.html is helpful.

 

Real Estate Advisor - April 2014
 
Quick Links
 
 

 

BJ's Featured Listings for April

 

43 Excelso Way

 

 

  

$398,500

  

3 Bd, 3 Ba

  

3,492 sq. ft.

 

 

You will be Pampered to Perfection with this quality Kevin Wilmouth Custom Built Lake Balboa View home.

 

Features include volume ceilings, split bedrooms, huge living room, formal dining, & spectacular water feature, original wall art, gorgeous entryway, den, game room, office, wet bar, new ice maker, trash compactor, central vac, intercom/sound system, wired for generator, tons of storage with add'l. 3-car garage & too many upgrades to mention. 

Great home for entertaining.

 Must See!

 

  

MLS # 10346320

 

Link to Listing

 

Virtual Tour

 

 

 

50 Tomino Way

  
 
$87,000
  
2 Bd, 2 Ba
  
1,764 sq. ft.
  

 

What a "Cream Puff!" 

This Move-in-Ready home is a 1-level 1764 square foot home with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. There is a screened-in-porch off the master bedroom suite to enjoy your morning coffee. The additional bedroom has an area that can be used for a craft room or office. The open floor plan including the Arkansas room is ideal for entertaining. PLUS, there is a beautiful mountain view from the wrap-around deck! 

Sold "As Is" A MUST SEE!

 

  

MLS #10373970

 

Link to Listing

 

Virtual Tour

 

 

 

 Hot Springs Village Homes

 

 

 Click to View

the Apr/May Issue

 

 

 
2012 Diamond Award
  
"Over $7 Million in Sales"
  
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BJ Conner, GRI
Associate Broker
 
 "Service You Can Trust"
 

501-915-2297

 

[email protected]

 

Schedule a visit here and enjoy all the natural beauty of this great area.

I can assist you in obtaining lodging at fantastic discounts $$$
  
 
  
BJ Conner's Website
  
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 Real Estate Matters

  by Jeff Hollansworth

                 

"Boomers Speak Out"

 

Click Here to View Article

 

 

 
HSV Air
HSV from the Air
 
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State Weeks
 
Visit Hot Springs
Village during your state's week and enjoy all amenities at member rates.
  
 
  
Balloon
  

RE/MAX
of
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RE/MAX Office
 

Visit our conveniently located office at 1400 DeSoto Boulevard

on the corner of

Desoto Blvd. & Ponce de Leon Drive

 

***FREE***

 

Village Information

 

Cup of STARBUCKS!

 

 

 

Old Fashion Strawberry Shortcake

 

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups halved strawberries, divided 
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup orange juice 
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons chilled stick margarine or butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
  • Cooking spray 
  • 6 tablespoons frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed
  • Whole strawberries (optional) 
  1. Preparation Combine 1 cup strawberry halves, 1/3 cup sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and lemon juice in a bowl, and mash with a potato masher. Stir in 2 1/2 cups strawberry halves. Cover and chill.
  2.  Preheat oven to 425�.
  3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; cut in margarine with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk, stirring just until moist (dough will be sticky).
  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 times with floured hands. Pat dough into a 6 x 4-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 6 squares. Place 1 inch apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425� for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Split shortcakes in half horizontally using a serrated knife; place each bottom half on a dessert plate. Spoon 1/4 cup strawberry mixture over each bottom half. Top with shortcake tops; spoon 1/4 cup strawberry mixture over each top. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon whipped topping; garnish with whole strawberries, if desired.

Cooking Light