Tenants: 4 Energy-Saving Tips For Your Rental

Whether you want to save energy to lower your carbon footprint or reduce your bills—or both—here are four things you can do as a tenant. Make it DarkerOne reason that tinted windows in cars are popular is that they help keep a car’s interior cool. You can benefit from tinted windows in your rental property, too. They offer a lower cost alternative to installing energy-efficient windows and can cut your air conditioner use.Unplug DevicesStandby power, also known as phantom load and vampire power, refers to energy used by appliances and electronics that are plugged in but turned off or in standby mode. TVs, computers, and gaming consoles are prime examples of devices that continue to use power when not in use and can be unplugged without significant consequence, unlike a refrigerator. Consider plugging these into a power strip that you can switch on and off as needed.   Change BulbsLED light bulbs use significantly less electricity and last much longer than incandescent blubs. However, those improvements come at a higher cost per bulb. Depending on who pays for the bulbs and how long you intend to stay in the rental, it might make sense to swap out the existing bulbs. You can always purchase and install your own LED bulbs, save the existing bulbs, and reinstall the incandescent ones when your lease is done. Help the DryerIf don’t have a high-efficiency clothes washer, running a quick extra spin cycle cuts down on drying time. Keeping the lint trap clean can also make your dryer work fastest and use less energy.

Sell or Stay After Retirement

Retirement isn’t just the end of your working days. It’s a time to recalibrate and consider what you’d like to do in your next chapter.You might be wondering: Should I sell my home now that I’m retired? Ask yourself these questions:Does your current home meet your present and future needs? Do you need as much space as you have? Do you need more now that you’ll spend more time at home? Do you think your home will meet your needs 10 years from now? Twenty?Can you afford your current home? For many people, retirement means earning significantly less income than during their careers. If you have a mortgage, will you be able to afford the payments? If you have paid off your home, are you able to afford your property taxes on a lower or fixed income? This is something to consider when deciding whether to move.Where would you go if you sold your home? Your home may be worth a lot more money than you paid for it, but so are the homes you may consider buying if you sold. Where would you like to live? Look at prices in that area. Do they work with your budget?Is your home even ready to sell? Are there any repairs you want to make before you would consider selling? Sometimes even small upgrades or cosmetic changes can make a big difference.Are you ready to move? Moving is a major undertaking. It may take you weeks or months to pack up your belongings, especially if you have lived in your home for several years.Hiring a REALTOR® is always smart when considering any real estate transaction. A REALTOR® can discuss considerations like these to help you make the best decisions. Some REALTORS® even have earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation to help buyers over 50 sort through their options. All REALTORS® pledge to abide by a code of ethics, so you know that you have a professional in your corner who puts your interests first.