WNY Homes for Sale

Ways to save on your Western New York utility bills

Budgets are being stretched to their limits for residents in Western New York. With the reports of predicted energy costs increasing this winter, many savvy Western New Yorkers are beginning to look for way to save on their utility bills. There are many ways to save on your utility bills and it sometimes it is the simplest things we do that can add up to big savings.

Ways to save money on your utility bills in Western New York:

1. Energy star appliances
2. Consider replacing your toilets with lower water use models to save on water
3. Consider having a home energy audit
4. When taking a shower in the winter, don't let that water drain out. If you leave the water in your tub it adds heat and humidity to the house.
5. Calk your windows and consider adding additional insulation if needed
6. Use energy-efficient lighting throughout your Buffalo home
7. Install a low-flow shower head
8. Because the greater Buffalo region has some of the sunniest days in summer, there are those that install solar hot water and electric solar panels and enjoy watching their meter go backwards.
9. Cancel your newspaper and read it online
10. Wash your clothing in cold water and hang dry your clothes
11. Install a programmable thermostat
12. Get an insulation sweater for your hot water heater and insulate the pipes coming out of your water heater
13. Make sure your dishwasher is set on water-miser and do use heat drying

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Incorporating a Home Office in your Buffalo Home

The world has changes significantly over the past twenty years. There are new ways to do business. No longer does one go to an office to work.   Many Buffalonians are working from home. Across the USA this is a popular work solution for many business people. There are many Buffalo residents that are joining the ranks of those that work from home.   Not only does it make for a better work/life balance it is good for the environment!

What makes a home office successful? A computer, phone, fax machine, copier, a desk and Internet connection - you are ready to go!

Or are you?

Yes those items are important, but it is not just the items, but the design of this space is very important too! You will be spending a lot of your time in this home office and you need to set this space up wisely. Above all your Buffalo home office needs to be comfortable, well lit, accessible and practical. First you identify the space you will be using, who will be using this space in your Buffalo home and what you will be doing in that space. The next step is deciding what will be the layout of this space. Most people setting up their first home office in WNY take very little time to consider the fact that how they plan and setup their office might affect their business.   Home Office Design Guide and Home Office Fundamentals are two websites you will want to check out as you organize and create your home office. Here are a few additional resources for your home office design:

• HGTV - Decorating your office
• Home Office Buddy
• Tips for Better Productivity

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Decorating Your New Home

You have just purchased your home, and now you want to decorate your home to reflect your personality.  Well don't think that you have to purchase everything retail.  There are some great resources you can use to find small details to make your house a home.

• Flea Markets are another interesting place to find some decorator items.
• Thrift shops, Consignment and second hand shops are another great resource for those unique items.
• Don't count Antique shops out as being too expensive, sometimes there are great things to be discovered and not as expensive as one would think...
• Yard & Garage Sales are a great place to find great items.  You will have to be an early bird to ensure that you get the best!  But sometimes it is at the end of the day that you get the best deal.  Remember one person's trash could be your treasure.

It can be fun finding all sorts of treasures to make your first house a home...  Don't have your house yet and want to start looking?   Call us at (716) 650-0051 today to start the process!