real estate marketing, advertising, blogging, and technology

Consumer Reports Complete Guide To Reducing Energy Costs is chock full of ways to save money. Here is a quick sample of 10 free energy saving tips:

1. Wash clothes in cold water—use cold water detergent.
2. Hang clothes to dry—the old fashioned way. Added bonus: The smell of sheets drying in the wind is nostalgic.
3. If you use a dryer, remove when clothes are slightly damp—they’ll require less ironing.
4. Don’t pre-rinse dishes before putting in the dishwasher—just scrape off food. Newer dishwashers using enzyme detergents have no trouble getting dishes clean.
5. Put your thermostat on a timer or lower it 5-10 degrees before going to bed. I set my timer to a lower temperature one hour before bedtime. By the time the house cools, I’m sawing wood. A 10 degree reduction saves a whopping 20% off your monthly bill.
6. Use fans. This helps reduce A/C usage. Ceiling fans are surprisingly effective at cooling.
7. Shut off your computer rather than keeping it on all night.
8. Use a microwave instead of the oven, especially for reheating.
9. Use regular gasoline.
10. Set your hot water heater to the low setting (120 degrees).  Shut it off completely if away for 3 or more days.
BROKER/AGENT TIPS: This book would make a great closing gift. Send this or other useful consumer tips/ guidebooks to your prospects. It’s a great way to build a relationship and market yourself.  Has anyone ever given something like this away at a listing presentation? Think of the power of a free gift, especially a book. The cosmetics industry practically lives off the practice. It’s better than a calendar I can tell you.