The cost of installing solar panels on a home has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Is it time for your home to run on sunshine? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

1. Pro: Demolish your electric bills
Obviously by capturing free energy from the sun, you’ll pay less in your utility bill. In some states, you can even earn money back by selling the unused energy your panels generate to the utility company in the form of ​Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).​​​

2. Con: Upfront cost
While installation and materials are more affordable than ever, it might take up to seven years for the system to pay for itself through the money you save. Fortunately, there are considerable tax breaks, rebates, and solar-specific loans available to help homeowners get started. The federal investment tax credit allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your system from your taxes. You can search for state programs on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®.

3. Pro: Save the planet
Generating energy from fossil fuels emits harmful carbon dioxide and methane that contributes to global warming – using solar panels for power does not. And unlike other energy sources, solar power doesn’t require water to process.

4. Con: Doesn’t work for every roof
Some roofing materials used in older homes, like slate or cedar tiles, make it difficult for installing panels.

5. Pro: May increase your home’s value
Solar panels can increase the value of your home, according to research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, part of the Department of Energy.

6. Con: Maintenance costs
Insurance, cleaning, repairs. As with anything, solar panels come with their own additional costs. Wondering how much energy solar panels might be able to generate in your part of the country? Check out this address-based calculator from the Department of Energy.

If you’re looking to relocate to a state with a sunnier disposition, I can help you sell your home and connect you with a trusted referral partner. Give me a call, text, or shoot me an email. Let’s discuss your marketing strategy.

Schools can have a big impact on property value and quality of life. If you’re buying a home, here are a few reasons local school ratings matter – even if you don’t have kids.

1. The next buyer will consider school ratings, too
According to a recent ​National Association of REALTORS Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers​​​, 25 percent of homebuyers listed school quality and 20 percent listed proximity to schools as deciding factors in their home purchase. Another survey conducted by Realtor.com showed that 91 percent of the people surveyed included school district boundaries in their decision-making process. You may be surprised to learn that not all of the shoppers involved in the studies had kids.

2. More money spent on schools means more money spent on homes
There’s a correlation between school expenditures and home values in any given neighborhood, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. Their report, “School Spending Raises Property Values,” found that for every dollar spent on public schools in a community, home values increased $20.

3. Higher school ratings equal higher home values
A Brookings Institution study looked at the 100 largest metro areas in the country and found an average difference of $205,000 in home prices between houses near high-performing and low-performing schools.

4. And good school ratings help homes maintain value
A Brookings Institution study looked at the 100 largest metro areas in the country and found an average difference of $205,000 in home prices between houses near high-performing and low-performing schools.

5. Great school districts usually mean great neighborhoods
Often there’s a correlation between super school districts and safer neighborhoods, better shopping and transportation and great public amenities – like parks. All of these factors increase the desirability of the neighborhood, which translates to higher home values and a better deal for you when it’s time to sell.

Looking for a home near a great school? I can provide insight on the schools in the neighborhoods where you’re looking to buy. RE/MAX can help you get started with the school finder search engine located on ​www.remax.com​​​.

Before you make an offer, be sure you love these five traits about your potential new place.

You gaze longingly at the curb appeal and your heart flutters at the open kitchen, but is the home you’re considering buying really The One? Before you make an offer, be sure you love these five, hard-to-change traits about your potential new place.

1. Square footage
Too small and you may quickly outgrow your new space. Too big can mean unnecessary energy bills and money spent furnishing space you never use. Aim for “just right.”

2. Drive time
Be sure your daily commute won’t leave you sitting in traffic, rethinking your relationship with your house. Consider driving to work from your potential home a couple times during rush hour to know what you’re getting into.

3. Walkability
Being able to stroll to shops, restaurants, parks and public transportation can really boost your quality of life. If it’s important to you, check out your potential home’s official walkability score at ​www.walkscore.com​​​.

4. Community
Does the neighborhood include features that are critical to your particular lifestyle, like yoga studios, late night takeout options or a safe playground for your kids (or pups)?

5. Planes, trains and automobiles
If you travel frequently, consider how close your potential new home is to the airport, main highways or public transportation. Not a fan of planes flying overhead – or the noise of late-night trains passing by? Keep that in mind when scoping out areas as well.

A lot goes into making that perfect connection with a new home. Give me a call, and we can talk about finding your perfect match.