Our first guest blogger is Russ Tantillo, a Service Manager of Clover Services.  Clover Services completes a number of repairs to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems in homes that we manage.  Here is what Russ has to say about cutting down on energy bills in the hot summer months:

“Many homeowners face high electric bills during warmer months when they’re operating their home’s air conditioning. Did you know that your home’s central air conditioner is likely the biggest user of electricity in your home during the summer?

Here are a few tips to help cut down those high AC energy bills:

1. Keep the filter clean - The easiest way to increase energy efficiency is to keep your HVAC system’s filter clean.  A dirty air filter is a lot like when you have a stuffy nose, you can function, but you’re not at your best. It’s the same with your air conditioner, so blow your AC’s nose and change that filter.

2. Keep the outside unit clear - Your home’s outside AC unit has a coil inside it that is essential to energy efficiency. This part of your AC system works in a way similar to the radiator in your car; air needs to move over the coil to dissipate the heat from the inside unit.

If that coil has grass clippings, lint from the nearby dryer vent or maybe bushes that are overgrowing it, you are making the unit work harder and use more energy. Clear the area around your outdoor unit and use a hose and wash out the coils. Don’t worry about getting it wet, it sits outside in the weather anyway, and the electrical components are covered up, so go ahead and clean away.

3. Professional maintenance - Your air conditioning system also has a coil inside your home where the actual cooling process takes place, but cleaning this essential element is a bit more complicated to clean and should be left to a professional. It’s a very important part of the cooling system and when clean, it can help save a lot of money on your energy bill.

Just these easy-to-do tips can cut your energy bill by 10 to 15 percent. If you want to cut them even more, consider replacing your system with a higher efficient unit with a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) of 15 or higher.”

Northern Virginia has faced and continues to face many challenges when it comes to transportation.  It affects our daily lives, our health and the ability of businesses to get individuals to move to Northern Virginia.  We all want a good quality of life and don’t want to spend a majority of our time on the road commuting.  It’s affecting where people are choosing to live too.

With the economic uncertainly, there will always be changes and government is looking for new ways to get money to fund various programs.  The change in the Grantor’s Tax has been in discussion for some time now in Richmond and below is the latest on the regional tax going in to effect July 1, 2013 and how it may affect you.

Regional Congestion Relief Fee

Effective July 1, 2013, House Bill 2313 imposes a regional congestion relief fee on the recording of any deed or instrument conveying real property that is situated in a locality included in the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority when the consideration or value of the interest in such property, whichever is greater, equals or exceeds $100.  The fee, which is to be paid by the seller (grantor), is imposed on the consideration or value in addition to any other required recordation taxes and fees at the rate of $0.15 per $100 or fraction thereof.  Affected localities are the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, and the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William.

So if you are selling a $500,000 house, grantor’s tax:

Before 7/1          After 7/1

$500.00                 $1,250.00

Keep in mind though that there is also the chance that this tax will be challenged like the prior transportation district tax so for sellers who close after 7/1/13, make sure to keep all your documents in a safe place and watch for the repeal of this bill and you may be able to get a refund.

Get more information on the bill itself..

Beautiful wooded view and great location next to Lake Anne Plaza. Huge 2BR condo with 1.5 baths. @ porch areas enclosed to increase livable space. Updated kitchen with Stainless appliances. Spacious bedrooms with large closets. Bright and open yet nestled in the trees. The community also shares a dock on Lake Anne. $45/person app fee, all adults on app and lease.

1522 Moorings Dr #8d/22b, Reston, VA 20190 (MLS # FX8042625)

Beautiful wooded view and great location next to Lake Anne Plaza. Huge 2BR condo with 1.5 baths. @ porch areas enclosed to increase livable space. Updated kitchen with Stainless appliances. Spacious bedrooms with large closets. Bright and open yet nestled in the trees. The community also shares a dock on Lake Anne. $45/person app fee, all adults on app and lease.

Property Type(s): Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent

Last Updated	5/22/2013	Tract	Lakeview
Year Built	1972	Community	n/a
Garage Spaces	n/a	County	Fairfax
Total Parking	1	Walk Score ®	75

Price History

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #FX8042625)

No Dogs** UTILITIES INCLUDED Beautifully renovated, lux & lg upscale 1BR condo close to 2 metro stations, shopping, restaurants, etc. Great stone tile floor in kit & bath, granite washer/dryer, etc. Large closets too. 1 garage parking space, 24 hr front desk, party room, pool, exercise room. $45/adult app fee.

Property Type(s): Residential for Rent, Res. Condo for Rent

Last Updated	4/17/2013	Tract	Bella Vista
Year Built	1989	Community	n/a
Garage Spaces	1.0	County	Arlington
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	69

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #AR8039484)

$1900

No Dogs** UTILITIES INCLUDED Beautifully renovated, lux & lg upscale 1BR condo close to 2 metro stations, shopping, restaurants, etc. Great stone tile floor in kit & bath, granite washer/dryer, etc. Large closets too. 1 garage parking space, 24 hr front desk, party room, pool, exercise room. $45/adult app fee.

GMU Exquisite updated colonial farm house with great kitchen in park-like setting! Update granite counters, stainless, huge windows, etc. Huge 1 acre lot w/plenty of space and lots of privacy. Work being completed in master bath to replace sink, etc. Hardwood floors, main level BR with bath. Great school pyramid and close to GMU! Easy access to major roads, shopping, etc.

5200 Prestwick Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 (MLS # FX8026725)

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Exquisite updated colonial farm house with great kitchen in park-like setting! Update granite counters, stainless, huge windows, etc. Huge 1 acre lot w/plenty of space and lots of privacy. Work being completed in master bath to replace sink, etc. Hardwood floors, main level BR with bath. Great school pyramid and close to GMU! Easy access to major roads, shopping, etc. All adults on app&lease

Property Type(s): Residential for Rent, Detached for Rent

Last Updated	4/24/2013	Tract	Brecon Ridge
Year Built	1925	Community	n/a
Garage Spaces	2.0	County	Fairfax
Total Parking	2	Walk Score ®	5

Schools

Additional Details

Features

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #FX8026725)