If a filter is dirty and clogged with debris, the HVAC system can’t work as efficiently as it should. That can lead to high utility costs, a breakdown and expensive repair bills. This is why it’s important to inspect your air filters regularly and clean or replace them as needed. 

When to Change Your HVAC Filters 
HVAC filters typically need to be replaced or cleaned about every three months. This is only a general guideline. You might have to replace your filters more or less often. 

If you have one or more pets, your air filters can quickly get clogged with hair and dander. You’ll need to change them often, especially if your pets shed a lot. If you live in a dry, dusty area or a city with pollution, or if you have an older HVAC system, you’ll need to replace your filters frequently.  

The ages and health of your family members and the number of occupants can influence your maintenance schedule. If you have a young child, a person with allergies or asthma, or a large family, you’ll have to replace your HVAC filters more frequently than the manufacturer recommends. 

How often you use your house and HVAC system will determine how often the filters will need to be changed. You’ll have to replace the filters in your primary residence more often than the ones in a vacation home. In the winter and summer, when you use your HVAC system every day, you’ll have to replace the filters more frequently.  

The type of air filters you use is another important factor to consider. Fiberglass filters generally need to be replaced more often than pleated filters. 

Use the Right Type of Filter 
If you need to replace an HVAC filter, make sure that you’re using a new filter that’s appropriate for your system. Air filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) that rates how well they trap contaminants. A filter with a higher MERV rating can trap smaller particles than a filter with a lower rating. 

Choosing a filter with a higher MERV rating isn’t always beneficial. Using a filter that’s not appropriate for your HVAC system can make it work less efficiently and reduce indoor air quality. 

Inspect Your Filters Regularly 
Replacing HVAC filters is a home maintenance task that’s critically important, easy to do and often overlooked. Check the condition of your air filters once a month. If you hold a filter up to a light source and light can’t pass through, it’s time to replace the filter. After you’ve lived in your house for a while, you’ll be able to figure out a replacement schedule that works for your home and your family. 

*Adapted from an article published by RISMedia

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The material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. Intended for distribution to only one per individual for marketing purposes only on behalf of our company. Not for reproduction.

At present, homeowners can benefit from a 30% tax credit on qualified solar installations through 2032, with a gradual phase-down beginning in 2033.

The Investment Tax Credit applies to investments generating clean electricity, including solar energy projects. Eligible projects can receive a base credit of 6% of the qualified investment, which can increase to 30% if prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are met.

The Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit supports the production of clean electricity, offering a base rate of 0.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, which can rise to 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for projects meeting specific labor standards.

These credits are designed to be inclusive, extending benefits to a wide array of clean energy technologies beyond traditional solar and wind, therefore encouraging innovation in the renewable energy sector.

To be clear, homeowners installing qualified solar energy systems can claim a credit equal to 30% of the installation costs for systems placed in service between 2022 and 2032. The credit percentage decreases to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and 22% in 2034. Unless further legislative action is taken, the credit will expire after 2034.

These solar tax incentives are not just beneficial for homeowners; they are also a game-changer for businesses looking to reduce operational costs and meet sustainability goals.

Additionally, while federal tax incentives provide a solid foundation for solar investments, many states offer additional rebates, credits, and grants to further encourage renewable energy adoption.

It should be noted, however, that while current incentives are in place, potential legislative changes could alter benefits. Consulting with a tax professional is recommended to make informed investment decisions going forward.

There are two types of trusts – revocable or irrevocable. Revocable trusts typically may be changed, whereas irrevocable trusts typically require significant intervention and approval to change – so it’s wise to have a legal consultant to help you decide which type of trust to choose.

You and any other current owners of the property who are transferring the property into the trust need to sign the deed in front of a notary public, who will stamp it with their seal.

Depending on state requirements, you or your attorney can then prepare a new deed that reflects the transfer of the property into the trust. This is usually a grant deed or a quitclaim deed, depending upon your state.

The final step of transferring real estate into your trust is to record the deed with the local office that keeps property records. (It may be the recorder’s office, county clerk’s office, land records office, or something similar.) If you don’t file the deed, then there will be no official record of the transfer, and the transfer may be invalid depending on state requirements.

If you have a mortgage on the property, you should let the loan servicer know so they can change the paperwork to reflect the trust’s name.

You will also need to contact the insurance companies, such as your homeowner’s insurance, to update the policies. Finally, consult your title agent or underwriter to ensure your title insurance policy will not be affected by this potential change in ownership.

Vacation rental scams, for example, often involve properties listed with enticingly low rates and exceptional amenities. Scammers may hijack legitimate listings or create entirely fictitious ones using stolen images. They typically push for quick deals and upfront payments, only for travelers to discover the truth upon arrival. 

Car rental scams also surge during peak travel seasons, as fraudsters entice travelers with low rates then insist on advance payments, often through untraceable methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards. 

With this in mind, verification of an offer is essential, says AARP. Use Google street view to make sure a property exists, for example, and insist on a detailed rental agreement. When renting a car, make sure you are accessing the company’s legitimate website and verify that the customer service number is real.  

AARP also offers these tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of vacation fraud: 

– Research the property, owner, and travel deals thoroughly. 
– Never pay by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift card. 
– Pay by credit card for added security and potential recourse. 
– Verify all terms in writing, including cancellation and refund policies. 

If you do find yourself the victim of a scam, report the incident to local law enforcement as soon as possible. 

That’s the good news, based largely on the fact that home values have been slowing and mortgage rates are hovering at or below some of the peaks we saw in 2024.

In fact, Zillow forecasts 4.3 million sales of existing homes in 2025, up slightly from the 4 million expected to sell last year, as the combination of lower rates and an uptick in the number of for-sale listings keep markets more affordable. This is especially true in cities with job growth, more people moving in, and new infrastructure, as in the Sun Belt region.

The challenge is whether incomes keep pace. 

Widespread economic uncertainty is curbing buyer enthusiasm. Recent data shows that concerns about job security have increased, which could make both buyers and sellers more hesitant to enter the housing market until the outlook for the economy and job market becomes clearer.

Serious prospective buyers should focus on issues over which they have control, like paying bills on time and keeping their credit scores high.

Sellers may need to be flexible regarding their price point and willing to negotiate with mortgage-approved buyers.

For agents, keeping your pipeline full is the surest way to maximize this summer of cautious optimism.

• Stay abreast of trends – Understand local neighborhood dynamics as well as changing economics
• Sharpen social media skills – Be sure your social media content is both engaging and practical
• Keep up with virtual tours – Immersive 360° home tours allow buyers to explore properties anytime from anywhere

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This material is not intended to be relied upon as a statement of the law, and is not to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice. The material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. Intended for distribution to only one per individual for marketing purposes only on behalf of our company. Not for reproduction.

About Bobbi Pronin

While spring of 2024 saw broker confidence soaring, the mood is less optimistic this spring, with interest rates and affordability keeping the market mostly flat and federal government policies making consumers hesitant about major financial decisions. 

• Getting into the office at the same time each day 
• Networking to add more people to your database 
• Working the phones whether you want to or not (*Make sure to comply with TCPA and confirm numbers are not on DNC lists)

• Mastering the art of search engine optimization (SEO) 
• Implementing new email campaigns 
• Embracing social media to build your personal brand 

• Build prospecting into your daily schedule 
• Learn new technologies 

• Consider adding niche licensing to your resume, or licensing in new areas such as appraising or home inspection 

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This material is not intended to be relied upon as a statement of the law, and is not to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice. The material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. Intended for distribution to only one per individual for marketing purposes only on behalf of our company. Not for reproduction.

About Bobbi Pronin

According to Remodeling Consultants, investing in storage solutions, mudroom upgrades and kitchen cabinet redesigns, for example, can help you create a more functional, stress-free living environment. They suggest the following projects to consider: 
 
Custom built-ins. If your home lacks storage space, a custom built-in unit can help you optimize your space. Consider floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, integrated cabinets or built-in window seats with hidden compartments. Additions like these will help you organize your home while also increasing its elegance. 
 
Build a better mudroom. A well-designed mudroom is a game-changer for managing clutter and preventing dirt and mess from spreading through the rest of your home. Outfit this high-traffic area with cubbies, hooks and a built-in bench to store shoes, coats and bags while adding convenience. Adding an easy-to-clean tile floor is a big plus. 

Update kitchen cabinets to increase storage. As the heart of the home, with the greatest number of visitors throughout the day, an unorganized kitchen can quickly become a source of frustration. Adding customized cabinetry can help you maximize every drawer and shelf, thanks to features like pull-out pantry shelves, deep drawers for pots and pans and built-in dividers for utensils. Glass-front cabinets or open shelving can also provide easy access to everyday essentials while maintaining a stylish look. 

More functional closets. If you’re suffering from an overflowing closet, a renovation can help. Consider adding custom shelving, built-in shoe racks and pull-out hampers to make the most of your available space and streamline your daily routine. If you have a walk-in closet, consider whether it could benefit from better lighting or a center island for additional storage.  

Make the most of unused space. Do you have a basement, attic or alcove that you’re not really using? If so, consider turning it into a fully functional storage space. Add wall-to-wall shelving in basements or built-in drawers and cabinets in the attics. According to Remodeling Consultants, even small nooks—like the area under the stairs—can be repurposed into stylish storage solutions. 

*Adapted from an article published by RIS Media

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The material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. Intended for distribution to only one per individual for marketing purposes only on behalf of our company. Not for reproduction.

In a hot market, when demand is high and inventory is low, or when buyers feel pressured to close deals quickly, county recording offices may sometimes become overwhelmed, which can lead to delays in obtaining records and verifying ownership.

When housing demand drops and inventory increases, the reverse is true, as fewer transactions mean title search providers can handle requests faster.

While the spring buying season is historically the busiest time of the year, and predictions for this season in are cautiously optimistic, with market experts projecting a 9% increase in home sales and mortgage rates hovering around 6%, according to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, experienced title processors are well prepared to handle the volume with no foreseeable delays.

In fact, with the understanding that title search is the backbone of a secure transaction, professional title companies and the American Land Title Association are more than ever committed to protecting consumers while driving efficiency in the title and settlement process.

While no title company can guarantee processing time, a reputable title processor will always be transparent about potential challenges and will maintain open lines of communication with its customers. Experience counts. When choosing a title company, look for one with a proven track record and positive testimonials from previous clients. 

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This material is not intended to be relied upon as a statement of the law, and is not to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice. The material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. Intended for distribution to only one per individual for marketing purposes only on behalf of our company. Not for reproduction.

About Bobbi Pronin