 Creating an energy-efficient landscape can significantly reduce your cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using trees, shrubs, and vines to design an energy-conserving landscape can lower cooling bills by as much as 40%. Here are some ways to passively cool your home through smart landscaping.
Trees Provide Shade Deciduous trees provide shade in summer, reducing sunlight and cooling your home through shading and evapotranspiration—the process in which plants release water through their leaves. Plant these trees on the south and west sides for optimal cooling. If you have rooftop solar panels, be mindful that shading can impact their efficiency. To avoid damaging your foundation or roof, plant trees at a distance from your house. Create Shade with Vines Climbing vines, such as ivy, Virginia creeper, or trumpet vine, provide excellent shade when grown on trellises or pergolas. They act as a living insulation layer, absorbing sunlight and preventing heat from penetrating walls. Ensure the vines are grown on structures about six inches away from your home to avoid damage to the siding. Incorporate Ground Covers Ground covers, like ivy, clover, or low-growing shrubs, can reduce the amount of heat radiating from the ground to your home. They act as a natural coolant by shading the soil and reducing heat absorption. Plant these around your home's foundation and in garden beds to lower the overall temperature. Use Reflective Mulch Using reflective mulch in your garden beds can help to reduce heat absorption. Light-colored or reflective mulch materials, such as gravel, marble chips, or light-colored wood chips, reflect sunlight away from the ground, keeping the area cooler. This method is particularly effective when used around plants that are close to your home's foundation. Implement Smart Irrigation Systems Efficient irrigation not only keeps your plants healthy but also helps cool your home. Smart irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses, reduce water waste and provide targeted watering to your plants. Healthy, well-watered plants maximize the effects of evapotranspiration, which can lower air temperatures by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Design Shaded Outdoor Living Spaces Shaded outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, or pergolas, can reduce heat buildup around your home. Use materials that reflect heat and add shading elements like pergolas with climbing vines or retractable awnings. These areas provide a cool retreat and reduce the overall heat absorption of your home's exterior.
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 On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a significant settlement that will change how broker commissions work in real estate transactions. This settlement, which still needs court approval, aims to address complaints from home sellers and will take effect on August 17, 2024. Here's a breakdown of what's coming:
Written Agreements for Homebuyers One major change is the requirement for real estate agents to sign written agreements with buyers before showing any homes. The terms need to be specific and clear, such as a flat fee, a percentage, or an hourly rate, with no open-ended arrangements. Agents cannot receive more compensation than what is agreed upon and the agreement must clearly state that broker fees and commissions are negotiable. These changes are designed to ensure buyers know exactly what they're getting into, with no surprises about costs and services. Traditional Compensation for Buyers' Agents Traditionally, buyers' agents have been paid through a commission covered by the seller. When a home is sold, the seller agrees to pay a commission fee, usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This commission is generally a percentage of the home's sale price and is included in the total closing costs. The amount is listed on the multiple listing service (MLS), allowing buyers' agents to know the compensation they will receive. This system has been criticized for potentially leading agents to prioritize properties with higher commissions over those that best fit their clients' needs. New Rules About How Compensation Offers Are Shared Compensation offers can no longer be listed on MLS platforms. However, sellers can offer compensation off an MLS through negotiation with real estate professionals. They can still offer concessions, such as covering closing costs, on an MLS. Implications for Home Buyers and Sellers Buyers will need to sign a written agreement with their agents before touring homes, detailing services and compensation, but this is not required for casual interactions like open houses. Sellers will no longer be required to pay the buyer's agent commission on MLS systems, potentially shifting this cost to buyers. Since most homebuyers will still need a real estate agent to help them purchase a home, sellers should explore alternative ways to compensate buyers' agents, including direct negotiations. Navigating the Changes The only thing constant is change—these new rules for written agreements and compensation offers will cause adjustments for buyers and sellers. As a professional real estate agent, you can trust that I'll keep you informed and prepared for these changes to ensure a smooth buying or selling experience. |