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Cost saving tips to stay warm this winter

A rush of arctic air from the Rocky Mountains in late December left most Rhode Islanders shivering from the cold and scrambling for ways to heat up their homes. The long streak of bitter cold may have forced some homeowners to consider installing insulation throughout their walls and attics, but J.Christopher Real Estate Group has several suggestions that can help you hold on to your savings while staying toasty.

Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate, explained that most Ocean State residents would benefit from knowing cost effective ways to heat their homes. “Home buyers are sometimes reluctant to buy homes that that have not been optimized for the cold without realizing there are other ways to ensure heating systems are efficient,” Lewis said.

The cost of professionally insulating a roof for an average size home hovers around $2,000, and that doesn’t factor in the costs of insulating walls in living spaces. In addition, homeowners may have to wait until next season because most of these renovations are usually done in the summer or fall.

With the potential of another cold spell coming soon, J.Christopher Real Estate Group understands the urgency to prepare for the cold, and we could like to recommend some alternative heating solutions.

  • Caulk your windows to prevent cold drafts from entering your home. The air tight seal can also help trap heat in your home.
  • Apply weather stripping to the inside of your windows and doors. Heat is bound to escape from your home, but did you know that 30 to 40 percent of that heat escapes from air leaks? By sealing those main entryways, you are helping to trap warm air while also using less energy to continuously heat your home.
  • Install thermal, insulated curtains to reduce heat loss by as much as 25 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It is advised to leave the curtains open while the sun is pointing towards the window, and closing them after the sun is out of view to keep more warmth indoors.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat that could be turned up before you arrive. Do not completely turn off the thermostat on chilly days or nights because this can lead to frozen pipes, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. When used correctly, thermostats can save individuals 10 percent on their heating bill, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Before the stinging cold reaches your home, consider the suggestions above to save money and make your home more inviting. For other home improvement solutions or other real estate concerns, speak with a J.Christopher Real Estate agent.

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Giving Back at the Ronald McDonald House

J.Christopher Real Estate Group is committed to giving back to our community. On January 24th, we were pleased to support the Ronald McDonald House in Providence by cooking a meal for 30 family members of patients currently in Hasbro Children's Hospital. Families enjoyed glazed ham with pineapples, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes and baked beans. Our staff also brought cheesecake and cupcakes for dessert. Ronald McDonald House invites members of the community to volunteer their time to prepare a home-cooked meal every night as an alternative to traditional hospital food.

Since 1989, Ronald McDonald House has been the only organization in the state to provide this type of support to families of pediatric patients. They offer different room sizes to accommodate families traveling with other children, a private courtyard to enjoy fresh air, community rooms with TV, computer access and activities for the families.

With an average cost of approximately $1.5 million dollars annually to operate the Ronald McDonald House, and just 10 paid staff members, the organization depends on the generosity and compassion of volunteers. Their mission is to relieve some of the stress a family faces when their child is hospitalized. The J. Christopher Real Estate Group team was honored to assist such a worthy organization.

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Knock out the competition with these home listing tips

While the real estate market in Rhode Island is on an upswing, many residents may be considering listing their property in the hopes of capitalizing on the trend. Although there is a shortage of starter homes in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Association of Realtors recently announced that the number of mid-priced homes sold in 2017 eclipsed previous records — meaning buyers in these price ranges have more options. To make your home stand out from the crowd, J.Christopher Real Estate Group has some tips that can help you sell your home quickly.

“Home sellers can become so excited about listing their property that they can sometimes lose sight of their overall mission,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate. “In thinking about the windfall of money they might receive, homeowners might make renovations that can turn off some buyers or discourage potential buyers with a price that doesn’t align with the neighborhood.”

With a team of five real estate agents that are thoroughly informed about the Rhode Island market, J.Christopher Real Estate agents know what buyers are looking for in a new home. As you begin the home listing process, here are the do’s and don’ts when putting your home on the market.

Don’t make niche improvements

While a ‘man cave’ with a bar and ceiling mounted space for cinema viewing may be appealing to you, another family may have to think about the cost of undoing the project for a more family oriented space.

Do make upgrades that are widely appreciated

When making renovations to sell your home quickly, consider fixing peeling paint, cracked fixtures or installing new appliances. These things can motivate a buyer to make an offer quickly.

Don’t overdo the decorations

Setting up bright color themes that are to your personal preferences could discourage buyers looking for a modern look. Sellers should make an effort to choose decorations that are universally accepted, and easy to switch out.

Do make a good first impression

Buyers will form opinions the moment they see your home, which is why it is important that you maintain a clean curb, and entryway. Some flowers, new sod, and an impressive mailbox can set the stage for what buyers could expect to see in your home.

Do make arrangements to exit during tours

It can be difficult for buyers to envision themselves in your home if you are standing in the corner. This can lead some buyers to feel like an uninvited guest instead of being a future homeowner, which is why you should make arrangements for outside activities during scheduled tours. In addition, remove photos, religious items and political posters to give the potential buyer a blank slate when they see themselves living in your residence.

Don’t take offense to offers

There are many reasons why offers may be lower than expected that can include aspects from the appraisal, or comparable home listings. Keep a cool head to make sure you can work towards a resolution that works for both sides.

Do advocate how your home is different

While listing your property at an appropriate price is very important, home sellers should be able to describe why their home is attractive in the years to come. Whether it is a nearby public school with a stellar reputation, the proximity to important areas or amenities, or how your home is situated in a place where home values are expected to grow, there is always something that can make your home stand out.

As some homes languish in the real estate market for months on end, you can rest assured that J.Christopher Real Estate agents have the expertise to sell your home quickly, and at a fair price. For all of your real estate concerns and needs, speak with an agent at 401-830-6906 and see first-hand why we are ranked among the best realtors in Rhode Island.

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About Us

Built for people like us.
Licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, J.Christopher Real Estate Group is the go-to real estate solution for people who value hard work and results. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’re selling your long-time family home, you’re always our top priority because you’re our client.

Led by Jarrod Lewis, J.Christopher Real Estate Group is a team of professionals working to provide our clients with personalized customer service backed by years of trusted, industry experience.

We treat people like we expect to be treated, and we understand the value of hard work. This means we will be there for you at night and on the weekends to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Testimonials

Jarrod and his team were incredible. We worked with Jarrod and Lori on purchasing our first home and it was by far the best experience working with anyone on anything, I've ever had. I was confident knowing they were taking care of us throughout the home buying experience, and even now, after purchasing our home,

Justin Lizotte

We recently closed on our house last week and let me tell you how FLAWLESS and EFFORTLESS the process was with Jarrod's team! This was our first ever home buying experience and I am not sure what people say is so "tough" or a "nightmare". We worked with Erica and she was a rock-star throughout

Alyssa Toth

Lori McVey was nothing short of an excellent and amazing realtor. She is very knowledgeable and understanding and was conscientious to my situation, as well as the entire process of home buying and what to look for and do, etc. When I needed her to come through on something she did so and then some.

Kyle White

Can't say enough about Jarrod and his team. Honest and straight forward, I got a a strong sense of his integrity when I first met him and my first impression was correct. He and Stefanie were always available immediately when I called them. No waiting endlessly for a response or wondering why they hadn't called.

Kevin McGrath

Contact Us

986 Hartford Avenue Johnston RI 02919

401-830-6906
info@jchristophergroup.com
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