Home Living Archives - Samantha M. Skinner http://www.samanthamskinner.com Marketing Specialist & Content Magician Fri, 12 Jun 2020 00:37:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://i0.wp.com/www.samanthamskinner.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-cropped-logo-1.png?fit=32%2C32 Home Living Archives - Samantha M. Skinner http://www.samanthamskinner.com 32 32 158074898 Home Living http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/the-miami-real-estate-trends-and-market-predictions-for-2019/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/the-miami-real-estate-trends-and-market-predictions-for-2019/#respond Mon, 18 Feb 2019 16:06:51 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2170 Miami is a bustling place full of healthy, happy people that are looking to make life a bit simpler in many of the most beautiful and luxurious places that they […]

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Miami is a bustling place full of healthy, happy people that are looking to make life a bit simpler in many of the most beautiful and luxurious places that they can call home. With these places, you will soon find that there is a home for everyone. Many of the condos are being developed and each one is more modern and upscale as the next.

 

Thought of as a great retirement community, as well as a beach-home community, there are many places that come together to provide the best condos to live in. With the condos that provide the highest in satisfactory ratings, you can ensure that the Miami real estate market predictions in 2019 are going to be ones that flourish.

 

The market is one that is booming and due to this, many of the condos are being offered at affordable prices and the number of people that are looking for places to purchase are finding new developments that are currently being put up and for sale.

 

Find out more about the market and the real estate through the Miami real estate market news that is showing everyone that the best place to live is now Miami. This can provide you with more information regarding the market and what comes with it depending on the price that you are looking to pay and the budget you are on.

 

As Markets Flourish, Rents Increase

The rent in Miami has grown higher with each passing year because of the demand that comes from wanting to live on the beach.

 

The market has increased over $15,000 in many of the homes that are being put up for sale in the area right along the coast. While many of the homes and condos that are a bit away from the coast and more inland are not changing very much, the homes that are on the coast are seeing the most amount of changes. The islands are the ones seeing the biggest changes of all.

 

With many of these changes being made, you can expect that the prices are going to be changing throughout the years. Some of the homes in the same area also seen a drop of around $200 per square foot at the same time, so this is something to think about when you’re searching for the right condo. It can make a difference in the area, the neighborhood, the condo that you choose and many other factors.

 

With the changes in Miami real estate market predictions in 2019, you will find the perfect place to live and spend time. As time continues to move forward, you will learn that the changes in the market are ones that will continue to change as more and more people want to live on the coast.

 

With rental prices around $800 and up to $3,000 or more per unit, you can expect to find that the changes are not something that just happened overnight, but they are changes that are going to give you a way to find the perfect place to live. Depending on the size of the unit, how close it was to the ocean and other factors, you will find that the price will correspond with this information.

 

The years to come are something that you want to think about if you’re considering moving to the area. The rent will continue to increase, but this means that if you invest in a property currently, the price that comes along with it when it comes to selling is going to rise. This is something worth thinking about if you want to invest in properties that are going to be worth much more than you pay for them.

 

The investment market in Miami is looking to rise. It is going to provide the person with even more reason to put money down on a property and really be able to invest in something that pays off in the end, especially property that is thought of as a summer home that provides a warm place to go when it is too cold.

 

Resting VS Buying in Miami

So many are wondering whether or not they should rent or buy when they are moving to the Miami area and this is definitely something that you should think about before you make the next move. Being able to put your money down on something that is worth it and something that pays off in the end. A good investment is going to make a difference when you move to Miami.

 

Traffic and inflated prices are something that you need to think about before you choose the best place to live. Those that want a more affordable place to live but one that is within a good neighborhood can look into Miami Shores or Homestead. Miami Beach is a popular place to be, but it can come with high prices because of the high interest in the area, though there are gems that are hiding within the shores of the area.

 

With many studies that were conducted on this, those interested in moving to the area can benefit from what is being offered in Miami and the many different areas that homes are being provided at.

 

Keeping Miami Affordable Even with Rising Costs

As demand starts to rise, the costs are going to be a challenge to keep down. The housing market is one that is currently growing and it is beneficial for the entire city. The home prices have increased over $20,000 in such a short period of time, which is a big jump for those homes in many of the areas that might not have thought to have any sort of growth. This 2% growth is a big change, though it might not seem it at first glance.

 

The median household income for the area is around $200-$300,000 which leads to the higher housing prices in the Miami-Dade area. On a scale of 1-10 with how the affordability is for the area, it was ranked at a 7, which is closer to the very affordable area of 10.

 

This change in the market is making many of the landlords and renters in the area push up their prices to match the prices that come along with the prices of the homes that are being sold in the area. This is giving renters a chance to cash out on a price that matches with the area’s amount that is being put out there. It is allowing these landlords to actually get the right amount of money that corresponds with the rising housing market costs.

 

The area is looking at seeing repercussions from overbuilding. This is causing a lot of controversy for the area because the price is rising and the number of people moving in also rising, making the neighborhoods change with each passing time. This is not something that is going to slow down it seems for the future.

 

For those that are looking to move to a highly populated area that has many offerings, businesses, restaurants, stores and more than Miami-Dade might be the place for them to move. This can be a big thing to think about because you don’t want to worry about the prices, as much as the value that you’re paying for the place.

 

Renting seems to be one of the more expensive things to do in the area but can be ideal for those that cannot buy right away. It can be a short-term way to go before they are able to make the right choice to choose which one is going to work out the best for them. With buying being the better choice to go with, it is one that you have to think about before moving to the area.

 

Moving to the area means inspecting and researching what comes with the neighborhoods and the area. With so many Miami real estate market predictions in 2019, many people are going to think about investing more to the area because it is densely populated and more so sought after by those wanting to move to the ocean and beaches.

 

A Lush Market for Investors

Miami is becoming a lush market for investors to put their money in. Not only can you expect to find the best housing prices, but the prices are going to steadily just rise with the coming years. 2019 is one of the best years for the housing market, but as times move forward, 2020, 2021, 2022, the prices and values of the home are going to rise, even more, giving more investors with a reason to put their money down on some of the property that is currently being offered.

 

Not only this but when you invest in the Miami property, especially those currently on the beaches, you will find that the demand for these properties is on the rise. This will ensure that the investments that you made are always being used by someone and when it comes time to sell, you can double your money as the housing market and demand continues to rise.

 

This is why more and more investors are looking into those large condo buildings and finding smaller condos for rent that are providing the people that are coming and going with an affordable place to stay. Miami is a beautiful beach town and when you have a beautiful place to stay, you don’t have to worry about a thing that follows.

 

Enjoy all that comes from the market as an investor and know that it will continue to rise with time. It is going to continue to provide the user with everything that is needed when you want to cash out and really get more for the money you put into the building.

 

Any investor that is looking to make money can do so through the use of the condo buildings that are being put up. These buildings are going to provide a way to not only rent out a piece but also invest in them, make them better, make them stand taller and more. You can benefit from having an investment in the Miami area, especially those on the beach.

 

A real estate agent can help investors find the right investment condo building or other investment building that you can get the best price on. They know the area and the buildings that are coming with the best price and can help everyone find the best one for them and their needs, investment or not.

 

The Prediction of the Condos for the Coming Year

The condos that are going to be up for sale in the coming years are expected to be better and bigger than before. This is because so many more are moving to the area, especially those that are retiring, so there is going to be a bigger need for this type of housing than with other areas. It is important that those that are thinking of moving to the area do so within the amount of time. This is important because those that are looking for the best place to live can ensure that they will be able to find the right place for the right price.

 

Speaking with our real estate agents today regarding the housing market in Miami and what is in store for 2019 is a big thing. You want to find the right house for the right price, but you are going to need the right piece of real estate for the needs that you have. This means looking through the booming market and finding the right one that is going to be able to fit in with the needs and wants that you have.

 

 

 

 

 

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Make the perfect summer salad for your next BBQ party http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/make-the-perfect-summer-salad-for-your-next-bbq-party/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/make-the-perfect-summer-salad-for-your-next-bbq-party/#respond Sat, 24 Nov 2018 20:40:58 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2125 A fresh, delicious salad is the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ bash. Not to mention it makes those other wives jealous because you have such salad making skills. Salads […]

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A fresh, delicious salad is the perfect addition to any backyard BBQ bash. Not to mention it makes those other wives jealous because you have such salad making skills. Salads come in many shapes and sizes and depending on the taste buds you’re trying to appeal to, one or two options can be enough to make everyone happy.

Greek Salad

Everyone loves a good Greek salad, especially if it is made just right. Cool, cut up, and ready to go, this packs the spices and flavors you know and love. The kitchenware stores in AREA have everything you need.

BBQ Potato Salad

Everyone loves potato salad, so why not serve it with a twist. It has the tasty, creamy side to potato salad, but with BBQ chorizo on the side to give it a hint of flavor and a delicious taste your guests cannot resist.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Fresh and best when cool, this mix of watermelon, feta, spinach, and mint comes together nicely. It is the ultimate summer meal to enjoy with friends in the backyard.

Spicy Mango Citrus Slaw

Made with mooli, peppers, cabbage, and everything good, you can’t really tell it’s somewhat healthy for you. It has a bit of a kick to it though, which you might want to mention to your guests! 

A Twist on This Tomato Salad

Tomatoes are a juicy favorite, so going with a salad that mixes tomatoes, ricotta, salsa, and beans together might be a keeper. Perfect as a BBQ side, you can impress all of your neighbors with this delicious recipe.

Creamy Potato and Bean Salad

Skip picking up something from the store. Head to your kitchen and whip together this creamy dish that includes beans but makes everyone want even more.

You can complete that backyard BBQ with cute pieces from COMPANY NAME, the kitchenware store in AREA. Enjoy pineapple themed items that you can put on the table, and at these prices, even the takeaway containers are well worth handing out to guests as they leave.

Don’t forget to head to COMPANY NAME, the kitchenware stores in AREA to grab some even more great products for the summer! You can even entertain your guests with the items from this home entertainment store in AREA.

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Harmonious Arrangements During Christmas http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/harmonious-arrangements-during-christmas/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/harmonious-arrangements-during-christmas/#respond Sat, 24 Nov 2018 20:35:38 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2122 Divorce is tough. It can be tough on the parents, but mostly on the children. Thinking of them through the holidays is the top most important consideration. They should be […]

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Divorce is tough. It can be tough on the parents, but mostly on the children. Thinking of them through the holidays is the top most important consideration. They should be the first on the list, with the parents putting aside their differences and allowing the children to enjoy the best of both their parents.

The professionals at the divorce law firm in AREA understand that specific tips need to be kept in mind. Getting the best family law advice is always a good way to go when you want to keep the holidays as jolly as they can possibly be.

Give Your Kids a Voice

It is important to listen to your kids as much as possible during the holidays. You want to know their thoughts, how they feel, what they want, and more. Giving them a voice, especially if they’re old enough empowers them.

Make a Holiday Plan

But make the plan as flexible as possible. It is good to have plans, but it is also good to know that sometimes plans do not happen according to schedule. Have a plan but reduce stress by knowing it might not go so well. Nothing is perfect.

Keep Traditions

Even if the parents are not together, children still love traditions that happened year after year. It is important to keep with these traditions, regardless of who is at whose house and so on. Stopping these might take away from the holidays for the kids. Work together to incorporate the traditions in both households.

Share the Holiday

As much as you might dislike the other parent, it is important to put these differences aside. Work with them and split the holiday so the children benefit during this time. They are an important factor in this matter.

The AREA child custody law firm can help parents going through a divorce find a way to make it easier on the children involved. Working with divorce and separation lawyers is one thing, but being able to have a clear plan for the kids is another. Speak with the professionals to get the best family law advice, they can set you up with a free 15-minute consultation that is offered.

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Affordable Pest Control http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/affordable-pest-control-2/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/affordable-pest-control-2/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:21:23 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2021 Pests are not a pleasant thing to have in your home. These pests are creepy, crawly and not a ‘friend’ that you would invite in. This means you have to […]

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Pests are not a pleasant thing to have in your home. These pests are creepy, crawly and not a ‘friend’ that you would invite in. This means you have to find a way to rid your home of them and fast. While there are many products, methods, tips and tricks on the market for you to use; professional elimination of the pests is the most efficient, cost effective and safest way to go about removing them completely and keeping them away.

However, if you feel that you want to try different methods for eliminating the pests from your home prior to calling a professional; here are some tips and tricks you’re able to use.

Pest Control Products

There are many products that can be used at home, and purchased from the nearest department store. Keep in mind, when not used properly, these chemicals and products can become dangerous and pose a health hazard. In order to keep everyone safe and sound, make sure to hire a professional that can properly dispense the chemicals.

Riddex – One of the more popular, and most known products on the market, Riddex can come in a formula spray form or a plug form. The plug transmits sounds that keep rodents and other pests away while the spray or ‘bomb’s’ as they are sometimes called can provide the chemicals needed to fully clear the home of the pests. While Riddex may work for that initial sweep, for the most part, the pests can come back month after month, causing you to keep bombing the home using the chemicals. The pests may also develop an immunity to the products being used.

RAID – RAID is a common product that many people use. It works somewhat the same way that the chemical from of Riddex does. You spray it throughout the home or set them bombs off to slowly allow the chemicals to go through the home while you’re not there. This is supposed to suffocate and kill the pests throughout the home, but much like Riddex, pests can become immune to it and they may come back month after month.

CatchMaster – These small little huts bring the pests into them with the promise of food. Some of the products have a sticky paper on them which holds them until they die. Others provide the food they seek, with poison in it. They then bring the poisoned food back to the others and share it. This causes them all to disperse and die. These might be unsightly throughout the home, and the pests may become immune to the poison or catch on to using them.

Pest Control Methods

There are so many methods out there for removing pests from the home. By considering the options, weighing the pros and cons and then deciding which is right for you; you’re able to have a cleaner, pest free home in no time.

While using any of the methods or products mentioned above, read the instructions carefully and completely. You want to make the best decision that you possibly can about removing the pests from your home. Trying them out can be a great starting point, but you also want to consider what you might do in case one of the methods fails to work or continues to cost too much after continued use over time. Professional pest control is ideal for any pest situation. They can remove the pests from your home for good, without having to run out and purchase additional supplies month after month.

Pest control companies can vary with pricing, so if you once thought they were expensive; consider giving them a call for a free quote. You can then compare price differences with the exterminators in the area. A professional is who is going to remove the pests completely and keep them away for good.

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Obtaining High-Quality Real Estate Photography That Sells http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/obtaining-high-quality-real-estate-photography-that-sells/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/obtaining-high-quality-real-estate-photography-that-sells/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:16:05 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2017 Real estate photography should not only have a professional touch on it, but it needs to capture the beauty of the realty in the best light possible. When taking the best […]

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Real estate photography should not only have a professional touch on it, but it needs to capture the beauty of the realty in the best light possible. When taking the best pictures, the photographer needs to know how to take photos that sell properties and not just showcases them. Realtor photography is more than just snapping a few pictures with a lens, but an art form that provides potential buyers with an idea of what the home looks like, feels like and has the potential to be within the interior, as well as the exterior of the home for sale.

Taking Pictures That Sell

Through a professional real estate photographer, you’re able to shoot some of the clearest, crispest pictures on the market, allowing your home to sell much faster, get more views and more offers. Photography for real estate should be done by someone that knows how to work the best camera to obtain the best image.

Services That Cannot Be Beat

Within the real estate business, there are numerous homes for sale. When you have a house that needs to have a photo or two taken, don’t trust just anyone with this job. Photography for real estate should be considered in the best possible light. The wrong lighting can make a real estate photo drop the house off the list of potential buyers.

The Professionals Know Their Photography

The professionals know the best lens for real estate photography that needs to be used. In addition to the right film, camera, and lighting. They can stage the interior of the home to capture the best photo to showcase how it looks and feels. The interior is what is going to sell your home, and using these photos will give it the boost it needs.

Search out the best photographer for the real estate photos you’re in search of. You want your house to sell, and through the best photo taking services, you can ensure that you have the potential to have your house seen with the highest quality real estate photos that can be taken.

Microsoft Office 2016 Home and Business ESD

  • Type of license: ESD / Download
  • Target group: Private and business use
  • Operating system: Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1, Windows 10,  Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012
  • Number of licenses: 1 PC
  • Language: English
  • Data disk: Not included (download link)
  • System requirements:  min. 2 GB RAM, min. 3 GB free hard disk space, MS live Account, internet connection

For business clients within the EU: If you supply a valid VAT Reg No, the  VAT will be deducted from your order amount. This means you pay VAT free.

This new version of Microsoft Office was built with users in mind. The cleaner, more efficient interface is not only nice to look at but also easier to use. It is set up differently from the original versions, giving it a more modern appeal. It is easy to learn, even for first-time users and optimized for easy of use, as well as functionality. Used in a wide range of products such as all-in-one systems, touch-tablets, and desktops. Easily do multiple functions using the intuitive touch and writing tools. The cloud provides the user with saving, sharing and an extensive line of collaboration tools.

Applications included:

  • Word 2016 – Turn your ideas into professionally crafted documents.
  • Excel 2016 – Create tables and formulas and gain valuable insights through the powerful analysis tools.
  • PowerPoint 2016 – Turn your ideas into powerful presentations.
  • OneNote 2016 – Collect all your information and data in an easy to find place.
  • Outlook 2016 – Use the well-known powerful email client

Once ordered through your website, what can I expect?

We will send the key for the product to you through email within two hours, on normal business days. This is the license key that is required after downloading the package. Click below to start the download and installation once you’ve received the key.

Download Microsoft Office Home & Business 2016

Make sure to read the installation instructions before you continue.

Go to the Microsoft Office webpage, choose the operating system that you have, click download.

Install Microsoft Office Home & Business 2016

To have a successful installation, remove all of the previous versions of the Office package from your current system. If these programs are not completely removed from the system, this can cause problems with the current package that is being installed. Once removed, the newest package of Office can then be downloaded and installed.

Choose between the 34-Bit or 64-Bit version, depending on the operating system you have. Microsoft will provide the standard 32-Bit version, even if the computer requires the 64-Bit because the 32-Bit version is the recommended version. It is able to avoid possible incompatibilities with other operations, especially third party vendors.

Activate Microsoft Office Home & Business 2016

After the installation is done, you then have to activate the software onto your system. This is where you will enter the key into the system. Some activations online may fail which is why it is recommended that you do the activation via telephone. Almost any problems you experience during activation can be solved via the telephone.

During the telephone activation process, being in front of your PC is essential. Through the activation assistant, choose the country and region you reside in. This should then display a contact number to call for the activation. Follow any and all of the instructions given via telephone. All of the steps will be gone through to fully activate the system on your computer. They will give you an additional number to enter into your computer during your call, and this will confirm that your software has been successfully activated.

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Guide to Summer’s Best Energy Efficient Air Conditioners http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/guide-to-summers-best-energy-efficient-air-conditioners/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/guide-to-summers-best-energy-efficient-air-conditioners/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:11:48 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2014 Well, it’s that time of year again. Summer is already here and it gets a bit warmer with each passing day. Many people already have air conditioners to help them […]

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Well, it’s that time of year again. Summer is already here and it gets a bit warmer with each passing day. Many people already have air conditioners to help them escape the heat of the day, but if you don’t you’re probably wondering exactly which one to buy. There are so many air conditioners on the market today that it’s tough picking the best one for you, which is why we’ve put together a guide to the very best energy efficient air conditioners available today. 

Small AC Unit (100 to 300 Square Feet)

A small air conditioner is ideal for single room use around a home and is exactly what you’ll want for the task of cooling a bedroom, dropping the temperature in a smaller living room or handling cooling tasks in any small to mid-sized rooms in general. The SPT WA-6022S is our top recommendation and offers excellent performance for the cost.

SPT WA-6022S

The SPT WA-6022S is a high-quality air conditioner that offers cooling for smaller rooms around a home. It puts out a lot of cooling power and is capable of dropping temperatures in a room quickly without using a lot of energy in the process. At 45 pounds this unit isn’t too difficult to install and it comes with a set of intuitive controls that make it enjoyable to use. There is a remote control that allows you to change the settings from a distance. This AC unit also has a dirty filter indicator, helping you decide exactly when the right time is to swap filters to keep the system running properly.

Mid-Sized AC Unit (250 to 400 Square Feet)

When it comes to cooling down a large single room there’s really nothing better than an air conditioner that puts out between 7,000 and 8,500 BTUs of cooling power. These units work well for living rooms, dining rooms, and other large spaces. The AEZ08LV from GE was our top recommendation for this category.

GE AEZ08LV

This high-powered AC unit is very energy efficient and offers excellent cooling power. It’s light for a mid-sized unit at 51 lbs. and offers simple digital controls, including a controller that you can use to adjust settings. It’s a bit noisier than we would like, but overall the air conditioner is one of the best mid-sized products you can get for the money.

Large AC Unit (300 to 700 Square Feet)

When it comes to cooling a few different rooms it’s important to get a cooling unit that puts out 9,800 BTUS to 12,000 BTUs. AC units of this size can handle large rooms or multiple rooms at the same time without an issue. The LW1216ER from LG was our top pick for this task.

LG LW1216ER

The LG LW1216ER is a true beast of a machine at 85 lbs. but it’s hard to beat the high-octane cooling power that it puts out. It’s capable of cooling a few rooms at a time and can even handle a small studio apartment. This unit comes with simple digital controls that are easy to manipulate and it transforms an uncomfortably warm room to a chilly sanctuary surprisingly quickly. It comes with a convenient slide-out chassis that improves the installation experience too.

Air conditioning is important in the summer time when temperatures climb but running an AC can be quite expensive. That’s why it’s so important to pick out an energy efficient unit that’s going to do the job. Each of the recommendations above fits that description well, so hopefully, you’ll be able to choose the best fit for your specific needs.

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The Rise of Solar Panels in Hawaii http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/the-rise-of-solar-panels-in-hawaii/ http://www.samanthamskinner.com/a3-portfolio/the-rise-of-solar-panels-in-hawaii/#respond Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:10:55 +0000 http://samanthamskinner.com/?post_type=a3-portfolio&p=2013 Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise and one of the nicest places to live in the United States. It’s also known for its high energy prices and heavy reliance […]

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Hawaii is known as a tropical paradise and one of the nicest places to live in the United States. It’s also known for its high energy prices and heavy reliance on imported goods. The combination of regular sunlight during the day and higher-than-average energy costs makes Hawaii into the ideal candidate for solar energy. One out of three Hawaiian homes already rely on a solar heating system for their water supply, and additional homes adopt solar energy on a yearly basis. There are several major benefits to making the switch to a solar system, learn a bit more about what each of those benefits has to offer you and decide if making the switch makes sense for you.

Hawaiians Have the Biggest Potential for Solar Savings

Out of all the states in the USA, I’m not exaggerating when I saw that Hawaii offers the biggest potential to save money with solar technology. It’s not because of the area’s overly sunny, although it is, because it has the most expensive electricity rates of any state in the entire country. According to recent reports from the Hawaiian Electric Company energy costs around the islands range from 25.79 cents per kWh all the wap up to 36.67 cents per kWh. Those numbers are astonishing when you consider that average US energy costs are between 11 and 12 cents per kWh. That means that even the Hawaiians enjoying the lowest rates available of all the islands are still paying more than double the average that other Americans enjoy.

That’s because much of Hawaii’s energy comes from petroleum currently, and all that oil has to be imported on ships since it can’t be produced out on the islands. An astonishing 46.3 million barrels of petroleum were imported into Hawaii for energy use throughout 2014 and over 10 million megawatt hours of electricity were sold by the utility companies over that same year. With such high energy rates, it’s almost a no-brainer to at least consider solar as an alternative energy source. There’s plenty of money that could be saved by adopting the technology, and both businesses and residents could enjoy in those savings. If you would like to see the potential savings you can expect, get in touch with a trusted solar provider in your area.

Installing a Solar System is a Sound Investment

The cost to install a solar system in Hawaii is just $5.50 per watt of panels based on the 2012 average cost of installing panels, and that’s before you even consider any of the Hawaii or federal incentives available for the technology. At that level of expense, it would take just three to five years for the average household to pay off the initial investment and start profiting from the panels. That means you could pay for a set of panels on your home, and in just a few years you will have paid off that investment in reduced utility fees and from then on out you can enjoy reduced or free utility bills every month for the life of your panels. Not only does making this type of investment save you money currently, but it helps keep your energy costs fixed over the long term. With oil becoming a more limited resource each and every day it makes sense to look for alternatives. Eventually oil prices are going to go up, and hopefully, by then you’ll have a new source of power to rely on. With most modern solar arrays lasting between 20 and 30 years, the investment into solar makes a lot of sense, and it won’t be difficult to recoup all the money that you put into a new system.

Avoid Added Property Taxes in Honolulu

If you’re worried about a solar array increasing your property taxes in Honolulu thanks to an increase in the value of your home you don’t need to be. On September of 2009, The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 58 that makes alternative energy improvements to a home tax exempt. Essentially that means you can improve your home as much as you want with alternative energy technology and your property taxes won’t go up at all because of the improvements.

Lower Your Income Taxes

In order to encourage local Hawaiians to add alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, to their homes, the government is giving everyone that does an income tax credit. The credit that you receive will be a whopping 35% of the total system cost or up to $5,000 depending on which of the two is the more affordable. This means that if you put in a $10,000 solar system, you can pay $3,500 less in income taxes at the end of the year. For someone who pays a lot in income taxes, the credit could be a helpful tool in managing a solar installation and make it even easier to reap the benefits of a new solar system.

If you would like to claim the credit you simply have to fill out form N-342 at the end of the year and submit it along with the rest of your tax return. As long as you meet the requirements you’ll be able to enjoy that nice tax credit that will help you save even more with your new system. If you aren’t sure what your total potential savings could be with a new system you should consider contacting a local solar provider to ask how much you can save. If these benefits weren’t enough to convince the actual savings figures probably will.

Improve the Environment

Hawaii already has an improved environment compared to many other states because of more renewable energy use, and a reliance on cleaner oil versus coal burning for energy production, but each home that switches to solar helps the environment a little bit more. Since the state relies heavily on petroleum imports for its energy production many natural resources can be saved by switching to solar power instead of relying on crude oil. Making the switch will help reduce the need for oil imports over the next two decades. Each new person that decides to add solar panels will help compound this effect until eventually, the state won’t rely on oil nearly as much as it once did. This will make Hawaii an even cleaner place to be. It will reduce air pollution levels further and help preserve the natural environment that so many locals enjoy today.

Get Paid for Energy Overages

Not only will solar energy help reduce your utility bills each month, but getting a set of panels installed on your home can also lead to credits from the utility back into your account. That means if your system produces more electricity than you need in a month you’ll get paid by the utility company! Currently in a solar system that has a 20KW array or less the payback amount will be 21.8 cents per kWh and if you have a system that’s between 20KW and 500KW you’ll still receive a very respectable 18.9 cents per kWh that you supply back into the grid. While solar energy won’t pay you back as much as you pay to the electric company for each kWh of energy you need, it does come close and if you aren’t using any grid energy you’ll end up with extra money coming in from your system at the end of the month.

Benefit from Federal Tax Credits

Not only do Hawaiians stand to benefit from a pretty comprehensive local tax credit, but they can also take advantage of federal tax credits to save even more money when going with a solar system. The EPA and Department of Energy offer tax credits for solar systems as long as they meet a specific set of requirements, and these credits are set to go until at least 2016.

If you decide to buy a complete solar power package for your home you can get up to 30% of the cost refunded to you through a federal tax rebate. Couple that impressive rebate with the one offered by the Hawaii government and solar becomes much more affordable. In order to reap these benefits you simply have to explain your new solar installation and the price that you paid for the system on the IRS Tax form 5695 and you’ll enjoy immediate savings off your tax bill.

Increase Your Home Resale Value

If you don’t plan on living in your new home until you’ve fully benefitted from your investment into a state-of-the-art solar array, it doesn’t mean that you are throwing your money away by getting one. In a recent study by Forbes in California, experts found out that most homeowners would be able to recoup nearly 100 percent of their original solar panel investment when it was time to sell their home. Most homeowners were able to get all the money from their original investment back while also benefitting from all the energy the system produced during the time of ownership. Don’t let an interest in selling your home over the next five to ten years hold you back from getting a solar array, make the move today and you’ll still likely get your money back when it comes time to sell off the home.

Enjoy More Predictable Energy Costs

Currently close to 90 percent of Hawaii’s energy is produced using petroleum. While the rest of the United States relies on coal quite heavily, petroleum is the only efficient important that will meet Hawaii energy needs. With energy costs tied up in oil, the prices fluctuate quite heavily and it’s hard to predict how prices will shift in the future. Oil prices dropped recently, but it’s likely that prices will go up again, and when they do Hawaiian energy costs will go up even more.

One major benefit of solar energy is that it’s predictable. After the initial investment into the technology, the costs of the technology are relatively nonexistent. That means that if you spend $25,000 on a solar system for your home and you expect to benefit from the system over the next 25 years, you are effectively paying a rate of $1,000 per year for your solar power supply. You know what the cost is for the system since you already paid it.

Even if solar energy was going to cost you the same as energy produced from oil in Hawaii, it isn’t it’s cheaper, it would still be worth it to switch to the new technology to know that your costs were fixed over the next couple decades. Oil prices are likely to fluctuate dramatically in the future, and power costs from the electric companies will follow that pattern leaving you paying unexpected prices if you don’t make the switch.

Hawaii Solar Power Conclusion

If you live in Hawaii currently and are looking for ways to cut your costs, having solar panels installed on your home may be a good investment. With such great support from both the state and the federal government currently, it’s a good time to make such a major investment. Not only will the panels help you reduce your energy costs, but they will also lower your environmental impact. You’ll go from producing a huge number of emissions every day by relying on oil as your main source of power to producing no emissions for the bulk of your energy use.

Relying on the sun for electricity is a smart idea for present savings and future security. The sun isn’t going anywhere, but crude oil is. Once the oil becomes more scarce and prices shoot up you’ll still be enjoying the steady energy production of your solar system. If you would like to explore your solar options today, get in touch with a local supplier here. You can get details about an installation and different ways that you can pay for your new system. It’s a good move that will help you save money over the long-term, and it’s an investment you can feel good about.

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