G4 Realty

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – CRRA reports on the residential real estate market in this region based on Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (CMLS) data.  The number of closings for March 2009 (1,671) rose 24 percent over last month when closings totaled 1,348.  Closings compared to the same period a year ago (2,659) decreased 37.2 percent.  The average sales price for March 2009 ($191,433) increased 4.7 percent over last month ($182,865) but is down 13.2 percent when compared to March 2008 ($220,620).  The average listing price of solds in March 2009 ($216,135) decreased 7.6 percent over  March 2008’s average list price of $233,882 and increased 4.8 percent over last month’s list price ($206,172).

By Josh Garskof, Money Magazine

Invest $1,500 in insulation and maintenance and get over twice that in energy savings the first year.

The attic floor is the house's most important barrier to heat loss because heat rises," says Charley Cormany, project manager at Renu, a home energy performance contractor in San Anselmo, Calif.

The thickness of the insulation between joists in the unfinished floor should be at least 10 to 12 inches. If it isn't, lay on additional rolls, or "batts." You should also insulate a pull-down door or hatch with an attic tent. Made of fabric-covered insulating material, it keeps out drafts but allows you access through a zippered flap ($200 from attictent.com).