http://irenakohler.com/blog/archive_201011/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Saturday, December 4, 2010, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is holding a Flapjack Fundraiser at the Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill on 1113 New Pointe Blvd. in Leland, NC. From 7:30am to 10:00am, Applebee's will be serving up short stacks of pancakes for a TALL cause.All proceeds from this event will go to build a Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity home sponsored by Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty. The home is already well underway in Wilmington, NC, but we still need your support!Tickets are just $7 each, so round up your friends and family and fill your bellies with flapjacks for a good cause.To purchase tickets or for more information, call Sea Coast Realty's Leland, NC office at (910) 371-1181 or toll free 1-866-508-1181.  Want to buy your tickets online?  Just email Denise Kinney at denisekinney@seacoastrealty.com. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1565/flapjack-fundraiser-to-benefit-cape-fear-habitat-for-humanity/ Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Join Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity for the 2010 Turkey Trot.Thanksgiving Morning November 25, 2010 The Loop at Wrightsville Beach ParkYou can take part in the Turkey Trot around the Loop (2.4 miles) or Gobbler Family Fun Walk (1 mile).Registration/Check-in begins 7:30 am and the Run/Walk begins 8:30 am.The entry fee for Walkers is $15. Runners can register in advace for $20 or register on-site the day of the Turkey Trot for $25. Children 10 & under walk/run free.Proceeds from this event benefit Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Visit the event website at WilmingtonTurkeyTrot.com.Need more information? Call 910-762-4744 ext. 100 or email info@capefearhabitat.org. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1566/wilmington’s-2010-turkey-trot/ Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Article From HouseLogic.comBy: Douglas TrattnerPublished: August 28, 2009Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and level of green-mindedness.Thanks to tougher federal guidelines, clothes washers have never been more energy efficient. Simply replacing a more than 10-year-old washer with a new Energy Star-approved model will save about $135 per year off water and utility bills, says Energy Star. Similarly, buying an Energy Star-qualified model rather than a non-qualified model will save you an average of $50 a year on your utility bills. Over the life of your new washer, you'll save enough money to pay for the matching dryer.But not all washers are created equal. To capitalize on those improved efficiency ratings, you'll have to bypass the least expensive machines, which lack Energy Star approval, in favor of higher efficiency top- and front-load models.Cost range: $300-$1,000 and upLikely additional costs: Delivery, installation, haul awayAverage life span: 12-14 yearsType: The modern clothes washer comes in three basic types: conventional top-loading, high-efficiency top-loading, and front-loaders, which are all categorized as highly efficient. Not surprisingly, each category is blessed with its own set of positive and negative attributes. Choosing one over another often comes down to your budget, convenience, and appetite for energy efficiency.CONVENTIONAL TOP LOADERSIf you're looking for clean clothes at a budget price, conventional top-loading washers are impossible to beat. With models starting under $300, it's easy to see why these types remain the most popular. Price isn't the only thing these appliances have going for them. They get clothes reliably clean and do so in about half the time of high-efficiency top- and front-load models.Energy efficiency: Because the bulk of a washing machine's energy consumption goes to fuel the home's hot water heater, any reduction in water usage is a good thing. Sadly, these top loaders are the thirstiest in the bunch, gulping down about 40 gallons a cycle, roughly double that of high-efficiency types. Yearly operating costs (energy and water) for these models are about $41 if you use an electric water heater; $22 with gas heaters, according to EnergyGuide labels.If you plan on using the appliance for at least five years, it likely pays to upgrade to an Energy Star-approved washer. You'll save about $50 per year on utility bills compared with a new non-Energy Star model, according to Energy Star, or roughly $650 over the life of the machine.Performance: Because conventional top-loaders use a large central agitator to clean clothes, these machines generally have smaller capacities. And while they get clothes reliably clean, they are tougher on fabric, shortening the life of items more so than other machines.Reliability: These machines have more moving parts than the other configurations. What they lack is sophisticated electronics and controls. The upshot: You may experience more repairs, but those repairs are generally easier, cheaper, and quicker to remedy.HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOP LOADERS These washers combine the increased water and energy efficiency of a front-loader with the convenience of a top-loader. You can expect to pay considerably more for these types over conventional top-loaders, however, with most models in the $700 to $900 range.Energy efficiency: Because these machines don't fill with water like conventional top-loaders, they use about half the water and, thus, energy. Consumers can expect to see average yearly operating costs in the $20-$30 range for electric water heaters and about $17 for gas. The latter figure nearly approaches the efficiency of a front-loader. Also, thanks to super-fast spin cycles, clothes don't take as long to dry in the dryer.Performance: Because they lack a large central agitator, these machines boast some of the roomiest capacities of all washers. That design also makes them gentler on clothing, eliminating much of the twisting and tugging that occurs in conventional washers. But depending on the make and model, that design can also decrease clothes-cleaning ability.Reliability: Early adopters often suffer for the rest of us, and that may be true for some who invest in these machines. As the newest entry into the washer category, high-efficiency top loaders may experience more repair issues than more established machines. When they do, it's often owing to the high-tech electronics that control them.FRONT LOADERSFront-loading washers continue to enjoy increased market share thanks to an earned reputation for high performance, efficiency, and style. Their unique design allows them to be fully integrated into a laundry room, fitting snugly under countertops and into cabinetry. In return, you'll have to spend north of $750 for reliable brands.Energy efficiency: There's no question these appliances use the least water and energy. Many boast annual operating costs as low as $14 with electric water heaters and $11 with gas, making them three times as cheap to run as non-Energy Star top-loaders. And like high efficiency top-loaders, these models employ high-speed spin cycles that significantly shorten dry times.Performance: Most front-load washers clean clothes better and do so more gently than any other type of machine. Their agitator-less configuration means bulky items are a snap to load. But it can't all be good, right? To eke out that efficiency, front-loaders require the longest wash cycles. It can take more than an hour to wash a load in one of these machines versus about half that in a conventional one. (Still, because they use less water and therefore less energy to heat the water, they're particularly efficient.)Reliability: Like high-efficiency top loaders, front loaders almost always employ sophisticated electronics and push-button control panels. These can be difficult and costly to repair when they fail. The major difference, however, is that these machines have been around long enough to work out most of the kinks.Additional featuresAll but the least expensive washers on the market offer multiple cycles that allow you to tailor the wash to the type of clothes and/or level of grime. For those sensitive to detergent and bleach, it may be worthwhile to upgrade to a model that offers an "extra rinse" feature. Found on many moderately priced machines, the process does a better job removing cleaning agents.Some features, like steam cleaning, may or may not be worth the money. Although reviews show that the deep-cleaning booster does a great job removing stains, the convenience can add hundreds to the price of a washer.One of the biggest complaints regarding front-load washers is the bending required. For some homeowners, the inconvenience is enough to warrant the purchase of a pedestal that not only raises the machine, but also provides additional storage. These accessories can add $200 or more to the price.Designer colors have finally reached the laundry room, transforming drab white units into vibrantly hued machines. But be forewarned that those arresting red, blue, and metallic silver finishes will add hundreds to the tab.Expected maintenance/repairs: Frequently check washing machine hoses for leaks and cracks. They may need to be replaced every few years. Always make sure the washer is perfectly level, adjusting whenever it isn't. Owing to their particular design, front-loaders require more maintenance than other washer types. They all possess watertight door seals that can trap unwanted moisture and lead to unpleasant odors. Leaving the door open between loads and routine wipe-downs may be necessary. Washers with porcelain tubs rather than plastic or stainless steel can chip and corrode. Motors and drives can fail. Electronics and circuitry can go on the fritz.Where and when to shop: It's best to shop at a retail appliance store where the staff understands the product. A conscientious salesperson will guide you to a model that doesn't exceed your needs and thus saves money. Also opt for a store that offers delivery, installation, and haul away-you may be able to negotiate the transport and install into the cost of the appliance.Because appliances don't adhere to a model year like automobiles, there's no "best time" to buy. Always keep a look out for sales, specials, and tax rebates (especially for energy-efficient models). And use sites like BizRate, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com, and Shopzilla.com to compare prices.Finally, some appraisers say new appliances are money well spent. In his market, Mike Neimeier, a residential appraiser in Cleveland, Ohio, says a homeowner is likely to recoup between 75%-90% of the cost of new appliances when reselling the home within a couple of years.Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he's upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit.Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1567/appliance-buying-guide:-washing-machines/ Sun, 07 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0500 A bevy of ladies from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty pooled their pocketbooks at the Hot Dress, Hot Date! holiday fashion show and auction last night and won their boss, Sea Coast Realty president Tim Milam.A silent auction was held for area bachelors. However, things were anything but silent for the auctioning of Milam and two other celebrity married men!Milam was the first husband up for bid. Those present report that he strutted down the runway in a tuxedo with a model on his arm. "There was a lot of whooping and hollering when Tim walked out," said one of his buyers.A group of ladies from another Wilmington real estate firm placed the first bid on the Sea Coast president. Reports say that they thought it would be a funny to win Milam and have him work at their company for the day. Little did they know that the enterprising women from Sea Coast Realty had a plan.Instead of bidding on Milam individually, the group pooled their funds. In addition to the Sea Coast ladies that came from Wilmington-area offices, a group of 10 ladies from Sea Coast Realty's Jacksonville, NC office arrived ready to bid on the boss. Their efforts were supplemented with a collection taken up around the Wilmington office earlier that day. The Sea Coast Realty ladies won lunch with Milam for $800."The other two celebrity auction winners went in the $200 range, so Tim dominated the market," exclaimed Carolyn Thomason, Milam's executive assistant. The group decided to give their lunch with Tim as a gift to his wife Vicki."I am a lucky man to have so many people who care about me and are always doing something nice for someone," said Milam. He added that Girls, Inc. is a great cause and he was glad that he and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty were able to help the organization.Girls, Inc. offers programs designed to help New Hanover County girls reach their full potential by becoming educated, responsible, community-minded leaders. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1568/ladies-win-tim-milam-at-celebrity-auction/ Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0500 Article From HouseLogic.comBy: Douglas TrattnerPublished: August 28, 2009When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you'll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs.All refrigerators keep food cold. The major differences lie in the configuration, dimensions, and features. What particular model works best for you often comes down to size, budget, style, and energy efficiency. In terms of efficiency, Energy Star-qualified refrigerators are required by the U.S. Department of Energy to use 20% less energy than other models. A qualified fridge can curb your energy bills by $165 over the lifetime of your fridge, says Energy Star, roughly $9-$12 a year.Cost range: $450-$2,000 and upLikely additional costs: Delivery, installation, haul away, water line hookup for ice makerAverage life span: 14-17 yearsSize: Because there are numerous refrigerator styles, each requiring specific footprints, door clearances, and height and width allowances, the place to start your search is in your kitchen. Take careful measurements of the space, including height, width, depth, and distance to nearby obstructions. "Pay special attention to upper-cabinet height," says Anita Wiechman, a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler with Omaha's The Interior Design Firm (http://www.idfomaha.com/). "Many of today's fridges are taller than they used to be."Type: Fridges come in three main configurations: side-by-side, top-mounted freezer, and bottom-mounted freezer, which includes the newer French door style-two opposing half doors.TOP-MOUNTED FREEZER The most economical fridges are the top-mounted freezer models. These largely basic machines offer the most storage capacity for the money, with models falling in the $500 to $700 range. If you're tall, especially, you may not appreciate bending over every time you need something from the more heavily trafficked fridge.Energy efficiency: What these models lack in convenience they make up for in energy efficiency. Compared with side-by-side fridges, even those bearing the Energy Star (http://www.energystar.gov) seal, top-mounted fridges consume about 10%-25% less electricity thanks to their straightforward design. The difference can add up to about $14 per year. Reliability: As an added bonus, fridges in this class require the fewest repairs. Their basic design, coupled with the fact that few if any are outfitted with troublesome water dispensers give them solid reliability ratings as a class. The most likely component to cause trouble is the automatic ice maker.BOTTOM-MOUNT FREEZER Bottom-mount freezers, including the popular French door style, are near the top of the fridge price pyramid. Both the single-door and French door configurations offer the convenience of a fully accessible upper fridge compartment above a roomy pull-out drawer freezer. Most bottom-mount freezers start at $1,000 and climb from there. French door models start at around $1,200 and climb even higher.Energy Efficiency: Like top-mounts, bottom-freezer models are among the most energy efficient in the group. Typical Energy Star models consume 16% less energy than their side-by-side Energy Star counterparts, saving you more than $15 per year, estimating 11 cents per kilowatt hour. Although considered bottom-mounts, French door-style fridges behave more like side-by-sides when it comes to efficiency. Having two doors where there's normally one decreases overall efficiency, raising average annual operating costs by about $10.Reliability: According to Consumer Reports (http://www.consumerreports.org), bottom-freezer types tend to experience more repair issues than top-freezer models, particularly in units with automatic icemakers.SIDE-BY-SIDE Because side-by-side fridges feature a pair of tall, slender doors, they require much less door-swing clearance, making them a good choice for tight spaces. These models also offer equally convenient access to portions of both the freezer and the fridge, making them a good compromise between top freezers and bottom freezers. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for most models.Those narrow doors may save clearance space, but you'll have to sacrifice horizontal shelf space in return, especially in the freezer. The slender compartment means that wide items like pizza boxes and sheet pans likely won't fit. Energy Efficiency: Side-by-side fridges consume more electricity than both top- and bottom-mount configurations (discounting French). Most Energy Star models cost approximately $60 per year to run compared with roughly $45 for those in the other categories.Reliability: Because it's difficult to find a side-by-side fridge without a through-the-door water-and-ice dispenser, these models tend to suffer more repairs. These components have a less than stellar track record. Worse, the dispensers can increase the appliance's energy consumption by as much as 20%.Features As with most appliances, more features correlate to a higher price. You'll pay a little more for adjustable shelves, conveniently placed compartments, and fully extending bins and baskets. You'll also shell out more for sleek designs and stainless steel. In most cases, you won't have to pay extra for well-lit interiors, easy-access temperature controls, and reasonably quiet operation.Top-of-the-line models with individually controlled crisper drawers, digital fingertip controls, and whisper-quiet operation will cost you well above $2,000. Expected maintenance/repairs: The fan and condenser coils on the rear of the machine need to be vacuumed periodically. Door seals should be checked for tightness and replaced when loose, cracked, or torn. Water filters may need replacing. Icemakers are notorious for needing repair. The compressor can blow, requiring replacement.Where and when to shop: It's best to shop where salespeople truly understand the product, such as an independently operated retail appliance store. Shoppers at big box stores may find themselves dealing with an employee from another department. Also, independent shops may have more latitude to offer free delivery, installation, and haul away.Because appliances don't adhere to a model year like automobiles, there's no best time to buy them. Always keep a look out for sales, specials, and tax rebates (especially for energy-efficient models). And use sites like BizRate, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com, and Shopzilla to compare prices.Finally, some appraisers say new appliances are money well spent. In his market, Mi ke Neimeier, a certified residential appraiser in Cleveland, Ohio, says a homeowner is likely to recoup between 75% to 90% of the cost of new appliances when reselling the home within a couple of years.Douglas Trattner has covered household appliances and home improvement for HGTV.com, DIYNetworks, and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. During the 10-year stewardship of his 1925 Colonial, he's upgraded almost every household appliance. After lengthy deliberation, he recently replaced an aging top-load washing machine with an energy-efficient front-load unit.Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1569/appliance-buying-guide:-refrigerators/ Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0500