Last Resort - Creating a Retreat at Home
When life gets hectic, you might find yourself daydreaming of calming tropical beaches, but 
unfortunately, sometimes it’s just not that easy to get away. That’s why it’s important to 
create a no-frills retreat in the most accessible place, no passport required: your home. 
About.com suggests finding a quiet corner to designate as your in-house oasis. Even if it’s not an 
entire room, be sure your in-house oasis has a different feel than the rest of the house. 
(If it’s just a section of a room, invest in a lightweight screen to separate it from 
the rest of the area.) Make sure it’s away from technology, including telephones, computers
or the television. (And resist the urge to check work e-mail or bring your BlackBerry.)

Eco-smart Tips
Turning down the thermostat and switching to compact fluorescent bulbs are easy but common ways 
to make your home greener. Here are a few additional greening tips and tricks that may have never 
crossed your mind. 
Over the top. A refrigerator with a freezer on top uses 10 percent to 25 percent less energy 
than one with a side-by-side or bottom-mounted freezer. 
Power up. Plug appliances and electronics into a power strip rather than an outlet. Devices 
plugged directly into the wall leak up to 15 watts of electricity even if they’re shut off. 
Dish it out. Hand-washing dishes might seem better for Mother Earth than using the dishwasher, 
but it’s actually more wasteful. You’ll use up to 35 percent less water by filling up the 
dishwasher with dishes that aren’t pre-rinsed instead of washing by hand. You can also conserve
energy by skipping the dry cycle — just open the dishwasher’s door when the cycle is done to air dry. 
Don’t tank. Invest in a tankless water heater that will heat water instantly on an as-needed basis,
instead of one that must constantly keep your water warm. They can be expensive—prices range 
from just under $200 to more than $1,000—but it will help reduce energy costs in the long run and
reduce water loss. Don’t want to buy one? Be sure to insulate your pipes for a good reduction 
in heat loss.

DID YOU KNOW? 
Air pollution can be up to 10 times worse inside your home than outside. Fumes from paint, 
cleaning products, and solvents can all add to indoor pollution, even when you can’t smell them. 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Say Yes to CRS 
Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task. But the right REALTOR® can make 
the process easier — and more profitable. A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of 
experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive market. 
To receive the CRS Designation, REALTORS® must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements
— including high-volume sales — and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and 
technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide 
by its Code of Ethics. Work with a REALTOR® who belongs among the top 4 percent in the nation.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR AGENT, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS.

Some content from this newsletter is from CRS Magazine and is for informational purposes only and 
should not be substituted for legal or financial advice. If you are currently working with another
 real estate agent or broker, it is not a solicitation for business.