Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

No residential window blocks all sound, all the time. “Soundproof” is shorthand for noise reduction windows that block up to 90% to 95% of noise coming through windows. Sounds with low frequencies, like garbage trucks grinding trash, are harder to block than sounds with higher frequencies, like birds chirping. So when you shop for sound-reducing windows consider “what frequencies you want to soundproof against,” says John Storyk, an acoustical consultant and a founder of the Walters-Storyk Design Group based in Highland, N.Y. The acoustics industry makes soundproof window shopping easier by rating the sound-stopping quality of windows on a sound transmission class (STC) scale; the higher the number, the more a window inhibits sound. Your basic, single-pane window has an average STC rating of 27; a dual pane window has an average STC rating of 28. Soundproof windows, however, have STC ratings of at least 45, and some climb to the mid-50s, which block as much as 95% of noise.

Is outside noise driving you crazy? Soundproof windows could be the solution — or you might do better with some less-costly alternatives. Sound pollution has joined light pollution as another irritant that drives us bonkers and kills our love of home. But there’s good news: Soundproof windows that’ll put a damper on intrusive noise are going mainstream and are available at home improvement centers. “Things are getting louder, and people are getting more sensitive,” says Rich Galietti, sales manager of CitiQuiet, which has been manufacturing soundproofing window inserts for 25 years (Home Depot recently began selling them). Galietti says soundproof windows are most popular in urban areas beset by idling buses, highway traffic, and police sirens.  “We hear, ‘I love my view, but the highway below is so loud,’” Galietti says. “That’s when we’re called in.” But do soundproof windows deliver the peace and quiet they promise? Or are they another home improvement fad that sounds...

There are so many awesome things about hot days like poolside relaxation and cookouts with friends, but what about all the money you’re blowing on energy costs at home? Thankfully, there are ways that you can cut costs during this hot, sweaty season. You’ll also be doing the environment a favor – According to the Energy Department, about half of a household’s overall energy is used up by heating and cooling in the home. Here are 5 helpful ways to cut down on pesky energy costs during hot days. Clean your filters.   – Clean them out at least once a month, which can be done very easily. All you have to do is run water through the filters and let them air dry. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it…and your wallet will thank you! Keep that cold air in!   – It’s especially important to keep all the cold air that’s coming out of your home’s vents to stay in your home and not seep outdoors. You can do this by applying inexpensive plastic film around older windows to prev...

Eligible borrowers are Active-Duty Military, Veterans and widowers of Veterans not re-married  100% financing in San Diego up to $546,250  No mortgage insurance on the loan  VA funding fee is waived if borrower is collecting 10% or more disability from VA  Minimum credit score of 580 and above to qualify  Loan amounts up to $1,000,000. Down payment is 25% of the difference over $546,250  May re-use VA Certificate of Eligibility over and over again throughout your lifetime, usually on just one house at a time  Up to 4% Third Party Concessions allowed. All or part of that may be used for debt reduction to qualify  Condos must be on the VA Approved Condo List. No condo cert needed and we don’t ask about litigation, budget, reserves, owner-occupancy, etc…  Seller does NOT need to pay any of the buyer’s closing costs  Pest Inspection must be paid for and provided by the Seller. Repairs are negotiable as far as who pays for them. B...

Ask yourself these three questions to ensure you are ready. For those homeowners who may be interested in refinancing, you may or may not be ready to jump in. Lenders have developed stricter criteria in the wake of the recession. Here are some of the questions you'll need to ask to be an attractive candidate for a refinancing opportunity. 1. Are you a 20 percent stakeholder? The lenders would ideally like to see that you've got skin in the game — meaning, they want you to own at least 20 percent of the equity in the house.  How do you know whether or not you have that level of equity? Find out the answer  here . 

With all the wildfires in San Diego nearing 100% containment, residents of San Diego County are returning to their homes to assess the damage and begin the recovery process.  The County of San Diego offers its residents many resources to aid in the recovery and rebuilding of their property.  Information regarding this can be accessed through their website   sdcountyrecovery.com .  According to the website, the County has opened a Recovery Liaison Office at the County Library’s San Marcos branch, located at 2 Civic Center Drive. The office will be open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. this week, but please call the library at (760) 891-3000 to confirm that the office is still set up before visiting.     The office can offer people whose homes were lost and damaged in the Cocos Fire help to obtain building permits, clear ash from swimming pools, safely handle food after a power outage and other recovery and rebuilding information. According to a recent AB...