Going GREEN is not only about saving our planet; it is also about saving money.

Here are some small updates to start with:

* Change the strips around your window frames, where a substantial heat loss occurs.

* A programmable thermostat can also help you. According to Energy Star a small change like this could save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

* Having a dirty air filter will only slow down airflow, and make your system work harder to keep your house cool or warm. Change your air filter regularly, every month during winter and summer, when the use is heavy. Preventing dust and dirt from building up in the system will save you money in maintenance.

* Switch those incandescent bulbs for fluorescent lamps; they are more efficient and provide high quality lighting. They pay for themselves by saving you energy over time.

* A refrigerator is often the home’s heaviest electricity user, yes, sorry to bring you the news. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are tight, if they are not, replace them. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment and 5°F for the freezer section.

And finally, ok, this one might sound obvious, but hey! I will tell you anyway, turn out the lights! Change some of your habits.

Have you ever been to a Botanical Garden, and wondered how those flowers grow so beautifully?

One of the secrets is rich soil. Here in Dallas, as well as many other cities, our soil is not what we would call rich. Successful gardeners buy compost or make their own, this way they can see those gorgeous flowers grow. A way to make your soil or compost garden friendly is by adding coffee grounds.

Starbucks supports the recycling effort through its “Grounds for your Garden” program, they produce a lot of used coffee grounds, best of all, they are FREE. Go to your local Starbucks and ask for some coffee grounds. I always use them in my gardens; they work miracles with flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. You can mix them with the soil or with your compost. Check with your local gardening expert for the right amount to use, let them know what you are growing or planing to grow. Who says you can not save some money while investing in your garden?

If you want to become a real estate investor and specialize in distressed properties like foreclosures, it is essential for you to learn how to put deals together. The first step is finding the right properties.

Here are a few places where you can start your search.

1. County courthouse or registry of deeds
2. Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
3. Realtors Auction Companies
4. Banks- ROE departments
5. Classified Sections
6. IRS auctions
7. Legal newspapers
8. Attorneys
9. For Sale by Owners (FSBOs)
10. U.S. Marshall’s Service Listing Services
11. Bankruptcies
12. Probate Court
13. Doing your own advertising

For more information about how to find/buy foreclosures give me a call (214-923-9615) or send me an e-mail (alba@casabyalba.com) with your questions.

I will be continue writing more on the subject, do not forget visiting this blog.