July 7, 2025 • 14 mins
What if there was a multi-billion dollar investment opportunity hiding in plain sight? That's exactly what we uncover as we dive into the fascinating world of tax lien and tax deed investing. When property owners don't pay their taxes, smart investors can step in to earn returns as high as 18% or purchase properties at steep discounts—sometimes properties worth $200,000 selling for under $100,000.
We break down the crucial differences between tax liens (purchasing the right to collect debt plus interest) and tax deeds (acquiring the actual property). You'll discover how to leverage retirement accounts like solo 401(k)s to maximize these investments with contributions up to $66,000 per year that can grow tax-deferred or even tax-free. The key lies in understanding jurisdiction-specific rules and completing careful due diligence before making any purchase.
The conversation shifts to practical home efficiency strategies that can save homeowners thousands annually. From Energy Star appliances saving $500 per year to smart thermostats reducing cooling costs by 15%, we explore how small changes create compound savings. Water conservation through low-flow fixtures, preventive maintenance to avoid costly repairs, and simple upgrades like LED bulbs deliver immediate returns while building long-term value. Whether you're looking to invest in tax liens or simply reduce your home expenses, these strategies offer accessible paths to building sustainable wealth through real estate. Ready to start putting these insights to work? Visit greatdayradio.com to join our community and access more wealth-building resources.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You are listening to.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
The People.
Station on GreatDayRadiocom.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome GreatDayRadiocom fans.
This is another Money Matterdiscussion.
Before we get started, I wouldlike to give a big shout out to
Robin Lukens from Merced,california.
She is working on her realestate exam and helped inspire
this discussion.
So thank you, robin.
Much love.
Also, if you are in the Denvermetro area on September 6th Also
if you are in the Denver metroarea on September 6th 2025, you
(00:26):
can meet me at the VFW 9644,where we will host the 5th
annual Patriot Day Car Show.
It is free to attend.
Visit our website for moreinformation.
Okay, let's get this show onthe road.
I am your host, dj Mikey D,along with my partner in
knowledge, dj D Marie.
Host DJ Mikey D, along with mypartner in knowledge, dj D Marie
(00:47):
.
What if I told you there's amulti-billion dollar investment
opportunity hiding in plainsight, all centered around
people not paying their propertytaxes?
Today, we're diving into afascinating corner of real
estate that most people nevereven think about.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
That's such an interesting way to look at it.
The government has essentiallycreated this whole ecosystem
around unpaid taxes that smartinvestors can tap into.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Let me break down how this works.
When property owners don't paytheir taxes, instead of
immediately seizing properties,local governments sell either
tax liens or tax deeds toinvestors.
It's actually quite brilliant.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And here's what makes it so fascinating With tax
liens, you're not buying theproperty itself, you're
purchasing the right to collectthat debt, plus some pretty
impressive interest rates.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Those interest rates can be remarkable we're talking
up to 18% in some jurisdictionsand what's particularly
interesting is that theseinvestments are secured by the
actual property.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Though I think it's worth noting that most property
owners do eventually pay up toavoid losing their property.
The real question is howinvestors can maximize their
returns while managing risks.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
That brings us to tax deeds, which are a completely
different animal.
Instead of buying the right tocollect taxes, you're purchasing
the actual property at auction,often at incredible discounts.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Let's put some numbers to that.
I've seen properties worth$200,000 sell for $100,000 or
less at tax deed sales, thoughof course there's usually a
reason for those steep discounts.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Right.
You're often buying theseproperties sight unseen, which
can lead to some nasty surprises.
I know one investor who thoughtthey got a great deal until
they discovered the property hadsevere structural issues that
cost more than the purchaseprice to fix.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Speaking of managing these investments, can we talk
about how this ties intoretirement planning,
Specifically how a solo 401k canbe used for these types of
investments?
Speaker 1 (03:01):
That's where things get really interesting.
In 2024, you can contribute upto $66,000 per year to a solo
401k, and even more if you'reover 50.
Plus, you get incredibleflexibility in how you invest
those funds.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
The tax advantages are pretty compelling too.
You've got options for bothtraditional pre-tax
contributions and Rothcontributions, which can make a
huge difference in yourlong-term strategy.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
And here's what's particularly powerful about
using a solo 401k for theseinvestments.
Any returns you generate goright back into the retirement
account, potentially growingtax-deferred or tax-free.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Though I imagine there's quite a bit of paperwork
and proper structuring involvedto make this work correctly.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
Absolutely right.
You need to establish aself-directed solo 401k with
specific provisions foralternative investments.
Then you need to ensure everytransaction follows strict IRS
guidelines to maintain the taxadvantage status.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Let's talk about the actual process of identifying
good investments.
What should investors belooking for?
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Well, first you need to understand the specific rules
in your target jurisdiction.
Redemption periods, interestrates and foreclosure procedures
can vary dramatically fromstate to state.
Some states offer interestrates as high as 18%, while
others might cap it at 8%.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
That's quite a range.
I imagine the competition ispretty fierce in the
jurisdictions with the mostfavorable terms.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Exactly.
You might find yourself biddingagainst experienced investors
or even institutional buyers.
That's why it's crucial to havea solid due diligence process
in place.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
What does that due diligence process typically look
like?
Speaker 1 (04:39):
You want to research the property thoroughly Location
condition, potential value andany possible legal issues With
tax liens.
You should also investigate theproperty owner's situation to
gauge the likelihood ofredemption.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
And I imagine you need to have clear exit
strategies in place beforemaking any investments.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
That's crucial.
With tax liens, your primaryexit is usually collecting the
back taxes plus interest, butwith tax deeds you might be
looking at flipping the property, renting it out or even
development opportunities.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
The whole system really is fascinating when you
step back and look at it.
It's solving a problem forlocal governments while creating
opportunities for investors.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
And what's particularly interesting is how
it can work for different typesof investors with different
goals.
Whether you're looking forsteady interest income or
potentially larger returns fromproperty appreciation, there's a
strategy that might work.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Though we should emphasize that this isn't a
get-rich-quick scheme.
It requires real knowledge andcareful planning.
Real knowledge and carefulplanning.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Let's wrap up with some key takeaways.
First, education is crucial.
You need to thoroughlyunderstand both the investment
vehicle and the specific rulesin your target jurisdiction.
Second, start small and learnfrom experience.
And finally, always havemultiple exit strategies in
place.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
That's such sound advice.
After all, the goal is to buildsustainable, long-term wealth,
not to make quick profits at theexpense of taking on too much
risk.
Okay, stay locked in forsegment two as we discuss ways
to save on home costs For oursocial media audience.
Visit greatdayradiocom tolisten to segment two.
Likewise, if you are interestedin advertising on any of our
(06:23):
platforms, visit our website andclick on advertising on the top
of the page.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Also be sure to sign up for our newsletter, as we
will be announcing our giveawaycontest, where you can win gift
cards and other cool gifts forparticipating in the contest.
Thank you for being a listenerand follower.
If this and other programs areuseful, be sure to share the
love.
Peace out my party peeps.
You are listening to the bestpodcast from the USA to the UK
(06:51):
on GreatDayRadiocom.
Welcome back to segment two ofGreatDayRadiocom Money Talk
podcast.
As promised, we are discussinghome hacks, smart ways to save
on home costs.
You know what's absolutely wild.
The average homeowner isliterally throwing away
thousands of dollars every yearon inefficient home systems.
(07:14):
But here's the real kickerFixing it is way simpler than
most people think.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
That's fascinating, and the timing couldn't be
better, with utility costsskyrocketing.
What's the most surprisingthing you've discovered about
home efficiency?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Well, here's what blew my mind.
Energy star appliances alonecan save families about $500
annually on utility bills.
But you know what's evencrazier?
When you combine that withproper insulation, you're
looking at another 10 to 20%savings on top of that.
The numbers just keep stackingup.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Hmm, that's actually a much bigger impact than I
would have expected.
Have you seen the latest dataon smart home technology?
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Oh man, don't even get me started on smart tech, so
get this.
My good friend, annie installedone of those Nest thermostats
last month and I was prettyskeptical at first, but the data
shows they're saving usersbetween 10 to 12 percent on
heating and this is the wildpart Fifteen percent on cooling
(08:15):
bills.
That's some serious cash we'retalking about.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
The technology behind these systems is really quite
remarkable.
The way they learn and adapt toyour schedule is like having a
tiny efficiency expert working24-7.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
You know what's funny about that?
People get all worried aboutprivacy with these smart devices
, but they're not actuallywatching you.
They're just picking up onpatterns, like if you
consistently turn down the heatat 10 pm, the system learns that
pattern.
It's pretty brilliant when youthink about it.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Speaking of patterns, I've been looking into water
conservation trends and thenumbers are pretty eye-opening.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh yeah, water usage is huge, and here's something
most people don't realize.
It's not just about the waterbill.
You've got to factor in theenergy costs for heating that
water, potential damage fromleaks and even foundation issues
.
Did you know that justswitching to low-flow fixtures
can cut water use by up to 60%?
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That's remarkable, and the EPA found that
water-efficient fixtures alonecan save households about $100
annually on water bills.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Right, and when you combine that with smart
landscaping choices likedrought-resistant plants and
reduced lawn space, the savingsreally multiply.
I've been researchingxeriscaping lately and let me
tell you these modern designsare nothing like the boring rock
gardens people imagine.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Well, that's interesting because I've noticed
more homes in our area movingaway from traditional lawns.
What's driving that trend?
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So it's actually a perfect storm of factors.
You've got rising water costs,increasing drought conditions in
many areas and people realizingthat maintaining a perfect lawn
is basically throwing moneyinto the ground.
But here's what's really coolProper landscaping can actually
help with your home's insulationtoo.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
That makes me think about overall home maintenance.
What's your take on preventivemaintenance versus waiting for
things to break?
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Well funny, you should ask.
I just learned this lesson thehard way with my buddy's HVAC
system.
You know how they say an ounceof prevention is worth a pound
of cure.
Turns out that regular HVACmaintenance can save you
hundreds on energy costs overtime.
Plus, it helps avoid thosemiddle-of-the-night emergency
repair calls that cost an armand a leg.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
The National Roofing Contractors Association has some
pretty compelling data aboutmaintenance costs versus
emergency repairs.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Oh, man, don't even get me started on roof issues.
So here's a crazy stat.
Most major roof repairs couldhave been prevented with regular
maintenance, and we're nottalking about climbing up there
yourself.
Just getting an annualinspection can spot problems
before they turn into disasters.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
You know what's interesting about all these
efficiency improvements?
They seem to have this compoundeffect on home value.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Exactly.
And speaking of compoundeffects, let's talk about
refinancing for a second.
Freddie Mac reported thathomeowners who refinanced their
30-year fixed rate mortgages in2024 saved an average of $2,800
annually.
That's like getting adecent-sized tax refund every
single year.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Those numbers are pretty compelling, but what
about people who might beoverwhelmed by all these
potential changes?
Speaker 1 (11:36):
You know that's such a good point.
I think the key is to startsmall and build up Like.
Switching to LED bulbs is aneasy first step.
They use 75% less energy andlast 25 times longer than
traditional bulbs.
Then maybe you move on to asmart thermostat.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
then tackle bigger projects as your budget allows
that reminds me, many utilitycompanies offer free energy
audits to help homeownersprioritize improvements.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yes, and here's what's really cool about those
audits they can help youidentify the biggest energy
wasters in your home.
Sometimes it's not even thethings you'd expect Like.
Did you know that phantom powerfrom plugged-in devices can
account for up to 10% of yourelectricity bill?
Speaker 2 (12:22):
The cumulative impact of all these small changes
really adds up over time.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Absolutely right.
And you know what's reallyexciting?
As more people adopt theseefficiency measures, we're
seeing prices come down onthings like smart home
technology and energy-efficientappliances.
It's like this positivefeedback loop where better
technology leads to moreadaption, which leads to lower
(12:46):
prices, which leads to even moreadaption.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Looking ahead what do you think the future holds for
home efficiency?
Speaker 1 (12:53):
Well, I think we're just scratching the surface.
With artificial intelligenceand machine learning getting
better every day, I can see ourhomes becoming even smarter
about energy usage.
Imagine systems that canpredict your needs before you
even know you have them, orautomatically adjust based on
real-time energy prices.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
That's a fascinating perspective on where we're
headed.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
And here's what really gets me excited.
All these improvements aren'tjust about saving money.
They're about creating morecomfortable, sustainable homes
that work better for us and theplanet.
When you think about it, it'spretty amazing how far we've
come from the days of manuallyadjusting thermostats and paying
(13:38):
through the nose for utilities.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Sounds like the future of home efficiency is
looking pretty bright.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
You know what it really is, and the best part is
that we don't have to wait forsome far-off future to start
seeing benefits.
These are changes we can makeright now, today, that will
start paying off immediately.
Whether it's something assimple as changing a light bulb
or as complex as refinancing amortgage, every step toward
(14:04):
efficiency is a step toward asmarter, more sustainable future
.
All right, my peeps, that isall from me.
I hope this discussion willhelp put a few bucks in your
pocket.
When it comes to your home, bemindful your home is your
investment, so make the most ofyour investment and make it work
(14:25):
for you.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay, folks, that is a wrap.
Thank you so much for listeningto our show.
If you have a topic you wouldlike for us to discuss, I
encourage you to visitgreatdayradiocom.
Click on let's Talk at the topof the page.
Likewise, be sure to sign upfor our newsletter to get the
list of upcoming discussions,contest giveaways, new music and
new podcast shows.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
You are listening to the People Station on
greatdayradiocom.
You are listening to.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
The People.
Station on GreatDayRadiocom.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome GreatDayRadiocom fans.
This is another Money Matterdiscussion.
Before we get started, I wouldlike to give a big shout out to
Robin Lukens from Merced,california.
She is working on her realestate exam and helped inspire
this discussion.
So thank you, robin.
Much love.
Also, if you are in the Denvermetro area on September 6th Also
if you are in the Denver metroarea on September 6th 2025, you
(00:26):
can meet me at the VFW 9644,where we will host the 5th
annual Patriot Day Car Show.
It is free to attend.
Visit our website for moreinformation.
Okay, let's get this show onthe road.
I am your host, dj Mikey D,along with my partner in
knowledge, dj D Marie.
Host DJ Mikey D, along with mypartner in knowledge, dj D Marie
(00:47):
.
What if I told you there's amulti-billion dollar investment
opportunity hiding in plainsight, all centered around
people not paying their propertytaxes?
Today, we're diving into afascinating corner of real
estate that most people nevereven think about.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
That's such an interesting way to look at it.
The government has essentiallycreated this whole ecosystem
around unpaid taxes that smartinvestors can tap into.
Speaker 1 (01:11):
Let me break down how this works.
When property owners don't paytheir taxes, instead of
immediately seizing properties,local governments sell either
tax liens or tax deeds toinvestors.
It's actually quite brilliant.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
And here's what makes it so fascinating With tax
liens, you're not buying theproperty itself, you're
purchasing the right to collectthat debt, plus some pretty
impressive interest rates.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Those interest rates can be remarkable we're talking
up to 18% in some jurisdictionsand what's particularly
interesting is that theseinvestments are secured by the
actual property.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Though I think it's worth noting that most property
owners do eventually pay up toavoid losing their property.
The real question is howinvestors can maximize their
returns while managing risks.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
That brings us to tax deeds, which are a completely
different animal.
Instead of buying the right tocollect taxes, you're purchasing
the actual property at auction,often at incredible discounts.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Let's put some numbers to that.
I've seen properties worth$200,000 sell for $100,000 or
less at tax deed sales, thoughof course there's usually a
reason for those steep discounts.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Right.
You're often buying theseproperties sight unseen, which
can lead to some nasty surprises.
I know one investor who thoughtthey got a great deal until
they discovered the property hadsevere structural issues that
cost more than the purchaseprice to fix.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Speaking of managing these investments, can we talk
about how this ties intoretirement planning,
Specifically how a solo 401k canbe used for these types of
investments?
Speaker 1 (03:01):
That's where things get really interesting.
In 2024, you can contribute upto $66,000 per year to a solo
401k, and even more if you'reover 50.
Plus, you get incredibleflexibility in how you invest
those funds.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
The tax advantages are pretty compelling too.
You've got options for bothtraditional pre-tax
contributions and Rothcontributions, which can make a
huge difference in yourlong-term strategy.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
And here's what's particularly powerful about
using a solo 401k for theseinvestments.
Any returns you generate goright back into the retirement
account, potentially growingtax-deferred or tax-free.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Though I imagine there's quite a bit of paperwork
and proper structuring involvedto make this work correctly.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
Absolutely right.
You need to establish aself-directed solo 401k with
specific provisions foralternative investments.
Then you need to ensure everytransaction follows strict IRS
guidelines to maintain the taxadvantage status.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Let's talk about the actual process of identifying
good investments.
What should investors belooking for?
Speaker 1 (04:01):
Well, first you need to understand the specific rules
in your target jurisdiction.
Redemption periods, interestrates and foreclosure procedures
can vary dramatically fromstate to state.
Some states offer interestrates as high as 18%, while
others might cap it at 8%.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
That's quite a range.
I imagine the competition ispretty fierce in the
jurisdictions with the mostfavorable terms.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
Exactly.
You might find yourself biddingagainst experienced investors
or even institutional buyers.
That's why it's crucial to havea solid due diligence process
in place.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
What does that due diligence process typically look
like?
Speaker 1 (04:39):
You want to research the property thoroughly Location
condition, potential value andany possible legal issues With
tax liens.
You should also investigate theproperty owner's situation to
gauge the likelihood ofredemption.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
And I imagine you need to have clear exit
strategies in place beforemaking any investments.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
That's crucial.
With tax liens, your primaryexit is usually collecting the
back taxes plus interest, butwith tax deeds you might be
looking at flipping the property, renting it out or even
development opportunities.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
The whole system really is fascinating when you
step back and look at it.
It's solving a problem forlocal governments while creating
opportunities for investors.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
And what's particularly interesting is how
it can work for different typesof investors with different
goals.
Whether you're looking forsteady interest income or
potentially larger returns fromproperty appreciation, there's a
strategy that might work.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
Though we should emphasize that this isn't a
get-rich-quick scheme.
It requires real knowledge andcareful planning.
Real knowledge and carefulplanning.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Let's wrap up with some key takeaways.
First, education is crucial.
You need to thoroughlyunderstand both the investment
vehicle and the specific rulesin your target jurisdiction.
Second, start small and learnfrom experience.
And finally, always havemultiple exit strategies in
place.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
That's such sound advice.
After all, the goal is to buildsustainable, long-term wealth,
not to make quick profits at theexpense of taking on too much
risk.
Okay, stay locked in forsegment two as we discuss ways
to save on home costs For oursocial media audience.
Visit greatdayradiocom tolisten to segment two.
Likewise, if you are interestedin advertising on any of our
(06:23):
platforms, visit our website andclick on advertising on the top
of the page.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Also be sure to sign up for our newsletter, as we
will be announcing our giveawaycontest, where you can win gift
cards and other cool gifts forparticipating in the contest.
Thank you for being a listenerand follower.
If this and other programs areuseful, be sure to share the
love.
Peace out my party peeps.
You are listening to the bestpodcast from the USA to the UK
(06:51):
on GreatDayRadiocom.
Welcome back to segment two ofGreatDayRadiocom Money Talk
podcast.
As promised, we are discussinghome hacks, smart ways to save
on home costs.
You know what's absolutely wild.
The average homeowner isliterally throwing away
thousands of dollars every yearon inefficient home systems.
(07:14):
But here's the real kickerFixing it is way simpler than
most people think.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
That's fascinating, and the timing couldn't be
better, with utility costsskyrocketing.
What's the most surprisingthing you've discovered about
home efficiency?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Well, here's what blew my mind.
Energy star appliances alonecan save families about $500
annually on utility bills.
But you know what's evencrazier?
When you combine that withproper insulation, you're
looking at another 10 to 20%savings on top of that.
The numbers just keep stackingup.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Hmm, that's actually a much bigger impact than I
would have expected.
Have you seen the latest dataon smart home technology?
Speaker 1 (07:55):
Oh man, don't even get me started on smart tech, so
get this.
My good friend, annie installedone of those Nest thermostats
last month and I was prettyskeptical at first, but the data
shows they're saving usersbetween 10 to 12 percent on
heating and this is the wildpart Fifteen percent on cooling
(08:15):
bills.
That's some serious cash we'retalking about.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
The technology behind these systems is really quite
remarkable.
The way they learn and adapt toyour schedule is like having a
tiny efficiency expert working24-7.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
You know what's funny about that?
People get all worried aboutprivacy with these smart devices
, but they're not actuallywatching you.
They're just picking up onpatterns, like if you
consistently turn down the heatat 10 pm, the system learns that
pattern.
It's pretty brilliant when youthink about it.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Speaking of patterns, I've been looking into water
conservation trends and thenumbers are pretty eye-opening.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh yeah, water usage is huge, and here's something
most people don't realize.
It's not just about the waterbill.
You've got to factor in theenergy costs for heating that
water, potential damage fromleaks and even foundation issues
.
Did you know that justswitching to low-flow fixtures
can cut water use by up to 60%?
Speaker 2 (09:18):
That's remarkable, and the EPA found that
water-efficient fixtures alonecan save households about $100
annually on water bills.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
Right, and when you combine that with smart
landscaping choices likedrought-resistant plants and
reduced lawn space, the savingsreally multiply.
I've been researchingxeriscaping lately and let me
tell you these modern designsare nothing like the boring rock
gardens people imagine.
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Well, that's interesting because I've noticed
more homes in our area movingaway from traditional lawns.
What's driving that trend?
Speaker 1 (09:52):
So it's actually a perfect storm of factors.
You've got rising water costs,increasing drought conditions in
many areas and people realizingthat maintaining a perfect lawn
is basically throwing moneyinto the ground.
But here's what's really coolProper landscaping can actually
help with your home's insulationtoo.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
That makes me think about overall home maintenance.
What's your take on preventivemaintenance versus waiting for
things to break?
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Well funny, you should ask.
I just learned this lesson thehard way with my buddy's HVAC
system.
You know how they say an ounceof prevention is worth a pound
of cure.
Turns out that regular HVACmaintenance can save you
hundreds on energy costs overtime.
Plus, it helps avoid thosemiddle-of-the-night emergency
repair calls that cost an armand a leg.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
The National Roofing Contractors Association has some
pretty compelling data aboutmaintenance costs versus
emergency repairs.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
Oh, man, don't even get me started on roof issues.
So here's a crazy stat.
Most major roof repairs couldhave been prevented with regular
maintenance, and we're nottalking about climbing up there
yourself.
Just getting an annualinspection can spot problems
before they turn into disasters.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
You know what's interesting about all these
efficiency improvements?
They seem to have this compoundeffect on home value.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
Exactly.
And speaking of compoundeffects, let's talk about
refinancing for a second.
Freddie Mac reported thathomeowners who refinanced their
30-year fixed rate mortgages in2024 saved an average of $2,800
annually.
That's like getting adecent-sized tax refund every
single year.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Those numbers are pretty compelling, but what
about people who might beoverwhelmed by all these
potential changes?
Speaker 1 (11:36):
You know that's such a good point.
I think the key is to startsmall and build up Like.
Switching to LED bulbs is aneasy first step.
They use 75% less energy andlast 25 times longer than
traditional bulbs.
Then maybe you move on to asmart thermostat.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
then tackle bigger projects as your budget allows
that reminds me, many utilitycompanies offer free energy
audits to help homeownersprioritize improvements.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Yes, and here's what's really cool about those
audits they can help youidentify the biggest energy
wasters in your home.
Sometimes it's not even thethings you'd expect Like.
Did you know that phantom powerfrom plugged-in devices can
account for up to 10% of yourelectricity bill?
Speaker 2 (12:22):
The cumulative impact of all these small changes
really adds up over time.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Absolutely right.
And you know what's reallyexciting?
As more people adopt theseefficiency measures, we're
seeing prices come down onthings like smart home
technology and energy-efficientappliances.
It's like this positivefeedback loop where better
technology leads to moreadaption, which leads to lower
(12:46):
prices, which leads to even moreadaption.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Looking ahead what do you think the future holds for
home efficiency?
Speaker 1 (12:53):
Well, I think we're just scratching the surface.
With artificial intelligenceand machine learning getting
better every day, I can see ourhomes becoming even smarter
about energy usage.
Imagine systems that canpredict your needs before you
even know you have them, orautomatically adjust based on
real-time energy prices.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
That's a fascinating perspective on where we're
headed.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
And here's what really gets me excited.
All these improvements aren'tjust about saving money.
They're about creating morecomfortable, sustainable homes
that work better for us and theplanet.
When you think about it, it'spretty amazing how far we've
come from the days of manuallyadjusting thermostats and paying
(13:38):
through the nose for utilities.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Sounds like the future of home efficiency is
looking pretty bright.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
You know what it really is, and the best part is
that we don't have to wait forsome far-off future to start
seeing benefits.
These are changes we can makeright now, today, that will
start paying off immediately.
Whether it's something assimple as changing a light bulb
or as complex as refinancing amortgage, every step toward
(14:04):
efficiency is a step toward asmarter, more sustainable future
.
All right, my peeps, that isall from me.
I hope this discussion willhelp put a few bucks in your
pocket.
When it comes to your home, bemindful your home is your
investment, so make the most ofyour investment and make it work
(14:25):
for you.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Okay, folks, that is a wrap.
Thank you so much for listeningto our show.
If you have a topic you wouldlike for us to discuss, I
encourage you to visitgreatdayradiocom.
Click on let's Talk at the topof the page.
Likewise, be sure to sign upfor our newsletter to get the
list of upcoming discussions,contest giveaways, new music and
new podcast shows.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
You are listening to the People Station on
greatdayradiocom.
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