Kickstart 2025: Real Estate Goals & Energy-Saving Hacks

Happy New Year! Let’s Make 2025 a Year to Remember

As we step into 2025, there’s a special energy in the air—a chance to reset, refocus, and reach for new goals. At The Simmons Stratton Group at Fathom Realty, we’re embracing the fresh start with optimism and excitement, and we hope you are too. Whether your goals this year involve moving into your dream home, building wealth through real estate, or just making life a little more efficient, we’re here to help you make it happen.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home and Beyond

The new year is the perfect time to make resolutions that improve your life and your home. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Declutter and Simplify: Start the year with a clean slate by clearing out items you no longer need. Bonus: a decluttered space is more appealing if you’re considering selling your home.

• Plan for Your Future: Whether you’re thinking about moving, upgrading, or investing in a rental property, take some time to explore your options.

• Energy Efficiency: Make small changes around your home to reduce costs and minimize your environmental impact—starting with these energy-saving tips we’ve put together for you.

5 Ways to Cut Down Energy Bills in 2025

Here’s your cheat sheet for saving energy and lowering those monthly costs:

1. Consider Time-of-Use Rates: Many utilities offer different rates based on the time of day. Plan your energy use strategically during off-peak hours to maximize savings. Check your energy bill or utility website for details.

2. Leverage Smart Plugs and Thermostats: Combat standby power consumption (up to 10% of energy use) with smart plugs and programmable thermostats. Schedule devices to power down when you don’t need them.

3. Adjust the Water Heater Temperature: Lowering your water heater temperature by 20 degrees can save between 4% and 22% annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

4. Make Water Heating More Efficient: With water heating accounting for the second-largest home expense (averaging $400–$600 annually), consider a $150 smart controller to heat water only when needed, potentially saving 10%–30%. Insulating your water heater can also cut heat loss by 7%–16%.

5. Track Your Energy Usage: Use energy monitoring tools to pinpoint where your power goes and set custom alerts. Knowing your consumption is the first step toward meaningful changes.

Looking Ahead to 2025

This year, we’re excited to continue being your trusted real estate advisors in South Carolina. Whether it’s helping you buy, sell, or invest, our team is here to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

If one of your resolutions is to take the next step in your real estate journey, let us know. We’d love to chat about how we can help you achieve your goals, big or small.

Here’s to a Bright and Successful New Year

As we kick off 2025, let’s make it a year filled with accomplishments, happiness, and meaningful moments. From all of us at The Simmons Stratton Group, we wish you a fantastic start to the year and look forward to being part of your story in the months ahead.

Warm regards,

The Simmons Stratton Group at Fathom Realty
https://isellscre.com 
(803) 999-7522

2025: A Great Year to Buy a Home!

As we step into 2025, it's shaping up to be an exciting year for homebuyers. With mortgage rates expected to remain steady through the first quarter of the year, and potentially begin to ease as the year progresses, now could be the perfect time to take the next step toward homeownership.

While the housing market has been adjusting over the past year, we anticipate home prices will begin to rise again as the year moves forward, making 2025 an ideal time to buy before they increase further. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to upgrade, or interested in refinancing, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.