The Roanoker Sept/October 2023 - 102

Ask the Experts
Why should you check your air
conditioning system once a year?
As your air conditioning system operates
it builds up dust on fi lters and coils that
can restrict air fl ow and aff ect effi ciency.
It also causes unnecessary wear on
other components like the motors and
compressors. You can lose between fi ve and
seven percent per year in effi ciency, thus
causing that high effi ciency air conditioner
you purchased to become a mid or even low
effi ciency air conditioner. Let us help you
keep your air conditioning system in tip-top
shape to reduce down-time and save you
money.
Shelia Bower, Director of Administration
Bower Heating and Air Conditioning
540.904.7600
shelia@BowerFreshAir.com
BowerFreshAir.com
How do solar photovoltaic (PV)
panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy
throughout the day and convert it into
direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes
and businesses run on alternating current
(AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then
passed through an inverter to convert it to
usable AC electricity. At that point, you either
use the electricity in your house or send
it back to the electric grid. Systems with
batteries will ensure that the battery is fully
charged and ready in case of an outage.
Virginia is a state that off ers 1 to 1 net
metering, meaning that for every kWh sent
to the grid one kWh from the grid will be
off set. This, along with the ability to build up
those credits into a bank, allows many local
homeowners to completely do away with
charges for electricity on their monthly bills.
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
erepower.com
434-200-9716
Mortgage Lending
When should prospective home
buyers meet with a Mortgage
Banker?
Scheduling time to have a conversation
with a Mortgage Banker is one of the fi rst
things home buyers should do - even before
searching for homes. A Mortgage Banker can
help assess your fi nancial situation, present
various lending options and even preapprove
you for a loan.
This not only helps you make informed
decisions with a realistic budget in your
home search, but it can also speed up the
buying process - which is particularly
helpful in a competitive real estate market.
Angie Apgar, Mortgage Loan Offi cer
American National Bank
540.795-3914
apgara@amnb.com
www.amnb.com
Real Estate
Why is it more important than
ever to work with a real estate
professional to help buy and sell
your home right now?
With such a competitive market, buyers and
sellers need a professional who will manage
expectations, establish clear communication
channels, and prepare them for each stage
of the process. It's essential to fi nd an agent
who is skilled in pricing strategies and
contract negotiation. Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real
Estate agents act as your dedicated expert,
ensuring that you have experience on
your side in order to navigate these novel
challenges.
Catherine B. Daniel
CRB, Principal Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
540-721-8659
SmithMtnLake.com
Thinking about purchasing an
investment property?
Gentry Locke regularly assists purchasers
and sellers with commercial investment
properties that range from single-family
homes purchased for investment to offi ce
buildings, warehouses, manufactured
home parks, industrial parks, timber and
agricultural land and multi-family housing.
Investing in and managing property for
commercial purposes requires knowledge
of zoning, landlord-tenant law, leases and
fi nancing for acquisition and improvements.
Additional considerations are whether
you will manage the property yourself or
hire a professional property management
company, the terms of conditions of
any existing leases and how you will
take ownership of the property. We help
purchasers and sellers by reviewing and/or
preparing the purchase and sale agreement,
performing due diligence, analyzing and
correcting title issues, creating easements
and declarations, reviewing or preparing
their rental and lease agreements, working
with their lender to obtain fi nancing and
setting up their purchase or sale correctly to
minimize risks of ownership. Note, Gentry
Locke does not serve as a closing agent for
residential property sales but refers those
matters to Roanoke area title insurance and
closing agents for assistance.
Clark Worthy, Partner
Gentry Locke
540-983-9384
worthy@gentrylocke.com
Gentrylocke.com
What happens to the unsold items
from an auction or estate sale?
This is a question we address with the seller
at the beginning of our planning process.
We can arrange for a buy-out or a donation
to a non-profi t. We can also arrange for light
housekeeping services after all items have
been removed.
Mountain City Realty & Auction, LLC
Broker/Auctioneer
540-989-1946
timhash@cox.net
conniehash@cox.net
Mountaincityauctions.com
Mtncityrealtors.com
In the Home
I have started my end-of-life
planning. What should I do with
my estate jewelry?
Deciding what to do with your estate jewelry
depends on your personal preferences,
fi nancial goals, and sentimental attachments.
Here are some options to consider:
1. Gift It: Share the joy of estate jewelry
with your loved ones by gifting pieces to
family members or close friends. Passing
down heirloom jewelry can create lasting
memories.
2. Repurpose or Redesign: If some of the
jewelry items don't align with your taste,
you can work with a skilled jeweler to
repurpose or redesign them into new
pieces that better suit your style.
3. Appraise for Insurance: Obtain
professional appraisals to ensure that
it's adequately insured to protect against
loss, theft, or damage.
4. Sell It: Selling it can provide fi nancial
value. Consider selling to local jewelers
or local auction houses.
5. Donate It: Charitable donations of estate
jewelry can support causes close to your
heart and potentially off er tax benefi ts.
102
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
TheRoanoker.com
http://www.amnb.com https://www.gentrylocke.com/ http://www.BowerFreshAir.com http://www.Mountaincityauctions.com http://www.Mtncityrealtors.com https://smithmtnlake.com/ http://www.erepower.com http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker Sept/October 2023

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