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Pearl

@pearlscore.bsky.social
27 followers 15 following 109 posts

Pearl is a ratings and standards company that built the national standard for home performance. We measure all aspects of a home's performance—Safety, Comfort, Operations, Resilience, and Energy—and provide actionable insights to home buyers & homeowners.

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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 13h
Closing a transaction isn't the same as earning a referral. Most buyers and sellers find their agent through a referral or past relationship, not a cold search. We mapped 6 specific points in a client journey where that relationship actually gets built. #RealEstate bit.ly/3U3MKzo
pearlscore.com
Ways for Real Estate Agents to Create a Memorable Client… | Pearl
A phase-by-phase guide for real estate agents to build a client journey that earns trust, referrals, and repeat business.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“It’s kind of becoming more of a common-sense measure to only build electric...because the appliances are also so much more efficient” @kgeorgebagdanov.bsky.social @buildingdecarb.org The US may be hitting a tipping point for heat pumps bit.ly/4ys8F2P by @mrmattsimon.bsky.social @grist.org
grist.org
The US may be hitting a tipping point for heat pumps
In the first quarter of this year, heat pump sales beat fossil fuel furnaces by 32 percent. Here's what makes the appliance so powerful.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
There's a gap in real estate: buyers want more info about a home than the market gives them. At #HIRISummit tomorrow Pearl CEO Cynthia Adams will be presenting a preview of our new survey, "The Home Performance Gap" with insights into what buyers really want #RealEstate #Homebuying #HomePerformance
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Pearl is #hiring! We are looking for a Senior Researcher to lead the development and continuous improvement of Pearl’s SCORE, track standards and technologies in the home performance field, and promote Pearl’s research externally. #RemoteJob #Researcher Learn more and apply: bit.ly/4hKSgjw
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
#CleanEnergy As Texans’ Electricity Costs Soar and Temperatures Rise, a Public Health Crisis Brews bit.ly/4yffeoJ by @robinberghaus.bsky.social via @pubhealthwatch.bsky.social CC: @stephanieedc.bsky.social @mollyfortexas.bsky.social @laurelpeltier.bsky.social @patriciafabian.bsky.social
publichealthwatch.org
As Texans’ Electricity Costs Soar and Temperatures Rise, a Public Health Crisis Brews - Public Health Watch
This is the first installment of “Powerless,” a series from Public Health Watch examining how rising temperatures and skyrocketing electricity costs are placing Texans in danger.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Utility bills rose 9.6% in 2025 — but rate hikes aren't the biggest driver. One factor alone accounts for nearly half of a home's total energy use. We ranked the top 10 causes of high electric bills in 2026,. Why Is My Electric Bill So High: 2026 Analysis bit.ly/4goOqus
pearlscore.com
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The median first-time homebuyer is now 40, the oldest on record. That's one of 3 forces changing what buyers expect from a showing this year. We broke down what's shifting and how to get ahead of it before an inspection. The Home Buying Conversation Is Changing. bit.ly/4fWLkz0
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Electric bills rose ~30% from 2021-2025, but the reason why is different by each region. What’s behind your eye-popping power bill? We broke it down, region by region. bit.ly/4aEXBnW by @naveenasadasivam.bsky.social @compatibilism.bsky.social @ahofschneider.bsky.social via @grist.org
grist.org
What’s behind your eye-popping power bill? We broke it down, region by region.
The culprit depends on where you live — but it’s probably not data centers (yet).
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
New Pearl research on 833 U.S. homebuyers finds a gap between what buyers say drives their decisions and what information they can actually access. Pearl CEO Cynthia Adams unpacks it at the HIRI Summit, Sept 30 — and what it means for home improvement demand. Register: bit.ly/4y0FvqD
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Pearl SCORE works best when it's part of a listing from day one — CMA, walkthrough, listing package, MLS fields, buyer-agent briefing — not after an inspection. We mapped a 7-step way to work it into a normal listing process. #RealEstate #ListingPrep Read: bit.ly/3T42ke4
pearlscore.com
How to List a Property for Sale with Pearl SCORE™: A… | Pearl
A step-by-step guide for real estate agents on how to list a property for sale, incorporating Pearl SCORE to surface home performance data early, write…
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“We sponsored a survey by @smartenergycc.bsky.social...84% of recent buyers said that energy efficiency was very important to their home-buying decision. But only about 8% of listings even mention energy efficiency.” Pearl President, Robin LeBaron wapo.st/4jlmBpU via @washingtonpost.com
washingtonpost.com
That affordable home may come with an expensive surprise
Utility bills can reshape your home-buying budget. Here’s how to prepare.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
"Cost is the biggest reason projects stall...But price isn’t the only factor. Nearly a quarter of homeowners who delayed a project cited an unplanned repair—such as a burst pipe or a failed water heater—as the reason." bit.ly/4hbkPFn via @investopedia.com
investopedia.com
Home Improvement Projects Are Blowing Past Budgets—Here’s How Homeowners Are Responding
Nearly half of homeowners are going over budget on home projects, prompting many to rethink which repairs and renovations they can afford to tackle now.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Encouraging news for homeowners. This will both help with #CleanEnergy and reducing utility bills. California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more bit.ly/4yxuBbK by @alisontakemura.bsky.social via @canarymedia.com CC: @scottwiener.bsky.social @hanlon.bsky.social
canarymedia.com
California moves to cut red tape for home solar, storage, and more
Two bills on Gov. Newsom’s desk would reduce hurdles to heat pumps and home solar and batteries, which could reduce fees by $1,000 or more per project.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"EPA identifies indoor air quality as an environmental risk factor that can affect respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, carcinogens, cognitive and mental function, as well as mortality." @stuartkaplow.bsky.social Why Indoor Air Is Becoming a Real Estate Risk bit.ly/4A7glrT
greenbuildinglawupdate.com
The Air We Share - Why Indoor Air Is Becoming a Real Estate Risk
The Air We Breathe - Indoor Air Quality Is Becoming a Real Estate Issue The most dangerous environmental threat is the one we breathe every day. Air
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Reposted by Pearl
Canary Media Inc. @canarymedia.com · 17/09/2026
Massachusetts heat pump owners, get ready for even lower power rates this winter.
canarymedia.com
Massachusetts ups winter energy discounts for homes with heat pumps
It’s the only state that makes big utilities offer lower seasonal rates for heat pump owners, in an effort to boost adoption and create a fairer system.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Energy efficiency improvements are some of the most cost-effective tools available to help make homes more comfortable and lower household energy costs." #CleanEnergy The Long Game on Energy Affordability ampr.gs/4xt6hqN by @frederickbell.bsky.social via @americanprogress.bsky.social
americanprogress.org
The Long Game on Energy Affordability
As electricity costs rise and states make important decisions about energy affordability, the most successful approaches protect consumers today while continuing to invest in energy efficiency and cle...
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Pearl CEO Cynthia Adams speaks at the HIRI Summit Sept 30. Her session, built on original research of 833 U.S. homebuyers, looks at why today's buyers are driving new demand for home performance data. #HIRISummit Register: hirisummit.com/#register
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
22% of agreements fell through after the offer. Also, 88% of buyers intend to reuse their agent—only 12% do. Same root cause, not a retention problem. We broke down the 3 points in a deal where it shows up. What Buyers Want to Know About a Home and How to Have the Answers bit.ly/4dtsYDS
pearlscore.com
What Buyers Want to Know About a Home and How to Have the… | Pearl
Buyers are already asking about operating costs, system age, and storm readiness. Here's where the answers live and how to have them before the showing.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
From #HVAC maintenance to water heaters, there are many tips for #homeowners to follow to reduce their energy bills. 5 Household Items That Could Be Wasting More Electricity Than You Realize bit.ly/3VpA0mV via @realsimple.com
realsimple.com
5 Household Items That Could Be Wasting More Electricity Than You Realize
Think your energy bill is higher than it should be? Experts reveal five everyday household items—from thermostats to chargers—that secretly drive up your utility costs and simple fixes to lower them.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
"Housing affordability discussions often focus on mortgage rates, but financial experts note that the overall cost of ownership extends much further." Is Buying a Home Still Worth It? Some Americans Feel Like Their Houses Are Draining Their Accounts bit.ly/4r5PrN7 via @ibtimes.bsky.social
ibtimes.co.uk
Is Buying a Home Still Worth It? Some Americans Feel Like Their Houses Are Draining Their Accounts
Rising repair costs, ageing homes, and higher insurance premiums are prompting many US homeowners to rethink the long-term cost of owning property.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#ExtremeHeat isn't just an outdoor issue, but an indoor one impacting millions of homeowners. 'Her body temperature was 106': How heat is killing Americans in their homes n.pr/4xbD0AB by @alejandrabee.bsky.social @sadiebabits.bsky.social @novaforhealth.bsky.social @mtfkear.bsky.social
npr.org
'Her body temperature was 106': How heat is killing Americans in their homes
Heat kills thousands of people across the U.S. every year. The risk is especially high for the millions of Americans who live in manufactured housing like mobile homes and trailers.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
As @narresearch.bsky.social shows, there are many factors that can influence the relationship between data centers and energy costs. Data Center Boom Triggers Homeowner Fears Over Skyrocketing Electric Costs bit.ly/4r8xiyb by @tristannavera.bsky.social
realtor.com
Data Center Boom Triggers Homeowner Fears Over Skyrocketing Electric Costs
Realtors and their clients are worried data centers will drive up utility costs. But their impact on property values is less clear.
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Reposted by Pearl
WattBuild @wattbuild.com · 09/09/2026
Can a Heat Pump Water Heater Cool Your Home? What the Numbers Show
wattbuild.com
Can a Heat Pump Water Heater Cool Your Home? What the Numbers Show
Heat pump water heaters 'cool your home for free' while heating water. But average cooling is ~520 BTU/hr. Your home needs ~21,000. That's 2.5%. The real value? 60% lower water heating bills. We ran the field data.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Pearl is #hiring! Pearl, a mission-driven ratings and standards company, is looking for a Data Scientist to join our team and lead advanced research and predictive modeling, focusing on analyzing residential housing and energy performance data. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/4gCPb4x
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The cost of maintaining #HVAC units is preventing many homeowners from taking steps to keep their homes at a comfortable and safe temperature. 13 Million Americans Are Struggling To Keep Their Homes Cool www.realtor.com/news/trends/air-con…
realtor.com
13 Million Americans Are Struggling To Keep Their Homes Cool—but the Fix Can Cost Over $2K
Broken AC is leaving millions of households exposed to extreme heat, while cooling repairs can average about $2,200.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"People buy a home based on what they can afford today, without realizing that insurance, taxes, HOA fees and maintenance can change dramatically five or ten years down the road." Why homeowners with huge equity are being pushed to sell their homes mol.im/a/16047699 via @dailymail.co.uk
mol.im
Why homeowners with huge equity are being pushed to sell their homes
Homeowners are sitting on hundreds of thousands in equity - but rising insurance, taxes and HOA fees are making it harder to afford their own homes.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The most popular home renovation of 2026 isn't the one with the biggest effect on how a home performs. We ranked this year's top projects by resale return and performance impact. Home Renovation Trends in 2026: What Homeowners Are Actually Spending, Building, and Prioritizing bit.ly/4z4GSFK
pearlscore.com
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
91% of buyers say a home performance score would boost their confidence in a home. Right now that info usually shows up at inspection, after contracts are signed which can derail deals. But there is a way to surface it earlier. The Home Performance Data Agents Can Finally Use bit.ly/4xjb4v4
pearlscore.com
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
More studies continue to show that renters are concerned with the total cost of ownership—beyond just mortgage payments when it comes to deciding whether to buy a house or not. #RealEstate #Homeownership Zillow says lower mortgage rates may not bring buyers back bit.ly/3Uzqyx9
thestreet.com
Zillow says lower mortgage rates may not bring buyers back
High mortgage rates aren't the only problem for would-be homebuyers.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"The fix is proven, available, installable today, and pays for itself well inside the life of the equipment. It lowers bills, cuts peak load, improves comfort and air quality, and reduces carbon." The Upgrade That Saves Billions of Dollars bit.ly/4i8SNN0 via @greenbuildermedia.bsky.social
bit.ly
The Upgrade That Saves Billions of Dollars
COGNITION Smart Data and a new analysis from RMI reveal a huge affordability opportunity.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
13.2M households reported being uncomfortably hot inside their own home for 24+ hours. The #1 cause wasn't a missing AC — it was equipment that had already broken down. bit.ly/4gFmUcq by @sophiawedeen.bsky.social via @harvard-jchs.bsky.social
jchs.harvard.edu
Unmet Repairs Leave Millions Exposed to Extreme Indoor Heat
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
What's the difference between Zillow, Redfin, and Pearl? Zillow/Redfin help you find homes. Pearl rates how a home is set up to perform across 5 pillars, so you know what to ask before you tour it. Zillow vs. Redfin vs. Pearl: What First-Time Buyers Should Use Each One For bit.ly/4qG8Ow5
pearlscore.com
Zillow vs. Redfin vs. Pearl: What First-Time Buyers Should… | Pearl
Zillow and Redfin help you find a home. Pearl SCORE™ helps you understand it. Here's how first-time buyers use all three.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The median first-time buyer put down about 10% in 2025, not the 20% many assume is required. We broke the whole process into 8 steps with the assumptions worth clearing up at each one. How to Buy Your First House: An 8-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers bit.ly/4qHIAsZ
pearlscore.com
How to Buy Your First House: An 8-Step Guide for First-Time… | Pearl
First-time buyer? Here are the 8 steps to buying a house, from budgeting to closing, plus how to check a home's performance before you tour it.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
As extreme heat becomes more common, we need our houses to offer protection to residents. This is only possible if we put #HomePerformance front and center. How to build homes that can survive extreme heat bit.ly/3T817BW via @grist.org CC: @gard-murray.bsky.social #CleanEnergy
grist.org
How to build homes that can survive extreme heat
As heat waves strain the power grid, passive cooling can help homes stay safer when the air goes out.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
From spikes in electric bills to insurance, #homeowners are being squeezed financially more than ever. #HomePerformance Affordability: Here are the costs causing the most pain bit.ly/3SDTxzc via @ConsumerAffairs
consumeraffairs.com
Affordability: Here are the costs causing the most pain
Electricity prices have risen about 37% in five years, while rents, restaurant meals and gasoline are up roughly 27% to 29%.Housing creates the greatest st
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
How do heat-pumps help with #homeperformance? As this article in @canarymedia.com points out, they're three times more efficient than conventional heating systems and can save households $23,000. Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better by @alisontakemura.bsky.social bit.ly/46plZYJ
canarymedia.com
Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better
Manufacturers are rolling out models that heat up at times when power is cheap, fit into tighter spaces, and aggressively cut energy bills.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Good tips to take now to avoid heartache in the winter. Is your home ready for cold temps? How to prepare for El Nino winter njersy.co/3UaxVLk by @wittenbydamon.bsky.social via @northjerseynews.bsky.social
northjersey.com
Is your home ready for cold temps? How to prepare for El Nino winter
Homeowners can take several steps now to prep their homes for winter, including HVAC, sewer and water pipe maintenance.
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Reposted by Pearl
Sustainable Us @havantenviro.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Replacing an oil heating system with a heat pump. youtu.be/p14wkxQdVL0?...
youtu.be
Does the New £9,000 Heat Pump Grant Actually Change Anything?
YouTube video by Heat Geek
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
"This doesn’t mean buyers don’t care about climate change. People cannot compare information they never receive in the first place." Homebuyers are choosing homes with much higher carbon footprints than they realize bit.ly/4zv5hVc via @us.theconversation.com CC: @carleton.ca
theconversation.com
Homebuyers are choosing homes with much higher carbon footprints than they realize
Clearer information about energy costs could help home buyers make lower-carbon choices without requiring them to compromise on affordability, space or location.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Space heating and cooling account for about 52% of a home's total annual energy use, more than any other system in the house. This post breaks down which appliances drive up your bill. Your Electricity Bill Is Skyrocketing. These Are The ‘Energy Hogs’ Driving Up Your Costs bit.ly/4wAtdUt
realtor.com
Your Electricity Bill Is Skyrocketing. These Are The ‘Energy Hogs’ Driving Up Your Costs
Unplugging your phone charger won't save much energy. The big power drains are coming from every level of your house.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Utility bills rose 9.6% in 2025 — but rate hikes aren't the biggest driver. One factor alone accounts for nearly half of a home's total energy use. We ranked the top 10 causes of high electric bills in 2026,. Why Is My Electric Bill So High: 2026 Analysis bit.ly/4goOqus
pearlscore.com
Why Is My Electric Bill So High? | Pearl
A 2026 analysis of why electric bills are rising — and how home performance factors like insulation, HVAC, and appliances drive energy costs.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Pearl is #hiring! Pearl, a mission-driven ratings and standards company, is looking for a Technical Product Manager to join our team and own our backend, API product surface. #ProductManager #remotework Learn more and apply: bit.ly/4zsRIpn
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Research from @smartenergycc.bsky.social shows " #Homebuyers say they care about energy efficiency and clean energy technologies, but the #realestate process rarely gives them the information they need." Home buyers want more information on energy usage. Utilities can help. bit.ly/4qv8NLp
utilitydive.com
Home buyers want more information on energy usage. Utilities can help.
By positioning themselves as trusted experts for both buyers and real estate agents, utilities can speed the adoption of efficient grid technologies, say residential energy experts.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Encouraging stats in this @canarymedia.com piece. Many studies continue to show that #heatpumps are not only good for clean energy, they improve #homeperformance, & they save homeowners money. US apartment buildings have tipped toward heat pumps bit.ly/4wxs149 by @alisontakemura.bsky.social
canarymedia.com
US apartment buildings have tipped toward heat pumps
The climate-friendly appliances are becoming the norm among American home builders. Here are the factors driving the shift.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
“Step one, don’t burn fossil fuels in your home...Step two: insulate, insulate, insulate. And both of those go hand-in-hand.” @gwagner.com American homes need heat pumps, not space heaters bit.ly/4d6iUA0 by @mrmattsimon.bsky.social via @grist.org #homeperformance #heatpumps
grist.org
American homes need heat pumps, not space heaters
Ultraefficient heat pumps need to replace more than gas furnaces. They have to replace inefficient space heaters as well.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Between maintenance and utilities, many buyers don't know the true cost of their homes until it's too late. 5 expensive surprises new homeowners face—and how to avoid them www.marketwatch.com/story/5-expensi… via @marketwatch.com
marketwatch.com
5 expensive surprises new homeowners face — and how to avoid them
Buying a house is a serious undertaking, but the cost of owning one is a different ballgame.
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The median first-time homebuyer is now 40, the oldest on record. That's one of 3 forces changing what buyers expect from a showing this year. We broke down what's shifting and how to get ahead of it before an inspection. The Home Buying Conversation Is Changing. bit.ly/4fWLkz0
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A full HVAC replacement can run anywhere from $5,000 to $28,000 in 2026 — and where a home sits on the map can swing the cost by 25-30% for the same job. Add in new refrigerant rule change and shifting rebates, and no two quotes look the same. Average HVAC Replacement Cost bit.ly/4xMRSX3
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The key, as always, is to be as prepared and come with as much information as possible before putting in an offer. #homeownership 8 mistakes a hot housing market pressures first-time buyers into making bit.ly/4xxxB7u
qz.com
8 mistakes first-time buyers make in a hot market
Waiving inspections, overbidding beyond pre-approval, skipping contingencies — the specific decisions competitive market conditions push buyers into that they'd never make otherwise
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Pearl @pearlscore.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
While starter homes may come with a low upfront purchase price, it's important to understand the potential maintenance costs to avoid a financial pitfall. #homemaintenance #homeowners Today’s Starter Homes Hide Massive Remodel Costs Buyers Need To Budget For bit.ly/3RNiCaE
realtor.com
Today’s Starter Homes Hide Massive Remodel Costs Buyers Need To Budget For
If you want to buy an existing starter home, the listing price is just the start of the financial investment, depending on the needed repairs.
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