As we settle back into a normal, post-holiday rhythm, “temperance” seems to be the theme of the month. Whether your “Dry January” is literal, metaphorical, budgetary, or gastronomical, this is the season for indoor work—and that includes dialing in your fixed costs.
Your mortgage rate might be locked in, but these 12 home-related expenses aren’t. Let’s save you some lunch money.
1. Turn down your hot water. Did you know your water heater has a “vacation mode”? Use this when you head north for a ski weekend to lower the temperature of the water stored in the tank. Even when you’re home, consider dropping the temp slightly; it might marginally shorten your shower time, but it saves significantly on “background” heating costs.
2. Appeal your assessed value. This won’t take effect tomorrow, but it’s worth an annual check. Your municipality’s assessed value is used to calculate your property taxes, and as Boston homeowners face a potential 13% tax hike to offset commercial losses, this is a big lever. If your assessment feels off the charts compared to the reality of the market, you can appeal—but only if you initiate it.
- Need help? Message me if you need “comps” (comparable sales) to support your case.
3. Shop your insurance (seriously). It’s a chore, I know. But insurance is one of the fastest-rising costs in my own portfolio and for the condo associations I helped sell in 2025. Get competing quotes every year or two, including for HOA master insurance policies. Loyalty rarely pays in the insurance world.
4. Use your warranties. We recently had a cellular window shade start sagging (likely due to toddler trauma). Jack contacted the manufacturer, and they sent a free replacement. Many household items have warranties you didn’t know existed. It never hurts to ask!
5. Latch your windows, lower your storms. New England’s old homes weren’t built to be airtight, but drafts are expensive. Beyond just closing your windows, latch them and bolt your doors to ensure the tightest seal. If you have storm windows, lower them now—even if it makes it harder to vent the kitchen while you’re cooking.
6. Change your filters. For forced-air systems, a dirty filter makes the motor work twice as hard to move air. A fresh filter is the cheapest way to keep your HVAC efficient. Check for buildup today—if it’s grey, it’s costing you money.
7. Cancel your internet. (Kidding. But threaten to.) Most providers have a retention department authorized to give you “new customer” pricing if you tell them you’re leaving. A 10-minute phone call can often shave significant money off your bill.
8. Confirm your MA electric rate. In Massachusetts, certain heating systems qualify for discounted electricity rates. Historically, this included resistive electric baseboards; today, homes with heat pumps are often eligible under new classifications. Contact your utility provider to ensure you’re enrolled in the best possible rate class.
9. Audit your credit card perks. We had gotten a bit lax with this ourselves. Take a moment to check your portal for digital discounts or statement credits. (We recently realized our card offers credits for retailers we already use and a discounted WSJ subscription.)
10. Evict your PMI. If you put down less than 20%, you’re likely paying Private Mortgage Insurance. While it’s supposed to drop off automatically once you hit 20-22% equity based on your original purchase price, the market appreciation in Greater Boston may have pushed you over that 20% threshold much sooner.
- The Move: Ask your servicer about their requirements for early removal. If you need a quick gut check on your current market value before paying for a formal appraisal, let me know.
11. Program your thermostat. Nest or not, thermostats benefit from manual intervention. If you’re heading to the Berkshires or the Whites for the weekend, set a “hold” at a lower temperature (around 55-58°F) rather than relying on your usual routine.
12. Watch your water (and your sewer). If you’re on city water, you’re paying for every drop—whether it’s for a lush garden or a leaky flapper. But the real sting in many New England towns is the sewer bill, which is often calculated as a 1:1 ratio of your water intake.
- The Quick Fix: Listen for running toilets and dripping faucets. These “ghost” costs add up fast.
- The Long Game: If you’re a gardener, plan for a rain barrel this spring to avoid paying “sewer rates” on water that’s just going into the dirt. (Advanced maneuver: If you need a lot of irrigation, a private well can eventually pay for itself.)
Bonus: Lean on Mass Save. Since we’re talking efficiency, don’t leave money on the table. If you haven’t had a Mass Save audit in the last few years, book one. They’ll often swap your showerheads for high-efficiency versions and install faucet aerators for free—directly lowering that water/sewer bill we just talked about—not to mention the deep discounts on insulation and heat pumps, and access to 0% interest loans for upgrades.
These are the levers we’re pulling this month, but I’m always looking for more. Have you found a clever way to trim your housing overhead lately? I’d love to hear about it!
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Experience matters when stakes are high. With $125M+ in sales and 160+ transactions, I offer the strategic guidance and contractor roots you need to navigate the Greater Boston market. From Peters Hill to Medfield, leverage my data-driven approach to house hacking and next-move transitions. Let's bring you home!