US Real Estate Mid-Year Statistics

US homes Real Estate Data
http://www.realtor.com/data-portal/realestatestatisticshttp://www.realtor.com/data-portal/realestatestatisticshttp://www.realtor.com/data-portal/realestatestatistics

5 ways to make your kitchen more green and eco-friendly (Slideshow) | ProudGreenHome.com

5 ways to make your kitchen more green and eco-friendly (Slideshow) | ProudGreenHome.com

Speaking "Green"

Speaking "Green"

As these groups and individuals seek ways to reduce the energy costs of homes, even more emphasis will be placed on eco-friendly designs and cost-savings. If you are a homeowner, there are steps—most are relatively easy—that you can take to make your home more energy-efficient; if you are a future home buyer, there are features and “green ratings and credentials” that you should look for in your future home.

Green-minded consumers seek agents who are knowledgeable about green real estate. You should not market yourself as a "green" REALTOR^® unless you have done your homework, perhaps earned a green designation or two, and can walk the walk and talk the talk. Otherwise, your lack of knowledge will reveal your insincerity. While a green-built home may look no different than a conventionally built home, these transactions have their own unique lingo and consumer motivations. For instance, ferrying a client to a LEED^® certified home in a Hummer takes us to our first word: Greenwashing--the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practice.
Here are some essential green terms that you should familiarize yourself with:

Alternative Energy: Energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, or wind).

Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint refers to the overall carbon emissions created by a building, including its construction and operation.

Carbon Neutral: A claim made by some companies and developers to describe a building or product whose net carbon emissions are zero. This is very difficult to achieve and truly possible only if something doesn’t emit any carbon at all or soaks up as much as it emits.

Carbon Offsets: Carbon offsets allow people to pay money to fund a forestry project, renewable energy project, or research into renewable energy technology in order to offset their carbon emissions.

Fossil Fuels: Fuels including coal, natural gas, and oil that are used to generate electricity.

Going Green: Going green can relate to numerous parts of a person’s everyday life. From transportation choices to a home’s design features, going green can mean different things to different people, but its core theme embraces the idea of taking steps to reduce one’s overall impact on the environment. This can occur through reducing energy usage, recycling, utilizing public transportation, buying products locally, or designing or remodeling a home so that it is more energy efficient.

Green Enhancements: Green enhancements are changes and improvements made to a home that make it more environmentally friendly.

Sustainability: The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” In reference to building or business, it’s an approach that evaluates environmental, social, and financial factors equally.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): VOCs are organic chemical compounds that are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They can have short- and long-term adverse health effects. In the home, VOCs are often found in paint, cleaning supplies, building materials, and furnishings.

Zero Energy Home: A zero energy home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available, renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The result is a home that produces its own energy—as much as or more than it needs.

Alternate definition: Zero net energy homes use energy-efficient construction, equipment, lighting, and appliances with renewable energy systems to return or create as much energy as they take from local electric utilities on an annual basis, by using windmills, solar panels, or generators.

Need green real estate information in Marin County

please visit me at www.MarinBestHomes.com

3 Hot Trends for Kitchen Remodeling in 2012

3 Hot Trends for Kitchen Remodeling in 2012

By Permission By: Jamie Goldberg

Mulling a kitchen remodel but want to keep costs low? You’re "au courant" with today’s trends that emphasize options and high-tech wizardry at affordable prices.

Trend #1: Remodeling scales back

A new focus on moderation and value has entered the remodeling mind-set. Trends that are likely to show up in your kitchen next year include:

You’ll repair your existing appliances instead of replacing them, extending their life with good maintenance and care. If you’re replacing cabinets, you’re likely to build around your current appliances rather than choosing new models.

You’re scaling back your cabinetry purchases, with an increased emphasis on kitchen storage and functionality over elaborate decoration. For example, rather than stacked crown moldings throughout the kitchen, you’ll put your money into practical roll-out trays and drawer organizers. 

Small-scale kitchen projects are big news. Changing out cabinet hardware, replacing a faucet, and refacing your cabinets upgrades your kitchen without major expense.

Trend #2: Simpler, warmer styles dominate

Fussiness and excess have faded away in favor of pared-back looks that present a more timeless, value-conscious style.

Cabinet decoration continues to streamline. For example, massive corbels, once fashionable as undercounter supports, will give way to sleeker countertop supports and cantelivered countertop edges. Stacked moldings will pare back or disappear entirely. Elaborately glazed finishes will yield to simpler paints and stains. 

Kitchen finishes will continue to get warmer and darker, and feature natural and stained woods. Walnut especially is growing in popularity.

Laminate countertops will continue to surge in popularity, especially in contemporary design. The latest European-inspired laminates offer more textured and naturalistic finishes than ever before. While exotic wood kitchen cabinets are out of reach for most home owners, glossy, look-alike laminate versions can be had for about one-third the price.

Trend #3: Technology expands its kitchen presence

Many of the techno products and trends that relate to your smartphones and tablets have just started making their way into your local showrooms and home centers.

Appliances will be equipped with USB ports and digital screens so you can display your family photographs and kids’ artwork.

Smart, induction built-in cooktops ($500-$3,000) remember your temperature settings as you move your pans across their entire surface.

One light finger touch is all it takes to open the electronically controlled sliding doors of your kitchen cabinets — a boon to people with limited mobilities. You’ll pay 40% to 70% more for cabinets with electronically controlled doors than standard models.

You’ll be able to use your smart phones and tablets to control lights and appliance settings from anywhere you have a wi-fi connection, as well as to shop for appliances from major manufacturers.

You’ll be opting for LEDs for your recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting and color-changing accent lighting. You’ll see more LED-powered pendants and chandeliers from major manufacturers as inefficient incandescent bulbs continue their march toward extinction.

A wide selection of affordable microwave ovens with convection and even steam features gives owners of smaller kitchen spaces more high-end cooking power.

What improvements — big or small — are you planning for your kitchen this year?

Victoria Wells ~ Bradley Real Estate

415-710-4090

vawells@comcast.net 

What About Green Roofs?

Technology Snapshot & Benefits: Green roofs are roofs on which plants are grown. The roofs are extensions of existing roofs that are suited with waterproofing systems, fiber cloth, drainage systems, irrigation systems, and soil to keep the roof safe while providing an environment where plants can grow. These roofs are beneficial in a variety of ways. The evaporative cooling of the plants and heat reduction from the added thermal resistance of the plants can help reduce monthly cooling costs. This reduction is even more significant in urban areas where the roofs can also help combat "heat island effect," which is caused by reflections off buildings and cars in urban areas and often contributes to high cooling costs. Because of this, the size of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the roof can also be reduced in new or remodeled homes, which can save money. For homes or businesses with solar heating systems mounted on the roof, this cooling helps increase the efficiency of the solar units. Green roofs also extend a roof's lifespan an average of 20 years by reflecting UV rays and preventing the roof from experiencing extreme temperature changes. Because the plants and soil act as insulators, homes with green roofs require less traditional insulation. Green roofs act as a fire retardant and reduce noise pollution by buffering the roof. The buffering also eliminates nearly all electromagnetic penetration, which can be important in buildings with telecommunications equipment mounted on the roof. 
Evidence has shown green roofs contribute to personal and societal well-being. Studies also show that green roofs help reduce stress, stress-related illness, and patient healing times. Food and flowers that can be sold or consumed by the homeowners can be grown on the roof. The plants on the roof help filter CO2 out of the atmosphere and other pollutants out of the rainwater. Having largely biodegradable roofs helps reduce the amount of roof waste filling landfills. They can also provide a habitat for small wildlife in urban or suburban areas. The work necessary to maintain, design, produce, and install green roofs can create much-needed jobs. Additionally, green roofs may be fashioned for specific purposes, such as playgrounds, day cares, or recreational/leisure areas that would provide additional outdoor community space. 

Estimated Cost Savings: 

Estimated cost for green roofs is $8-25 per square foot, depending on the type of roof (extensive or intensive; see "Issues" and "Installation"), soil and vegetation desired, and location of the home or business. Costs may be higher in urban areas because of traffic costs, or in areas where materials aren't readily available. Savings for the homeowner on monthly cooling costs vary depending on climate, building type, and typical building use; however, according to a 2002 Canadian Research Council study, green roofs can reduce peak energy demands up to 75%, but the average homeowner utilizing a green roof reported 20-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs. Some insurance companies, such as State Farm, are also offering a reduction in home insurance costs of up to 33% for installing green roofs. Companies installing green roofs could also potentially gain emissions trading credits or LEED points. It should be noted that the cost of replacing or fixing a green roof is usually higher than that of replacing or fixing an ordinary roof, but the savings due to the extended lifetime of green roofs will counterbalance these costs in most cases. 

Issues: 

There are several legal issues associated with green roofs. The homeowner or business owner is usually liable if there is any roof damage due to leakage or roots; therefore, it is very important that green roofs are properly installed and maintained. There is a time commitment for the homeowner or a hired caretaker of the roof, although this commitment can vary greatly. There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. Intensive roofs can support a wider variety of plant life, even small trees, and are labor-intensive, requiring a lot of maintenance. Extensive roofs are much less demanding and are set up to be basically self-sustaining, needing only to be weeded once or twice a year. The time that is available for one to care for the green roof should be taken into account when deciding what type of roof to get and what time of plants to grow. 

If the roof is being used for recreation, there are obvious potential personal injury issues, so safety must be carefully considered. Another tip for those looking to install green roofs is to set up a system that can collect rainwater or runoff and use that water to irrigate the roof. This keeps water bills lower and is another easy way to recycle resources. 

Regional Issues: 

Reduction in heating and cooling costs from green roofs is dependent on original demand, which is in turn dependent on local climate. Areas with more extreme temperatures are likely to see the most benefit. 

In very dry regions, green roofs require more irrigation. Local weather, such as high winds, should be taken into account when choosing which type of plants to install and how to install them. Pollution reduction is most apparent in heavily polluted regions. 

Installation: 

Green roofs must be installed by a professional. Installation involves installing structural support, a vapor control layer, thermal insulation, a waterproof membrane, a drainage layer, a filter membrane, a growing medium (usually soil), and any desired vegetation. Installation of intensive green roofs is more expensive, typically $15-25 per square foot, than extensive green roof installation, typically $8-20 per square foot. 

Green roofs can be installed in new or old homes. It is highly recommended or necessary (depending on the roofing company's policy) to consult a structural analyst before installing a green roof to ensure that the roof is tailored to work with a specific roof. 

More Information On This Topic: 

Green Building Materials Guide http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/roofing_green.htm 

AlterNet: "Green Roofs: Building the Future" http://www.alternet.org/environment/48530 

Great Lakes Water Institute Green Roof Project: "Green Roof Installation" http://www.glwi.uwm.edu/research/genomics/ecoli/greenroof/roofinstall.php 

Green Roofs.com: "The Greenroof Industry Resource Portal" http://www.greenroofs.com 

Some residents will have to pay a bit more for Marin Clean Energy - Marin Independent Journal

Well at least some Marin residents will have a choice between PG&E monopoly and a new clean energy co. Some residents will have to pay a bit more for Marin Clean Energy - Marin Independent Journal

More Roof Ideas ~ Reflective Roof Coating

Technology Snapshot & Benefits: According to ENERGY STAR®, Americans spend about $40 billion annually to air condition buildings - one-sixth of all electricity generated in this country. In areas that are sunny and warm for most of the year, or have a very hot summer, the costs to individuals are particularly devastating. Reflective roof coating is protective coating that can be applied to roofs to keep a home cool without having to use as much air conditioning. Reflective roof coating is also called albedo coating, since the materials used have high albedo, or ability to reflect the sunlight. Reflective roof coatings have other benefits as well: they can increase efficiency in some air conditioning and ventilation units on the roof and because UV radiation expedites roof ageing, they also slow roof decay. These special coatings work by reflecting the sun's light and releasing absorbed heat. Reflective roof coating is most effective for flat roofs because flat roofs usually absorb more energy than slanted roofs. The effectiveness also varies with the thickness and color of the coating, with lighter colors and thicker coatings being significantly more effective. In fact, bright white reflective coatings can have a solar reflectance of 85 percent and cut a roof's cooling load up to 70 percent. Reflective roof coatings can be made from various materials. Paint-on coatings include acrylic paints, polyurethane, and elastomeric. These types of coatings do not require professional installation. Single-ply reflective sheets made from plastic, PVC, or rubber are effective, as are reflective roof tiles made from concrete, clay, or metal. In terms of total cost (raw price, installation fees, and maintenance fees), white titanium dioxide paint and aluminum sheets are the best choice. However, elastomeric and acrylic coatings reflect a higher fraction of solar energy. Longevity of the material used should also be considered. No matter which materials are used, most homeowners who employ reflective roof coating experience cooler indoor temperatures and lower cooling costs. Estimated Cost Savings: Reflective roof coating can cut cooling costs from 10 to 70 percent depending on the coating used, climate, and the degree of sunlight to which the roof is exposed. Hot areas that are sunny for a majority of the year benefit the most from reflective roof coatings. The decrease in monthly energy bills far outweighs the costs of installation. Coatings that are painted on typically cost $15 to $25 per gallon and can be applied by the homeowner. Professional installation of single-ply roof sheets or tiles typically costs the same as installing any other type of shingle or tile; so, if installed at the initial building of a home or rebuilding of a roof, there will be little to no extra cost for the homeowner. Cost for single-ply PVC membranes averages $3 per square foot. Issues: Reflective roof coatings are a simple way to cut costs and help the environment. Virtually all roofs can be made to absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight using some type of reflective roof product. However, if the roof membrane is decaying, the coating will not be as effective and it is recommended that the membrane be replaced before the coating is applied. It is best to consult a professional or product manufacturer about the ideal type of coating for a specific roof.

Regional Issues: Reflective roof coatings are not recommended for areas that are cool or cold for much of the year and/or experience high cloud coverage. They most benefit people in areas that are warm and sunny for most of the year. In warm and/or sunny cities, this coating can help fight the "urban heat island" effect, or increased temperatures due to greater reflectance and absorbance of sunlight by a conglomeration of dark, metal buildings. Decreased indoor temperatures in areas that can become extremely hot can increase comfort and reduce the likelihood of heat-related illness or death. Installation: Paint-on coatings are applied using a roller, a brush, or airless spray equipment, and require minimal skill to apply. The roof should be properly cleaned before applying the coating. It is important to consult with the coating manufacturer for tips and advice on how to apply a specific coating to a specific roof. Single-ply reflective shingles and roof tiles must be installed by a professional roofer.



More Information on This Topic:
Reflective Roof Coating Institute
http://www.reflectivecoatings.org/default.asp ENERGY STAR® Reflective Roof Products
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_roof_products U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Cool Roof Calculator
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/software.cfm/ID=393/pagename_submenu=/pagename_menu=materials_components/pagename=subjects

huithiang!: WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN?

huithiang!: WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN?: "A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, ' What does love mean ?' The answers they got were broad..."

Green Roofs

Technology Snapshot & Benefits: Green roofs are roofs on which plants are grown. The roofs are extensions of existing roofs that are suited with waterproofing systems, fiber cloth, drainage systems, irrigation systems, and soil to keep the roof safe while providing an environment where plants can grow. These roofs are beneficial in a variety of ways. The evaporative cooling of the plants and heat reduction from the added thermal resistance of the plants can help reduce monthly cooling costs. This reduction is even more significant in urban areas where the roofs can also help combat "heat island effect," which is caused by reflections off buildings and cars in urban areas and often contributes to high cooling costs. Because of this, the size of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the roof can also be reduced in new or remodeled homes, which can save money. For homes or businesses with solar heating systems mounted on the roof, this cooling helps increase the efficiency of the solar units. Green roofs also extend a roof's lifespan an average of 20 years by reflecting UV rays and preventing the roof from experiencing extreme temperature changes. Because the plants and soil act as insulators, homes with green roofs require less traditional insulation. Green roofs act as a fire retardant and reduce noise pollution by buffering the roof. The buffering also eliminates nearly all electromagnetic penetration, which can be important in buildings with telecommunications equipment mounted on the roof.
Evidence has shown green roofs contribute to personal and societal well-being. Studies also show that green roofs help reduce stress, stress-related illness, and patient healing times. Food and flowers that can be sold or consumed by the homeowners can be grown on the roof. The plants on the roof help filter CO2 out of the atmosphere and other pollutants out of the rainwater. Having largely biodegradable roofs helps reduce the amount of roof waste filling landfills. They can also provide a habitat for small wildlife in urban or suburban areas. The work necessary to maintain, design, produce, and install green roofs can create much-needed jobs. Additionally, green roofs may be fashioned for specific purposes, such as playgrounds, day cares, or recreational/leisure areas that would provide additional outdoor community space.
Estimated Cost Savings: Estimated cost for green roofs is $8-25 per square foot, depending on the type of roof (extensive or intensive; see "Issues" and "Installation"), soil and vegetation desired, and location of the home or business. Costs may be higher in urban areas because of traffic costs, or in areas where materials aren't readily available. Savings for the homeowner on monthly cooling costs vary depending on climate, building type, and typical building use; however, according to a 2002 Canadian Research Council study, green roofs can reduce peak energy demands up to 75%, but the average homeowner utilizing a green roof reported 20-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs. Some insurance companies, such as State Farm, are also offering a reduction in home insurance costs of up to 33% for installing green roofs. Companies installing green roofs could also potentially gain emissions trading credits or LEED points. It should be noted that the cost of replacing or fixing a green roof is usually higher than that of replacing or fixing an ordinary roof, but the savings due to the extended lifetime of green roofs will counterbalance these costs in most cases.
Issues: There are several legal issues associated with green roofs. The homeowner or business owner is usually liable if there is any roof damage due to leakage or roots; therefore, it is very important that green roofs are properly installed and maintained. There is a time commitment for the homeowner or a hired caretaker of the roof, although this commitment can vary greatly. There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. Intensive roofs can support a wider variety of plant life, even small trees, and are labor-intensive, requiring a lot of maintenance. Extensive roofs are much less demanding and are set up to be basically self-sustaining, needing only to be weeded once or twice a year. The time that is available for one to care for the green roof should be taken into account when deciding what type of roof to get and what time of plants to grow.
If the roof is being used for recreation, there are obvious potential personal injury issues, so safety must be carefully considered. Another tip for those looking to install green roofs is to set up a system that can collect rainwater or runoff and use that water to irrigate the roof. This keeps water bills lower and is another easy way to recycle resources.
Regional Issues: Reduction in heating and cooling costs from green roofs is dependent on original demand, which is in turn dependent on local climate. Areas with more extreme temperatures are likely to see the most benefit.
In very dry regions, green roofs require more irrigation. Local weather, such as high winds, should be taken into account when choosing which type of plants to install and how to install them. Pollution reduction is most apparent in heavily polluted regions.
Installation: Green roofs must be installed by a professional. Installation involves installing structural support, a vapor control layer, thermal insulation, a waterproof membrane, a drainage layer, a filter membrane, a growing medium (usually soil), and any desired vegetation. Installation of intensive green roofs is more expensive, typically $15-25 per square foot, than extensive green roof installation, typically $8-20 per square foot.
Green roofs can be installed in new or old homes. It is highly recommended or necessary (depending on the roofing company's policy) to consult a structural analyst before installing a green roof to ensure that the roof is tailored to work with a specific roof.
More Information On This Topic:
Green Building Materials Guide http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/roofing_green.htm
AlterNet: "Green Roofs: Building the Future" http://www.alternet.org/environment/48530
Great Lakes Water Institute Green Roof Project: "Green Roof Installation" http://www.glwi.uwm.edu/research/genomics/ecoli/greenroof/roofinstall.php
Green Roofs.com: "The Greenroof Industry Resource Portal" http://www.greenroofs.com
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=40
Reprinted by permission from ECOBROKER INTERNATIONAL ~ GREEN TOPIC PAGES

Program puts families into bank-owned Novato homes - Marin Independent Journal

Program puts families into bank-owned Novato homes - Marin Independent Journal

Live Green Marin

I just received this message and I'd like to share it with you.
Here at Green America we often get questions about how to make going solar at home more affordable.

The good news is that there's legislation before the House of Representatives right now that could go a long way toward helping cities and homeowners partner together to install residential solar systems at no up-front cost to the homeowner. Through their city partnership, homeowners can pay back the cost of their system via a clean-energy property assessment on their tax bill – all while saving money on electricity bills, and creating local clean-energy jobs.

It's a win-win for both cities and homeowners, which is why 27 states across the country have authorized these property-assessed clean energy (PACE) programs.

As we shared with you last summer in this editorial PACE programs nationwide have run into some legal snags. The new Congressional legislation is designed to untangle the legal knots and put PACE programs back on track. Learn more in our latest editorial below and take action to ask Congress to support PACE.

Even in these contentious political times, PACE programs enjoy strong bi-partisan support. Your support can help put this bill over the top.

In the meantime, our editors are putting the finishing touches on our next Green American magazine, devoted entirely to the theme of helping communities go solar. If you're not already a member, please join with us today, to start receiving the Green American. We're featuring articles on how to get involved in solar buying co-ops, community-owned solar installations, solar-leasing programs, and more.

If you can't wait for the next Green American to go solar, check out the solar leasing offer in the sidebar at right from Sungevity, a member of our Green Business Network™. Solar leasing offers another strategy for going solar with no money down, and right now, Sungevity is offering a $1,000 cash gift card incentive for signing up with them, in the states where they have operations.

Finally, we introduce you to Erika Welickza of REPower Solutions, a Green Business Network member based in Cleveland, OH. Her company has installed solar everywhere from the Cleveland Indians stadium to Montessori schools to numerous private homes and farms. Check out her Faces of the Green Pages interview to learn more about solar in Ohio.

The sun shines for everyone,

Alisa Gravitz,
Executive Director,
Green America
P.S. Donate now to support our Climate Action Program – working to shut down coal plans and creating Clean Energy Victory Bonds to invest in solar, wind, and energy efficiency. Thanks for all you do.

PacificSun.com : California distressed housing market improves in April as sales increase

PacificSun.com : California distressed housing market improves in April as sales increase

Green Grilling

Green Grilling
If you want to be environmentally friendly, you’ll need to forgo charcoal grilling and embrace gas or electric grilling to reduce emissions. If you have a charcoal grill, opt for natural lump charcoal, which contains fewer impurities. Light the charcoal with an electric charcoal lighter.
How to Grill Steak, Chicken, and Kabobs
Choose Wisely:
If money’s no object, line up the New York strip, T-bone, filet mignon, and porterhouse steaks. But if breaking the bank isn’t part of your BQ-ing plan, consider less pricey sirloin, flank steak, and skirt steaks.
Size matters:
Choose cuts that are 1 to 1-1/4-inch thick. Pay special attention to bone-in cuts: make sure the steak is an even thickness. Meat near the bone will take longer to cook. Use caution with marinades: Over-marinating can result in tough or mushy meat. For additional ways to flavor a steak, try a dry rub or top cooked steaks with herbed butter.
Timing is everything:
Sear steaks over direct heat, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. For a 1-inch thick steak, a general guide is 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium-rare (145 degrees F). For an accurate reading—and to avoid cutting into that sublime steak— use a meat thermometer to test for doneness

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the near future, please call
for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.

Victoria Wells
Broker Associate DRE# 01252398
Bradley Real Estate
850 Irwin St., Suite 104
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-710-4090
vawells@comcast.net
www.MarinBestHomes.com
follow me on www.twitter.com/livegreenmarin
The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention!

Smart Summer Irrigation Tips

July is Smart Irrigation Month
Fine-Tune Your Irrigation System to Save Money and See Better Results

Residential irrigation systems offer convenience in protecting your landscape investment. Enjoy your yard, keep it healthy and beautiful while you water efficiently, saving time and money. The Irrigation Association® offers these water-saving tips to maintain and update automatic irrigation systems:
1. Adapt your watering schedule to the weather and the season. Familiarize yourself with the settings on your irrigation controller. Adjust the watering schedule regularly to conform with current weather conditions.
2. Schedule each individual zone in your irrigation system. “Scheduling” accounts for the type of sprinkler, sun or shade exposure and the soil type for the specific area. The same watering schedule should almost never apply to all zones in the system.
3. Inspect your system monthly. Check for leaks, broken or clogged heads, and other problems, or engage an irrigation professional to regularly check your system. Clean micro-irrigation filters as needed.
4. Adjust sprinkler heads. Correct obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly. Keep water off pavement and structures.
5. Install a rain shutoff switch—inexpensive and effective. Required by law in many states, these money-saving sensors turn off your system in rainy weather and help to compensate for natural rainfall. The device can be retrofitted to almost any system.
Learn more at www.irrigation.org


Victoria Wells
Broker Associate DRE# 01252398
Bradley Real Estate
850 Irwin St., Suite 104
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-710-4090
vawells@comcast.net
www.MarinBestHomes.com
follow me on www.twitter.com/livegreenmarin
The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention!

RealtyTrac - Most Believe Housing Recovery Remains Distant

RealtyTrac - Most Believe Housing Recovery Remains Distant

Green is the Smart Home Buying

Perhaps you’ve heard that this is a good time to buy a new home in Northern California because of historically low prices and interest rates and the price id down. This is certainly true, and there are many bargain homes on the market to choose from, but some are in run-down condition and need considerable work before moving in. Too often new owners do not see the opportunity to take advantage of all of the sustainable improvements they can make and simply add a new coat of paint, install carpet and a couple of kitchen appliances, mow the yard and that’s it.
Today, however, it is possible to do substantial sustainable upgrades to make your home much more energy- and water- efficient, improve indoor air quality, and allow you to live comfortably while both saving money and having a positive impact on the environment.
Fortunately there are many resources for buyers who want to upgrade a home into a healthy, high- performance green one. So with a little planning, proper financing, and a skilled contractor, along with some rebates and tax credits, your new home could actually cost less at the end of the year to live in than comparably priced homes without these improvements.
Here’s how you can purchase and turn a toxic, run-down, energy-wasting house into a beautiful green home:
First, get pre-qualified by a mortgage broker not only to determine your price range but to choose the best mortgage or mortgages for you.

Two of the best ones are the FHA’s 203K and Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) because most of the costs of improvements can be included in the mortgage package. Make sure your broker has knowledge and experience with these kinds of loans.

… A proprietary combination of FHA EEM / Renovation financing which has been optimized with the power of our “Superior Financing” system...to deliver homeowners and homebuyers with market rate financing that has been specifically structured to fund “Acquisition/Greenovation” & “Refinance RetroFit/Greenovation” projects .

The Superior Financing program is focused on one goal…
To identify the “lowest total cost of ownership” for the homebuyer / owner.

¨ Base loan amounts up to $729,750
¨ Energy Efficient Retrofit allowance up to $29,312.50 (without apprais-al considerations), over and above $729,750.
¨ Alternative Energy Systems allowance up to 20% of the value of the home, over and above the $729,750 (subject to appraisal considerations)
¨ Can be combined with Renovation Loan OR Conforming Loan
¨ H.E.R.S. (Home Energy Rating Systems) Report establishes “savings”

Now you are ready to contact a REALTOR® to help search for your dream home. Be sure your agent is familiar with existing green features of the homes you are considering, since these can save you money right away.

News flash to buyers!!
The old mantra “location, location, location” has now been replaced by “location, location, energy rating.” You will soon find out why.

When your offer is accepted, open escrow, and if you are using an EEM or 203K, you will need to hire an energy auditor and contractor. They will test the home to find air leaks and other sources of energy losses, and then help draw up a plan for improvements and upgrades along with cost estimates. Your real estate agent can apply for a rebate of up to $250 for the energy audit from the California Association of Realtors. Make sure your agent does this for you.
Your upgrades will usually fall into the following categories. Improvements in energy and water efficiency carry the most weight in green certification programs, followed by air quality.
• Energy Efficiency. Possibilities could include increasing insulation especially in the attic, caulking air leaks, installing low-e windows and new efficient lighting, ENERGY STAR® appliances and a high-quality HVAC system, all aimed at making your home very energy efficient. These will save you money every month on electricity and gas.
• Water Conservation is very important in California. Some homeowners have noticed as much as a 50% decrease in their water bill simply by landscaping the front yard with native vegetation and using drip irrigation. Indoors, you might be looking at replacing toilets, water faucets and shower-heads, as well as dishwashers and washing machines for increased water efficiency. These upgrades will also save you money every month.
• Air Quality. Check on the chemical content of products you will use, especially paints, finishes and glues, as well as carpets, pressed woods and all other materials for volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), especially formaldehyde, and in homes built before 1978 check for lead-based paints. Make sure the home is well ventilated.
• Materials. There are many environmentally friendly choices here. Choose woods, carpets, flooring, countertops, and cabinets that have been certified as non-toxic and renewable. Have fun choosing materials as well as paint colors because they are highly visible and will reflect your personal decorating style.
Some good resources for green rehabs are Eric Corey Freed’s “Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies” and the U. S. Green Building Council’s “Green Home Guide.” (www.greenhomeguide.com)
Don’t forget about rebates and tax credits. Energyupgradeca.org and local city, county and water district offices are sources for rebates, and so are the manufacturers of products you are buying. Your accountant can give advice about tax credits.
Want to have your new home certified green?
The ultimate green home meets standards of organizations such as the U. S. Green Building Council, California’s Build it Green, and ENERGY STAR®. Ask your contractor about these when you are drawing up a plan for your home.
Now you are ready to close the transaction. Some improvements might have already been made, but others will be completed follow closing depending on the terms of your mortgage. Enjoy living in your new home, knowing that it will be comfortable, high-performing and economical, as well as very beautiful.
Example of a HERS rating by an energy auditor. (Source: U. S. Department of Energy. For a HERS 2 rating certificate, see car.org)
Victoria Wells, DRE# 01252398
Eco-Broker, Bradley Real Estate 415-710-4090 Http://www.MarinBestHomes.com

4 Tips on How To Value Green Property Improvements

by JIM SIMCOE on MAY 13, 2011

If you’ve added green features to a property you’re selling, its key that you have a process to quantify the value of those features. Without it, you cannot gain the maximum additional profit increase from that feature.
Here’s what to do to Value Green Property Improvements:
1. Research your neighborhood and get a monthly average utility (water, gas and electric) bill estimate. The estimate should be for similar homes as the one you’re selling. The easiest way to do this is to call the utility company and get the previous bills from the property. If they don’t have it (or won’t provide it) call three property managers and ask them to give you estimates for a similar home. They almost always will have this info on hand as this is a question they get asked a lot.
2. Check the EnergyStar.gov site and get some data on the average savings* for the green features you installed.
* You’ll see in the example below how this all ties together.
3. Call your local utility company and get their data on their estimated average savings for the green features you installed. It’s very important that you use the local utility where the property is located.
4. Take the savings percentage and figure the total amount the new buyer is going to save monthly and annually.
EXAMPLE:
▪ You are selling an investment property in a neighborhood where comps are approx. $300K. You can sell your place for $300K and anything you get above that is additional profit. To make the math easy let’s also assume that a typical mortgage payment on a $300K property is $3000/month. Let’s say you installed a water heater blanket, weather stripping, foam gaskets, sink and shower aerators and blown insulation in the exterior walls.
▪ After going through past bills and calling the utility company you see that an average bills are $300-$400 a month for all utilities in this neighborhood for this size house, broken down as follows:
▪ Water is 50% of the bill ($150)
▪ Gas and electric are 50% of the bill ($150)
▪ Based on Energy Star and your local utility company data, you are going to save 50% of your water expense based on the green improvements you made. That equates to $75 saved every month.
▪ Based on Energy Star and your local utility company data, you are going to save 60% of your gas and electricity expense based on the green improvements you made. That equates to $90 saved every month.
▪ Your total projected utility bill is now $135 instead of $300. Comp utility bills are still $300 so the buyer who buys your home saves $1980 a year and $9900 in 5 years.
▪ Here are the impacts to you as the seller:
▪ Your property is more valuable than any other in the neighborhood because it costs less to live there.
▪ You can sell your property much faster (no competition, saves $).
▪ You can sell it for a higher price* since over the long term it will cost the buyer less utility expenses.
5. *Email me directly if you’d like a copy of a spreadsheet we created to determine the exact break-point of additional profits you can gain on any deal while still having the buyer pay less per month than a comp. On this deal it would have been approx. $18,000 in additional profit to the investor.
 Adding green improvements to a property is great! Great for the buyer, the environment, our future, etc. For it truly to be great for you you must know exactly how to quantify those features so you can see what additional profits you are earning.
For all your green real estate concerns and suggestions, please contact me: Victoria Wells, Green MBA Sustainable Enterprises, Eco-Broker, vwells@greenmba.com, 415-710-4090

Going Green this Summer? Quick Tips for Your Landscape, Pool and Spa

Landscape
Plant a tree. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses for cooling Consider water use when replacing the irrigation system—native plants are well adapted to the amount of water your community usually gets and will cut down on overall watering needs.
Replace outdoor floodlights with compact-fluorescent versions—they’re just as bright and use 1/4 the energy.
Replace low-wattage halogen landscape bulbs with LED versions. They cut energy use by over 80% and can last for 10 years or more.
Install motion sensors on any nonessential lights. New versions just screw right into your existing light socket. A typical 100-watt floodlight, used six hours per day, can consume up to $40 of electricity a year.
Consider solar-powered outdoor lighting for walks, paths and more.
Pool and Spa
Consider a time clock that will give you day-to-day, automatic control over your filter’s and heater’s hours of operation.Consider replacing your old pump. Pools
are commonly equipped with larger pumps than needed. Replacing an oversized pool
pump—even one in good working order— with a smaller, energy-efficient pump is an
investment that usually pays for itself in just two to four years.
Go solar as solar pool heating systems are especially effective during the summer months and can back up a regular pool heater in the spring and the fall. A solar pool heating system can be a significant investment, so make sure the savings have a payback time of less than, or equal to, the useful life of the equipment.

Celebrate Earth Day 2011

Celebrate Earth Day with These Natural Air Freshener Alternatives
Commercial air fresheners don’t remove odors, they just mask them—and coat your nasal passages in the process, which diminish- your sense of smell. If you have a stubborn odor lingering in your home, try one of these natural air freshening alternatives instead:
● Place small bowls of baking soda in bathrooms, kitchens and hall closets
● Grind lemon or orange peels in the garbage disposal
● Simmer cinnamon or cloves in a few inches of water on the stovetop
● Open your windows to keep the air circulating and to prevent odors from lingering
Victoria Wells/broker associate
Bradley Real Estate
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-710-4090

Spring Home Checkup

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring leaky basements, moldy walls and costly cleanup.
Regular maintenance on the outside of your home could save you thousands of dollars. Jeff Sciaudone, Director of Engineering for the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says, “You can take a few hours to do a Spring maintenance check—or you can wait for a storm to come along and show you where your home’s weaknesses are.”
IBHS recommends taking the following steps:
● Make sure gutters are clean and stable. This ensures proper drainage and lessens the chance they will become flying debris in high wind.
● While you’re there, examine fascia or soffit boards. If they are rotting or soft, they may allow rain into your attic or atop interior walls.
● Make sure downspouts are sloping away from the house and carrying water at least five feet away from foundation walls.
● Lawn sprinkler heads should not spray the walls of the house. This moisture can lead to unwanted growths, wall failure, and other destructive moisture problems.
● Examine your roof carefully, looking for worn, curled or missing shingles.
● If you can’t inspect your roof easily, your attic is the next best place to check for problems. Look for moisture or surface discoloration—and do this every time you go into the attic. The earlier you find a roofing problem, the better.
● Examine window and door flashing, seals or weather-stripping. If sealants around those openings are no longer pliable and continuous, reseal and caulk them.
● When planning home improvements, consider products and techniques that will increase your home’s disaster resistance. Choose roofing materials, for example, that are rated for wind, fire and impact- resistance.
Source: Institute for Business and Home Safety. IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
http://www.weather.com/outdoors/home-improvement/home-tips/ spring-checkup_2010-08-24