Captain Kauf's Blog

Bettendorf, IA Green Home Built for Educational Purposes

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:21:17 -0700

A few days ago our local newspaper, the Quad City Times, reported on a story pertaining to future green construction in one of the fastest growing parts of Bettendorf, IA. It was said that members of the Quad City Home Builders Association (QCHBA) were going to donate their time and provide materials at cost for the construction of a 1900sf ranch built to the Silver Award level set forth by the National Association of Home Builders. Ryan Windmiller of Aspen Homes was chosen to oversee ("general") the project. What they didn't elaborate on was what the specific level(s) entailed. Here's my interpretation on the subject.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB.) has three main levels of green building; the bronze, silver & gold. The National Green Building Standard recently added a much more difficult to obtain classification of Emerald. I don't know much about the Emerald so I'll stick to the main three.

To go from the Bronze level to the Silver requires a significant increase in the amount of resources, efficient & sustainable products & overall preparation and education. There is a point system to determine the level of green building. For example, the bronze level requires accrued points of 237, were as the Silver requires 311 points. The Gold is measure by 395 points. Ok, so what does that mean?

There are 7 main categories with several additional subcategories to determine the point value. They are as follows:

Lot design, preparation and development = bronze: 8 Silver: 10 gold: 12 This may consist of utilizing existing trees on the building site, constructing on site storm water management such as rain gardens, rain barrels, detention ponds, etc. Also included would be the overall orientation of how the house sits on the lot to maximize passive solar and/or natural daylighting. The builder can also earn points if they choose to build on an infill lot or greyfield site.
Resource efficiency = 44/60/77 Reducing job site waste by reusing and recycling materials, using sustainable and/or rapidly renewable products all while considering a products life-cycle and environmental impact. Using pre-cut or panelized framing systems will also earn the builder several points because this usually results in less waste.
Energy efficiency = 37/62/100 This category may be self-explanatory. The home must have a 3rd party verification test and must test at least 30% more efficient than a traditionally built home to acquire the Silver level. Going beyond the efficiency within the home and also considering the energy consumption while building the home. As you can imagine this is one of the highest priorities used to determine the appropriate levels.
Water efficiency = 6/13/19 This may include using drought tolerant landscaping (zeriscaping), low flow water fixtures, grey water systems, location of water heater, etc.
Indoor environmental quality = 32/54/72 Another very important issue of green building. This boils down to the steps taken to improve the indoor air quality within the home. By filtering the air, bringing fresh air in, using products like low/no volatile organic compound (VOC) paints & minimizing potential sources of pollutants.
Operation, maintenance & Homeowner education = 7/7/9 If the homeowner does not maintain or make use of the efficient resources it basically defeats the purpose of green building. The homeowner often times will be given a manual and/or educated on how to properly operate the home as a system. The homeowner will also have information pertaining to the use of non-toxic chemical cleaners and eliminating the need for fertilizers or pesticides.
Global impact = 3/5/6

* Plus an additional 100 points from any of the above mention categories

As you can see there are a lot of determining factors. I hope this clears things up for anyone left confused after reading the QC Times article, 'Green' house: Demo home will help educate public, builders. For more detailed information on the Green Building Techniques you can visit the NAHB project certification website.

Life-long resident of the Iowa Quad Cities specializing in residential new construction, resales, investment properties and lots and land. Assisting buyers and sellers in Davenport, Bettendorf, the surrounding Scott and Clinton counties. Licensed in Iowa.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Eagle Ridge Announces Spring (recession) Pricing!

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:04:10 -0800

Effective immediately for a limited time Eagle Ridge Subdivision is offering large discounts on many of our lots. We now have an entry level price of $39,900 down from $47,500. Many lots have been reduced by $5,000.

Eagle Ridge is located on the outskirts of Davenport, IA and offer low county taxes. The minimum size lots are nearly ¾'s of an acre on up and allow for detached buildings/garages. The subdivision will accommodate Passive Solar, Natural Daylighting, and has been graded to reduced storm water run off.

We currently have two spec homes built and available for purchase. First, is a 1,552sf, 3Br, 2Bath ranch priced at $269,900 and listed with Mel Foster Co. This home has a 3 car garage and a walk-out basement.

Second is a 1,595sf, 3Br, 3Bath, 3 car garage. This home is priced at $274,900 and listed with Ruhl & Ruhl.

To view more details including, plat map, pricing or covenants please visit www.qceagleridge.com. For more info on our spec homes please email ckaufmann@melfosterco.com or call 563.570.1106 for a list of specifics.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

New Home Saves 20-30% on Utility Bills

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:51:16 -0800

The Quad City, IA real estate market is lacking one thing; the amount of homes which meet or exceed an Energy Efficient Rating System.

Many regions of the country offer different guidelines to build green. Some of which consist of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Built Green Colorado, Green Built Home in Milwaukee or perhaps a more common name, Energy Star. Mid American Energy, our local utility provider even offers an EnergyAdvantage® New Homes Program. My point here is that there are many resources for new home builders to use so they can build a more efficient, more comfortable home. So why aren't we seeing more builders take advantage? After all, it seems to be the direction in which the real estate market is heading.

Well, Dan Dolan of Dan Dolan Homes is one such builder who uses the resources available for him to build efficient town houses and single family homes in and around the Quad Cities. One home in particular that Dan has built to an Energy Star Rating is currently listed for sale in Blue Grass, IA. I have priced this home at $219,900 and it offers 1,628sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths , 3 car garage and it qualifies for an Energy Efficient Mortgage. You can find more details, building techniques and pictures at www.602DanielleCt.com. Please visit Dan and I at our open house Sunday February 8th or Sunday the 15th from 12-4. We have many lots available and we build to suit.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Chris Kaufmann, Realtor, Featured In November Issue Of Radish Magazine

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:14:15 -0800

The following is taken from the November issue of Radish Magazine.

EcoBrokers

Find a green home with help from the pros

By Steve Trainor

Looking to buy a green home, but not sure exactly where to look or what it should include? You might consider hiring an EcoBroker to help.

EcoBrokers are licensed real estate agents who have been certified by EcoBroker International of Evergreen, Colo. The program teaches agents how to best help buyers and sellers of houses with green features and provides extra instruction in various environmental areas relating to green home features and construction. Topics covered include radon, asbestos, lead, water, mold, indoor air quality, energy efficiency technologies, sustainable energy options and mortgage options that award up to $15,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements for a home.

"Green living is becoming more and more popular," says EcoBroker Chris Kaufmann of Mel Foster Co. in Davenport, Iowa. "Combined with the high cost of everything, it helps people get the extra edge and more value for their money."

Three other EcoBrokers are currently in the Iowa Radish region, according to EcoBroker.com: Linda Thrasher, Remax Real Estate Centre (Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and Cedar Rapids); Chris Mottinger, Solon; and Verne Folkmann, Lepic-Kroeger Realtors, Coralville. All took online or classroom courses, did research and took tests, which included essays.

In the current tight economy, Thrasher says that more buyers are demanding energy efficiency in their homes. "That's a big selling point. People want value and are willing to pay for it," she says.

But buyers who want the greenest home they can afford often don't know where to go or whom to ask. "That's where we come in," says Kaufmann.

If you don't have an EcoBroker, there still are questions you can ask while you're shopping for an environmentally-friendly home. Here are several that Kaufmann and Thrasher suggest:

· Does the home have Energy Star appliances?

· How new and efficient are the air conditioner, furnace and water heater?

· Are the faucets and toilets "low-flow" (do they conserve water)?

· Is the flooring made from salvaged and/or recycled materials?

· Does the energy provider offer rebates to offset the cost of a new water heater or furnace?

• Does the carpet contain the preservative formaldehyde?

To determine how eco-friendly a home is, EcoBrokers use a checklist of 19 categories that cover everything from the roof to the landscape. The list contains almost 150 specific items.

Thrasher insists that there are enough green homes out there because many are equipped with Energy Star appliances - and appliances consume about 45 percent of the energy used in a home.

She says that being an EcoBroker excites her. "I get calls on what to do or use. I'm an eco-resource!" she says.

If a new home is what you want, most builders are happy to work with their clients to incorporate green design and amenities in a building plan. Thrasher and Kaufmann say that Dan Dolan Homes is one such builder, who has done ecofriendly homes in Davenport, Muscatine and Iowa City.

It's also possible to get a green loan for the eco-friendly home you choose. Green lenders are mortgage experts who can provide reduced interest rates, lower closing costs or energy analyses that allow buyers to set aside funds to make energy improvements later. Countrywide and Wells Fargo are two such lenders, the EcoBrokers say.

Want to green up the home you're in? They say that you can retrofit your home, making it a bit more eco-friendly as opportunities present themselves. You can replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances. You also can test for radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer. They highly recommend a licensed radon test, saying that do-it-yourself kits aren't nearly as good.

With healthy, low-impact, efficient homes, Thrasher and Kaufmann are trying to ensure a better future for everyone.

"I'm kind of surprised I'm the only EcoBroker in the Quad-Cities metro area," muses Kaufmann. Maybe not for long.

About Radish:
Radish magazine is a guide to improving your health through the natural foods, products and services of western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Editorial content is geared to reflect lifestyle choices that lead to self-renewal and renewal of resources and includes information, news and advice on diet, cooking, health and fitness. Radish is published monthly and distributed free at farmers' markets, food stores, fitness clubs, libraries and health-care facilities.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Only a few months left to tour the Smart Home: Green + Wired

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:34:10 -0800

The Smart Home is an unbelievable home which was built as a full scale exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. The home was constructed in part with wired magazine and was built to the nine with the latest in efficient technology.

The home was designed by San Francisco architect, Michelle Kaufmann, (my sister...yeah, I like to brag) and erected by All American Homes. Michelle designs and builds sustainable, efficient modular homes & multi family buildings (like the mkSolaire in Chicago) for anyone wishing to drastically reduce their carbon footprint and live a much more comfortable lifestyle.

The following was taken from from www.msichicago.org:

"You're invited to explore a real, three-story modular and sustainable "green" home in the Museum's own backyard to learn about the ways, big and small, that you can make eco-friendly living a part of your life.

The home, conceived by Michelle Kaufmann Designs and built by All American Homes, forms the exhibit Smart Home: Green + Wired, Powered by ComEd and Warmed by Peoples Gas, which is open through January 4, 2009.

Celebrating exciting new directions in sustainable living and spectacular, environmentally-friendly technology, Smart Home offers guests guided tours of the 2,500 square-foot home and grounds, located in a park on the east side of the Museum. Bring your family to discover the latest innovations in reusable resources; smart energy consumption; sustainable gardens and green roofs; and clean, healthy-living environments in a contemporary setting."

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Executive home available in Muscatine, IA

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:07:45 -0800

The following prestigious home, located between Davenport, IA & Muscatine, IA, has recently been added to Chris Kaufmann's portfolio of available real estate. We are listed at $389,900 with over 4,000sf ($96/sf), 4 Br's, 6+ car garage and originally built in 2000. Also included are many energy efficient features and a building orientation designed to save you hundreds every year. You can view more pictures at www.3486BigSky.com

Enjoy a gracious lifestyle in this spacious 2 story situated atop an acre of land surrounded by expansive views of the Mississippi River. The interior features a dramatic floor plan and grand foyer that accentuates the 10'+ ceilings on both the main and upper levels. Sunshine floods virtually every room due to the unobstructed southern exposure. The elegant living room offers floor to ceiling windows, 21 ft high ceilings and hardwood throughout. The estate clearly promotes entertaining with its colossal kitchen including cherry Legacy cabinets, corian counters, 2 eat-in areas plus a breakfast bar and a large built-in desk. Off the living room is a game room (pool table negotiable) and a newly installed wet bar. This room also has access to the 14x42 deck overlooking the river. The second level has 4 Br's and 2 full baths. The master Br is like no other with its sheer size fit for a king and queen. The sumptuous master bath boasts double vanities, a shower with dual shower heads and body jets and a large Jacuzzi tub for hours of relaxation. For the toy enthusiasts a very large 3 car garage was recently added to the side of the home eliminating the side-load garage underneath. This home now offers a 3 car up and a 3+ car below. The main level garage has attic storage, a large 9' high 3rd stall door and stairs leading to the lower level garage giving you easy access to all your toys. Even Jay Leno would be amazed by the endless opportunities this garage offers.

This home is maintained by 2 heating and cooling systems allowing the buyer to zone certain parts of the house when not in use. Don't let the square footage scare you. Both furnaces are 96% efficient which out performs 96% of new homes built today. Combined with the southern exposure and vast windows, the buyer can feel more comfortable in the winter without the need to run the furnaces. The hot water heater has been equipped with a recirculating pump which maintains a constant flow of hot water throughout the home. This would be the next best thing to an on demand hot water heater. These energy efficient elements will save you hundreds of dollars a year.

River Station is a prestigious subdivision in an expanding area just outside the Quad Cities and less than 8 miles from Muscatine. Also nearby is the Fairport Landing Marina and Restaurant. There are 8 homes currently constructed in River Station each of which has at least a 1 acre lot. Currently the assessed cost/sq. ft. value is $162.08/sf. Compare that to our currently listed $96/sf. This is an extremely good value and a dream come true!

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Energy Efficient Mortgages an Untapped Resource in the Quad Cities

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:25:55 -0700

Upon reading this most of you are probably unaware such a thing even exists. I was also oblivious to Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM's) and I sell real estate for a living. It was only after entering into my EcoBroker® Certification course several months back that Energy Efficient Mortgages were brought to my attention. Subsequently, I checked with a couple local Quad City lenders who were listed as qualified EEM providers to see exactly what kind of demand existed, if any, for this type of financing. Without surprise I discovered that the idea of even a green home existing in the Quad Cities was almost as rare as the EEM's in question. According to both lenders I spoke with, they acknowledged that such a financing tool existed however, there simply was not a demand for it. HELLO! Talk about a niche market. In my opinion it's because the general public does not know a financing tool exists. There may be a little more work involved with closing these types of loans but, let's consider the long term benefits. After all that's what being green is all about.

Keep in mind while reading this that I am not an expert in the field of Energy Efficient Mortgages. Each lender has their own unique criteria & guidelines they go by. If any of you would like to contact me and get the list of lenders available for this type of financing I would be happy to get that to you.

The nuts and bolts of obtaining an EEM are pretty strait forward. The home in question will first need to have a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) done to determine a couple things. Number one, Is the home already energy efficient, and if so how much? Is it Energy Star Rated or better yet, LEED Certified? Second, the HERS report should also include any potential upgrades to make the home more efficient and how much those improvements will cost. The third and final determination will be the overall cost savings on utility bills by adapting these changes and improvements. The lender will analyze the information provided in the report and determine which EEM is most suitable. Wait a minute, there is more than one type of EEM?? Yes, there may be several variations and options for the borrower to consider.

The Energy Efficient Mortgage has two main categories and different options under each one. The first is the basic Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) which generally relates to homes that are already Energy Star Rated or LEED Certified. The borrower can benefit from reduced closing costs, a slightly cheaper interest rate or the ability to finance a bigger more expensive home. The buyer can get themselves into a bigger home due to the lenders ability to stretch out the borrower's debt-to-income ratios. This can be done because of the proposed savings on future utility bills.

The second and more common EEM is the Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM). These are used to purchase new or existing homes that will have energy efficiency improvements made to them. EIMs allow borrowers to include 100% of the cost of energy efficiency improvements to an existing home in the mortgage. EIMs allow the borrower to use the money saved in utility bills to finance energy improvements. Under the EIM fall different guidelines depending on whether the buyer is approved conventionally, through FHA (Federal Housing Authority) or VA (Department of Veteran Affairs). I will allow your lender (available upon request) to discuss the actual guidelines on the above mention loans.

Ultimately, the EEM allows a buyer to capitalize on being green. Click the link to see an example of how savings can occur from making a few efficient improvements. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/energy_mort/energy-mortgage.htm

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Tomato Alert, Buy Local

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:56:59 -0700

It appears as though the FDA has completed the traceback of salmonella in tomato's. They have found that the infected tomato's came from certain farms in Mexico and Florida and are searching out other cases that may have occurred in parts of Texas. Currently the FDA is recommending the consumption of raw red plum, raw red roma and raw red round tomatoes that come from places other than the above mention areas.

Since I was unsure of what exactly salmonella was I had to look it up the other day. The following definition came from the Center for Disease and Digestive Health:

What is salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

What's key here, is the importance of buying local. Perhaps I should have elaborated on this in my previous tomato post. Buying local gives consumers a bit of added reassurance that the tomatoes they are buying have not been through the questionable "harvesting" process as seen in Florida and Mexico. Locally grown and sold means that less people are handling the tomatoes. The more people who handle it, the higher the risk of any type of food-borne illness. Here are a few additional reasons to buy locally:

* Eating local means more for the local economy.

* Locally grown produce is fresher and generally cleaner.

* Supporting local providers supports responsible land development. When you buy local, you give those with local open space - farms and pastures - an economic reason to stay open and undeveloped.

* Eating local is better for air quality and pollution. Produce sold in supermarkets has traveled an average of 1,300 miles from farm to shelf, which greatly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

* Buying local food keeps us in touch with the seasons. By eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive.

* Local food translates to more variety. Local farmers are free to try small crops of various fruits and vegetables that would probably never make it to a large supermarket.

* Local food just plain tastes better. Ever tried a tomato that was picked within 24 hours?

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Quad City Hypermiler

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:11:31 -0700

Here's a new idea, or should I say, an old idea finaly gaining recognition. A month or so ago I overheard an interview on Dwyer & Michaels (a local radio talk show). Something about a guy who gets some 50-60 miles to the gallon in his cavalier by "hypermiling". I didn't think much of it at the time but, after my wife said something I decided to try it out. Basically, its improving your current driving style to get better gas mileage.

First thing I did was increase the air pressure in my SUV tires (and of course my wifes tires as well). At a glance they looked to be relatively full. Nope, 28 psi on a tire rated for 45 psi. And here I thought I took care of my vehicles. So filled them to about 44 psi all around.

Second, I checked my air filter and all fluids. Everything looked good. I figured I better wash it while I was at it, but thats just me. Really had nothing to do with fuel economy. If I was going to start driving like an 89 year old I might as well look clean doing it.

So I set out to the open road. Believe it or not I could immediately notice a difference in my coasting abilities with the increase in air pressure. I thought, this is going to be great! I have a Chevy Trailblazer which keeps track of my average mpg and the current mpg. This makes it much easier than keeping track of your mileage at the gas pump. So I reset my average consumption and watched it for a while.

The key to hypermiling is common sense; being able to see down the road and anticipate what's going to happen. If you see a light down the road turn yellow, let off the gas. If you see a car down the road brake, let off the gas. This isn't racket science here, simply common sense. Actually, I was surprised that hypermiling doesn't even make me look like an elderly defensive driver.

So what's the result? In addition to saving on my brake pads, the wear and tear on my engine from all the stop and go, I have seen (according to my digital read-out) about 2 mpg increase. For all you Trailblazer owners out there, I was getting in the neighborhood of 15.4 mpg before this. I now see about 17.3 mpg in city driving conditions.

I will be the first to tell you that in order to effectively hypermile the driver must be alert and aware at all times. As a Realtor I do a lot of driving and half the time I am on the phone while doing it. That makes me less aware of whats going on around me. As a result my hypermiling may not be as effective as it could be. Do a little research on your own to see what factors you could change with your driving. What could it possible hurt?

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Mid American Energy offers free energy audit

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:00:50 -0700

If you think going green will cost you more than its worth, think again. In the Iowa Quad Cities Mid American Energy offers a free energy audit upon request. I belie they call it an energy home check because it is not a full fledge energy audit. The only catch is that; 1) you must be a current customer of Mid American and 2) the requested home must be at least 10 years old.

Simply call 800-545-0762 and ask for the energy check. They will schedule for an auditor to come to your house and assess the home for efficiency. They will also analyze your utility bills and determine where you are spending your money and how much of it goes where. The auditor may also:

Install up to 6 efficient light bulbs
Install a water heater blanket
Install up to two low flow shower heads
Low flow sink aerators may be installed in bathrooms and kitchen sinks
Install a couple pieces of hot water pipe insulating foam
Upon request the auditor can install a programable thermostat for $30 ($55 +/- value)

If the auditor determines that there is insufficient insulation in the homes attic and/or exterior walls they will calculate an approximate cost for adding insulation. Since Mid American offers a rebate on adding insulation it is common that the pay back period may only be a couple years. Currently, the rebate is 70% of the installed cost not to exceed $600. The blown in insulation is relatively inexpensive and therefore a homes exterior walls can be done for not much more than that.

This is a field I was trained in. I used to be one of those auditors and I bring that added knowledge to the table in my real estate business. My clients can benefit knowing that their agent is well informed in energy efficiency. If you have any questions or comments on how else we can increase our homes comfort feel free to post under this entry.

To do a search for green homes visit my site http://www.thebuyandsellguy.com/ and click on the "property search" tab.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Davenport, Iowa subdivision offers green capabilities

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:28:40 -0700

Eagle Ridge is a new single family residential development on the west end of Davenport, Iowa within Scott County limits. The exact location lies on the south east corner of hwy 61 south and 100th Ave. Map As you can see from the map this neighborhood has close access to many highways, West Lake Park, The Mississippi River, award winning schools and downtown Davenport.

Eagle Ridge offers unusually large lots for a residential subdivision. Lots range from .69 acres to 1.4 acres. The land is quite hilly and thus, 50% of these lots offer walk-out & daylight capabilities. For those of you who enjoy your garages, most of these lots will also allow for a detached garage or large building not to exceed 30x40 with a maximum side height of 16'. How's that for a garage?

In addition to paying low county taxes the Eagle Ridge subdivision also offers city water. The only utility not in place is the sewer. Owners will need to put in a septic system which should run between $5,500 & $7,000.

Now for the environmentally friendly options. This subdivision has been graded in such a way that any build up of storm water will drain away from a structure and back into the ground, not into the sewer. This will eliminate excess rain water run-off into our creeks and rivers thus, helping to eliminate water pollution.

Another potential for Eagle Ridge is the use of passive solar technologies (an entry will be added soon with additional info on passive solar. Make sure to subscribe via email so you don't miss it). Many of these lots face south or north and therefore the orientation of the home can be designed around capturing the sunlight in the winter and keeping it out in the summer. Along these same lines, natural daylighting can be designed into the home also. People would be surprised to hear that they can save an average of 15%-30% on their heating bill by using the sun in the winter months to help heat the home. Ground-loop and ground-water heat pumps (Geo-Thermal) can also be used within Eagle Ridge.

As you can see this Scott County subdivision is very versatile and can suit the needs of many. Lot pricing starts at $47,500. Visit www.QCEagleRidge.com if you would like a copy of the plat and covenants. To discuss further energy efficient options don't hesitate to call 563.570.1106.

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Smart Home: Green + Wired, Science & Industry Museum

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:23:30 -0700

I am glad to see a group of us here in the Active Rain community. I acquired my EcoBroker Certification about a month ago and I have been trying to position myself as the local eco-Realtor through print materials, websites and my new blog. I have been talking "green" until I'm "blue" in the face. I am the only EcoBroker within a 50 mile radius (and only a couple exist in a hundred mile radius) of my market area. No one here has any idea that a green certification even exists. So it's been fun answering the question, "What in the world is an EcoBroker?" It's kind of like running into someone you haven't spoken with in a while and them asking you "So, how is the market doing?" I think you all know what I am talking about; that same question can grow tiresome.

Anyway, my post is about an unbelievable home which was built as a full scale exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. The home was constructed in part with wired magazine and was built to the nine with the latest in efficient technology.

The home was designed by San Francisco architect, Michelle Kaufmann, (my sister...yeah, I like to brag) and erected by All American Homes. Michelle designs and builds sustainable, efficient modular homes (like the mkSolaire in Chicago) for anyone wishing to drastically reduce their carbon footprint.

I took a tour of this home just after the grand opening. I was extremely impressed with the home from the minute I walked through the front door. On top of that, it was something my very own sister has accomplished and for that I could not be more proud. If any of you are in the Chicago area between now and January 2009, I highly recommend you check this fabulous home out. I know all of you EcoBrokers' will appreciate and enjoy this type of technology. Her styles are taking off so fast that pretty soon it will be in your market area.

The following was taken from from www.msichicago.org:

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106

Subscribe today for ways in which to green-up your lifestyle www.GetSmartBeforeYouBuy.com

Chris Kaufmann ABR, CREN, e-PRO, EcoBroker® (Mel Foster Co) — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:02:33 -0700

I just wanted to announce my new web blog that covers many different eco technologies, efficient living and ways to incorporate energy efficiency into real estate and into our lives. Check it out and subscribe for free. Visit: www.GetSmartBeforeYouBuy.com

The Quad Cites only Certified EcoBroker®

Mel Foster Co. l 2215 E Kimberly Rd. l Davenport, IA 52807

www.qcAreaHomes.com

ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

563.570.1106