The Real McCoy

I came across an article the other day that stated a homes performance was as equal to...

2008-03-03T19:30:03Z

the aesthetics of the home. It caused me to reflect, "are people still concerned about the style of the home or have they shifted at least a bit to the performance of the home." Energy bills are getting noticed perhaps more then what a home looks like or is it still to soon for that tipping point?

Now I realise there will always be people that don't care what their bills are..they live in that life style. But there are some that are concerned about the carbon footprint of their home and the stress on the grid I believe.

I am not sure what to think exactly!

Performance vs. Pretty

2008-02-26T13:37:29Z

What do you think about this? I went to Central Oregon last summer and participated a judge in the Central Oregon Builders Association Tour of Homes for Energy Star and EarthAdvantage newly constructed Homes...amazingly beautiful homes. Our group consisted of Energy Star and Earth Advantage Builders and my self a Certified EcoBroker® and an EarthAdvantage Graduate....

We crossed paths with the judges inspecting for the "aesthetics" of the homes value. I overheard them speaking to each other on the nice tile and moulding and various aesthetic features of the home and my judging team was busy determining things such as; efficiency, healthfulness for living, water savings, lighting and HVAC system.

It caused me to wonder are these two areas-homes performance vs. beautiful features- equal in value with todays world for people in general? What do you think?

So Many Certifications to choose from?

2008-02-26T00:00:17Z

The news paper called me on Monday...in preparing an article about our Multi Listing Service adding 3 green certifications to our listing paper work. True story! A serious and eventful mile stone in our communities' history of going green. The certifications will be Energy Star, Earth Advantage and LEED-H and for commercial. It is a beginning and adds credibility to the effort to get the information out about the incentives for building green and sustainable homes.

During the interview the writer asked about the certification programs and as I explained them he suggested they were to confusing and there were to many for a builder to choose from. He wouldn't know what to do!

That is when it all came together for me.

My adrenaline perked up a bit and I fired back, "what does a contractor do when they choose a truck? When we wade into the arena of the innumerable, countless numbers of vehicles to choose from it can be overwhelming. If one is analytical the least bit there is more frustration ahead as the choices are mulled over. What kind of gas mileage does it get? Is it safe? Will it handle a load? Does it corner well? What does Consumer Reports have to say about this model over that model? There are cars and trucks for nearly every personality it seems. Do we all get confused? Some folks do their due diligence when buying a vehicle others might only go on referral. I like Chevy Trucks because my Grandpa and Dad drove Chevy's and I believe they are a better choice. Now choices are mounting for alternative fuel vehicles."

So, to drive the point home (a pun)When a Builder comes into the good fortune of building a green, high performance home for a client he had better do his due diligence and become an expert in the various choices of the certification programs. He should be well versed in the options from Energy Star, Earth Advantage, LEED-H or our State of Oregons' new High Performance Home program and the NAHB's new program as well. How else to serve his customer?

There are various certification programs across the country and more coming I am sure. Well over 80 the last I read up on them. But they are some what regional. One certification is "Build Green Colorado" for example.

Over time some will emerge as the leaders with credibility due to their incentives and features. It will all work out and prove to be less confusing then choosing a car to drive.

Structural Insulated Panel (SIPS) in ACTION!

2008-02-23T16:42:01Z

Today was a special class on SIPS It was well attended with 45 people. Builders, architects, and myself. I was the only Realtor® An engineer presented the class in Power Point presentation...in an engineer sort of way. The interest level is high and the learning curve is growing shorter.

I helped bridge some of the communication from engineer language to builder language and point out the necessity of third party verification to certify these homes for the tax incentives and rebate opportunities.

Being well versed in this green language is an important and strategic opportunity for where the future of building is headed. I intend to be on the leading edge. How about you?

If you are interested you can see Actual application of this SIP panel can be seen on a short youtube video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyoL1II9E3Q

Also a chance to see several types of green building techniques on this site below:

They are only arguing against better built homes....

2008-02-19T21:05:50Z

I have had people attempt to argue with me (a year ago) that they are not convinced that green is the way to build and it costs too much. I simply explained they were only arguing against better built homes that are healthier, more durable, more energy efficient, last longer and are a better return on investment. Today, if you asked them, those same folks invented green.

I had an agent in my office the other day noting the articles and references to green building on my walls say, "I suppose this will catch on someday, it is probably a little to early for it yet." I mentioned, "It probably isn't to early for our heating bills this winter."

There are "early adopters" such as most of us on this Eco-All Stars Agent post and then there are the "well when it catches on I'll believe it and get involved then," types. So, the saying is true once more...there are people that make things happen, there are those that watch things happen and then there are those that wonder what in the world happened!"

Another Big Development for the Green Building Movement

2008-02-15T20:27:28Z

The National Association of Home builders has unveiled their new Green Building Program on THursday. Valentines Day. The National Convention was abuzz with over 200 green exhibitors dedicated to Green Building. Green Day activities include the launch of NAHB's new green building initiatives, and a full day's worth of green educational seminars.

Energy, water and resource efficiency; lot and site development; indoor environmental quality and homeowner education are all included in the guidelines. To read the entire 1 page article and stay with the times click on the Logo Link below.

But a garbage dump for 3 million people?

2008-02-15T10:03:07Z

On an interesting note I was in China in the Fall of '05. I headed up a trade delegation from the State of Oregon with some Environmental Business folks and an aspiring politician running for State Legislature. The EPA of sorts catered to our group as we were there to team up with an environmental company being run by my father. His connections allowed us to be pampered by the Chinese Government and we were there to help them solve some of their environmental challenges.

Those challenges make ours in the US look like a mole mound next to a volcano. Speaking of volcanoes, while we were visiting with Mayors and Vice Mayors and Governors at an international Trade Show in Xiamen, Fugian in South Eastern China we took an excursion a few hours north to the capitol city Fuzhou. This city had a population that equaled the entire State of Oregon. The EPA put us up in a billion dollar hotel with lavish everything, spent the night and the next morning we all jumped in vans and went to visit the local dump. Quite the contrast. It was about 40 minutes out of town and around 7000 feet above the city on top of a volcano. It seems some years prior an engineer came up with a seemingly brilliant idea to turn the vast volcano into a dump for this massive city's garbage. He even won some kind of award for this wonderful idea.

Well, the days of reckoning finally arrived. Not only had the river below been completely polluted for years and unusable from the leaching of the garbage from the rains draining into the river far below, but the silly thing was nearly full. Our job was to figure out what to do and let them think it was their idea. So we did. Simply shut it down while building a transfer station with a complete recycling facility to handle the waste. Generate electricity for the city from some of the refuse...some one else must have won that award we sure didn't...let alone get paid. But now and again I stop and reflect.. "what if that thing ever erupted? Eeeuuu!"

Okay, This Short Sale world we have been experiencing has inspired me to ask you

2008-02-12T00:10:56Z

if you have had any experience with short sales....when you finally had a successful closing, what was the final result in sales price?

A. Was the final price at the market..?

B. Just under the market..?

C. Way under the market..?

I have seen some incredible deals on national news that we are not seeing in our area of the country. We are seeing the banks take a very tough stand, playing their hand within a few thousand of the comps. They do seem to be relying strongly on the Agent Opinions during the short sale process in our area.

I just had a deal go belly up when the bank would not come off of their price within $5k of my clients highest and best per their Lender.

I think it would be interesting for everyone if you would take just a minute and share your insight on the banks dealings in your area.

Home Builders Show a Success and Green is the Buzz!

2008-02-11T22:21:18Z

I absolutely exhausted myself this weekend while running a Home Show Booth that was geared toward Green Building. From Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon I sang the praises of energy efficient, healthy, low maintenance and better built, high performance homes.

The local television media paid their annual visit and went through the motions only this time they found new energy and vitality in reporting the "Green Side"of the show. Everyone they interviewed spoke of the eco-friendly aspects of their business...from window suppliers to landscapers they all had a shade of green to report.

While running a booth that shared the varying benefits and differences of green homes I visited with people casually interested to voraciously intense about their awareness of green. Solar was a hot topic. Retrofitting solar panels was high on the list of "things I have to do" they said. Also, comments such as; "I just built a house and my heating bills are over $500 per month, what can I do"? The most gratifying communication commenced when they said, "I am going to build and I want to build green!"

One on One and High Touch I created 15 solid "wanna build green", leads, 27 "I need to sell some real estate", and several "I know someone who wants to buy".

I sold a dozen Oregon Green Homes documentaries, (a 60 minute show I developed for TV and DVD)

The most satisfying development of all was the local Home Builders Association finally waking up to the fact it isn't politically correct to hold back the emerging green market.

Okay, so there is mercury in CFL's -but how much?

2008-02-11T21:49:36Z

Mercury in Compact Flourescent Ligtbulbs...but not much.

CFL's contain a very small amount of mercury in the tubing which is about 5 milligrams. This is reported to cover the tip of a ball point pen. A regular thermometer contains about 500 milligrams which means it would take about 100 broken CFL light bulbs to equal the older thermometer.

Try this on for size!

Also, If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light over 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in yearly energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of over 800,000 cars.

High Tech or High Touch? Nothing beats meeting new clients to do business with

2008-02-08T08:55:27Z

like meeting them face to face. With all of the Internet, advertising of all kinds and phone calls it is clear to me that a good old fashioned hand shake and a "how do- you- do" goes further in finding listings or Buyers in our high tech, low touch world. It is just to easy for folks to say no, be rude or leave you hanging (which is rude) through the e-commerce net work. I'll bet you have noticed this to.

Case in point: I walked into the local sign shop, ordered a sign rider and the owner said "My employee is looking for a Realtor"...I met the employee, learned he had a property to sell and began making plans right on the spot to list and sell the property. I bought the sign, spent $12.00 and determined that this was the least expensive, quality lead I have earned in a long time!

I have spent countless hours attending my web site, sending out email newsletters and mailing fliers or postcards with little to zero results. So, back to basics. I am returning to high touch! I have been making every opportunity to meet people in the field and get the best shot for their business or a referral. I also learn that perhaps I don't want to do business with them which can be just as valuable.

So, this weekend I am spending many hours at our local home builders show attending a booth, circulating through the crowds, seeing familiar aquaintences and I stand to generate more leads and meet more new people then I have met over through Internet or a response from an add some where in the last six months. possibly longer.

Things are heating up in our area...

2008-02-06T21:59:30Z

of Southern Oregon. From Grants Pass To Ashland there is much happening. Not bad for February! The agents in my office are all getting busier. I am encouraged by the number of calls from signs and even my web site! I get the impression that other areas of the country are experiencing some "awakening" in the market. With rates adjusting nicely I believe it will affect the whole country for the good.

How are things looking in your neck of the woods?

Seller wanted me to hold an Auction on their house....

2008-02-04T12:37:59Z

lately open houses have largely been a waste of time and I have had success with silent bid auctions. For $12.00. I received 15 phone calls and 10 people showed up this last rainy, snowy Saturday. The $12.00 was for the Auction sign. I spent no money for advertising. My personal email list and Crags List..and the sign brought them in. The house had one bid ..(to low) and I picked up 3 clients...two of which didn't come to the auction!...The Seller was happy. It was the most action on the house since the listing began...and I was pleased I had developed more exposure for my client and myself!

What Does Green Mean? Welcome to the world of Green! Alive, refreshing, and healthy living are the thoughts that come to mind when I ponder the meaning of green!

2008-02-02T22:48:46Z

What Does Green Mean?

It is said there is nobody converted like the newly converted and that would describe me. In my recent certification as an EcoBroker and Earth Advantage STAR I have learned a tremendous amount about the changes in how we use our resources to improve our lives. The awareness is increasing and changes are taking place across the United States and around the world.

Some key trigger words you will hear in the Go Green movement are: Energy efficiency, energy savings, renewable energy and Energy Star Certified

And Earth Advantage Homes and USGBC LEED Certification.

You will read and hear about alternative fuels, renewable resources, and recycling, recyclable materials.

There will be phrases such as Energy Trust of Oregon with its' energy tax incentives, energy tax credits, energy rebates, energy efficient mortgages, Green mortgages and Green housing.

Indoor air quality, low VOC paint, Recycled carpet, bamboo flooring, low formaldehyde glues, air filtration systems, hybrid heating and air conditioning, and energy efficient appliances.

And the list goes on......

In the Green Building movement it is clear we have better built and constructed homes that are energy efficient, healthier to live in and hold more value as a result. The green builder or remodeling contractor and their client are paying closer attention to building materials that are made from recycled sources. This takes pressure off of resources.

Attention is paid to windows, doors, lighting, and insulation types, appliances of all kinds and the HVAC system and its duct work. All of these materials are available in Energy Star Rated standards or better. Energy Star is the Department of Energy's guidelines and standards that exceed building codes by 15% or more. All of this takes pressure off of the grid. The Grid meaning our typical energy source-. The power and gas companies.

Alternative Energy or renewable energy includes, solar and wind power, geothermal heating and cooling. Solar hot water heaters, photovoltaic solar systems all take pressure off of the grid and make the home more self sufficient. Our technology affords high quality and efficient hardware to run our homes and there is a pay back time. That's right! All of the appliances, heating and cooling - the whole house as a system has a longer life span then a conventionally built home and has a pay back time! When comparing a conventionally built to code home to an energy efficient home there is a time when the better built home pays for its self. Then at that point the home begins to make or save you money. That is sustainability!

There is that other word that seems to get thrown in the mix when "Go Green" comes up. Sustainable!

Was the house built with energy efficiency in mind? Was it built with environmentally friendly products...low volatile organic compounds and recycled materials, is it self sufficient if the power grid shuts down? If so, it is more sustainable then a conventionally built house.

Entire housing developments are being built with green sustainable features and techniques in other parts our country. Salem Oregon has a housing development started with all high performance, energy efficient homes, the streets are laid out for the homes to catch the most sun for solar ready applications a rain water catch system for the orchards and parks and on and on.

The future is bright and exciting for the Green building movement in America! To see an example of a green built home and all of its energy saving features you may visit my web site at the http://www.therealmccoy.us/ There you can learn more about green building and sites associated with it. Or you may visit my Documentary on Green Building http://www.oregongreenhomes.net/

This is Don McCoy, EcoBroker Certified® and EarthAdvantage S.T.A.R.to identify the Green Features and benefits for Builders and Buyers of better built, healthier and self sufficient homes. Let's Build green, Buy green and Save green!

Why Move to Southern Oregon? There is secret content within this Blog....

2008-02-02T19:41:49Z

Why Move To Southern Oregon?

OR listen on 1-800-770-6298 X 4123 24 hr recorded message

The other day I was talking with a Real Estate agent in Southern California looking to do some networking for people that want to sell their property and move to Oregon. I was incredibly surprised at his response when he questioned what we really had to offer to anyone thinking about moving someplace else. "Why move there" he asked "when most are moving to Phoenix Arizona or Las Vegas"?

It was then I realized not much has been done in promoting this "Best kept Secret" in the Pacific Northwest. That is what prompted this overview of the incredible culture and lifestyle we all enjoy in this beautiful area of the country.

This picture is around Medford Oregon. This is Don McCoy and I am a well-known real estate agent in this area. Having been raised here, it was only after years of living and traveling to other unique parts of the country both domestically and internationally that I realized how fortunate we are that live, work or retire in this amazing corner of the world.

I have had several clients that have purchased property in this community, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, that spent much time investigating rural living all over the United States and they chose to settle here. This is a place that many famous people such as artists, Hollywood movie stars and famous authors have retreated to throughout the years.

Perhaps you will move here to retire, relocate your online business, or set up a mom and pop B&B or store front of some sort. You may decide to buy a second home on the River or in the Mountains at one of the numerous Lakes. Mostly those that move here are from California and Washington and they are looking for a higher quality, slower paced life style and a great place to raise their family.

Noted in numerous national magazines this area has been in the top ten and even top 5 in the past 15 years as one of the most popular areas for senior and retirement living because of the economy, low population, mild seasons and numerous cultural events and opportunities.

With less then 400 thousand people in Jackson and Josephine Counties combined we are comprised of small towns and small cities of a few hundred in population like Wimer or Ruch or 20 to 30 thousand like Ashland or Grants Pass.

Medford is the largest populated area, considered the Heart of the Rogue Valley, it boasts a whopping 70 thousand people. Less then 10% of the population of Oregon lives in Southern Oregon.

Located about 30 miles from the boarder of California, about a 45 minute drive from Yreka and 2 and a half hours from Redding. By plane we are a bedroom community to Los Angeles, San Francisco and even Portland or Seattle with a one to two hour flight .

We are surrounded by orchards, wineries, farms, vineyards, resorts and 10 golf courses. Numerous lakes and rivers as mentioned for fishing, boating, river rafting camping, hiking. You can travel in any direction and within thirty minutes to two and a half hours you can find your self in beautiful mountainous territory. The water fronts of rivers, lakes, streams or reservoirs await you. There is even snow skiing at Mount Ashland Resort or Mount Bachelor near Sunriver. It is only a 2 to 3 hour drive to Diamond Lake, famous Crater Lake, Bend and various areas on the Pacific Coast.

An International airport, 2 major world class medical centers, large shopping centers with famous retailers, restaurants and nice Inns and Hotels to stay in while you visit property for sale here. There are world class wineries and world class entertainment. How is that possible? you may ask. A small area like this can't have that much to offer.

Well, from the world renowned Shakespearian Festivals in Ashland to the very famous Britt Festivals in Jacksonville, hosting the latest and hottest musical stars in the world -we have got it going on. Jacksonville, where gold was first discovered in Oregon, is a well preserved historic community boasting the finest shopping and dining in the entire state. The Jacksonville Inn & Restaurant is where President Bush recently stayed while campaigning in Southern Oregon.

From Universities, colleges, museums, libraries, parks, antique shops, painting galleries galore, cabaret theaters, spas, outdoor celebrations and festivals of all kinds, annual parades, car shows, rodeos, trade fairs, circuses, concerts, boat and car racing, there is more to do then anyone can keep an eye on.

Okay, now if this information so far hasn't convinced you that we have something worth looking at then that's okay. I am easy. After 35 years of business experience you can forget high-pressure sales from me. After all I am known as the "Real McCoy". The Real McCoy of Real Estate.com. I know the area well and I know the real estate market well. I am good at what I do. I can help you relocate here. I am highly automated. The internet, high community presence and various marketing techniques have placed me in the top sales position in my office of 70 agents and in the top 2 % in sales in the Southern Oregon Region.

And I can't do it all alone. I have a team to help you stay on top of this serious business of buying property. However, it can be complicated or it can be easy. Why not keep it easy? I have highly recommended agents in your area to help you in listing and selling your home where you live while you are studying the market in Southern Oregon and working with us to purchase your new home.

Beautiful view lots and new homes are being prepared and built as we speak. While you listen to this report and consider this overview of our unique area hundreds of very well constructed homes, under very strict building codes are being built.

It may be in a wonderful neighborhood near a golf course in Eagle Point or near Hyatt Lake, Lake of the Woods or Howard Prairie Resort. It could be in the mountains with acreage, which hold incredible views of the valley. It may be in East Medford near all of the high-class living near the Rogue Valley Country Club, or in sought after Ashland the home of Southern Oregon University.

Brand new green homes, with high ceilings, spacious family rooms, kitchens with cherry wood or solid oak cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, quality carpets and hardwood floors are being built for you.

he average priced homes being built today in this area range about $200 a square foot. This puts beginning prices around $300 thousand and up. And there are plenty of world class homes in the three quarter to million dollar plus range. I have sold many of these homes and together we will find a home in the price range you feel comfortable with.

Go to http://www.therealmcoyofrealestate.com/ to view some of these properties and learn even more about this interesting area.

When you come to visit and view property we know the best places to stay and eat to meet your budget. We can make arrangements to pick you up at the airport and meet you at your hotel. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Call or email me today and let's start a strategy for starting a new life!

Mt Mcloughlin

Strike While the Iron is Hot!

2008-01-31T07:05:18Z

Strike While the Iron is Hot!

February 1^st, 2008

If there ever was a time for someone to get your attention it would be now. You have been watching the real estate market and wondering, "when is the right time to buy? Have prices reached the bottom yet? Can the interest rates get any lower?"

It is easier to bend iron when it is hot.

Interest rates have dropped just to put it mildly. Housing prices have dropped, short sales are on the rise and inventories are high. This is the Perfect Storm! It is what you have been waiting for. Are you going to wait to see what happens? The best time to buy real estate is when everyone else isn't! Tire kicking days are done. Test drives are over.

Putting in low offers now will work....today. Tomorrow, the lower end market from $150 to $250 will start selling. Monthly payments around the $300's and up will start to look reasonable to more people. After a few weeks the inventories will reduce and then the prices will begin to stabilize and then Oh My Gosh!-They will begin to rise... again! It can't get any better then this.

"Flip this House", may get popular again. It won't be the glory days of '04 and '05 but it should get interesting. Your ROI should look brighter and rents should cover the mortgage payment. Look at it this way: you can see it, touch it, taste it feel it and smell it. The risk is low. This is not stock speculation.

Don't wait for Spring.

#1. Call your Lender and get pre-qualified.

#2, Get your Realtor out of their winter hibernation and have him email you listings priced about $10k above your comfort zone and below.

#3. Go see them all in the area of best equity potential.

#4. Make an offer factoring in repairs and updating, plus six months worth of payments.

#5. Keep making offers and answering counter offers until you get one.

Don't let me say I told you so. http://www.therealmccoyofrealestate.com/

What will YOU do different?

2008-01-30T21:57:51Z

What will you do Different?

Well let's see. Along with record weather we have record interest rate cuts. Defaults, short sales and foreclosures are on the rise. Home prices have dropped from their lofty and wishful altitudes. In some parts of the country banks are unloading properties en masse. Investors are awakening from their slumber. First time home buyers are beginning to stir...again. It appears we may get another chance. Certainly not the run up in home prices from inventory starved markets like before. But, perhaps a showing of life. Say 60 heart beats per minute, up from 20. The Doctor may say "I think he is coming out of his coma."

Now, if the market comes back to some semblance of life at all, like even 1/3 of the activity we enjoyed (as lenders, investors, Realtors and first and second home buyers) from '03 to the Fall of '05 what will you do different?

20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing and everyone seems to have it . Everyone is an expert on why the balloon popped or at least hissed to a screeching halt. But, now what will YOU do different, better or with more caution? Did you miss an earlier opportunity when the market was "hot"? Did you get out too early or get in too late, or...? Did you save your money, over overspend? Now that you have been there, done that, have the hat, t-shirt and the tattoo what sage advice would you share with the newbie. Unload your wisdom here.

References:

#1. http://www.inergyhomes.net/ #2. http://www.therealmccoy.us/ #3.http://www.oregongreenhomes.net/

About Jackson County

2008-01-29T22:03:57Z

Recently I was talking with a Real Estate agent in Southern California looking to do some networking for people that want to sell their property and move to Oregon. I was incredibly surprised at his response when he questioned what we really had to offer to anyone thinking about moving someplace else. "Why move there" he asked "when most are moving to Phoenix Arizona or Las Vegas"? It was then I realized not much has been done in promoting this "Best kept Secret" in the Pacific Northwest. That is what prompted this overview of the incredible culture and lifestyle we all enjoy in this beautiful area of the country.

My name is Don McCoy and I am a well-known real estate agent in this area. Having been raised here, it was only after years of living and traveling to other unique parts of the country both domestically and internationally that I realized how fortunate we are that live, work or retire in this amazing corner of the world.

I have had several clients that have purchased property in this community, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, that spent much time investigating rural living all over the United States and they chose to settle here. This is a place that many famous people such as artists, Hollywood movie stars and famous authors have retreated to throughout the years.

Perhaps you will move here to retire, relocate your online business, or set up a mom and pop B&B or store front of some sort. You may decide to buy a second home on the River or in the Mountains at one of the numerous Lakes. Mostly those that move here are from California and Washington and they are looking for a higher quality, slower paced life style and a great place to raise their family.

Noted in numerous national magazines this area has been in the top ten and even top 5 in the past 15 years as one of the most popular areas for senior and retirement living because of the economy, low population, mild seasons and numerous cultural events and opportunities.Please visit my Web Site and look for the buttons to more information about this Region...www.TheRealMcCoy.us

When you come to visit and view property we know the best places to stay to meet your budget. We can make arrangements to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Are energy efficient, green built homes going mainstream in your area?

2008-01-29T20:21:23Z

With the tremendous emerging "Green & "Sustainable" new home construction market I think it would be a big mistake to build a conventional "to code" house in todays alerted world. Our area has reached a tipping point in this lull of new home construction. I think it is an advantage for Builders to shift their thinking through updated building science techniques about .....now! The time is now. People wanting a new home have learned the newest words of green and sustainable housing, straw bale and insulated concrete forms. Some even know SIP's or structural insulated panels. "Energy efficient" has become a household word and they expect their builder to know all of these words and how to build any one of them...yesterday. Now, all the contractors are "green builders" Just as soon as a client breathes the words "green home" the hungry builder that forsook the concept of green yesterday is now an"expert" and knows all about it today.

You may find it interesting that I recently created a Documentary on Green Building...it is playing on local TV in our area...you may watch some of it on line if you are interested. It is available to see the first few minutes on www.OregonGreenHomes.net or you can watch a section or two that you are most interested in....such as solar PV or straw bale or radiant floor heat...on youtube you can see sections...2 to 3 minuts each. http://www.youtube.com/user/BuildingGreenHomes