I think Less is More when you consider reducing the size of the house to the not so big house and putting the details there.  A tighter envelope, better air quality, water reducing features, energy star and this all leads to saving money on utilities.  There is also talk that by 2012 all homes will need to be energy star.

Soooooooooo.. why is it that every time I get a buyer or talk to one all they care about is how much sq ft they can get for the money. Bigger is better if you can get more space for your money...they are more in tune to size than quality and energy savings. 

I'd like to know your thoughts on this???

I started putting my listings on their own business card and now when I pass out my card I tell them about the listing as well. This works well  when you run into someone who is looking for the type of home you may be marketing.  I also hang these up on local bulletin boards.  How many of you are using this idea? 

Another thing my husband and I are doing with our spec homes this summer is planting a garden for the new homeowner along with a rainbarrel to water.  We are building green and this does get points.

Well we found what we want and the rates are creeping up but what about this new economy..................

Get off your perch!

2009 is the year that GREEN has made an impact.   We all have been taught to conserve water, recycle, reuse, save the trees, etc.    I know that we all have not practiced what we know is right.  I believe that people are moving forward to becoming better stewards of the earth .  Green Building is making an impact on building a better house that has a tighter envelope, better air quality, water conservation and energy effecient.  Guidelines are being put in place right now and soon all houses will have to be energy effecient or energy star. 

KC and I are building green these days.  KC has always built a good house, now its a better house with 3rd party certification.  KC has always tried to save the trees and now we are using any trees that have to be cut for mulch or lumber.  Putting gardens in for the homeowner and water barrels for watering, sealing all places were leakage could occur and using water restrictors and dual flush toilets.  These are just a few of the eco features we are doing to build a better house and be good stewards of the earth.

Check out Ashevilles Healthy Built Home Program.  Many builders and homeowners are coming on board with this grass roots movement.  I just don't know why we didn't promote this in the beginning........we've always known its the right thing to do.

This is a photo taken off Parker Cove Rd which is 3 miles down Reems Creek Rd.  They stock the creek several times a year with trout and there are some great fishing spots.

 We are very near completion of the second Healthy Built home in Pathwood which is located about  1/2 mile down Parker Cove.  Come check out the peaceful private setting, the eco features and for the gardener, the garden is planted.  $319,900 MLS#439100

Realtors.. If you have a client in this price range...show them this property .....much attention to detail!

KC and I live down the street and someone is usually around, just call us at 712-4600

Had to walk up the mountain to find this GEM!

 Take the challenge.. I challenge every one to tell everyone they meet today what a great time to buy real estate with interest rates below 5% and so much to choose from.  We need to turn this thought pattern around.  Too many people are glued to the TV and nobody wants to get off the fence.  I challenge homeowners that have been sitting on the fence to take a look at the market availability and rates and tax credits, it won't stay like this and a lot of people can make a move!  If we don't get the word out that it is not all gloom and doom we are going to end up like this!

Yesterday after working on the computer, dreary rainy day...my son called me to the front door to show me this beautiful rainbow.   It made me stop and think about that pot of gold waiting at the end!  I hope all of you active rainers get your pot of gold when all this is over!

I'm new to blogging and would like to get more comments and info.  If you have any good articles to point me to, I've been reading the blogs.  I've been twittering, facebook, Linkedin, Realtor.com...so far I like Active Rain,  I realize its takes time and effort. 

Anyway,  I am looking to connect with people everywhere who may know more people and maybe someone will know someone that will make a move to this beautiful place I live in Western North Carolina, Asheville I have lived here for the past 30 years and have been a Broker since 1991.  My husband KC and I have a small company just 15 minutes north of Asheville in Weaverville.  KC is a licensed general contractor and we are building Healthy Built spec homes.  It has been slow this year but it has picked up in the last few weeks.  With the amount of inventory out there we need BUYERS!!!! I wish people would get off the fence and take advantage of these low interest rates and tax credits. 

Thanks for all the info I have been reading and also the laughs!!  We can all use some humor!

Welcome to the new economy!