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It seems to me (and how about you?) that there's a "solar-tie" between all of us-- no matter where we stand in the annals of history. EXAMPLE: Our on-going relationship with the sun in terms of light, warmth, and growth. I've noticed that here, in 2008, we human beings seem to have developed a keen interest in the advantages of becoming sun-partners in terms of energy efficiency.
Photo I took at Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community. Experts look for SUN... NOTE: This eco-community is aiming for a net sero energy goal!
As the sun rose this morning, I … (11 comments)
RA, RA- THE Original Solar-Powered Delight, Remodeled-Part II - 08/30/08 12:57 PM
Part II. SUN POWER. It is amazing how we have evolved over the years. These days, we can pull together a stylish, comfortable, and beautiful "palace" that is also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Here in Asheville, we are really getting into Solar Power. Just today I heard about a Hands-on Workshop: Building a Solar Water Heater, that will take place at the Long Branch Environmental Education Center. Here, ladies and lords, you can learn about a solar design even RA may have envied. It is "the essence of simplicity: Put water holding tanks in an insulated box, with glass on the side … (1 comments)
1031 and Conservation Easements - 08/29/08 03:00 PM
One of the experts to whom we refer our 1031 Like-Kind Exchangeclients has written a fabulously interesting post. He makes a great point here in terms of conservation easements and the 1031 possibility! He writes, " The exchange would enable them to sell the easement, defer their income tax and place the proceeds into income-producing property which would supply them a way of life after farming. After this, they are still able to sell the property in the future...with the easement still in tow." Take a close look at this post!
Via Matt Linville, Certified Exchange Specialist: I have to admit … (6 comments)
This one is for the Greenies in the Real Estate Industry over at the Eco All Stars Group! If you are a Greenie and not a member..well, JOIN! We succeeded reaching our July Challenge and we now have over 700 members! Yeah! janeAnne, Mary Bigelow and I had an interesting email conversation the other day about how the New Localism will be and how Eco All Stars can be involved. What did we decide? Well, how about an August Challenge. Let's get the Greenies involved. … (0 comments)
Great Lakes Green 2008 - ECO August Challenge - 08/28/08 11:40 AM
My Friend, Mary loves the idea of stewardship. She writes about it in terms of practical "greening" ..as you will see below. Via Mary Bigelow, Renewing Your Life!: Great Lakes Green 2008 promises to help me meet Stephanie's challenge for August. Stephanie announced the ECO August Challenge is to "figure out how green fits in to the Localism Picture!" Oh boy did I find it in Michigan this weekend! Fortunately for all of us, 'green' is not a fad, 'green' is not going away anytime soon. This could be witnessed this evening when I attended the VIP reception for Great Lakes Green … (1 comments)
Moving Into Some $$$WEET Music & Green Office Building$$ - 08/20/08 04:43 PM
This isn't really news to those of us who predicted it. But, even on second glance, taking another look at ordinary "non-green" buildings as compared to nearby " green" buildings, still ignites a broad smile on the faces of both REALTORS® and our clients/investors. . What generates that reaction and is $$$$weeeeet Music to my ears ? Add it up and tell me if it sounds good to you. . .. Happy inhabitants.Savings in energy costs.Savings in $$$s.
1.Green buildings have higher occupancy rates, and added ROI. 2. Green buildings have lower variability in occupancy and added ROI. 3. Green buildings are … (8 comments)
It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC . You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College! This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill, see my college and small towns around Asheville series.) Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and … (12 comments)
FHA 203K -- The Complete Guide - 08/16/08 07:36 AM
A member of the ECO-All-Stars Group (about 750 AR Members) Jonathan offers an interesting perspective on "greening' home loans --in an article he wrote called "go GREEN with FHA" I am including it here on Green-o-Lina's BLOG for review, and with Jonathan's own caveat: " The end result of any process can rarely be guaranteed, but when done correctly on a purchase loan with an experienced loan officer and knowledgeable REALTOR home buyers can successfully use a FHA 203K loan to create a custom designed home with substantial equity from day one. .... If done correctly FHA 203K loans are one of the … (3 comments)
Green Communities, Future Green Building Trends .Asheville and Beyond - 08/15/08 02:20 PM
Recently I bumped into such an interesting discussion on green building trends on the tube. If you are interested in trends in our industry in terms of sustainable design,here's a bit of information that seems pertinent . As I sat glued to the screen, I thought of my pals at AR, real estate professionals and our clients, especially those looking to the future. So, I took notes. The discussion took place right here in North Carolina where sustainable innovation is spurring the imagination in the real estate industry these days. In fact, WNC Healthy Built Homes® (see photo I took not too long ago)are … (6 comments)
A Call To Action for members of Active Rain! 350.0rg - 08/15/08 09:08 AM
A member of the Eco-All-Stars Group, Andrew Stone originally posted this. As I read it, I thought those of you who subscribe to my BLOG might be happy to help Andrew out with his challenge! For my part, I can say that I think it's a worthy challenge, especially since I have first-hand knowledge of Bill McKibben. I saw Bill at a conference at Warren Wilson College here in Asheville not long ago. His sense of humor and way with words combined with his ability to let us know the context and remedies for the challenges before us have always impressed me. Via Andrew … (0 comments)
Is the Economy Pushing People Towards a Greener Way of Life? - 08/15/08 08:21 AM
Eco-All-Star Mark Hall caught my attention with this post because he looks at possibly very challenging situations with a positive eye...THANKS MARK! Mark asks..."... as the American dollar loses a bit of its Green-ness, what kind of benefits might we see in the area of Green living? It has been said that Americans tend to think with their pocket book, so let's look at ways to save money while drifting over to the green side. Who knows? This might catch on! Via Mark Hall Vancouver Washington Real Estate: The other day, I noticed that although gas prices are creeping up, my monthly gas … (4 comments)
Eco-communities, Organic Farms & Farm Life : #1 in The Carolina Blue Skies Local Color Series. Asheville Area Sustainable Agriculture - 08/14/08 03:12 PM
When you think about sustainable agriculture, organic farms, eco-communities and quality of life in Asheville and the towns surrounding Her, you may wonder if this post is simply nugacity in an otherwise (hopefully) worthy landscape. However, some redeeming wisdom possibly survives- especially if you are a lover of guineafowl. So I'm gonna' take the risk, and tell this story . . . "Which One's the Guinea?" (A Carolina Blue Skies Local Color Story). Once upon a time, approximately 11 miles from downtown Asheville; or 7 miles from the where bustling Patton Avenue intersects Highway 63; or 5 miles from … (4 comments)
FHA Loans & FHA Mortgages -- Legislation Update -- August of 2008 - 08/13/08 02:40 PM
My colleague, Jeff wrote this post. I am sharing it with you here as it may be helpful information. Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages : As many of you are aware, the mortgage industry has been going through some major changes in the last 6 months. Well, get ready for some more changes. In my honest opinion, many of the changes are for the worst. Sorry, but it's reality and we need to pay attention more than ever. I am going to list the important changes next. I will list from the most … (0 comments)
Picnics and Day Trips: Trip # 4 of the Asheville Series- Hickory Nut Forest - 08/11/08 01:33 PM
There are rumbles in the countryside. Becky and Bruce are praying this means rain, but it's been a dry, dry summer thus far, and rumbles or not, the sun is hot and so are we. Luckily, we know where the enormous old shade trees and cooling waters of Hickory Nut Creek (see photo)can be found. So, today we headed out for a picnic. In our basket was the usual lettuce and tomato to combine with home-baked bread(see the series on Asheville's tailgate markets) for sure-but something was missing!
As we rode south … (5 comments)
Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People : Tailgate Markets- The UNCA Sponsored Market.An Asheville Area Events Series: - 08/10/08 08:11 PM
We have been visiting any number of Greater Asheville, N.C. area tailgate markets on the hunt for engaging photos about organic eats and other "good things" for sustainable living. This has turned out to be pure bon chance . An early morning adventure is one of many reasons why the Asheville area tailgate markets are special placesfor us. But there are other reasons why we rise just after dawn (you can go much later but we like to be there first) on various days of the week to visit the tailgate markets. Tailgate markets offer so much more than the scent … (11 comments)
Picnics and Day Trips: Trip # 3 of the Asheville Series-Hickory Nut Forest - 08/02/08 12:19 PM
GREEN Asheville area's Hickory Nut Forest Conservation Acreage and evolving eco-community is a perfect spot to picnic. Over 800 acres of conservation land surround you. Trails lead to those 800 acres and adjoin 275 acres where community buildings and an organic garden soon will expand into healthy possibilities. Here you can spread your picnic blanket and just B R E A T H E. INSPIRATION. You can stand by a waterfall and soon discover that there are 15 or more waterfalls on the Conservation Partner's Lands. Or hike the trails leading to wildflower meadows and rock-climbing adventure. Maybe you would prefer to spend a soft afternoon and picnic out by the heirloom … (15 comments)
Asheville Evenings a Series: Shindig on the Green - 08/01/08 02:35 PM
It was one of those perfect, clear evenings in Asheville. Not a cloud in the sky. Good fortune for the folks arriving at the Shindig on the Green festival. Shindig on the Green is a long-standing tradition here in the Asheville area. The summer series of family-friendly community get-togethers commences "along about sundown." and usually runs until around 10:00 p.m. We got there early.
Even after all these years, LXS could hardly wait to check out the "Jammin Tents" with music-makers warming up for their performances. (see photo) I can almost hear them now, even as I … (8 comments)
10+ YEARS SPECIALIZING IN LAND BROKERAGE & FOREVER HOMES. "Boomers" Properties. AGING IN PLACE Homes. Large Acreages. Horse/Organic Farms. Creative retirement, sustainable innovation, quality of property and life in with YOU IN MIND.
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