Asheville ECO Real Estate & Relocation: LAND & The Home Place

Eco-Friendly Development ? Asheville Answers

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:08:04 -0600

Are you interested in Eco-Friendly Development ? One Asheville area eco-community may have some answers for you. Creating an eco-friendly development starts with planning how the site on acreage comes together and will unfold.

There are questions that come up before one home is built that beg to be answered:

How will this development work with natural resources by preserving topsoil and trees and reducing storm water runoff?

How energy efficient building and an increased use of alternative energy sources lead to sustainable development?

What is the plan for using green building materials?

And is there a plan for educating homeowners and building professionals on the features and benefits of deep-green construction?

When just yesterday I visited Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community near Asheville where 225+ AC surrounded by 800+ acres of conservation partners' land and how to carve out a net zero energy community on a small portion possibly these were questions under consideration by this group of thoughtful land owners.
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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

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Moon Rise in Early November

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:21:10 -0600

Moon Rise in November-

The sand of pure potential
runs like magic through the fingers of my stories;
stories I tell myself in private ramblings,

stories about mishaps and adventures
to share with friends
and other nomads on this Earth

stories by campfire, between today's moon rise
and tomorrow's sunset,
‘til dawning dismisses the darkness. . .

~^~

jA Narrin, Wind-in-the-Feather
The Spirit Ridge Collection

Asheville, 2009

Speechless Sunday: The Glass, the Lace, and The Hand of Pure Possibility

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:15:08 -0600

This from Nancy L. Glass, Lace, and THE HAND of Pure Potential

A Haunting Question - Got Ghosts?

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:35:11 -0500

It's HALLOWEEN...and so a Haunting tale is appropriate. JOAN WHITEBOOK, one of our faves at Active Rain shares this one..."...I guess that I should tell you that this house may have a ghost....." she recounts. And you will be surprised at this trick or treat....

Via Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services):

Victorian for Sale (with ghosts)

      The Stambovskys found a nice Victorian home in the Village of Nyack, New York in 1991 and they made an offer. The purchase price was $650,000. The Buyers made a down payment of $32,500.

  A couple of months after the contract was signed, Mr. Stambovsky was horrified when he learned that the home was known in the community to be HAUNTED!

      Apparently, the phantasmal reputation of the house was commonly known in the Village of Nyack.

   Surprisingly, the Sellers had publicized the ‘hauntings" to the local media and Reader's Digest. In 1989, the house was included in a five-home walking tour of Nyack and described in a November 27th newspaper article as "a riverfront Victorian (with ghost)." The Stambovskys were not from the area and did not know about the poltergeists.

            The Stambovskys brought a legal action and alleged that the Seller and the Seller's agent should have disclosed the presence of ghosts.   They wanted out of the contract because the presence of ghosts was not disclosed.

            The trial court said no way! However, the case went up on Appeal and the Appellate court ruled that the Stambovskys could get out of the contract because, "As a matter of law, the House is Haunted".

The Appellate Court stated:

            "While I agree with the Supreme Court that the real estate broker, as agent for the seller, is under no duty to disclose to a potential buyer the phantasmal reputation of the premises and that, in his pursuit of a legal remedy for fraudulent misrepresentations against the seller, plaintiff hasn't a ghost of a chance, I am nevertheless moved by the spirit of equity to allow the buyer to seek rescission of the contract of sale and recovery of his down payment."

     The court reasoned that because the Seller had promoted the hauntings to several publications, she could not now deny the existence of ghosts. Therefore, the Appellate court ruled that under the equitable principals of the law, the Stambovskys were entitled to a refund of their down payment.

This was the Amityville house ~ Stambovsky v. Ackley (169 A.D.2d 254, 572 N.Y.S.2d 72). It was decided in 1991 by the New York Appellate Court.

     When I first moved to New Hampshire and began my career in real estate, I was showing an older home in Atkinson, New Hampshire. It was a charming home -- All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise --the wind was whistling and a door slammed shut.

We all were trying to act like it wasn't any big deal. Then the lights started to flicker. I didn't know what to think - and up until that time, I hadn't thought about whether I REALLY believed in ghosts. My clients were very nervous.

   Then to my surprise, the Real estate agent, said "Well, I guess that I should tell you that this house may have a ghost and the seller wanted me to share this with you." He went on to explain that a young child had died from a serious illness many years before, and the child could be heard crying from time to time. Some had speculated that the child's soul was "stuck" in the house.

    The clients were not familiar with "haunted houses" and they decided they would buy a new contemporary instead!

   There is also a "haunted" restaurant in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Country Tavern was built in 1741. It is a lovely restored farmhouse and is the home of a friendly ghost known as ELIZABETH.

The "haunted restaurant has been featured on "Hard Copy and "unsolved mysteries".   I haven't met Elizabeth, but some staff members have met her. They say she is very friendly and likes to play pranks on the staff!

        Here is a list of "haunted homes" and attractions in New Hampshire!

                  A Haunting Question:     Got Ghosts? What is the DUTY TO DISCLOSE IN YOUR STATE?

            - Does the seller's agent have a duty to disclose the phantasmal reputation of the premises?

            - Does the seller have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            - Does the buyer's agent have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            What is the duty to disclose stigmatized property in your state?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

           Visit New Hampshire .... New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America! Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show you the New Hampshire Advantage!

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Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Buyer's Option Realty, Janet White, owner/broker. Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, A Haunting Question - Got Ghosts? " ~ all rights reserved.*

great paint without the poisons! Asheville-based company news

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:20:28 -0500

Not long ago, Tom Rioux came to talk with us about PAINT. No ordinary paint, mind you. This is elegant paint and no wonder. Tom is an elegant person.

I am not saying this because he dresses in Armani , which he does not. I am saying this because he is a class act. And I am saying he is a class act because Tom shows impressive and stylish excellence as he walks his talk.

I have the impression other people are a lot healthier because he has invested his time and energy for that purpose. Yes! You can have great paint without the poisons!

Beauty. Strength and Sustainability all wrapped up in his creation which is known as EARTH PAINT. According to Tom, who knows first-hand what the chemicals in everyday paint can do to the immune system,

Beauty is about

Natural Sophisticated Elegance.
Color, using standard or our No VOC (retailers) colorants

Strength is about

Old style longevity with today's Green Movement consciousness
Long Life Cycle factors

Sustainability encompasses

100% Wind Power Energy!
Biodegradable
100% Wastewater Recycling
Competitive Pricing / Fair Wages
No materials from overseas

Our colleague Mary Bigelow will be excited to know that Earthpaint is the first paint company to use 140% Wind Energy offsets! And now you have the opportunity to be impressed with Tom ,too.Here he is on video. Let me know what you think....

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

Pet-Friendly Asheville: Three Dog Bakery

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00:40 -0500

Q and I went for a stroll on this partly sunny October day. It is close to Halloween and we were ready for a treat, which is just what we found at the Three Dog Bakery in downtown Asheville.

As we entered the store we were greeted with a cheerful hello and the enticing aroma of dog cookies baking. From behind the counter a lovely lady came out to meet Q. She thought he was adorable, I could tell.

Lucky for us, we live in pet-friendly Asheville where dogs are recognized as "special" especially when they sparkle like Q does. (see photo) She offered him a treat which he devoured with delight. She then inquired about our needs. This was our first visit. We saw the shining oven and enjoyed the aroma of fresh-baked goodies. We followed our noses around to see the various colorful displays.

I noticed that the products are eco-friendly, recycled or recyclable and that the ingredients in the food products are all "natural" while Q dog wagged his tail all the while, especially when he "sniffed out" the Grizzly Salmon oil.

When it was time to check out, the items I chose were carefully wrapped in bakery paper and placed in a recyclable box with a logo on it. Woof! A real treat for the upcoming holiday...and no sugar in it.

I was most impressed with our visit to Asheville's Three Dog Bakery today. The quality of the items and the atmosphere and friendliness combined to make me want to come back often.

When we returned home, both our dogs reported total satisfaction with their Halloween goodies. I am sure they will tell the dogs in our neighborhood whose families will be stopping in to Asheville's Three Dog Bakery soon.

DOG TREATS for the Halloween.
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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. PET FRIENDLY REAL ESTATE.Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients.

On the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Secrets of The Land Lover

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:08:48 -0500

warm socks at first frost

I love the prospect of warm socks at first frost
and the soldier-like look of them in neat rows
as they line up before me
next to the French-milled soaps
in the second dresser drawer
where they have bunkered
since the daffodils bloomed.

A colorful assemblage, they
in vibrant vermillion,
or sumptuous grey,
or azure- multi-hued,
patiently waiting to be tapped
for duty.

I am dancing now in the hours after donning
the Carolina Blue pair,
with my tweeds and outdoor duds,
cashmere caressing my lucky toes;
I am royalty lifted above the fray
simply to stroll
Doc Silver's nippy back forty
as if it were a mild midsummer's day
but better: no insects or tall grasses where the
slithering creatures play-

just the Land
and, here and there,
on the north side of the ridge,
thin drippings making icicles
from summer's sweet cascades.

October's fallen leaves,
still wet with yesterday's storm,
are slick on the trail.
Still, I float along, scarf flying,
hiking boots, muddy and well-worn,
with feet smiling in blue-clad luxury.

We are searching for the last wild berries,
as you unearth the secret:
"... cherished toes pay dividends uncounted...."

~^~ jA Narrin, Wind-in-the-Feather The Spirit Ridge Collection Asheville, 2009

Speechless Sunday: Peace in the Valley

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:36:03 -0500

October Sunday Morning - Peace in Our Asheville Valley

The Secret Behind Customer Demand for Energy Efficient Homes

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:22:31 -0500

What is Behind Customer Demand for Energy Efficient Homes?

That's what a seasoned builder here in Asheville wanted to know.

"The local Green Building Council says that HealthyBuilt Homes® are leading the way in the built environment," he said.

"What would make me want to build them?"

That is a good question, and one that seems to be coming up more and more even in a challenging economy where the impact on the real estate market is significant.

Here are just three (3) "secrets" I suggested he consider:

•1. Customer demand for energy efficient homes. From Atlanta to Asheville to Santa Monica developers involved in sustainable innovation continue to enjoy.
Possibly, it's time to capitalize on the opportunity.

•2. Federal and State Tax credits, zoning allowances and other incentives

•3. Lower operating costs attract new home buyers.

In the future, should the home buyer decide to sell the home, the certificate proving that the homes that meets "green home guidelines" and is built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high-performance building strategies, adds value to the purchase.

Summing it up: Everyone wins. Eco-friendly homes create a comfortable, healthy and affordable place that reduce energy and water usage, promote renewable energy use and help protect the land where the home is built.

Resource: Green Building Council educating homeowners and building professionals on the benefits of:

creating energy efficient buildings
increased use of alternative energy sources
sustainable development
using green building materials
decreasing use of natural resources
preserving topsoil and trees
reducing storm water runoff
_____________ (fill in the blank and let me know what that is)_
__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

On the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved ......................................

Cracking the Green Building Codes

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:11:32 -0500

Cracking the Green Building Codes. There's a trend in building these days. The trend is toward designing, constructing and operating healthy-built "green" buildings. Such buildings reduce the negative impact on natural surroundings and benefit those who work or live there by providing them with a healthier indoor environment.

More and more, developers are enrolling in NC HealthyBuilt® and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programsthat set forth environmentally savvy choices. And here, the general public can find the keys to cracking the Green Building Codes.

Both of these programs set forth, in written form, the benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of eco-friendly buildings. My clients who invest in the buildings can find what they need in terms of a measurable scale with which to look at sustainability when they review the guidelines and check certifications as Maggie Leslie of the Green Building Council right here in Asheville, NC recently pointed out in her article: Cracking the Green Building Codes.

A "whole-building approach to sustainability" recognizes five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Here is a graphic I created of one noteworthy example of such buildings in the Asheville, NC area: The Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

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Green Real Estate Asheville: Interview with Eco Developer- Hickory Nut Forest Mountain Community

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:58:15 -0500

I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Myers and Jane Lawson the developers of the Hickory Nut Forest GREEN/conservation community near Asheville, NC not long ago. We talked about what it takes to create such a community- their philosophy and how they designed and developed the land. Here is a segment of our conversation.

HOW ONE COUPLE ENVISIONED AND REALIZED THEIR DREAM OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY

Q. How long has it taken to create the Hickory Nut Forest eco-community?

A. We have been involved in the process of creating community for nearly five years. It has been an amazing journey that has taken on a life of its own. We started out with a vision to conserve some beautiful land in the mountains of North Carolina.

We wanted to be stewards of this sacred place with its amazing forests, waterfalls, living plants and animals. As we have come to know the land intimately, we feel guided to keep expanding our vision.

Q How have you expanded on your vision to conserve this gorgeous land in the mountains of North Carolina?

We created homesites for up to 34 green-built homes, added an organic apple orchard and heirloom vineyard, placed a conservation easement on the mountain and built miles of hiking trails.

(photo shows John and Jane at one of the many waterfalls on the property the are developing near Chimney Rock just outside of Asheville, NC. )

Q How do you see the growth of Hickory Nut Forest into the mature "Green Community" you envision, and will it be a "Private Mountain Community"?

A. As new people have arrived, they have brought their enthusiasm and dreams to the community. [One of the first to arrive] Ryan was inspired to develop a community garden and with student interns created a veggie patch, an herb circle, mushroom logs, and added beehives and free-range chickens.

Folks wanted to have a gathering place, so we started building a community center at the ruins of an old gristmill. This vision has grown into creating Laughing Waters, a retreat site for year-round classes, workshops and student internships that we hope to have open by spring.

We are allowing the community to grow slowly and naturally through sharing this magical place with all who come to visit. Our free monthly events have included a bluegrass concert, apple fests, hikes, herb walks, bonfire/potlucks and kids' educational programs. People have initially come for a visit and then decided to live here.

Q. What is your guiding principle or intention?

From the beginning our guiding intention has been simply to approach everything and everyone with love and respect: our neighbors, all the people working on various projects, our visitors, the land and the water, the plants and animals, and each other. We feel such a powerful healing energy from this land. Our role is simply to make it possible for people to come here and experience it for themselves.

FURTHER READING on how to recognize an eco-friendly development

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS.Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

Why Are You Pricing Your HOME Like Clothing at the Mall?

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:06:16 -0500

DEBE MAXWELLhas a point here. Folks selling their homes today are more concerned than ever when it comes to analyzing and settling on their asking price. She asks, " When you're searching online at night for homes in the [Asheville, NC area] what price points do you use in your own search?"

If you are selling, read this post and benefit from Debe's excellent advice.

Via Debe Maxwell, Realtor® Let's Talk CHARLOTTE! (Helen Adams Realty):

Why Are You Pricing Your Home Like Clothing at the Mall?

Sellers who really want to sell their property NOW so that they can move on, are more involved with analyzing their price point than ever before. It seems that most sellers want to price their property with something that ends in '99'--$599,000 or $599,900, etc. Here's what I ask them:

"You're about to move to Raleigh and your Realtor® has set up a search for you through his/her MLS. Can you tell me what your price parameters are for that search? When you're searching online at night for homes in the Raleigh (or destination city of choice), what price points do you use in your own search?"

They'll say, "We're moving up a bit so, we enter $600,000 - $700,000."

"What if you were searching from $600,000 to $700,000 here in Charlotte? You would completely MISS this home in your search! Had you priced it at an even $600,000, you would capture buyers from both the $500,000 - $600,000 AND the $600,000 - $700,000 ranges. Setting the price at $599,000, will cause you to lose an entire group of buyers for your home!"

They look at me for a minute and my analytical-minded clients have an ah-ha moment! Then, they competely agree with me!

Try it, it WORKS! I recently listed a townhome in a complex that had 23 townhomes on the market when we listed. We priced the property at an "even" price and we were under contract in 10 days--last one on the market, first one off! If you searched MLS for the even number, either way (least price or highest price) you would catch this listing! When you look at the others, every one of them were 'off-beat' numbers and were missed by 1/2 of their prospective buyers.

Stop pricing your homes as though they were sale-price clothing at the mall! Use those 'round' numbers and see how it works for you. You'll instantly expand your pool of buyers!

Your sellers will love you!

Asheville "Scene " Around Town Video Series

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:19:03 -0500

Asheville, North Carolina, October, 2009 Eco-Friendly News and Views from "GREEN-O-Lina"

Some people relocate to the Asheville area just so that they can
hike in exciting places
like Craggy Gardens, or Mt. Mitchell.

But once they find a place on the land to call Home,
create, then build an eco-friendly environment
with a nod to Mother Nature,

a simple early morning stroll
can provide sights and sounds
that dazzle.

Come for such a stroll with me.
You will be amazed at what I found this morning
right in my own backyard.

Turn up the volume for a SURPRISE at the close of this short video...
and let me know what you think that honking (hint-hint) sound is!

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients.. On the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Wordless Wednesday_ Early Autumn Asheville

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:16:15 -0500

30+ Eco-Friendly GREEN Urban and Mountain Communities in the Asheville Area

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:06:35 -0500

Asheville, North Carolina, October, 2009 Real Estate News and Views from "GREEN-O-Lina"
30+ Eco-Friendly Urban and Mountain Communities in the Asheville Area

There are about as many shades of green in eco-friendly design, development and building as you see in the early light on an Appalachian mountainside. (see photo) Levels of attraction, commitment, and motivation to embrace eco conepts and planning are unique to each of us.

Poll homebuyers and investors and you are sure to find certain green features have more appeal than others. For example , on the subject of green-built homes, indoor air quality(IAQ) may be one person's primary focus, while whole house ventilation or NO-VOC paint may be another's concern.

And many people looking to leave a land legacy will devote their attention to eco-savvy development that takes into account site planning, solar orientation and energy use.

But people do seem to share this in common:They are deeply attracted to the notion that their grand kids will be and/or are in a healthy, non-toxic environment.

With this in mind, I have compiled a list of 30+ urban and mountain eco-friendly developments in the Greater Asheville area. If you would like to know the "greenest' I will be posting a comparison chart you can use to determine for yourself...And/or check back to see the following list highlighted with links to my video series as I visit each of these communities.

30+ Eco-Friendly Urban* and Mountain Communities in the Asheville Area

Altura (Urban)
Balsam Mountain Preserve
Ciel (Urban)
Cliffs of High Carolina (Tiger Woods)
Cold Mountain
Cove at Celo Mountain
Crest Mountain Community (Urban)

CRESTON

DROVERS ROAD PRESERVE

Fitgerald Condominiums (Urban)
French Broad Crossing
GAIA (Urban)
Grand Highlands of Bearwallow Mountain
Grand Highlands of Waterford Lakes

GREENWOOD

HICKORY NUT FOREST ECO COMMUNITY

Homestead at Mills River

MOUNTAIN AIR
Mountain Meadows

NORTH KNOB

Pisgah Preserve at Lake James

PRESERVE AT LITTLE PINE

PRESERVE AT WOLF LAUREL

Ramble Biltmore Forest (Urban)
Red Wolf Run
Residences at 151 (Urban)
River Highlands at Madison Crossing
River Rock
Settings of Black Mountain (Urban)
Stillhouse Creek

THREE CREEKS PRESERVE at Lake Lure
Thoms Estate (Urban)

WALNUT CREEK PRESERVE Equestrian Community (seen in photo)
Whisper Mountain

•· I am defining "urban" as within a 10 minute drive of downtown Asheville

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

1 Way to Recognize an EcoVillage -Asheville's Hickory Nut Forest

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:18:25 -0500

Autumn is on the way with gifts of Carolina Blue skies, and all the colors that border it.
(see photo taken at Hickory Nut Forest eco community)This is an excellent time of year to tour the Asheville area and to familiarize yourself with what we have to offer in terms of sustainable innovation.

WHEN you visit the numerous Asheville area eco-friendly developments,do consider hiking the trails, and taking a peek at community amenities. Remember too, that an eco-friendly development and/or an ecovillage may be in an urban or rural area. It is not defined by its location.

Eco-villages are defined by concept. For me, this is about sustainable innovation--

a "green plan" that encourages both social contact and individual space coupled with the understanding that, as a member of the community, you are entrusted with a shared sense of caring for all who live here.

Take for example the video of Hickory Nut Forest Eco Community.

Here you see one of the most noteworthy of the defining characteristics of such enterprises-- participation. You get the idea that Hickory Nut Forest aims to meet the needs of residents. The inviting central lodge with areas set aside for the kitchen and dining areas as well as teaching and/or retreat facilities, possibly a guest room(s), workshop and laundry room, will offer the opportunity for neighbors and visitors to get together.

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Hey Steph, Why Did You Need HVAC Tape?

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:50:06 -0500

AIR LEAKING around your AC unit? NOT a good-thing if you are concerned with energy efficiency...check out my pal STEPHANIE-EDWARDS-MUSA'S video on why HVAC Tape is better than Duct Tape

Via Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® Spring/Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®):

I was searching for HVAC tape earlier today and someone on Twitter asked why I needed it, what it was going to do to help my house.

Thought I would do a quick video explaining how it helps and why HVAC Tape is better than Duct Tape. And for the record, I don't recommend doing this on your own. :) But here is what I did with before and after video.

If you are in Texas, it is mandated by State Law that there be a company to offer this service for Free. If you are in or around the Houston area that Company is FreeLightingCorp.com
OH, and by the way I got the tape at Home Depot.

Eco-Community NC & Acres and Acres of Land

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:29:15 -0500

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, October, 2009
News and Views from "GREEN-O-Lina"

The Eco-Community & Conservation Land

THIS WEEK I had the good fortune to hike the sunny trails leading from an amazing eco-friendly community just minutes from downtown Asheville. This model for sustainable innovation, Hickory Nut Forest is one of the first ECO developments in the USA to combine wide-ranging land conservation with an eco-friendly community of green-built homes, to be powered by renewable energy -(wind power, hydropower , geothermal) - to create a "net-zero-energy community". Living in this conservation neighborhood means enjoying the forever-wild mountain forests, soaring cliffs and pristine, cascading streams, out your back door. You can walk for miles in the serenity of nature.

Hiking trails lead conveniently from the building sites into 800+ acres of nature preserve lands with waterfalls, streams, cliffs and mountaintop vistas. And, here a learning/teaching and community center is taking shape. Based on the model of the grist mill that once stood here, the building is being "built green" and features wood harvested with TLC from the site. (see video)

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL and ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Relocationand LAND Clients..

Does your Realtor get 'kisses' or 'hisses' ???

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:28:08 -0500

SHELDON NEAL is a well-read blogger. No wonder. Each time we read what he has on his mind, we are informed and/or entertained and/or find something worth considering.

Here is SHELDON'S post about REALTOR dedication , Here are his thoughts on what clients could expect from their experience when clients and REALTORS have a "Plan" in place.

Via Sheldon Neal -- That British Agent -- (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

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Does your Realtor get 'kisses' or 'hisses' ???

Recently I have heard from way too many buyers and sellers who are unhappy with their Realtor's half-hearted dedication to their service and representation.

I truly dont understand this, because while we are still in this market where its harder to get committed clients, and harder to get deals to the closing table, how is it that such a large number of Realtors seem to think they can still just 'coast' through their day, and barely do the minimum for their clients, and still expect the regular payouts ???

If you are a buyer or seller, AT MINIMUM you should expect your agent to be doing the following.

Regular Communication - WITHOUT BEING CHASED BY THE CLIENT.
The communication expectations should typically be discussed at the listing appointment or first buyer appointment, and at the very least, sellers should be getting 1 or 2 minimum phone calls or emails with showing updates (even if there are none) to give confidence to the seller that the agent is staying on top of the listing, and not just throwing it up on the MLS, and waiting for the phone to ring. Some of us Realtors will even work hard to call other showing Realtors to get feedback. This can be valuable info as to how the buyers are viewing your listing. Buyers should get that minimum of 1 or 2 calls or emails per week with new listings that have come on the market, or activty updates. If your Realtor is often unreachable by phone, or you never hear from them, there may be a better Realtor out there for you.

Maximum amount of photos on your listing
Each Multiple Listing Service (MLS) typically has a maximum amount of photos you can upload with your listing. Often 10-15. You almost certainly want the MOST exposure for your home that you can get, so if they are only uploading 3 or 4, or worse - just 1 of the exterior - then they are typically not giving you the most exposure you can get. There may be a situation where you didnt want to show every room in the home, but you do want to accent as many features of the home to draw the buyers in and come by for a showing. So discuss why they are not uploading the maximum amount of photos. If it's because they just didnt take enough pictures - thats not acceptable - consider another Realtor.

Make sure those pictures are VALUABLE !
Waaay too many photos on listings are blurry, dark, or simply dont show you anything - ie: the corner two walls of a room ! Again, unnacceptable. Everyone can get a digital camera these days - even if they have to borrow one. And if you cant hold the camera steady, then they should be asking nicely to a coworker to help them take the photos for them, or heck even if you have to hire a local photographer depending on how high end the listing is. Either way, the pictures are the 'Welcome Mat' for buyers when viewing your listing - make sure your Realtor hasnt wiped his dirty feet on that Welcome Mat and left a bad impression !

Have a plan !
Has your Realtor sincerely communicated what their plan is to sell and monitor the listing so you keep it in the forefront of the comps in your area ? Have they gone room by room and confidently given you advice on how to make it show the best ? Have they told you how many weeks they would monitor it at this price and what criteria they would analyze to determine if there was a need for a price adjustment ? Have they told you how they were going to expose your listing ? Print media ? How many online avenues ? Postcards ? Open Houses ? Virtual Tours ? Not that you necessarily need all these, but maybe you do. The point is, they should be discussing the pros and cons of each, and explaining in their opinion what has worked in your area 'in their experience' and you should both 'together' agree on how the home should be marketed - if they are confident enough, you typically will ask 'where do you sign' by the end of their presentation.
For buyers, have they given you additional info about the transportation, schools, shops in the area ? Have they touched on the next steps you should prepare for, should you find a dream home at the next showing ? Have they recommended what other Buyer Team members you should be starting to think about including Attorney, Home Inspector, and Home Owners Insurance rep ? (you should already have a preapproval with a mortgage broker, otherwise of course, the Mortgage representative is a critical player). If they didnt even discuss these things with you - well you know the answer !

Alternatively ! - if your agent is doing all of the above or more, then you can probably be happy that they are doing all in their power to position and market your home sale, or to find your new home.

If you are stuck for a referral of a reliable agent, the "ActiveRain" network is choc-full of outstanding agents throughout the country and Canada (and beyond !).

You can get to know them through their blogs, and connect easily with them and see if you find a comfort level.

You dont have to settle for mediocre service from your Realtor - there are plenty who will give you a better chance of succes if you are buying or selling - you may just have to research a little to find them

... of course, if you are looking to buy or sell in Bergen County NJ, then this guy is as dedicated as it gets !!!!

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>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a local Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in the Bergen County, NJ area.

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Buying & Selling needs !

Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LIMITED.
cell: 201-481-2891
office: 201-599-1100 x344
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

Hickory Nut Forest An Outstanding Eco-Friendly Community

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:50:22 -0500

Hickory Nut Forest An Outstanding Asheville Area Eco Community

One of my favorite eco communities in the Asheville area (and please note, Asheville is the "hub' of green and sustainable development) is Hickory Nut Forest.Numerous eco-communities are popping up in and around Asheville, but Hickory Nut Forest is demonstrating how to go about creating an eco-friendly habitat. (see video).

THIS evolving "green" community and conservation neighborhood honors the Land and the forests that offer it building materials. (see video). It is surrounded on three sides by over 800 acres of conservation land , so you can hike out from this community on one of the well-tended trails leading to those 800 + acres and to the adjoining 250 acres. Hickory Nut Forest has set aside a special place for the community/retreat/teaching/learning center. Here is where the new community building is in the process of construction (see video)

From the standpoint of sustainability, here is an example of the "social dimension"--Peace, security, social justice --Human settlements and Human relationship to nature .

Hickory Nut Forest is alive with possibility. EXAMPLE: I was so excited to be able to WATCH how the construction of the new community building happens! ( see video) If you are interested in the "social dimension" of green building, be sure to check this out.

Checklist of 20 Eco-Friendly Features to Look For in Asheville LAND and Homes

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:57:16 -0500

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, September, 2009
Real Estate News and Views from "GREEN-O-Lina" ..LOOKING FOR THE "RIGHT" PLACE TO CALL HOME??

I asked these guys (see photo) to give me their List of 20 Eco-friendly features that are important to them. You'll see the result below.

How many of the following would you be attracted to when looking for homes, neighborhoods and/or land?

Tally your score. If it is over 10, and you email me or comment here, I happily will tell you where to look... (Hint follows list,)

1. Proximity of Living Quarters to Work

2. Reduced Automobile Dependence

3. Bicycle Routes

4. School Proximity

5.Proximity to Nature and Conservation-Oriented Habitats

6. Organic Produce, Farmland Conservation, Local Food Productions

7. Walkable

8. Good Transit Facilities

9. Good Access to Public Spaces

10. Community Outreach and Involvement

11. Thoughtful Site Design

12. Certified Green Buildings

13. Energy Efficiency in Buildings

14 Rainwater Harvesting, Reduced Water Use, Stormwater Management

15. Stewardship of Historic Buildings

16.Solar Orientation

17. Zoned Heating & Cooling

18. Energy Efficiency

19. Light Pollution Reduction

20. Innovation in Design

HINT: "Eco-friendly"

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS.Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

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CAT Provides Simple Remedy for De-Stressing the Mortgage Loan Hurry-up-and-Wait Challenge-

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:16:05 -0500

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, September, 2009
News and Views from Asheville's "GREEN-O-Lina"

For anyone looking at loan modification and/or mitigation, whether you live in Asheville, NC or Anytown, USA, a gigantic hurry-up-and-wait process is certain. You rush to get all the required paperwork together, and then to send it off "post haste"... You dash to meet advisors with pertinent information, and then slowly, slowly try to make sense of that information.

Somewhere along the way you discover that there are tens of thousands (and more) people trying to do just what you are doing. The loan people don't have the software they need to expedite the stacks of files accumulating on their desks. You don't have what you need to help out.

S T R E S S appears in every corner of the experience. As a result, I have been thinking about de-stressing...seeking simple and effective remedies to counteract frenetic goings-on. As luck would have it, just last week, while doing one of my HOME-spun Videos© at Creston Eco-Community in Black Mountain, NC, , I found an unexpected and immmediate remedy for stress. Watching the antics of this Mountain Cat I caught in this 30 second video may work for you, too. Let me know what you think...

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL & Asheville Short Sale Consults. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Stay-in-Your-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

I don't usually send these type of emails . . .

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:02:23 -0500

I just attended AMY CHOREW'S webinar.

Because I am so attracted to the idea of authentic communication via the WWW,and because it "feels" to me that video is one way to accomplish this, I am thrilled to report that AMY CHOREW has valuable advice.

Not only this...but she coaches with style, efficiency and good humor. If you get a chance to watch one of NAR's free webinars that AMY offers...do not miss it!

Via Amy Chorew (TheTechByte):

Have you ever done that? What made you decide that the information in that particular email was worthy of the inboxes of your family and friends?

Value, a thought, a feeling to help them live better, have a better day.

What type of message do you send to your prospects and clients? Does everything you send, relate to who you are and who your brand is?

Many of my students ask about "still" using email. Social media seems to replace some of their existing prospecting, which is great, but I say, don’t leave email totally behind, have a plan.

Think about going through your database and looking at your top 50 or 100 contacts. Then assign a recurring task with them 4 times a year. Then, before you start the day, don’t open your email until you have checked your “tasks” and every day pick 5 contacts to either email, facebook or call.

What can you email?

Think about emailing one of your blog posts that is interesting . . . As you know every blog post has its own website, so just write 25 words about it and then put the link.

Email links to interesting articles from your area

Email links to photographs you posted on Flickr about your community

Email links to videos you post on Youtube about events in your community.

What are your ideas?

Silent Sunday Sunset O'er the Distant Hills....Asheville, Early Autumn, 2009

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:03:22 -0500

Mountain Homesites & Magic Rains - The Creston Preserve Series

Asheville's "GREEN "Property Consultants- LAND & Fine Homes — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:58:09 -0500

It has been raining magic in the mountains. Tall pines and rising peaks are mirrored in sparkling rivulets along the roadside.

I followed their trail via North Haven, the gently winding way leading to the cabins at Creston Preserve, (see photo) a conservation-oriented community near Black Mountain, North Carolina.

(photo shows mystery and the magic of this cabin awaiting my visit...fireplace SEE NEXT PHOTO is ready to offer an early autumn glow)

I had returned this day to do some photography for one of my clients who is looking for an extraordinary mountain homesite close to nature and wildlife and mountain trails and waterfalls.

Extraordinary: At Creston , an environmentally-sensitive community, my clients will find thoughtful planning that compliments nature's beauty.

There is a vibrant feeling, a magical "aura" here. But the rains--the colors, the scents, the sounds echoed and wrapped in brumous veils-- seem to intensify it ....In all of this, between thunderclaps and cloudbursts, there is welcome shelter at the community's *eco-friendly clubhouse where, in a steady downpour, I retreated for good company with the neighbors.

*Rain Chains: The community clubhouse employs attractive alternatives to downspouts,widely used in Japan for hundreds of years,not only can be used to harvest rainwater for future use, but can captivate an unsuspecting passerby with the dance and the music of the rain .

Resources: http://www.rainchain.com/copper_rain_chain.htm

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL & Asheville Short Sale Consults. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Stay-in-Your-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..