Agent Referral Network anyone?

Happy Friday Everyone!

I recently had a relocation client ask me for the name of an EcoBroker in New York to sell their primary residence.  I immediatly went to EcoBroker.com for a list of agent sin their area that I thought fit my clients wants and needs. 

In a perfect world I would have loved to look within my referral network to find an agent that actually wants to work, one that can handle the addition of another client without that client getting lost in the shuffle..  which seems to happen more then I'd like to see here in Las Vegas (not with me of course). 

I completely understand when people say they want an agent with experience, and one that specializes in short sales (just an example), but what people fail to mention, because they assume it is a given, is that they want their client to get the personal service they deserve.  We'd be crazy not to take better care of our clients, and to turn away or refer clients when we aren't able to provide them with that one on one service THEY require. 

I would love to get the names of Agents outside of the Greater Las Vegas area, that would like to pass referrals back and fourth.  I am currently working with investors in New York, and California along with my existing clientel in Las Vegas. 

I only ask that interested parties post their contact information including their website address so I can get you added to my referral network.  The selection process is easy, based on your website, if you fit the feel and "vibe" of my clients you'll have first crack.  I hope that others will do the same.

Here is my information:

Lisa Santacaterina
Certified EcoBroker, a New Kind of Realtor
The Tonnesen Team
Prudential Americana Group, Realtors
871 Coronado Center Drive, Suite 100
Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 540-2956 available from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. PST
website: www.GOTLVREALESTATE.com
email:  lisa@gotlvrealestate.com

Changing the World, as Easy as Changing a Light! Take the Pledge today!

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network has made a commitment to do our part to save energy and help fight global warming. With your help, we can do even more. Be part of our team and PLEDGE  to make your next light bulb or fixture one that's earned the government's ENERGY STAR® label for excellence in energy efficiency. The pledge is a simple but vital method of encouraging more people like you to commit to preventing greenhouse gases and saving energy resources, one light - one energy-saving step - at a time.

Our goal is to get 500 people to pledge to change at least one light at home. Just think, by reaching this goal we will be making a significant impact on our environment, potentially preventing approximately which will save 141,000 kWh of energy and prevent 204,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Every ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb uses 75% less energy than a standard bulb, lasts up 10 times longer and can save about $30 or more in energy costs - while preventing more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime.

Take the ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge today CLICK HERE and help us reach our goal! It's a small step that's already making a big difference.

Thank you for your support!

LEED for Homes: Session 3 The Delivery Process - 4/09/08

Just a quick update to let everyone know that the next LEED for Homes Webinar is just around the corner! 

Bring green building home with you - and to your clients. LEED for Homes, USGBC's newest education webinar series, concludes on April 9 with The Delivery Process session. This series is brought to you in partnership with Environmental Design + Construction.

What You Will Learn

Learn how design professionals, builders and LEED for Homes Providers are currently delivering LEED for Homes projects. Hear from two Homes Providers from different parts of the country on how the program works in their regional markets and next steps for getting started.

Upon completing this 60-minute webinar, you will be able to:

• Define the role of builders and design professionals in LEED for Homes
• Understand the role of LEED for Homes Providers
• Describe the LEED for Homes certification process

Who Should Participate

This webinar series will benefit building industry professionals, real estate professionals, product manufacturers, and others interested in learning about the new LEED for Homes Rating System.

Register Today

Register today ($49 per Internet connection) for The Delivery Process. If you cannot attend or have missed a live session, archives will be available.

The GREEN Season Premier Tonight at 9 p.m. - Check it out

I have never watched this program, but thought it might have some invaluable information for us to share with our clients. 

Below is the information I received in an email:

This week, THE GREEN, Sundance Channel's weekly primetime destination devoted to the environment and sustainable living, returns with a second season of original series, documentaries and features.

Every Tuesday evening, THE GREEN begins with an episode of the award-winning original series BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET, in which cutting-edge eco-designers and innovators introduce new products and ideas destined to change the way we live, what we eat and how we play. Among the 13 new episodes of BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET are programs focusing on fashion, alternative energy, transportation and pets.

And complementing BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET, each week THE GREEN presents a revealing in-depth documentary on eco-related topics, ranging from climate change and green architecture to profiles of visionaries, artists and mavericks who are working toward a more responsible future. In addition, new episodes of our short form series ECOISTS and ECO BIZ screen alongside BIG IDEAS, giving you the views of celebrities and business owners on how they've "gone green."

THE GREEN's entertaining mix of information and practical advice presents a lively approach to many of the biggest environmental issues facing us today.

THE GREEN is presented by Lexus Hybrid Living and Citi Smith Barney.

10 Tips to Making Your Office Eco-Friendly

So how do you make your  office eco-friendly? Here is a list of ten green office tips. Hopefully you can take some of these ideas and lead the green crusade at your office! 

1. Make sure you're recycling paper, bottles, and cans. Have separate bins in the office for recycling. If you office building does not recycle, try speaking with the office manager. Or, you can create a weekly schedule for sharing the work of taking a recycling bin home each week.  (It's sort of a pain, but this is what we do at the Low Impact Living office as our building does not recycle!)

2. Make sure you're using compact fluorescent or LED lights throughout the office. CFs use ¼ the energy and last up to 10 times as long as standard lights. LEDs are even more energy-efficient. You can find a huge variety of lighting options right here.  If your building is in charge of the lighting, talk to your building manager and make sure that they understand the money they can save from buying CF or LED lights- they may not care about the environment, but they do care about cold, hard cash!

3. Get lighting motion sensors for offices, conference rooms and bathrooms. There's no reason for lights to be one when there's no one in the room. Find motion sensors here.

4. Just like mom said, turn off the lights when you leave. And shut down your printers, faxes and computers. Some people are under the false impression that it's more efficient to leave computers on over night. This is not true- shut off all the electronics when you leave the office. 

5. If possible, use laptop computers rather than desktop computers. Energy Star models use up to 90% less energy. See energy-efficient laptops here.

6. Ditch the bottled water habit. Americans throw out over 35 BILLION plastic water bottles every year. Offices are major offenders in this area. Just think how many water bottles your office uses in a year! You can sign up for a water delivery service, or get a big Brita filter, and have everyone use a ceramic or glass cup. This is an easy thing to do and has a big impact!

7. On the same theme, stock your office's kitchen with reusable ceramic plates and mugs rather than paper toss-aways. 

8.  Use recycled/recyclable office papers and other office products. You can get paper, envelopes, folders, pads, post-it notes- everything comes in a recycled version now. You can find many of these options at the Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot, and you can also find them online at Green Earth Office Supply or at The Green Office.

9. Get a programmable thermostat. This device will help you keep your building warm/cool when the people there and save power and money when the people are away. Find devices here.

10. Investigate green power options. Many local utilities offer the opportunity for you to pay just a few dollars extra per month to buy "green power" that comes from wind farms and other sustainable sources. Talk to your building manager about this as an option- and you might offer to have your company pay the minimal extra fee.

Do any of you have other suggestions? We'd love to hear them. Please comment below and thank you!

Attract more Buyers and Sellers!! Check out this FREE marketing tool!

Hi all!  I thought I would share this great information about down payment assistant.  I just went throught the process with a client, and it work wonderfully.  I do recommend that you take the FREE online course (1.5 hour on-demand class) prior to selling this to your client(s).  Once you have completed the class you will get a certificate and access to several FREE marketing tools.  Another bonus is you get the Designated Nehemiah Specialist logo that you can use on your marketing.

Check out the blip below to learn more about Nehemiah.  You can visit them on the web at www.getdownpayment.com.  Select Real Estate Agents and then create an account and register for an upcoming class.  What a great way to set yourself apart in a market such as this.  Good Luck!

Real Estate Agents:

• Do you want to sell more homes?
  
• Do you want access to a "larger pool" of buyers and sellers?
  
• Do you want to create a larger referral base?

Include The Nehemiah Program ^® as part of your marketing strategy and you are well on your way to achieving these goals.

You can increase your sales and market exposure by using The Nehemiah Program to help qualified homebuyers purchase a home. Through our downpayment assistance program, homebuyers may receive gift funds up to 6% of the final contract sales price to be used toward downpayment and/or closing costs.

Both buyers and sellers reap benefits (as do you) from using The Nehemiah Program!

• Shorter selling time
  
• Fewer contractual contingencies
  
• Ability to advertise "NO Downpayment Needed"
  
• Take advantage of the "free marketing materials" and the many resources available on our website.

Sell your listings faster and at full price. Win more listings and experience a surge in your business as you work hand-in-hand with The Nehemiah Program.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

The Nehemiah Listing System ^® (NLS^®) is back...and better than ever!
Providing online listings for locations across the United States, NLS is the first place to list homes for consumers looking to purchase in your market with downpayment assistance from The Nehemiah Program.

If you are a real estate agent or trying to sell a home on your own, you can list your home now! Generate consumer inquires immediately by listing your Nehemiah participating properties on the Nehemiah Listing System

What's Your Low Impact Living Index?

I just tried this out and I scored a 150..  100 being average, could it be the 3 cars I own?  One thing in particular that I love is the graphs and breakdowns at the end of the calculator.  It tells you what the cost vs. savings is for small (CFLS's) and large (Solar PV Systems) changes.

Check it out and post your score! 

Home Energy Management Plan

"It's Time to Take Action and Make a Commitment"
Adapted from U.S. EPA Energy Star Strategy Program

STEP ONE:  Make a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

In order to effectively change the energy performance of Your home and attain financial returns, the household members must regularly assess energy performance and implement steps to increase energy efficiency!

So, how do you get started?  Decide to commit time and resources and form an Energy Team (ET) and develop a Home Business Energy Management Plan (EP).

1.1. Form the Team:  Spouse, children, occupants of the home are responsible to execute the team developed activities to ensure integration of "best practices".

1.2. Appoint an Energy Director (ED):  Main duty is to conduct regular monthly meeting, set goals, track progress, and promote the Home Business Energy Plan.

1.3. Development an Energy Plan (EP):  The plan will use and purchase energy in the most cost effective, cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner possible.

1.4.  Institute an Energy Plan (EP):  The ED sets performance goals and milestones.

STEP TWO:  Assess Performance

Before you begin to plan a future energy strategy you must know where you've been!  Do this by understanding past and current energy use.  Open your files and get out the bills for the entire household.  It's worth the time and effort to organize and gain insight into the business aspects of a home.  Remember, your home is no different then a business!  There are many related costs and items that need to be reviewed and assessed!  What this does is helps to establish a baseline for measuring future results of your efficiency efforts.

2.1.  Establish a regular, monthly meeting date in order for the Team to come together and prepare items requested by the ED.  Prepare a simple agenda and email to all tam members.  In today's world, we all have an email address, right?

2.2.  Gather and track data:  Collect energy use information and data that will help establish the beginning stages of what needs to be included into the EP.  Also, attend seminars and training sessions that will assist the Team in learning about ERT's.  Remember, this is going to be a "five year or less" energy plan.

2.3.  Establish Baselines:  In your first meeting, determine the starting point from which to measure that Team's Energy Plan.

2.4.  Benchmark:  You may want to develop a rating system that compares your home against similar sized homes.  For example; a "best practice" qualitative comparison of "Green Homes" by the EPA.  Or there are other organizations that track and provide details of a "Green Home".

EPA recognizes homes with superior performance, such as ZEH (zero energy home) that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating of energy efficiency without compromising comfort or services.

2.5. Analyze: Now is the time to sit down and openly discuss and identify the energy use patterns and trends of ALL occupants.  What are the habits and attitudes that need to be addressed that affect the bottom line energy performance of the home.  What should and could be done to begin the process of change to improve the homes energy use!  Make a list, identify patterns, methods and strategies for improvement.

2.6.  Technical Assessment and Audits:  Make a list of Your home's mechanical systems: HVAC, Hot Water System, Dishwasher, Compactor, Pool/Spa, Water Filtration Systems. etc.  Inspect and list all items.

The purpose of this task is to assist in evaluating the operating performance of the systems and equipment to determine whether or not to maintain, replace or upgrade the item. 

This is especially true of older appliances that are NOT Energy Star rated!

STEP THREE:  Set Goals

Performance goals drive energy management activities and promote continuous improvement.  Setting clear and measurable goals is critical for understanding intended results, developing effective strategies, and reaping financial gains.

Goals must be well-stated to help guide daily decision-making and are the basis for tracking and measuring progress.  Communicating and posting goals on the refrigerator or announcement board can motivate the Team to read, review and take action for the energy management efforts required for the home.

The ED and Team members develop the goals!

3.1.  Determine Scope of the Plan:  The scope of the performance goals can include multiple levels of the home as well as various time periods for completion of the specific goals.

Such as, the Team energy uses!  The can be divided into various categories, for example; who takes the longest shower? Who watches the most TV, uses the computer the most, the most clothes to wash and so on.  Discuss these patterns and list the particulars of the activity in order to gain better insight.

Once a goal is clear and specific an appropriate and realistic target date is established to ensure the goals will be meaningful and promote change.

Short and long range goals need to be developed.

3.2.  Estimate Potential for Improvement:  To set goals, it is important to have an informed idea of what level of performance is achievable and the amount of resources and money needed.

3.3.  Establish Goals:  Energy performance goals should be established as a mission for the whole "Team".

Goal areas to consider:  Defined reduction in therms of a specific quantity or percentage decrease in energy use, such as "all showers will be no more than 5 minutes in length".

Efficiency Improvement goals are expressed as a function of reducing energy intensity, such as reducing the total BTU use of the hot water heater.

Threshold goals state the minimum acceptable level.

Stretch goals go beyond the minimum or targets that are used to create an incentive for greater achievement.

STEP FOUR:  Create and Action Plan

Now is the time to develop the road-map to improve Your home energy performance.

Use a detailed action plan to ensure a systematic process to implement energy performance measures.  This Action Plan needs to regularly be updated, most often on a six-month basis, to reflect recent achievements, changes in performance and shifting priorities due to economic market activities.

4.1.  Define Technical Steps and Targets:  Identify gaps between current performance and goals, by reviewing the results of the technical assessments and audits or progress evaluations.

4.2.  Determine Roles and Resources:  Work with Your Team to communicate the details of the Action Plan and make sure that everyone buys-in to the plan.

STEP FIVE:  Implement Action Plan

The Team Members can make or break an energy plan.  Gaining support and cooperation is an important factor for successful action plan implementation.

5.1.  Create a Communication Plan

5.2.  Raise Awareness

5.3.  Build Capacity

5.4.  Motivate

5.5.  Track and Monitor

STEP SIX:  Evaluate Your Progress

Evaluating progress includes formal review of both energy use data and the activities carried out as part of the Action Plan as compared to your performance goals.

6.1.  Measure Results

6.2.  Review Action Plan

STEP SEVEN:  Recognize Achievements/Milestones

Providing and seeking recognition for energy management achievements is a proven step for sustaining momentum and support for your home energy plan.

7.1.  Provide individual, team and whole home achievement awards

7.2.  Receive external recognition by informing various local agencies, the media and other third party organizations who would like to know what you accomplished and the actual results.

If anyone would like this as a PDF version please send me a message with your email address and I will be sure to forward it along.

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network Joins ENERGY STAR® Campaign to Help "Change the World"

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network Joins ENERGY STAR® Campaign to Help "Change the World"

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network Encourages the Community to Commit to a Simple Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Las Vegas, Nevada- December 28, 2007, Lisa Santacaterina of The Las Vegas Green Performance Network today announced that they have joined the national ENERGY STAR® Change a Light, Change the World campaign, a growing community of businesses, schools, utilities, non-profit organizations, individuals, and countless others who have made a firm commitment to help change the world, one light - one energy-saving step - at a time.

As part of this national initiative, The Las Vegas Green Performance Network plans to encourage  500 individuals to pledge to replace at least one standard bulb or fixture at home with one that has earned the government's ENERGY STAR label, as an important step to save energy and join the fight against global climate change.  The Las Vegas Green Performance Network will kick off its effort on January 1, 2008.  500 pledges could save 141,000 kWh of energy and prevent 204,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Every light changed is a step in the right direction.

"Like an increasing number of organizations, we want to do our part to reduce our country's greenhouse gas emissions and play a role in fighting climate change," said Lisa Santacaterina, "We are proud to spread the word about the difference individuals in our community can make by acting together to take energy-saving steps at home."

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network will encourage its community to make a simple, yet meaningful commitment by taking the online ENERGY STAR Change a Light Pledge. Lighting accounts for about 20 percent of the typical home's electricity use. Replacing standard lights typically left on longest at home with energy-efficient options that use 75% less energy is a significant way to cut energy costs while also preventing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

"Becoming part of the solution to global climate change takes less time and effort than you might think. In fact, it can start by taking energy-saving steps at home as simple as changing a light," said Wendy Reed of the Environmental Protection Agency. "Organizations like The Las Vegas Green Performance Network are an important part of the ENERGY STAR Change a Light community who have committed their time to help spread the word about the need to use energy more efficiently at home. We are proud to work with them and with the Americans in every part of the country who have already pledged to change more than 1 million lights collectively."

The ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign is a national call-to-action sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage Americans to use energy efficiently at home and to start by switching to lighting options that have earned the government's ENERGY STAR label for energy efficiency. If every American home replaced just one light with an ENERGY STAR, every year we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes, more than $600 million in energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

About ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy and money, and help fight global climate change. More than 8,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov/ or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

Eco-Friendly Business Rally Around 'The Las Vegas Green Performance Network'

Eco-Friendly Businesses Rally Around ‘The Las Vegas Green Performance Network'

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network unites with local businesses to provide consumers with resources needed to promote a more sustainable lifestyle and planet!

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 21 -- Lisa Santacaterina, Certified EcoBroker with Easy Street Realty announced today the
commencement of The Las Vegas Green Performance Network (LVGPN) the first Eco-dedicated networking 
organization in Clark County bringing consumers together with Eco-friendly businesses. 

The Las Vegas Green Performance Network is a community of consumers, corporations and organizations 
who promote Eco-information and progress and share a mutual interest in protecting the environment. At 
LVGPN, information and an open flow of dialogue is expected to both stimulate new interest in the green 
lifestyle and act as a foundation for action.  LVGPN also holds monthly meetings, bringing Green products 
directly to consumers.  These meetings allow consumers the opportunity to see, touch and feel in a no 
pressure, no sales environment.

"Our principle is that the alliance with businesses and consumers can be both fun and fulfilling while forwarding 
the greater goal of sustaining the environment," said LVGPN founder Lisa Santacaterina. 

"For many, going GREEN can be a complicated decision people are sometimes hesitant to make because they 
don't know where to start," she said. LVGPN is the starting point and will be an ongoing network around which 
eco-friendly consumers can rally, socialize, meet people sharing similar views and perhaps find new and 
interesting ways to get their sustainable lifestyle started."

Typical of other social groups, the LVGPN is focused on people communicating with each other, sharing ideas, 
tips and tricks. "Creating a more sustainable, less wasteful environment is what will unite people in The Las 
Vegas Green Performance Network, Santacaterina said.

Joining LVGPN is free and takes only a few minutes at www.LVGPN.com. Members will also enjoy free 
monthly meetings, online Meetups, daily ‘GREEN' tips, as well as a great source for no-cost advertising of green 
businesses.  

CONTACT: 
Lisa Santacaterina
702-540-2956
lsantacaterina@easystreetrealty.com