Sorry, folks, for the late notice but it was brought to my attention tonight by one of my favorite technology news publications in Michigan that the Nomination Deadline for Michigan's Going Green Awards is tomorrow, November 6, 2009.
Self nominations are accepted....
This annual program hosted by Corp! magazine and sponsored by MITechNews.com honors companies and organizations leading the way for Michigan's green sector.
Mike Brennan, with MITechNews.com asked me if I would get the word out to my green, innovative friends!
Do you know a company, person, or organization in Michigan who demonstrates a commitment to green, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices?
Corp! and MITechNews are looking for
Green Industry drivers in innovation
Green Initiative Champions
Those who recycle, conserve energy and natural resources
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Green Organizations that promote green education and training
Advocates green lawmaking and practices
the list goes on...you can find more and the application for nomination at the following link:
ABC's 20/20 has been doing a series on the "New Normal."
In the feature this past Friday New Normal: Workers Learn New Skills ABC introduced to the nation two gentlemen who I have been fortunate enough to come to know during the past year and hold in high regard.
Mike Hess and John Holcomb.
A small part of what these two have accomplished over the past year is to bring affordable, self-generated power to the world. The Windspire is the newest appliance for your home.
Akin to Radarrange that was first introduced to households in 1967, I believe the Windspire will take it's spot in the top 10 Gadgets That Changed The World.
Photo Credit: Sang Nguyen
Latest statistics show that 25% of the world's population does not have power. This vertical axis wind turbine can have a huge affect on the lives in those areas of the world.
According to Global Issues 1.6 Billion people, one quarter of humanity, live without electricity. In Southeast Asia there are 706 million without electricity, 547 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, 224 million in East Asia, and 101 million in other areas of the world. The Windspire was designed and is being manufactured with these less fortunate in mind.
70% of the Windspire Wind Electric Appliances are planned for overseas installation, places where 2000 kilowatt hours per year will make a HUGE difference in a person's life.
This is the bigger part of what Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to.
Back in the U.S., Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to jobs and local economies.
In a conversation with John, you will learn that he has found a way to make the Windspire better and less expensively than it can be done overseas. This makes the appliance affordable to the average homeowner or business owner.
These gentlemen are committed to increasing jobs in the United States.
Throughout the country, Windspires will be installed by local contractors using local subs. This will keep the dollars local.
John Holcomb says he is doing this,
"for the veterans."
The veterans have fought for the United States, many have given their lives for our country.
Through John's eyes...the Windspire is for memory and honor to our Veterans.
Made by Americans.....For America
To hear more from Mike Hess and John Holcomb be sure to take 5 minutes to watch the ABC News 20/20 special:
**sidebar: the house in the 20/20 piece belongs to one of our happy homeowners, Gloria Noyce. Her windspire was installed by our own Devon O'Shea and his capable crew. Gloria and her sister Janie are both proud owners of our systems. Although they were taped for the 20/20 special, unfortunately, only Gloria's Windspire and house made the cut!
Here's a photo of the girls filming!
From left to right: sisters Linda, Gloria and Janie.
And of course...the film crew from ABC's 20/20!
It was a fun filled day!
Copyright 2009 Mary McGraw Bigelow. All rights reserved.
Two Michigan sisters are beaming when they tell people they are on the “family plan” with CBS.
From Hastings to Harrison, Gloria and Janie are showing their commitment to the environment through energy saving measures and power production.
In Hastings, Gloria loves the Thermolock windows installed in her island home last year. Gloria says, “those windows are the best thing I ever did! What a difference they have made in the comfort of my home.” Gloria also gets free hot water, for herself and a tenant, with a solar hot water system.
In March, Gloria implemented phase three of her upgrades: a wind energy appliance, the Mariah Windspire™.
In Harrison, Janie heats the water for her pool as well as her home with a solar hot water system. Janie says her utility was reduced 50% when she put the solar hot water system on. Not to be outdone by her sister, Janie installed phase two in April: a hybrid wind energy appliance and solar system.
Janie’s system also features a Windspire™ wind energy appliance this time combined with 1000 W solar electric designed by CBS engineer Devon O’Shea. Gloria and Janie have opened up their homes and hearts to folks who want to learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency in their own homes.
There is never a dull moment with these two! I wonder what these crazy sisters will cook up next! (sisters Linda, Janie and Gloria)
I had an interesting conversation today with a local stock broker. During our discussion I mentioned fuel poverty. He stopped me mid-sentence....
"What is that?" he asked.
What is what? I said.
What is fuel poverty? What is your definition of Fuel Poverty?" he asked.
I thought everyone had heard it yet he told me he had not heard the term before....
but it struck him....
"How do you define it?" he asked.
Hmmm...my definition of fuel poverty is that one spends so much of their disposible income on fuel - whether for keeping warm, driving to appointments or heating water - that they don't have enough money to enjoy the things they want to enjoy, or feed their family, or pay their mortgage.
The "official" Wikipedia definition of Fuel Poverty is, "A fuel poor household is one which cannot afford to keep adequately warm at reasonable cost." As the wiki says, this is a popular term in the UK. I think it is a term we need to become familiar with in the U.S.
Whether in the north...where heating is important....
or in the south...where cooling is important.....
Fuel poverty is real....
this is why I am happy to see incentives for not only energy efficiency, but renewable energy, in the stimulus bill...
I've talked to a lot of realtors who don't understand how the stimulus can benefit their business...I'm sure you have heard the phrase, "What comes around, goes around."
This phrase really jumped out at me when I read Ryan's blog about the stimulus package, which, by the way, we are all paying for.
"Do you know someone on your lead list, or perhaps a past client, who could use some free insulation or some caulking around their windows? Why wouldn't you take the time to connect a potential client with free weatherization money for home improvements that will actually improve their comfort and quality of life?"
Let's think about not only the benefits to the homeowner but also the local jobs this creates! Contracting is not very easily outsourced. Make friends with your home remodelers...network with them...You will gain great benefits as well as the satisfaction you did something to prevent Fuel Poverty!!!
You may think there is too much "pork" in the recently signed stimulus bill. Or perhaps too much spending or too may tax cuts. Its passage may offend your Keynesian or Monetarist economic views, and may, you believe, lead to the very demise of capitalism itself (OK, that may be going too far). You may not think we need a stimulus at all-that we should let the free market recover on its own. Whatever your political and economic viewpoint, if you believe our country's energy policy needs a fundamental change, and that energy efficiency and renewable energy can simultaneously stimulate the economy and help the planet, chances are you are excited about the green provisions of the bill.
To say the stimulus is big is an understatement. It is huge, colossal, gargantuan even. It is the largest spending bill the world has ever seen, which is a frightening proposition to say the least. However, if you can get past the staggering debt created by the bill, you'll find unprecedented subsidies for the energy sector. Here is an abbreviated summary of some of the energy-related provisions that can impact your real estate business:
$6.3 billion for energy efficiency in multifamily housing getting federal assistance, such as HUD-sponsored low-income housing
$5 billion to weatherize more than 1 million homes owned by "modest-income" families
$4.5 billion to increase the energy efficiency of federal buildings
$4 billion to repair and modernize public housing units
$2 billion to increase the tax credit for hybrid cars to $7,500
$1.4 billion for bonds to carry out state and local renewable energy and conservation projects
$510 million to repair and modernize more than 4,000 Native American housing units
$500 million to train workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy
$300 million for consumer rebates for energy-efficient appliances
$268 million to remove caps on a 30 percent residential credit for solar, wind, and geothermal
$250 million to HUD to improve the efficiency of government-subsidized apartments
The New York Times released a detailed breakdown of the energy provisions here.
Interesting Facts About the $5 Billion Dedicated to Weatherization Assistance
This amount could weatherize 1 million homes and, directly and indirectly, create 375,000 jobs.
Low-income families will save an average of $350 annually from weatherization.
Every investment of $1 billion in clean energy programs creates nearly 5,000 more jobs than traditional infrastructure spending.
As a real estate professional, you may be wondering how you can benefit from all of this spending. Here are a few suggestions:
You can always contact your state energy office and obtain information about their weatherization program. Once you have this information, how can you apply it?
Do you know someone on your lead list, or perhaps a past client, who could use some free insulation or some caulking around their windows? Why wouldn't you take the time to connect a potential client with free weatherization money for home improvements that will actually improve their comfort and quality of life?
When the time comes to sell their home, who do you think they are going to call? Mr. Big Shot REALTOR® with the huge advertising budget? Or the considerate agent who thoughtfully took the time to help make their winter a little more comfortable?
Maybe you've already helped a family move into a green home, or have helped them retrofit it. You already know that green topics are important to them, so why wouldn't you tell them about the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle?
Do they already have a hybrid? Tell them about the rebates for energy-efficient appliances.
Even better, how about informing them about the removal of the 30 percent cap on residential solar systems? Combine this credit with local incentives currently offered by a number of states and your clients can start producing their own energy for around 1/4th of the sticker price. Now that's exciting!
Whatever the scenario, you should know that your competition will be putting the stimulus to good use. How will your business benefit? Start planning today.
When I read this title I raised my hand and said, "Me! Pick me!" These are great ideas! Steve gets right down to the heart of things and I can't wait to spend time on the Cultural Creatives website!!
What are Cultural Creatives??? Read on...Steve explains it well! Are you one?
Just the other day I was at our local Realtor Association taking a CE course on Green Housing. This is a subject that I would naturally gravitate toward, regardless of the need for hours. Now, I have always figured that when attending any training event IF I come away with ONE PEARL, it was worth going. And, while this ‘overview' of the subject was very informative, one blessed pearl came to light that I didn't expect.
We had a discussion about the hypothetical ‘needs and wants' as they pertain to housing of the usual generational groups... you know, the Baby boomers, Generation X and Y. This yielded the usual... location, size, efficiency etc. Then, just at the end of our class, the instructor revealed this new dynamic. The light bulb was blinking in my head regarding this sub-group I had never heard of called "Cultural Creatives". These people want the 'real thing' when it comes to Living Green, not all the trendystuff.
Here are some typical attributes...
1.) Cultural Creatives are nottypified by generational grouping.
2.) CC's are a Psychographic group based on values and behavior.
3.) Cultural Creatives are seriously concerned about the health of our planet.
4.) They tend toward holistic approaches, ie. health care, food, sustainability.
5.) These folks would prefer to buygreen (not just the shade of) ie. Green homes
6.) There is a general rejection of 'overt' displays of materialism and status.
7.) They express dissatisfaction with large institutions and partisan politics.
8.) CC's are generally committed to spiritual and psychological development.
Do you tend to be an idealist? Are you someone who wants to put your values into action? Do you ever volunteer? Do you have a special appreciation for authenticity and tend toward it yourself? Are you a BIG PICTURE kind of person?
If you feel aligned with many of these attributes, you may just be a 'Cultural Creative' yourself and you're not alone. It is estimated that there are approximately 50 million adults of a like mind. Curiously, I felt like I never fit any of the generational labels nor am I inclined to ‘be' labeled. Yet, to my surprise, in this niche, I fit. What about you?
The stimulus bill passed both and the house and senate. It is expected to be signed into law February 17, 2009. While there is a lot of grumbling going on, there truly are some benefits for homeowners.
So many of us live in inefficient homes. Many of the contractors I speak with say that folks just can't upgrade because of the costs. Well, Washinton has passed a bill that will help out in the form of tax credits...
Here are some great ideas on steps you can take....
It's February and it's chilly here in Washington - 28 degrees as I write this! (Okay, not as cold as Minnesota or anything, but still cold!) A lot of energy is used during the winter months and a lot is wasted due to inefficiency. This series has covered things you can do to conserve energy today, this week, this month, and now culminates with things you can do this year. Today's tips are more involved and more costly than the previous lists but with some planning and budgeting you can conserve energy and reduce your bills.
To do this year:
Have insulation blown into uninsulated walls. Many vintage home have little to no insulation which can make the inside feel surprisingly like the outside! Homes of ANY age will have areas of light or spotty insulation that could be beefed up. Have an energy audit (free through many utility companies) done to find where you're losing heat.
Replace old, inefficient appliances. There are often rebate incentives on EnergyStar qualified models and you can have your old appliances recycled, often free of charge. Also, remember that a well-stocked fridge and freezer operates much more efficiently than a nearly empty one so purchase the size that is right for your family.
Upgrade drafty windows. This is a costly investment but the increased efficiency of new windows will cut your energy bills and make you more comfortable to boot. If you can't afford to do them all at once, start with your draftiest ones and go from there.
Check for rebate and tax incentives. Some home improvements done for the sake of efficiency qualify for tax breaks, rebates, low interest loans, subsidies, etc. Check for programs that are available in your area by looking online or contacting your electric and gas company.
Not a do-it-yourselfer? We work with great vendors and can refer you to someone you can trust for your home improvements. Just call the JMC Group at 360-609-6775 or visit the "Contact Us" page at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. We are here to help!
There are so many benefits of infill lots that Penny has pointed out in her blog! Many times a small lot in the city would be looked over but with a great builder on board with excellent design ideas just read how it can be a win-win situation!
Buying an Infill Lot - What is an Infill Lot, and Why is it Greener?
What To Look for with Infill Development
What is an Infill Lot?
"Fill In" Lots
Think of an infill lot as "filling in" available lots and land where infrastructure and services are already in place.
An infill lot might be an empty lot between homes in an existing newer subdivision.
An infill lot could also be an available piece of land between older homes, or between buildings.
Why is an Infill Lot Greener?
Revitalized Neighborhoods
The Urban Land Institute says that urban infill lots converted to new homes create neighborhood revitalization.
Public Transportation
An infill lot is more likely to have access to public transportation that has been put in place to service existing homes and businesses.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
An infill lot is more likely to be near local businesses and amenities, making walking or biking viable options - and reducing carbon footprints.
What Should I Be Aware Of When Buying an Infill Lot?
Architectural Design
Homebuyers will want to try to match the architectural designs in the existing neighborhood as much as possible. A 4000 sq ft home built in a neighborhood consisting of 1500 sq ft homes will probably not hold value well - and may not appraise well for financing.
HOA and Review Committees
As in many neighborhoods, potential homes may need to be reviewed and approved by any existing homeowners associations or review committees.
Shape and Size of Lot
The lot may be an odd size or shape, which has caused it to be passed over. Your builder may be able to recommend a type of home or floor plan that will fit well, or make modifications to your favorite plan.
Impervious Surface
The city or county may have a maximum impervious surface requirement. This means the foundation, walkways, and driveways can not cover more than a specific number of square feet. Again, the builder and/or architect can work to design or modify the home, driveway, and walkways so that the impervious surface requirement is met.
Sewer and Water
Don't assume that sewer and water are readily available - be sure to check on whether or not hookups already exist at your infill lot. If not, find out what the cost will be to make sure your new home has sewer and water (or a septic and well) available.
Get an Expert to Review Your Infill Lot - Then Enjoy Your New Home!
Work with a builder and/or agent with plenty of experience purchasing land and building on infill lots. There are some differences between infill lots and new neighborhoods, but there are advantages too! Knowing the right questions to ask and having a home that fits well can make all the difference.
Need help deciding on a lot or neighborhood?
Stanton Homes offers a free lot inspection to help you find the fit that works well for your budget - and provides a full cost analysis of site work, permits, fees, and sewer and water costs. Contact us today to find out more.
Other Available Land and Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area Information
Click on the links below to find information about other available lots and land, as well as an introduction to the area. A wide variety of price points are available.
These days the real estate industry is flooded with foreclosed homes. It's sad and who ever would have guessed we would find our nation in this state. I'm not telling you anything you don't know, you see it on the MLS every day.
So many of these homes were built before energy codes. Now, even the government is paying attention and giving inducements to homeowners who wish to greenovate their spaces by including incentives in the stimulus bill.
Is there really a need for it? I think Stephanie was ahead of the curve last year when she visited this question....
Let's pretend that the picture to the right is a snapshot of the homes for sale in your Community. There are a handful of homes available, but there are only 5 Buyers lurking around. It is a race for curb appeal, staging, and upgrades. A battle of advertising wits to get the most showings with Photos on MLS, Videos on YouTube and Virtual Tours online.
But most of these all have Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances and Plasma TV's staying with the home. There are some with upgraded carpet, extra crown moulding and pools or heavenly back yards.
Ok, back to the picture. Is there one that catches your eye, one that stands out more than the others? Why does green make it different?
I really am getting somewhere, just bear with me another minute. Here are a few things that I have NEVER heard from a client while showing homes:
"I am buying a home 45 miles from work and it would make me SO happy to find the home in this Community with the highest electric bill."
"Living in Houston for a long time, I have bad allergies/asthma and I enjoy it. Find me the home that will aggravate my allergies/asthma the most."
and last but not least:
"I absolutely LOVE home maintenance. I want a home with rotted wood, single pane windows and appliances that will need to be changed out next year."
I personally believe that these items are overlooked in separating homes while they are For Sale. All of the three points above are getting in to what Green Homes are about. Yes, what most would consider 'Environmentally Friendly Homes'. It is all over the News, every magazine, Reality TV Show, it doesn't end. Even if your home is NOT Green, let's look at what really could make it the Green one in the middle that sticks out.
Energy Efficiency-
So, you have always been ahead of the curve in making a comfortable home with LOW Utility Bills. You chose Radiant Barrier when you replaced your roof, changed out your Windows to Double Pane to keep your Living Room or Master Bedroom cooler, upgraded to Energy Star Appliances AND put in a brand spankin' new 15 SEER A/C System last year. All of that made your bill 40-50% less than the Blue homes around you. Let's Frame it! Take that last Electric Bill and show it to the world! Loud and Proud!
Water Efficiency-
Do you live in an area with high Water Bills or a Water Shortage? What changes have you or can you make to your home that would appeal to a Potential Homebuyer? How about Sprinkler System with Rain Gauge, Low Flow faucets or toilets, or a landscaped yard that requires minimal watering and/or maintenance.
Indoor Air Quality-
This topic would appeal to that large group of homebuyers that need less dust or allergens in a home, a group that is growing in numbers every year. Did you opt for the Whole House HEPA Filter in your A/C System? How about very little or NO carpet, Low or No VOC Paints and adhesives when you put in Hardwood floors and remodeled? Home Buyers looking for these options REALLY do know that it will benefit them.
Home Maintenance-
Ahhh, the one item that really hits home. The Cost vs. Value report is put out once a year to show what upgrades and changes recuperate the most money within 12 months. Did you know that Double Pane windows in Houston on this report show that you can get over 80% of your money back within one year? New siding on the home is OVER 90%!! This also goes back to move in condition and Convenience, two topics that Potential Homebuyers LOVE to hear about. What makes your home different?
These four topics can really draw a crowd and statistics show that Home Buyers are willing to pay a Premium. Whether your home already has these items or you just know that changes are needed to sell, these are items to consider. What is IN your home can help your Listing Agent make it the one that Stands Out From The Crowd! Which Home Is Yours?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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