This is a great article on some ideas on attracting Green Buyers as well as doing some easy eco-friendly improvements to a home.
Making eco-friendly home features pay off
Buyers prefer eco-friendly upgrades that save them money
By Alyson McNutt English, Cyberhomes Contributor
Published: September 23, 2009
When it comes to dollars and cents, energy-efficient, low-E windows and high-performance insulation are a better bang for the home buyer's buck than shiny hardwood floors. Fortunately, the real estate market is beginning to recognize this: A survey of "green" home sales by Earth Advantage, a non-profit green building organization in the Pacific Northwest, found homes in the eco-conscious Portland area sold for 4.8 percent more and stayed on the market 24 percent fewer days than comparable homes without earth-friendly improvements.
If you've made green renovations to your home and are getting ready to sell - or if you're thinking of making eco-friendly home improvements and have an eye on return on investment - check out these tips for making sure your earth-sensitive changes get you all the "green" you deserve.
Focus on eyes ... and wallets
Buyers are more likely to pay a premium for green improvements they can see, touch or feel in their wallet, says Andrew Jay Gross, chairman of The Green Committee in the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors. "Buyers clearly look for visible green features, like lighting, floors, appliances and garden features that use indigenous plants to conserve water," he says.
Energy-saving lighting systems that use watt-sipping compact fluorescent or LED lights can really turn buyers on to a property, he explains, because they can see the system and know they'll feel the difference in their wallet. And if you think these lights are all big classroom-style tubes or huge twisted coils, think again. More and more energy-saving bulbs are coming on the market in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit into even the most sophisticated décor.
And while they appreciate the good karma of saving and sustaining the earth, most buyers are likely to flock to the improvements that will save them money in the long run. Energy savings are really one of the driving forces pushing green into the mainstream of home buyers' consciousness, says Jeff Ammons, president of LiveGreen Inc., a company that specializes in helping homeowners make marketable green improvements to their homes. "Most homeowners care about sustainability, but when it comes to money, energy savings is the big seller," he says. "Sustainability requires more effort and longer payback periods than energy savings."
Ammons says many buyers he's seen are looking up and down for improvements ... literally. They seem to care most about the insulation and sealing in the attic and crawl spaces, and love upgraded, energy-efficient HVAC systems, he says.
Choose a real estate agent who understands ‘green'
A lot of buyers who aren't searching specifically for an eco-friendly home can still be drawn to one if it's marketed properly. "Each marketing effort is an education to most buyers," says Jan Green, a Realtor and certified EcoBroker in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Green says she can't just say, "Low-VOC paint" and expect it to sell a home, because most buyers don't understand the term. "But even when I explain that it means there are no volatile organic compounds in the paint, I have to explain what that means." So if your real estate agent doesn't completely understand what the green features in your home do or why they add value, neither will potential buyers.
But as green homes become more common, professional certifications are emerging to meet the needs of sellers. The best-known green real estate agent certification is probably the EcoBroker designation, which is administered and awarded by the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals (AEEREP).
Welcome to 3827 Washburn Avenue in Minneapolis. This two bedroom, two bathroom home features over one thousand finished square feet on the main level. This old world charm home displays hardwood floors, built ins, leaded windows, french doors all in pristine condition. The updated kitchen, newer appliances, mechanicals and roof make this home move in condition. As you settle into your home you will appreciate the opportunity to expand the upper and lower levels. We have provided a home warranty giving you peace of mind. The location is ideal (close to parks, lakes, schools) the home is beautiful, all we are missing is you!
Click On The Movie Reel To Start The Virtual Tour and Pre-Recorded Information
The House voted last night and the Senate voted this afternoon to pass an expansion and extension of the popular First Time Home Buyer $8000 Tax Credit
The Regional Owners of Tennessee and Kentucky could do no wrong at this year’s EXIT Realty International Convention, hosted by the newly built Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The picturesque setting overlooking the Potomac River provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous event.
Regional Owners Jean Marie and Mike Grumbles, Jean and George Styron and Barbara and Richard Rutan walked away with three huge wins! The first and most prestigious was the Region of the Year Award. This designation is awarded to the EXIT Region who has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that they deserve to be acknowledged for their work ethic, business savvy, successes and the relationships they hold with their Franchisees and Sales Associates.
Jean Marie Grumbles, CEO of EXIT MidSouth, said of the award, “Region of the Year is truly a testament to the caliber of our Agents, Brokers, and Owners. It is not really about us but about them. Winning this year is even sweeter because of the tough economic conditions our country is facing. We are so pleased and proud of this honor and dedicate ourselves to even greater success.”
EXIT Realty Founder and CEO, Steve Morris, commented, “The unprecedented challenge of our economy has facilitated the ultimate arena for the full expression of character, sense of purpose, initiative, success orientation and empathy. This environment has rendered the best of the best most evident in EXIT Realty MidSouth. This decision was unanimous and deserving in every way.”
Not only did they come away with this honored designation but two more were soon to follow! In a draw that was held in the Saturday morning session, Barbara Rutan’s name was drawn and was awarded a One Year Subscription to Market Leader’s Realty Generator system – a value of $18,000!! This is something the entire region will benefit from!
Finally, at the always-anticipated President’s Ball Gala, the week came to a spectacular end for this already winning group of individuals. After hours of agonizing suspense, at the stroke of midnight, the winner of the $100,000 grand prize draw was announced. . Mike Grumbles! Yes that’s correct, one of the Regional Owners of EXIT Realty Mid-South was awarded $100,000!
“Congratulations to the entire Region on your success and all the best in the years to come,” commented Morris.
For more information on real estate franchise opportunities in Tennessee and Kentucky, please contact:
Jean Marie Grumbles Regional Owner EXIT MidSouth jeanmarie@ExitTN.com 615.523.3133
A rare and unique updated log and natural fieldstone retreat situated on a private 2.6 acre lakeshore lot on Lake Marie. The Lake Marie and Lake Louisa bodies of water are attached and are classified as recreational fishing lakes. Lake Marie is approximately 150 littoral acres. Predominant fish species include Black Crappie, Bullhead, Northern Pike, Sunfish, Bluegill, and Walleye. The 3 bedroom 3 bathroom log home was originally built in 1993. The home has been updated from the exterior to the interior. It is a highly effecient home with 3 heating and cooling systems. The home is privately nestled among the woods, making it a very secluded retreat from the road. Outstanding lake views from every room included the beam upper loft area. This four season lake home is finished on all levels and includes additional out buildings for storage and a 2 car attached garage. This is a one-of-a-kind retreat that simply requires a new year round or seasonal homeowner.
Showings are by appointment only. Please call 612-281-1033 for showings or for more details.
Mississauga, ON(Grassroots Newswire)– In spite of the challenges faced by the real estate industry this past year, EXIT Realty Corp. International proudly continues its support for its charity of choice, Habitat for Humanity. At the EXIT Realty International Convention held last week in Washington DC, Christine Ireborg, EXIT's liaison with Habitat announced that pledges to date have exceeded $1.68 million. View our latest video presentation here.
"EXIT Realty couldn't be more proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help make the dream of homeownership come true for deserving families across the U.S. and Canada," said Ireborg. "We wanted to identify with an organization that shares our values and philosophies; an organization based on giving back." A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is dedicated to its charitable fund.
EXIT Realty has 11 corporately sponsored builds under its tool belt with the current one in Newark, New Jersey scheduled for dedication later this year. EXIT Realty associates will be swinging hammers once again at upcoming builds in these cities:
November 2009 – Austin, Texas January 2010 – Florida Spring 2010 – Salt Lake City, UT Spring 2010 – Columbia, SC
EXIT Realty brokers and agents can pre-register to participate in these builds by logging into the EXIT Resource Center. For more information about EXIT Realty's work with Habitat for Humanity, please visit www.exitrealty.com/habitat.
Enjoy the private natural views in this end unit town home situated near walking trails, shopping and nearby freeway access to 169. This home is perfectly suited for a first time home buyer with a main floor dining area that walks out to a private patio overlooking a nature area. The main floor also includes a bright living room with a built in fireplace. Upper level includes 2 bedrooms and a den. This is a must see and does not have any implications associated with some foreclosures. Quick response and sufficient time to close within the first time homebuyer tax credit period. For a private showing or more details, please call the listing specialist at 763 548 1444. Thank you.
Here is an opportunity for a spring or summer move to Echo Woods of Andover. This private location is situate on a wooded corner lot and is nicely finished on both levels. This home boasts over 1,800 finished square feet with a 17 foot spacious foyer, vaulted ceilings, finished deck, family room and additional bedroom on the lower level. The rear yard is completely fenced and beautifully wooded for your enjoyment. No need to wait for price changes on this short sale, simply make your offer at your price and acquire a great home in a great location for a great price. To speak to the short sale specialist on this property, CALL 763-548-1444
MLS# 3639361 $172,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath 13461 Jay St NW Andover MN, 55304
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Frank D'Angelo Minneapolis MN Broker/Owner
The Regional Owners of Tennessee and Kentucky could do no wrong at this year’s EXIT Realty International Convention, hosted by the newly built Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. The picturesque setting overlooking the Potomac River provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous event.
Not only did they come away with this honored designation but two more were soon to follow! In a draw that was held in the Saturday morning session, Barbara Rutan’s name was drawn and was awarded a One Year Subscription to Market Leader’s Realty Generator system – a value of $18,000!! This is something the entire region will benefit from!
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