Northern VA Real Estate & Green Home Living Tips

Break Away from Minimal Planting Space with a Community Garden

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:26:39 -0600

You like the idea of creating your own garden in the city, but you seriously don't have your own balcony, stoop or three by three patch of grass to stake your claim on... Never fear! Get on the list to plant at one of the community gardens in the Northern Virginia area.

George Mason Garden Plots The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) offer nine community garden plots around the area for community members to rent so they can truly reap what they sow in their very own garden. Rental periods run from January 1 through December 31 for the calendar year so a starved gardener should get on the waiting list. George Mason Park's waiting list was thirty people deep when I registered back in early October.

When walking the George Mason Park garden a few weeks ago, I got the sense that most gardeners were in it for the veggies! You can plant whatever you wish as long as they meet the guidelines posted in their regulations. Obviously they don't want any invasive species or plants that tend to creep. They also do not allow for trees to be planted in the community garden. You can view all of the rules on the FCPA's 2010 presentation on their website.

The idea is perfectly wonderful! If the organic gardener in you is aching to emerge from the city, this could be a fantastic way to dig right in and plant your own sustainable garden! Imagine being able to harvest your very own fresh vegetables for cooking! Check out the FCPA website.

Harvest from the Sky

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:15:47 -0600

I love the idea of harvesting rain and using it to take care of your plants both inside and out! When I ran into this Maryland company at the GreenFestival ™, I thought them worthy of a little write up. Straight from the sky- you can get your own rain barrel from 30-214 gallons from Rain Barrels by Aquabarrel ®.

Based out of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Aquabarrel offers three models which can be linked to hose systems to provide water to do any number tasks which you would regularly use regular drinking water to complete. Rain Barrel GuideSave your local watershed by controlling storm water runoff. Aquabarrel® states that “more than 25,000 gallons [of water] fall on a 1,200 sq. ft. roof during the growing season in the Mid-Atlantic states.” By utilizing a rainwater harvesting system, you can save this collected water for satiating indoor and outdoor plants during dry spells; even wash your car or exterior windows!

They also state that a “single [rain] barrel cycles more than 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months.” I have several friends back in Texas who have whole rain water cistern systems for their homes. The Denners whole home subsisted on a rainwater collection system: by creating a covered outdoor pavilion over their 60,000 gallon cistern, the whole family of six was able to utilize filtered rainwater for all of their water requirements. Kori and Frank Swehowsky have built a beautiful 1,000 sq.ft. deck atop their 30,000 gallon cistern which captures rainfall from the roof and gutters, cycles it through a series of filtration systems before becoming their primary water supply. Straight from the sky to their showers, water glasses, plants and other watering needs.

These examples may be the extreme cases- however, extremely good! A rain barrel can be a good first start if you want to start small… Aquabarrel® of Gaithersburg, Maryland can help you head in that direction.

Video from British Embassy's US Channel

I have heard you can bleed orange...

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:04:16 -0600

I have heard you can bleed orange... but that is usually referring to Texas Longhorn fans- not Arlington Orange line commuters. I do, however, think that it transfers poetically. What is the lifeblood of Arlington? It has most definitely got to be the Orange Line and the stream of commuters that it shuttles through its coursing arteries and byways throughout the day. With a myriad of beautiful, high end lofts, towers and condominiums, the Orange Line offers an easy commute into the district and is in and of itself surrounded by fantastic- sought after employers.

Over the last few years many of these condominium developments have dappled themselves along Arlington's main stream. The self proclaimed "Real Lofts" which are Wooster and Mercer Lofts offer "elegance with an edge" for those who are seeking an industrial-urban chicness close enough to hop onto the Orange line for a short commute into the district. Rosslyn's 2009 sales of Turnberry Tower is an immensely beautiful new structure changing the shape of this Northern Virginia and while hovering ever so delicately over the Rosslyn Metro Stop; they even boast as being "a step away from Foggy Bottom." Ballston is just a stones throw from the Residences at Liberty Center which appeals to professionals and families alike who are seeking everything that a public transit commuter could desire: shops, eateries, and the ever present social scene that is found in beloved Ballston.

There will generally be an influx of living areas along desirable commuter lines as more people seek to shirk the responsibility of driving in the insane traffic that overtakes Northern Virginia. The current influx over the past few years just so happens to be on the Orange Line which brings the lifeblood to and from Arlington on its steely veins. Commuters want to live close to their respective Metro entry points while being close to the lifestyle that most of these developments can replicate- understandably so.

Arlington Virtual Food Drive Makes the Perfect Gift.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:01:37 -0600

Each year I ponder on what to buy friends and family for the holiday season. Like most of you I normally at the last minute end up buying something that I am not sure is suitable or of any use. I suspect that my friends feel the same way, as I usually end up with an array of gifts that I simple will never use, which normally end up being donated to charity. Obviously donating unwanted gift to charity is the best solution, but the initial purchase is still a waste of resources and environmentally damaging.

Fortunately this year Arbour Realty may have the perfect solution to your gift giving dilemma. Arbour Realty has teamed up with the Arlington Food Assistance Center. The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing supplemental groceries to Arlington residents who cannot afford to purchase sufficient food to meet their basic needs. Contributions made allow the AFAC to purchase food in larger quantities, and at times can be 4 times cheaper than what we would in general pay at the store. This allows the AFAC to put more food on the tables of Arlington VA residents compared to traditional food drives.

The great news is that you can give to the food drive online without having to leave the comfort of your own home or office, thus furthering your green commitment by reducing your carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary driving.

This year instead of wasting money, resources, gas and time buying useless gifts, why not give to the Arlington Virtual Food Drive in the name of your friend and help those in the Arlington community who are less fortunate. The AFAC already distributes approximately 1700 bags of groceries each week to over 1200 families. Nearly half of those we serve are children. Donating this holiday season and throughout the year would help increase the number of people and children the AFAC would be able to provide with groceries.

Arbour Realty would like to wish each and every one of you Happy Holidays. Whilst enjoying the seasonal festivities we encourage you to continue your environmental commitment whether is be eco-friendly holiday cards, using LCD holiday light to environmentally friendly gifts. Have a green festive season.

Make a donation to the AFAC Virtual Food Drive

Osmotic Energy Continues the Green Commitment.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:46:00 -0600

Exciting news released today from Norway concerning another source of renewable clean energy being harnessed. Osmotic Energy, which is produced by different concentration levels of liquids. When freshwater and seawater meet on either side of a membrane, and a thin layer that retains salt but lets water pass freshwater is drawn towards the seawater side. The flow puts pressure on the seawater side, and that pressure can be used to drive a turbine, producing electricity.

Walking in Arlington VA.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:38:36 -0600

There is no doubt that walking is good for you, and the environment. With this thinking in mind and there constant commitment to the environment, Arlington County have created a program called WalkArlington, which is designed to promote health, environmental, commuter, financial, and community benefits of walking.

The WalkArlington website has information for parents and kids walking to ................................

Read further about WalkArlington VA

Learn more about Green Real Estate

Use Tax Credits to Buy a Green Home or Make Green Home Improvements

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:16:05 -0600

A few months ago we talked about how easy it was to find a Green Home in Northern Virginia, or even Green Real Estate in Arlington VA. Adam Gallegos founder of Arbour Realty Northern Virginia’s first environmentally friendly Real Estate Company stated that there were not that many pre-built green homes in Northern Virginia but eco-friendly homes and Green Building in Northern Virginia are becoming more popular.

Read more about Tax Credits to Buy a Green Home.

Learn about Green Real Estate.

Thinking about Buying a Home in Northern Virginia?Check out the HomeBuyers Tax Credit Bill.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:10:22 -0600

If you are thinking about starting a real estate search in Northern Virginia or already looking for homes in Arlington VA or the surrounding areas, last weeks extension of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit bill will be of interest to you.

The Home Buyers Tax Credit which was extended by President Obama last week gives an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, and a credit of up to $6,500 for qualified.......................

Read more about the First Time Homebuyers Tax Bill.

Learn more about Green Real Estate.

Reduce & Reuse, & Recycle Green Tips from Arlington County, VA.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:38:04 -0600

Arlington County website is a wealth of knowledge. Featuring Arlington VA Homeowner information, Arlington Neighborhood events, Arlington VA school updates, it also has in-depth information on environmental issues and many green facts and tips.

This week, Arlington County’s environmental tip is reduce, reuse, and recycle, which I think is an important motto to apply to aspect of your life. Next time you are at the store, consider whether you really need to buy the item............

Read further about Arlington County's Green Tips.

Learn more about Green Real Estate.

What Makes The Arbour Realty Office Green?

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:16:40 -0600

We’ve integrated a number of green actions into our daily operations to lessen our environmental impact. In fact, we received a GOLD rating for our greenGreen Living Consulting Gold operations from Green Living Consulting, which assesses businesses and organizations on the greenness of our operations. Want to know what we’ve done to be green? We continue to look for ways to get even greener, but here are the actions we’ve taken to date:

Read further about what makes the Arbour Realty Office Green.

Learn about Green Real Estate.

Arlington Virginia Home's Leaves to be Recycled.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:06:15 -0600

Fall is officially here in Arlington County, and you really don’t need a calendar to identify the start of fall, the huge leaf piles in the Arlington Virginia Neighborhoods are a good enough indicator.

Arlington County will be collecting your leaves starting November 2nd through to January 15th 2010. There are two ways Arlington, VA Homeowners can have their leaves collected,............................

Learn more about Green Real Estate.

A 1925 Mission Style home gets re-purposed

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:47:23 -0600

When a home buyer or homeowner is looking at design elements to remodel, build or purchase, it is a good idea to understand the way that you live your daily life from the workspace you need in your kitchen, to the layout and design of your living room. Having a better understanding of the "way you live" will give you and your builder/architect/real estate agent a better direction of which to help you create a more livable space and even reconfigure what you already have to make it more efficient for you and your family.

Read further about 1925 Mission Style Home Gets Re-Purposed

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Exciting News for Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:06:54 -0600

Today’s news that Congress has extended the Homebuyers Tax Credit which was set to expire on the 30th of this month is wonderful news not only for First Time Homebuyers but also for existing Homeowners. The Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended by Congress until April 30th, 2010 with some exciting modifications to the new Home Buyers Tax Credit Bill.

Click on the following link to learn more about the Home Buyers Tax Credit.

Learn more about Green Real Estate.

Read more about the Homebuyers Tax Credit Changes.

November Green Giveaway

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:31:31 -0600

Household energy is one of the leading causes of harmful emissions of carbon dioxide. The energy efficiency of your home could not only be damaging the environment but costing you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary utility charges each year. Having a Home Energy Audit can identify energy efficiency improvements, which often are very low cost to implement and will provide you with a great rate of return

During the month of November Arbour Realty is giving one lucky person the chance to win a Home Energy Audit and Efficiency Gold Package (a $1250 value!) courtesy of Access Green. Simple become an Arbour Realty Facebook Fan or recommend a friend to become a fan and you will be entered to win this exciting prize. Simple click on the Facebook link below to enter. The lucky winner will be announced December 15th.

Learn more about Access Green

Arlington Reed School & Westover Library.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:34:18 -0600

Arlington Residents and students welcomed the opening of the new Reed School & Westover Library last Friday. They celebrated this $22.5 million joint facility with a 2 day celebration which featured a Halloween community open house, live music, a WalkArlington neighborhood walkabout and green tours of the building.

Click on the following link to read more about Arlington Reed School and Westover Library.

Learn more about Green Real Estate.

NVR- The Evolution of three decades of luxury building

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:16:12 -0600

The average lay person doesn't understand that most new homes are more energy efficient by default. When I worked for a luxury custom home builder, I liaised with the Austin Energy program to get all of our homes rated with the City. It is interesting to know that, in general, the concepts that an architect will institute in their plans are concepts that enable a home to be more energy efficient. Design concepts such as creating 2 foot eves over windows for shading, creating livable outdoor areas such as screened in porches, placing the home on the lot "just so" to make the most of any shade trees and orientation of windows towards the sun for optimal heating and cooling depending on the season. By building tighter homes, an architect has implemented elements of "green design" into their plan.

-Genevieve

Click on the following link to read more about NVR- The Evolution of three decades of luxury building

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Have a Green Halloween

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:59:07 -0500

As Halloween approaches everyone is busily decorate their homes, buying bags of candy and selecting which costume to purchase for themselves or their children. Halloween really is a fun holiday, and there is nothing more exciting for me than to walk around the Arlington neighborhoods and see all the spooky decorations, and Halloween lights.

Are you still digesting all of the information from the 2009 DC Green Festival™?

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:52:25 -0500

I know that I am. It has been nearly two weeks and I am still trying to wrap my brain around all of the deliciously informative details that I soaked up while trolling the aisles of the DC Convention Center on October 10th through the 11th at the Green Festival™.

The sixth annual Green Festival™, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, was again, an astonishing hit! Walking into the event center, dozens of helpful volunteers patrolled the vastness seeking out those of us with the ever-present deer-in-headlights look of sheer overwhelm. There was so much to see and so much to learn! The convention center, which I am sure, usually does not have the aroma of a whole food store but did for this particular weekend, was buzzing with thousands of like minded individuals seeking knowledge and- let's just come right out and say it- they were there for the gratis loot!

-Genevieve

Click here to read more about 2009 DC Green Festival™

Learn more about Green Real Estate

fresh new look... same superior standards

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:57:23 -0500

Northern Virginia's first and fabulous green realty company has a new look on their website! At first glance of the refreshingly simple and user friendly site, one would be amazed at all of the incredibly useful information that is so easily accessible at www.ArbourRealty.com! From the homepage, you can do an in-depth home search, check out relevant real estate news, and contact Arbour all at the click of the mouse. You can even follow the community news via their posts on Twitter and Facebook, or check out the latest and greatest on the blog. Know what is absolutely fabulous?! Arbour Realty posts their preferred vendor list! How awesome is it that you can hop on their site and utilize it as not only your one stop realty shop, but also as a valuable resource and research tool?! Arbour Realty loves to educate their community and it shows in their updated site.

This new site is easy on the eyes and down to earth, just like the team and their ideals. There they go again, staying true to their essence. The new site offers simple, straightforward information at the end of your internet connection. Take a look for yourself- remember to read their story and get familiar with the whole team: www.arbourrealty.com.

-Genevieve

Click here to learn more about Green Real Estate.

Popcorn for Packing!

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:33:31 -0500

Last week I was having a conversation with a friend who is currently living in Turkey. She is worried about sending gifts home for the holidays without them being broken. Like me she is concerned with environmental issues and the impact that our everyday decisions have on Mother Earth’s well-being.

Click on the following link to read further about Popcorn for Packing.

Power to Choose Green Power in Virginia

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:01:13 -0500

Dominion Power now allows you to support renewable energy. By simply filling out a form with Dominion Power you will be ensuring that green energy is delivered directly to the grid.

Dominion’s Green Power option works simple by Dominion purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (REC) in the amount that the Virginia Dominion customer specifies.

Department of Defense Going Green

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:12:34 -0500

The Department of Defense is the nations largest consumer of energy. So it is no surprise that in a time when environmental issues are paramount that they need to start making some energy efficiency changes.

An impressive solar-energy array at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is saving money for the Air Force and decreasing the service’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Click on the following link to read more about DoD Going Green.

Click here to learn about Green Real Estate.

Floating Sustainable House that Generates its own Power

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:25:27 -0500

As global warming continues and water levels rise, more and more homes will become displaced, or threaten by water damage due to hurricanes. This is also a major problem for homes located in areas such as New Orleans, and other low level cities on coastal areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.

Click on the following to link to read more about Floating Sustainable Houses.

Click here to learn more about Green Real Estate.

Australian Town Bans the Sale of Water Bottles.

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:16:36 -0500

Water bottles have received much criticism, they are frankly a waste of resources, environmentally unfriendly and fill landfill sites. Using a reusable bottle seems to make more environmental, financial and health conscious sense.

Click on the following link to read about the Ban of Water Bottles.

Click here to learn more about Green Real Estate

Federal Tax Credits and Virginia Rebates For Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Adam Gallegos (Arbour Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:42:07 -0500

As promised, our CPAs, Kositzka, Wicks & Company have lent their expert advice and today’s blog includes details of the federal tax credits and Virginia rebates that await taxpayers who make energy-efficient improvements to their properties.

New Expanded Federal Credits:

Up to $1,500 Credit for Qualified Energy-Efficient Home Improvements in 2009 and 2010

For improvements to your principal residence (expenses incurred building a new home do not qualify for this credit) located in the U.S. placed in service in 2009 and 2010
30% of qualified expenditures up to a maximum total cumulative credit of $1,500
Qualified Energy-Efficient Home Improvements include the following if the improvements also meet specific energy-efficient guidelines noted below:
- Metal and Asphalt Roofs
- Insulation
- Exterior Windows (including skylights) and Doors
- HVAC
- Water Heaters

30% Credit for Qualified Residential Solar Water Heaters, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Wind Energy Property, and Solar Electric Generating Property

For improvements to your residence located in the U.S. placed in service through 2016 (second homes qualify for this credit)
30% of the equipment’s cost (including onsite labor costs) with no capped limit.
Expenditures related to swimming pools or hot tubs (e.g., solar equipment to heat water or run electrical pumps) do not qualify for this credit

In Order to Claim the Federal Tax Credits

One must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement
- Before making energy-efficient improvements to your home, check to see if the manufacturer has certified the products as qualifying for the energy tax credit
- You can also go to energystar.gov/taxcredits for information on whether your planned improvements will qualify for the credit

Just Announced - Virginia Rebates

Virginia Energy-Efficiency Rebate Program

For qualified energy-efficient products and equipment purchases made after June 25, 2009
Rebates will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. $15 million is dedicated to this rebate program
Residential consumers are eligible to receive up to $2,000 per household and up to $250 of the cost of having an energy audit conducted by a certified energy auditor.
Commercial consumers are eligible to receive a maximum of $4,000, but not to exceed 20% of the total cost.
Virginians can also receive For a list of qualified purchases and to sign up to be notified when applications are available visit the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) website http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/eerebates.shtml.

Renewable Energy Rebate Program

For installation of renewable energy generation systems, such as solar or wind systems, made after June 25, 2009. $15 million is dedicated to this rebate program
Rebates are based on capacity of the generating system, for example:
- Residential consumers can receive rebates for $2,000 per kilowatt of the photovoltaic system up to 10 kilowatts in size. Residential and commercial consumers can receive a $1,000 per kilowatt rebate for solar hot water systems.

For additional information on the tax credits and rebates contact your tax adviser.

Kositzka, Wicks & Company (KWC), certified public accountants, is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Formed in 1983, KWC was founded with a commitment to provide quality, personal service in a timely manner. For over 25 years, the staff has grown to more than fifty people, all dedicated to this founding principle. Visit us at www.kwccpa.com.

Circular 230 Disclaimer: Any tax advice contained in the body of this material was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provision