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

LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER (or NOT)

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:21:55 -0600

LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER (or NOT)

As a Land Specialist, I get to walk incredible acreages.-some land for sale by owner-some listed on the MLS. I never cease to be thrilled when I get "that certain feeling" within seconds of stepping on LAND that resonates with me. I have found that my clients feel the same way. It is funny how that happens. Within literally seconds, they/we simply "know". And when we "know" it's the "RIGHT ONE"...it's like finding treasure .....

The choices and variety of land/ acreage here in the Greater Asheville area (Buncombe, Madison, Henderson, Transylvania and Yancey County) has always attracted people area. I've been reading a novel set in 18^th century North Carolina that makes it clear that even in 1776 people braved ocean waves and mountain passages just to be here! YES... It is like finding .

In the past, even 20 years ago, it was not too difficult for land lovers to secure significant tracts of land here in the Appalachians, whether for investment or for conservation purposes.

However, today locating large acreages can be challenging.There only are 13 large (over 400 acre and commonly known to be available) tracts within 50 or so miles of Asheville, N.C. (December, 2009)

Here the data:

Acreage Listed at $$$$

404.5                              $ 2.52.
430                                 $ 7,740
457                                         $ 8,230,140
481                                 $ 3.6
499                                         $6,986,000

517                                         $ 6,204,000
585                                         $ 6,800,000
690                                          $ 5,500,000
730.49                                    $ 11,614,791
742                                         $ 12,243,000
748                                $ 10,472,000 (Henderson)
748                                $ 10,472,000 (Transylvania)
1048                              $10,867,500 (Jackson County)

Whether the land is old family land, as much of the above it, and is used for farming, or forest land with awesome views, waterfalls, streams, the unique quality makes it an excellent choice for conservation real estate investors; perhaps even a Preserve .

  It seems that unique mountain acreage always has and always will attract treasure seekers. IF you are one such person, I can help.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/
LAND FOR SALE by owner or not. Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reservedthe green real estate Asheville Journal

SHIFT, Possibility and (drum roll) KELLER

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:23:39 -0600

About the real estate market today, Gary Keller (the Keller of Keller-Williams) said at a meeting not long ago, "I am not going to say you are in a good situation...you are in a tough spot."

Possibly, maybe, could "tough spots" really be challenges and/or blessings in disguise?

Keller wonders how folks really can get into telling what makes their " tough spot" tougher than someone else's . And Keller is NOT one of the complainers.

He has experienced the ups and downs in the real estate market before. He has weathered those storms. As a result, he can offer path-lights to illuminate a reliable way when shifts occur. In fact, he has written about getting on the path that leads to balance for real estate professionals walking through those "tough spots" in his book,

SHIFT, How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times.

There is more than strategy in this book.
There are more than the "12 proven tactics to help you make the most of any market."

There is a bold challenge! (check out the video that follows)

I like the challenge, how about you? I like the idea that, as Keller puts it, " ...you can't monkey around..." For me two important points he makes are:

1) "You have to act your WAGE."
2) "You have to live the calendar and the focus of a high achiever"

As a professional who sees my role as a person who provides objective fiduciary counsel, I know that these two points work. ..and thriving in any real estate market can be the much desired outcome.

AND, something I know. During ups-and-downs in my life, on many levels, and during the great and small shifts there are GIFTS http://giftofshift.com/activerain and there is inspiration is available-if/when I seek it.

I found such inspiration in SHIFT, How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times. Here's Gary Keller in his own words for those who are ready to be inspired. (see short video)

PS. YOU can purchase SHIFT by going HERE . http://giftofshift.com/activerain

__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

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Naughty or Nice?

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:05:11 -0600

Our colleague JOAN WHITEBOOK has a green idea you may want to consider. In the post that follows, she point out, " Re-gifting makes the holidays GREEN and You can Save GREEN! " Read on...

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

       A few years ago I went to visit my family in Oklahoma over the holidays.

       It is a tradition of our family to gather for dinner on Christmas day. The get-together takes place my cousin's home.

      After dinner we gather around for gift giving. One person is designated by uncle Lenn to be "Santa's Helper" and pass out a gift to a family member.

   As a gift is opened, the other family members and friends look on and then another family member receives a gift ... and so it goes.

   On this particular evening, Santa's Helper delivered a beautifully wrapped gift to Aunt Marj.

     Aunt Marj slowly removed the ribbon and folded the paper neatly so she could reuse it again.

    As she lifted the lid to the box, she let out a scream. My first thought was that there was a live mouse in the box!  However, it turned out to be a coffee maker with automatic everything -- radio and timer included.... very nice indeed!

    The problem was two-fold:

     Aunt Marj hated coffee and she had given the coffee maker to my cousin Jennifer as a wedding present a couple of years before. ...

     Apparently Jennifer received 3 coffee makers as wedding presents. Jennifer decided to re-gift THIS automatic coffee maker to another cousin whose name is Paula.  And as fate would have it cousin Paula now re-gifted the automatic coffee maker to Aunt Marj!

              So what do you think about the idea of re-gifting?

     Re-gifting ~~ The word can be attributed to a 1995 "Seinfeld" episode.   Although experts tell us that regifting has been around a long time, with the economy being down, re-gifting has made a big come back.

     A recent survey found that nearly 60 percent of the people polled admitted they had re-gifted!

If you are considering re-gifting this year, hear are a few tips.

     Don't re-gift something that has been used

     Put the gift in a NEW bag or new box

     Don't leave on part of the tape or old wrapping paper

     Don't give a partially used gift card

   Don't give a gift card to a company that has gone out of business

   Don't give something you have owned for many years

     Be sure to remove the greeting card that came with the gift!

      And Don't return the same gift to the person who gave it to you in the first place!

       Re-gifting makes the holidays GREEN and You can Save GREEN!

   So my friends... what say you ~ re-gifting ~ NAUGHTY OR NICE?

Visit New Hampshire .... New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Fifth 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, "Naughty or Nice" Photos (c) 2009 Joan Whitebook ~ all rights reserved.*

The Home Inspection Checklist- An Eco-Friendly One, That Is

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:51:44 -0600

Eco-Friendly Home Inspection Checklist

You know that one of the grandest investments you make in your entire life is in your dwelling place. Wise choices before you "take the leap" make sense. Wise choices like a Home Inspection from a certified professional. (resources below)

A Certified Home Inspector will review the "grand investment" with a critical eye and you will benefit.

S/he will investigate the structural elements considering: construction of walls, ceilings, floors, roof and foundation. S/he will take a close look at the exterior: the site itself- grading, elevation, drainage and so forth, and check out the condition of other outside features like your garage, fences and sidewalks and the landscaping.

There is the fascia, trim, and, of course there are doors and windows to review inside and out, as well as the roof and, attic. Did I mention the gutters? It is a logical progression: plumbing, the systems in the property, electrical, appliances.

(loving your grand investment photo by janeAnne brings a smile.)

But, if you are going green, are there additional considerations? Here are just a few eco-friendly items you may find of interest:

Home Energy Audit
Air Movement in the Home and Air Quality
Moisture Control
Lighting/Daylighting
Passive Solar Gain
Site Orientation

NOW...How about adding to that list? Let me know what you would add.

Resources: National Association of Certified Home Inspectors and for the Eco-Friendly, a GREEN Home Inspection Checklist

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__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal
The Home Inspection Checklist- An Eco-Friendly One, That Is

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Is There a GHOST in the House? Feng Shui on Long Island - New York

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:17:48 -0600

Being an expert in the practice of Feng Shui, CAROLE PROVENZALE always has an interesting story to share about her experiences. The following post introduces readers to the concept of feeling at home in a new residence where there is "nothing but good and supportive Energy." READ ON.

Via Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City):

Is There a Ghost in the House? Feng Shui on Long Island - New York

About one in five of our Feng Shui calls for Feng Shui Consultations from Long Island or New York City come from someone concerned about Spirit Activity. Laura Cerrano is my daughter and has been doing on site Feng Shui Consultations with me and without me since 2000. Since formally beginning her own Feng Shui business http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com on both Long Island and New York City, we don't often get to practice together as much.

Yet there is no denying that about one in five calls or emails we receive regarding a Feng Shui Consultation both on Long Island AND New York City are from potential clients concerning "ghosts." Spirit or Paranormal Activity. We've both been in homes where noises occur, lights flicker, there are "cold spots" and on rare occasions we have actually seen SOMETHING. Since we are both highly attuned to Energy, these are the Feng Shui Consultations we like to work on together.

One question we are often asked is if "Ghosts" or "Spirits" can attach; meaning can they follow them if they move or even if it's possible for us, as Feng Shui Practitioners to bring them into OUR Spaces. According to both Parapsychologists and Feng Shui Consultants, the answer is yes, it IS possible that a Spirit can attach to you.

While training in Feng Shui Studies on Long Island, New York City or Sedona AZ (for a shamanistic approach to Feng Shui) we are specifically taught methods both before and after a Feng Shui Consultation so this doesn't happen to us. While some of these methods take a while to perform, they are important for both our clients AND ourselves.

A recent email was from a client who was determined to move but afraid of bringing this activity WITH her-the very thing she was moving to get away FROM. She wanted to know if we would be able to help her to move into a new space safely. And ALONE.

Laura and I both worked with her together and I'm thrilled to say she made her transition into her new home where she feels nothing but good and supportive Energy. She is sleeping and eating well and feels a sense of peace she'd forgotten had existed. She credits her Feng Shui Consultation here on Long Island NY.

Some things don't belong in your home or business. People are sometimes afraid to speak of these things still while others still insist they don't exist. I can assure you they do. And I can assure you this IS help.....

http://www.TheFengShuiVoice.com

*Carole Provenzale is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island and New York since 1997. http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Laura Cerrano is a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner and the Founder of Feng Shui Manhattan New York, est. in 2000. http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com

New ActiveRain Group: Philanthropy

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:09:55 -0600

PHILANTHROPY makes sense to me...how about you?

Via C Tann-Starr (TannStarr.com TannStarr.ws REMAX People Realty):

http://activerain.com/groups/philanthropy

I am looking forward to being a member of this group and posting here. I believe we, as a community, can make a difference in each others lives and effect change. We can choose to help people and we can use the power of the Rain to do wonderful and marvelous things all over the globe.

The beautiful thing about Freedom of Speech is you can dare to dream and share those dreams with others. You can also blow the whistle on injustice, take action as you see fit and inspire others to act on the behalf of people and causes.

What do you want to do with your blog today? You can do anything you want... one post at a time. :-)

GOING GREEN -Asheville's Film Community

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:07:39 -0600

Just this week a client mentioned he was interested in video and film career opportunities in North Carolina.While we are known as the "Paris of the South" here in Asheville, we are not exactly Hollywood. But I could tell him about AdvantageWest.

Advantage West is a non-profit public-private partnership taking an interest in filmmaking, entrepreneurship and tourism. I was happy to share information I have: AdvantageWest, the Western North Carolina Film Commission "assists filmmakers with scouting and securing location, and acts as a liaison for services such as road closures, permits, and use of public property. The Commission also provides logistical information regarding crew, talent, equipment, stage and support services."

Good to know that creative folk relocating to the Asheville are can make connections with the local film community, and projects, including feature films, documentaries, commercials, television films and series, music videos and reality TV.

Going Green Series- Events Environmental Leadership Center

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:55:53 -0600

I got an invitation from Phil Gibson, a much admired colleague recently. Phil is the Director of Research and Community Outreach at the Environmental Leadership Center at Warren Wilson College just down the valley in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The Environmental Leadership Center has the mission of "raising awareness of local, national and global environmental realities and to inspire caring citizens - especially our youth - to reflect, to communicate, and to act as responsible caretakers of the earth. "

The Eco-Steward Firm has had a similar mission, and so I was excited when Phil told me that Clarke Snell who wrote and autographed my copy of his book, Building Green, was going to be doing a presentation there. Clarke would be talking about " Sustainable Construction Methods" over at the Canon Lounge of the Gladfelter Building.

That got me thinking that readers might be interested in information about events sponsored by the Environmental Leadership Center. So here is a worthy link for you:

http ://www.warren-wilson.edu/~elc/New_ELC_Website_/conference/

GOING GREEN Series: A Vintage Retrofit

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:52:17 -0600

GOING GREEN Series: A Vintage Retrofit

On a quiet street in an historic neighborhood in Asheville, NC, where huge old trees stand in stately glory on either side of the rode, I found an amazing vintage home in need of TLC.

I showed it not long ago to a young couple who are planning to " do a bunch of retrofitting" after they invest in an older home. Great attitude as the "GREEN-UP": It's going to be a fascinating learning experience and challenge, " they tell me.

GREEN RETROFIT

We sat sown with our "GREENERS" -professional resources who understand the ins and outs of retrofitting to get a clue as to their opinion about what they'd like to see done first. Here's what they told us:

Solar Panels
Upgrade the windows
NO VOC painting throughout
Edible landscape
On-Demand Water Heaters

Summarizing: Green products can improve your quality of life while also "greening-up" the neighborhood in a special way. Here is a Vintage Retrofit and it could be the biggest and most elegant recycled item for which you have ever cared!

What's yours???

Resources: . I love Asheville's locally-produced Earthpaint® which is NO VOC for sprucing up both interior and exterior surfaces. (Check the link. You can order it shipped if need be.)

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Going Green Series- Before you Move, GREEN-up

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:13:10 -0600

Going Green Series- Before you Move......GREEN-up

Before you Move,take a look at your reason to sell and think through the process before you do anything else. Good planning pays off. It makes sense to do the standard list of things:

a) Release your personal attachment to your home (not always so easy to do)
b) Take your personality out of the picture (also not always so easy to do)
c) Get a jump on packing and de-clutter (for sure not so easy to do)
d) Make all closets and cabinets ship-shape (another challenge)

But what about providing that special "oomph" to buyers
who more and more today are demanding ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES
that offer attractive BENEFITS to buyers?

Before you Move, GREEN-up- Paint. Replace. Upgrade.

This eco-friendly plan will increase the value of the home and certainly makes it more attractive to today's buyers.

Step One: Spruce up your abode. Paint.Use NO VOC paints, remove and replace old carpets with nontoxic flooring, consider replacing all the light bulbs with LEDs. I love Asheville's locally-produced Earthpaint®which is NO VOC for sprucing up both interior and exterior surfaces. (Check the link. You can order it shipped if need be.)

Step Two: Replace old appliances with energy efficient appliances.

Step Three: Updatewindows, insulate for energy efficiency, and go for daylighting. .

Step Four: Seek out a "green" real estate professional with NAR's GREEN Designation or the EcoBroker or Eco Certified Real Estate Consultant Designation.

__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ the green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

It Costs Nothing and Yet It Is a Gift Whose Value is Beyond Measure.

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:15:55 -0600

JO-ANNE SMITH has a way of telling a story. I subscribe to her blog because I know that I will find a certain perspective based on values that ma tter to me and to those who read my blog. Here JO-ANNE posts here thoughts on kindness, so appropriate for this time of year...and for 365 days, too..she writes, "

Sometimes in life you meet someone who changes your life and through some hidden alchemical reaction taking place deep within your cells, you are never the same again....I heard a quote once...'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle'......an eternal piece of wisdom that holds true no matter what era the human race finds itself in. Kindness softens a heart and gives hope where perhaps before there was none." READ ON

Via Jo-Anne Smith- Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Region Real Estate, Ont (Brekland Realty Group):

Sometimes in life you meet someone who changes your life and through some hidden alchemical reaction taking place deep within your cells, you are never the same again.

I heard a quote once, possibly about 7 years ago, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle".
No one seems to know who was the original sayer of that quote.
Some say it was Plato and some say it was someone else. It matters not, for it's an eternal piece of wisdom that holds true no matter what era the human race finds itself in.

Kindness softens a heart and gives hope where perhaps before there was none.

On a daily basis, as you go about your business, you are interacting with many people. Some you barely speak to, some you have a longer conversation with and some you don't speak to at all.

Make no mistake though, you have touched each of their lives, whether you spoke or not. Oftentimes even a glance will affect someone who is at their wits end and drenched in desperation.

You never know when your kind smile and eyes will make all the difference in someone's life right when they need it most.

How often do we stop to think of the inherent power of words? The words that others direct towards us leave indelible marks upon our spirits and sometimes, may scar them for life. Likewise, the words we say to those around us have the ability to lift up the spirits who they are spoken to, or tear them down to gound zero minus 50.

Now where is this more evident than on the faces of children.
It breaks my heart to see a child with a worried or sad face.

Childhood should be a time of happiness and ease, however for millions of children the world over it is anything but.
Do you remember when you were a child and someone was kind to you?
When we are children, open and trusting, the words spoken to us have a greater effect than at any other time in our lives.

This time of year, when unwrapping my Christmas ornaments and memorabilia, I always pause to think of two people who greatly affected my life as a child.

Mr and Mr's Barazynski lived next door to us in Batawa, Ontario.
They were an elderly and lovely couple who's children had grown.

They seemed to dote on me and one day, when Christmas was approaching, they brought over some tiny figurines wrapped gently in cloth.
They were 'from the old country', they said and they thought that I might enjoy having them.

I gazed in wonder at the clay figurines which were hand-painted in muted tones, now dull with age and the oils of the many hands who had held them.
They seemed heavy in my tiny hands and my Mother thanked Mr and Mrs Barazynski while I stared in wonder at these small treasures, the remnants of an old nativity scene.

I felt so loved and so special at that moment.
To think they had thought of me and had brought these treasures to my house to give them to me. I will never forget their kindness nor their soft smiles, kind words and gentle eyes.

Think of the difference you alone can make in one tiny life or in the lives of all of those you meet daily. Just a kind word of encouragement or admiration recognizing something special about the person goes a long way and will never be forgotten.

©2009JoSmith

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com

Going Green: Asheville Eco-Community to Provide Learning Experiences at Hickory Nut Forest

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:12:12 -0600

GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies

I am excited about the trend toward eco-savvy communities in the Asheville NCarea. In a time when many communities may be drawing inward, the opposite seems true when I research eco-friendly communities for my clients. Here is an example - news from Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community near Asheville.

Hickory Nut Forest Eco-community has created a non-profit called Mountain Roots whose Mission Statement reveals that the non-profit is dedicated to providing discovery and adventure learning experiences, while exposing participants to a working model of environmentally responsible and community-centered living.

The purpose of Mountain Roots is to:

1) Practice and teach a variety environmentally sustainable practices through organic farming, land conservation, and the use of renewable energy technologies;

2) Model a balanced and healthy life-style

3) Emphasize character, leadership, and community development;

4) Encourage healthy living by providing challenging opportunities through adventure experiences.

Interview with Eco-Developers: CLICK HERE

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It's Not About Global Warming

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:40:54 -0600

CHRISTA ROSS caught my attention with this post. While many join the beleive it or not debate, CHRISTA points out something more immediate...READ ON

Via Christa Ross (RE/MAX Select Realty, Ecosociate and RE/MAX Green Specialist):

It seems these days lines are being drawn between those that "believe" in global warming and those that don't. Well guess what, I am not an environmentalist ("tree-hugger" as some might call me) because of global warming, although it is worth mentioning that I do believe the planet is warming, and I do believe that people do have some effect on that process.

Here are the OTHER reasons that I think green practices are important:

Because I think that dependence on foreign oil puts the country in a bad political position.

Because I think that people waste to0 much and that our culture has become over-commercialized.

Because I prefer quality over quantity, especially in houses. (and I don't want to clean a big house)

Because I want to breath clean air and drink clean water.

Because I believe that toxic products should not be applied to our food and that they probably cause a variety of health problems.

Because I believe that eventually we will run out of natural resources if we don't start using more sustainable practices.

Because I want to see more well-paying green energy jobs not overseas junk creation jobs.

Because I believe it is my duty to leave behind the earth in a better condition than I found it.

and yes, this one does have to do with global warming...

Because I love to ski and with the winters we have been having in Western PA I don't know how much longer I will be able to do that here at home.

So you see, being green doesn't just mean choosing a side on the global warming debate. There are a lot more immediate, local reasons to be concerned for our environment.

Live green in Western PA. Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, your certified green agent and RE/MAX green specialist at 724-933-6300 x214 or visit my website at www.greenhomespgh.com.

announcing...the GOING GREEN RESOURCES DIRECTORY

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:36:46 -0600

http://activerain.com/groups/GoingGreenResources

NEWS for ECO CERTIFIED MEMBERS:

:IF you are an NAR GREEN, Eco Certified Real Estate Consultant or EcoBroker,
please check out the above link.

THIS is a project a few of us started AS A PRIVATE GROUP a couple of years ago. We feel the GOING GREEN TREND and your expertise combined indicate it is time to launch it ....

HERE you can refer "GREENERS" in your community. PLEASE make sure you know them personally and can recommend their work.

Please check it out. ..and add your favorite green resource (s)

2010 is on the GREEN HORIZON!

Green Living - Eco Tourism

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:15:58 -0600

MARK HALL has good advice if you are traveling now, during the holidays, or really...at any time of the year. MARK points out in the post that follows that , " Eco tourism is responsible travel. Responsible travel is travel with a purpose. When choosing destinations, accommodations, and tour operators, consider which ones have made a commitment to protect the environment and benefit the local cultures and communities...." READ ON!

Via Mark Hall Vancouver Washington Real Estate (Elite Realty NW - Keller Williams, Vancouver Washington):

Eco Tourism

Eco tourism is responsible travel. Responsible travel is travel with a purpose. When choosing destinations, accommodations, and tour operators, consider which ones have made a commitment to protect the environment and benefit the local cultures and communities.

Who travels responsibly? Anyone can be a responsible traveler. You can get back to nature, or bathe in luxury... hike into the rain forest or explore the city... stay close to home or travel to exotic locations. Responsible travel provides many options and can be very affordable.

The first element to consider when planning a "green" trip is the method of transportation. Your flight could be the most polluting aspect of your trip. Did you know that it is estimated that air travel accounts for 10% of greenhouse gases worldwide? While many times you cannot avoid a long jet flight, you can help offset unavoidable emissions by contributing to credible carbon offsetting programs that support conservation.

More tips about choosing the right accommodations at a later date!

Photo credits - April Farnum - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved.

GREEN Living Tip Asheville: Low Maintenance Landscape

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:18:04 -0600

the green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN

By shifting to a sustainable and low-maintenance approach in landscape design, trading out plants that demand a lot of attention and substituting plants that seem to do well on their own, many of us around Asheville, NC have found more time to be "neighborly" . Many of us are way less exhausted on the weekend when we get together. The lawns are smaller, but the landscaping is mighty attractive with ground covers and shrubs, and mulch praising our efforts for sustainable landscape design, and some of this even is edible.

GREEN Living Tip Asheville: Low Maintenance Landscape Benefits

REDUCED money, water, chemicals and labor.
Wonderful wildlife habitat and viewing.
Increased probability of a strong foundation that invites other wild plants to come in and grow.
Increased time to live with and learn about each other and the plants used - adaptable, drought-tolerant, insect- and disease-resistant -

Less effort- =)
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POLL: What Green Home Features Are Most Important to YOU?-

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:39:30 -0600

Possibly you already have an idea that comfortable-green and eco-friendly homes offer positive possibilities for you and your family.

Today I am wondering which features in your green home and land are most important to you.

For example- how would you rate the reduction in the cost of utilities? Indoor air quality? Sustainable quality? Native landscaping? A small footprint? Green community amenities? Edible landscaping? Energy efficient appliances? Non toxic finishes and paints? The Energy Star® rating?

Here is a Green Home Features ranking poll. Take it and let me know!

What Green Home Features Are Most Important to YOU?(polls)

GREEN and Livable -What Does This Mean?

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:10:40 -0600

the green real estate Asheville Journal-greenhomes and land legacies : I happened on succinct information from Blueprint for America, an initiative of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) today.

Blueprint for America encourages communities to think about the possibilities for and within the green and livable, eco-friendly scene.. "Intended to inspire communities to come together around architecture, Blueprint provides the opportunity for individuals to collaborate with AIA architects and share their ideas for creating livable communities."

Here are just a few of the community service initiatives: Bus Stop Extreme Makeover (Oklahoma City/Wichita) Statewide Disaster Preparedness Program (Tennessee) Brooklyn Expressway Corridor (New York) 3-D Planning Models (Colorado Springs/Indianapolis) Affordable Housing Modules (New York State/Southeast Wisconsin)

As evidenced in the above projects, GREEN and livable means

1.   design that happens on a human scale
2.   choices
3.   multiple transportation options
4.   encouragement of mixed-use development
5.   preservation of urban centers
6.   creation of vibrant public spaces
7.   creation of neighborhoods with identity
8. protection of environmental resources
9.   conservation of landscapes
10. and the notion that Good Design Matters

That sounds like a "green-print" to me...how about you?

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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ the green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

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green real estate Asheville journal: green homes and land legacies

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:12:53 -0600

green real estate Asheville: Last week I took a client to see an emerging Eco-Community about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. it is located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

I consider it a gem amidst the sparkling Hickory Nut Gorge. Out your back door, you can hike for miles. You can move into the serenity of nature. You can be surrounded by "forever-wild" mountain forests, soaring cliffs and pristine, cascading streams.

In thiseco-friendly community land conservation, green-built homes, organic gardening and renewable energyfrom wind, water, sun, and geothermal sources, you can expect eco-innovation in real time. An heirloom apple orchard and old vineyard is part of the conservation land adjacent to the conservation development.

Of course, this impressed my client who is very much in to the green real estate scene. Perhaps more than this, however, was the notion that here, you even can be part of designing a "net zero energy homes community," that creates more renewable energy than we use.

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__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ the green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville journal

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Asheville Green Built Homes 2009 Report Part 2

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:24:40 -0600

Asheville Green Built Homes 2009 Report Part 2

green real estate asheville

Green Real Estate Market 2009
CLOSED GREEN HOMES

GOING GREEN and observing the trends in the eco-friendly market? Come to Asheville, NC. You may have heard forecasts that cloudy days in much of the market will prevail. But sunny days (see photo) are still to be had.

And, as I reviewed the happenings in the GREEN HOME SALES real estate market here in the Greater Asheville area, I recognized bright trends and forecasts.

Yes, we have felt the effects of credit tightening and the sub-prime mortgage crisis, but popularity of green built homes has held steady, and here in Asheville, it seems to me that this-helps drive our market in a positive way. (see Part 1 of this report) http://activerain.com/blogsview/1366382/asheville-green-built-homes-2009-closed-comparison-report

THE GREEN HOMES AND LAND Asheville REAL ESTATE SALES TRENDS 2007-2009

Here is a quick look at "GREEN-Built" Homes sold in the Greater Asheville area this year in the $200K to $2M price range. You can see we are holding steady in the eco-friendly Real Estate Market -the GREEN BUILT Market Niche in Buncombe County & The Greater Asheville, North Carolina Area

GREEN-Built Homes SOLD in 2009
Price Range : $200-300K   Sold: 52
Price Range : $300-400K   Sold: 33
Price Range : $400-500K   Sold: 14
Price Range : $500-700K   Sold: 14
Price Range : $700-900K   Sold: 6
Price Range : $1-3M          Sold: 13

I would like to know how your eco-friendly market looks. Please comment below.

__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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New Stagers..Why are you so special?

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:43:17 -0600

LESLIE GODBOLD is one of the most energetic and creative staging experts I have met. I can say this from first-hand experience. I attribute a number of our sales to her genius. Here LESLIE offers advice that you may want to consider!

Via Asheville Stagers- Leslie Godbold (Asheville Stagers - "We do more than make pretty places!"):

My name is Leslie Godbold and I am suppose to write Blog #2 in a series for New Stagers. This blog is suppose to tell you tips and important info on setting up and maintaining your office. (I will get to those, just not today)

I am suppose to write this blog in the morning but I jumped out of bed and told my husband," I have to tell them now before I lose the passion".

What I am going to write about is a great tip, and yes, it can have an impact on your office. A positive one! But if you don't have this , you don't need office procedures anyway. No work, No need.

#1....... The BEST.......... The One and Only...... Why does she stand out?!?!

The tip is: What makes you so special? What is it about you that will make home staging skeptics hire you?

Oh you have the talent? You have the eye? Almost every woman and a lot of men, I have ever spoke with about home staging , say they have staging talent. Seriously! They know, they watch HGTV's and TLC's staging shows and they could do that hands down...... even better than the show's stagers. That is what they believe!

You have to deliver a great service and results but that is NOT enough. Something else has to push you out of the crowd. So what is special about you and your business? So special that you get hired over and over again, despite all of your clients knowing how to do your job!

All of the established stagers, that I have known for years , have a special "IT" and know how to use it to their advantage. I know what has made me succeed, my clients know......but you are not me. You have your own talents , abilities and unique value.

Tell us about IT! Yell it from the roof tops! If you have the IT to succeed then You MUST have the passion and ability to let the world know! But I will explain that part later. Right now, Proclaim your uniqueness here!

If you are too shy or quiet to write it in a comment, How are you going to convince potential clients to trust you with their biggest investment....their home, the home that their memories were made in, the home where their love ones lay their heads down at night. They aren't going to trust just anyone, you have to be special. You are! Tell us why!

Are you going to be one of the up and coming ( or already on the rise) leaders for the staging industry? Let us hear you ROAR!

Tell us how you are special and then start yelling it to the world!!

Note: This blog is in a series to try to offer tips and ideas for new stagers. To read the previous blog, please click New Business Owners- Are you Ready? Thanks

Asheville Green Built Homes 2009 Closed Comparison Report

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:27:46 -0600

green real estate asheville- Asheville Green Built Homes 2009 Report
Real Estate Market 2009
It's STEADY GREEN December, 2009

Sales of Asheville GREEN homes is a hot topic. If you're like me, an avid real estate market watcher, statistics in GREEN land and home sales grab my attention, especially nowadays, and especially when it comes to GOING GREEN and observing the trends in the eco-friendly market.

You may have heard forecasts that cloudy days in much of the market will prevail.

However, sunny days (see photo) are still to be had. And, as I reviewed the happenings in the GREEN HOME SALES real estate market here in the Greater Asheville area, I recognized bright trends and forecasts.

Yes, we have felt the effects of credit tightening and the sub-prime mortgage crisis, but popularity of green built homeshas held steady, and here in Asheville, it seems to me that this-helps drive our market in a positive way. Take for example:

Asheville is #1 Best Place to Live/Relocate...according to on RELOCATE-AMERICA.com

and you will see how vibrant our market is. This is encouraging news for buyers, sellers and investors.

THE GREEN HOMES AND LAND Asheville REAL ESTATE SALES TRENDS 2007-2009

I've compiled data below for "GREEN-Built" Homes in the Greater Asheville area and compared this 2007-2008 . You can see we are holding steady in the eco-friendly Real Estate Market -the GREEN BUILTMarket Niche in Buncombe County & The Greater Asheville, North Carolina Area

GREEN-Built Homes and/or Energy Star
Closed in 2007: 30
Closed in 2008: 56
Closed in 2009: 45

I would like to know how your eco-friendly market looks. Please comment below.

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__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ GOING GREEN: socially conscious investing keeps on rolling into a sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow with eco-friendly land where you can build a green house and then help the environment by recycling. GREEN Real Estateand Relocation: OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients.. . The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Conservation Stewardship Asheville and Beyond- Part 2

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:24:51 -0600

green real estate asheville-Conservation Stewardship Asheville and Beyond- Real Estate News and Views: GOING GREEN from Green Asheville's "Land Legacy" Eco-Steward

Conservation and stewardship are coming to the forefront of the popular consciousness across the nation.

As land specialist in the mountains of North Carolina, my clients are expressing a particular interest in conservation practices including:

controlling wind erosion, conserving energy, growing high residue-producing crops, managing areas for wildlife, providing food and water resources on existing lands for wildlife, applying fertilizer according to soil and tissue tests, utilizing a grazing management system to maintain soil and water quality.

The new (2009) Conservation Stewardship Program "... will help the nation's agricultural and forestry producers reach greater levels of conservation performance, which will help protect our land and water... maintaining and enhancing natural resources [that] will improve the quality of soil and water, assist in addressing global climate change, and encourage environmentally responsible energy production."

Here below is a series of links of interest concerning the description, focus, and availability of conservation programs and initiatives under the Farm Bill. As a Land Specialist, the following are of special interest to me (and possibly to you.) They are:

Conservation Innovation Grants
Agricultural Management Assistance Program
Conservation of Private Grazing Land Program
Conservation Reserve Program
Grassland Reserve Program
Healthy Forest Reserve Program

On a personal note: We live very close to the ancient wildlife path(see who came to visit us this Thanksgiving in the photo here) so I am taking a close look at the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

RESOURCES: For an in-depth look at the Conservation Stewardship Program

Let me know if you would like to talk about conservation stewardship and the ECO COMMUNITIES NEAR ASHEVILLE authentically involved in conservation stewardship.

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............ GOING GREEN: socially conscious investing keeps on rolling into a sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow with eco-friendly land where you can build a green house and then help the environment by recycling. GREEN Real Estate and Relocation: OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients.. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
_______________the green scene ___________________________________

Wordless Wednesday's Potter and Cat

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:17:47 -0600

"Green" Sustainable Property Asheville Style! It's Exciting.

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:40:15 -0600

green real estate asheville- "Green" Sustainable Property Asheville Style! Asheville, North Carolina's creative citizenry including a growing number of NAR GREEN ndECO Certified® Real Estate Consultants have their hearts set on finding "smart" ways to approach healthy choices in both home AND land design and use that enhance a sense of community.

Things HAPPEN when people start getting together and talking. And the talk here in the Greater Asheville area, where "THINGS" already are happening is about making wise choices in terms of GREEN. It's exciting!

green real estate asheville: While the environmental and social benefits of green buildings to a community are clear, until It's exciting. recently, some real estate professionals and their clients questioned whether green-built buildings, added tangible value to a property. If you read my earlier post you will see a fabulous accounting of just what this means. In fact, Green Value, an independent research study, has provided in-depth research on the matter. It concluded that a clear link is beginning to emerge between the market value of a building and its green features.

The study combined a review of literature and case studies and found that not only are green buildings good for the environment, provide healthier places to live and more productive places to work, they can command higher prices. For Asheville REALTORS®, accepting a leadership role in "green-thinking " new ways not only benefit sour ecology and our economy...but all concerned.

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GREEN Real Estate and Relocation: OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..

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