The fact that the Green movement started back in the sixties and seventies is no surprise to me. When I was growing up, my grandma used to save the water from washing rice and produce to water her gardens. She was practicing a combination of the "green" principles in green living - reduce and reuse.  No wonder, her roses blossomed. 

Today, we hear and read about everything green. Companies in various sectors, ranging from technology, financial services, energy, retail, to manufacturing, are embracing environmentally safe practices. Bristol Myers-Squibb, General Mills, IBM, HP, Mattel, Exxon-Mobil, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Gap, Nike, Heinz, PG&E, Kohl`s, GE, Citigroup, Microsoft, Coca Cola, Apple, Staples, JP Morgan Chase are just a few of the 100 top corporate citizens named by Forbes Magazine that implement green practices in their work sites, product development and packaging, and energy-saving data centers.¹  Bank of America plans to build a 52-story eco-skyscraper near New York's Times Square, while Empire State Building is undergoing a $20 million renovation to be green over a 5-year period with the objective of cutting energy by 40% and saving about $4.4 million on energy costs a year.²

Within the United States alone, homes account for 21 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions.³ Rising energy costs have prompted groups and individuals to look for cost savings. Consumers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious. Cahners Residential Group, a building trades publisher, surveyed and found that consumers are ready to pay for a house that has alternative building materials and energy-efficient systems. Results of the survey showed that almost 80% of respondents listed the environment as a top concern, and almost 90% replied they would be willing to pay more for a house with environmentally friendly features.⁴ Consumers are also looking for healthier lifestyles in greener homes. According to National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.), 75% consumers surveyed indicate green features preferred when purchasing homes.³  

In the commercial sector, a recent study (CoStar Group Study) revealed the economic benefits of building green.  LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot over their non-LEED counterparts, and have 3.8 percent higher occupancy.⁵ What is LEED? "The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System^TM encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria".⁶  Compared to non-Energy Star buildings, Energy Star buildings represent a $2.38 per square foot increase in rental rates, and have 3.6 percent higher occupancy.  Another trend that may garner more interest from institutional investors is that Energy Star buildings are selling for an average of $61 per square foot more than their peers, while LEED buildings achieve a significantly $171 higher price per square foot.⁵

Additionally, California's Public Utilities Commission has mandated that new housing developments are to be "zero net energy" by 2020. "A zero energy home (ZEH) combines the latest technology, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The result is a home that produces its own energy-as much as or more than it needs".³  Last but not least, federal and state programs offer incentives for homes and buildings to be more energy efficient.  As more and more emphasis moves towards eco-friendly designs and cost-savings, REALTORS^® will join hands with consumers, homebuilders, homeowners, local governments, schools, and others to focus on the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings.  

Agents interested in obtaining the GREEN designation offered by N.A.R should visit National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.). To read about green trends, and how they may benefit you as a real estate professional, check out the following sites -

1.       C.A.R. green site - understanding what's green, tips & information for homeowners & more.

2.      U.S. Green Building Council - to learn, certify & understand green building, & more about LEED.

3.      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA -  - provides information on its Energy Star program, with resources on new-home builders, lenders, energy-use rater, and utility programs that promote energy efficiency.

4.      Energy Star  - The site also provides users with an extensive list of federal tax credits for using energy-efficient products.

5.      Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - DSIRE provides information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

6.      Energy & Environmental Building Association or EEBA - is a principal association for builders and others, including real estate professionals, concerned with development of environmentally friendly buildings.

7.      Residential Energy Services Network - sets standards for building energy performance certification industry.  Site also contains basic information on energy-efficient mortgages and links to many of the key green housing sites.

8.       Energy Efficient Mortgages, offered as part of the Energy Star program, spells out EPA home energy-efficiency standards and FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage requirements on mortgages that credit a home's energy efficiency in the mortgage.

9.      Earth 911 - find local recyclers, create an office recycling program, and do a waste assessment, among other programs.

10.    National Geographic  - guide for daily living.

Notes:

1.         Forbes Magazine

2.         Boston Globe

3.         California Association of Realtors' Green site

4           National Association of Realtors

5.          N.A.R. - Green Buildings Perform Better

6.          U.S. Green Building Council

Copyright SherrySim2009. Information deemed correct at time of posting but not guaranteed.

 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

Like every other markets, the city of San Luis Obispo was not spared by the decline in home sales and prices on stick-built single family residences.  Notwithstanding that the city of San Luis Obispo is a college town that tend to face higher turnover in ownership, home sales fell by a huge 24% in 2008.  Compared to 2007 where there were 275 home sales, only 209 sold in 2008.

It's interesting to note too that there are fewer million-dollar purchases in San Luis Obispo during 2008.  Of the 209 sales in 2008, only 24 or about 23% are sales on properties over $1 million.  14% of the 209 sales are between the $250,000 to $499,999.  The bulk of the sales is in the $500,000-$999,999 price range.

In 2008, sellers needed additional 10 days to market their properties. The average marketing time lengthened from 83 days in 2007 to 93 days in 2008.

The median home price of stick-built single family homes in San Luis Obispo saw a 5% decrease in 2008.

Notes: 

 1.  AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

 2.  Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3.  Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4.  Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

  JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

Among the coastal towns/cities in San Luis Obispo county, Cambria suffered the highest decline of 10% in the median home price in 2008 when compared to the same 12 months a year ago.  The median home price for 2008 was $632,500.  This is a drop of $67,500 from $700,000 in 2007.

Sales of stick-built single family residences in Cambria suffered a big decline of 18% @ 80 sales versus 97 sales in 2007.  A review of the data from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System shows that the bulk comprising about 73% of the home sales are in the mid-level price range, from $500,000-$999,999.  The next level of sales, ie. 15%, are in the lower price ranges which are under $500,000, with the remainder sales (13%) falling in the over-the-$1-million price range.

Unlike the other areas, the consolation is that the average marketing time is unchanged, @ 157 days.

Home sales and home prices are expected to decline in Cambria, at least till end of this year.

Notes: 

 1.  AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

 2.  Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3.  Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4.  Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

For January-December 2008, Los Osos saw a drop of 17% in sales of stick-built single-family homes when compared to the same period in 2007.  The number of stick-built single-family homes sold fell from 124 in 2007 to 103 in 2008. 

At the same time, sellers took more time - an additional four days based on an average marketing time of 129 days to sell their properties in 2008 compared to a year ago.

The median home price decreased by 8% from $471,000 in 2007 to $435,000 in 2008.  The decrease is not surprising as we saw fewer sales of higher priced properties.

Out of the 103 stick-built single-family homes sold in 2008, almost 64% or 66 out of 103 homes are under $500,000. Only five of these sales were priced over $1 million. 

The data obtained from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System reflects more sales in the lower price ranges due to short sales and foreclosures in this small coastal town.

Notes:

 1.  AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2.  Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3.  Only stick-built single-family residences are included.

4..  Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

Sales of stick-built single-family residences rose by 11% in 2008.  This reflects the addition of 11 sales over the 96 sales in 2007.  The double-digit increase in the 2008 home sales could be attributed to a higher number of short sales and foreclosures and sales of more lower-priced homes in Morro Bay.

Out of the 107 sales in 2008, more than half or 61% of the sales are priced below $550,000.  A small 10% of these sales are above the $1-million range.  The remaining 29% sales fall between the $550,000-$999,999 range.

For the same period reviewed, the median home sale prices declined by 9% from $572,500 in 2007 to $520,000 in 2008.

Additionally, sellers needed an average marketing time taken of 146 days to sell their homes in Morro Bay.  This is 13 more days when compared to the same 12 months a year ago.

The above data is culled from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System.  Price reductions still prevail. The median home sale price is expected to continue to decline, possibly within a single-digit drop, at least till end of this year. 

Notes: 

 1.  AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

 2.  Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3.  Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4.  Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

Data from the Central Coast MLS shows that sales of stick-built single-family homes in Cayucos improved by 23% or 8 more sales, in 2008, when compared with 2007.

It also appears that the average time taken to market properties improved by 13% from 158 days to 137 days.

Conversely, the median sale price dropped by 5% from $840,000 in 2007 to $799,750 in 2008.

The above data shows that home sale prices in Cayucos are still holding relatively strong when compared to other cities/towns in San Luis Obispo county.

Due to limited sales data, home sales of condos and mobile homes are not considered in this review.

Notes: 

 1.  AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

 2.  Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3.  Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4.  Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

2009 is here. I have been away for several weeks, and wanted to express my sincere thanks to all who wrote to find out how I am doing, particularly Karen Kruschka. I really think it's wonderful to find friends on AR.  Even though we have not met, it's really nice to hear a kind word.  At the same time, it's wonderful to see so many new developments at AR - New Blogs, and a very nice feature - the "auto draft save" feature.  

December 2008 has been a slight upheaval for me, in terms of office changes, health and personal affairs.  My former office, RE/MAX Seven Cities Realty has been disbanded.  My former broker has been affected by the economy and financial difficulties and decided to close his two offices in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, CA.  I learnt that another RE/MAX franchise in Pismo Beach also closed this month.

Thankfully, I had several options to join different brokerages; just not RE/MAX.  I have to admit I did become a fan of RE/MAX.  I am not disrespecting the other franchises, or independent brokerages. I believe each has their own strengths and weaknesses.  In our area, some are stronger and others operated on a quieter marketing plan.

I am pleased to annouce that I have affiliated myself with Keller Williams Realty-Central Coast's newest office in Morro Bay; at the same exact office location that's occupied by my former agency, RE/MAX Seven Cities as of January 7, 2009.  It will be an exciting new year.  I hope to grow and continue my friendships with all who wish to stay in touch with me on AR, especially RE/MAX agents.

On Friday, January 16th, my new office is having an Open House reception to celebrate the new office opening from 1630-1900 hours P.S.T.  If you are visiting or in the area, I would like to extend a personal invitation to you, to join us at 815 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, CA (Tel: (805) 772-9016) for some food, wine and beer.

Even as we hear more depressing news in the media, we have much to look forward to - family, friends, ever-loyal pets, associates and great clients.  Lots of smiles to you all!

Halloween in Cayucos is a tradition and meant to be lots of fun for the children. 

For more than 10 years, the students of Cayucos School dressed up and went around just being themselves, and participated in a parade and visited establishments in town. 

Of course, what's Halloween without candy.  As they strolled on to show off their costumes, the students are treated to candy while townsfolk cheered them on.

Check out the ingenuity of the homemade costumes and the norm found from the stores. 

The young and old alike had a good time.

 As big sisters to the little ones, the 8th graders in the photo below, guided the younger students as they crossed the street, and took great care of them.

 The big brothers, (photo below) who are also 8th graders, couldn't help but have a blast!

I was told that one year, the Halloween Walk was cancelled, and the school was bombarded with tons of calls asking why.  The Halloween Walk was reinstated. Since then, all in Cayucos are back to being happy and enjoying Halloween, the Cayucean way.

Every first Tuesday of the month, I picked up my box of gloves, jackets, hard hats, supply of trash bags, clippers plus a good supply of bottled water and head out to Box 383 (See photo below), along Highway One, about 3 miles north of San Geronimo along the Pacific Coast, just north of Cayucos, CA, to meet fellow Realtors for our monthly highway clean-up.

The exercise is a dedicated effort on the part of the members from the Scenic Coast of Association of Realtors.  Member Realtors from different real estate agencies or brokerages and affiliates from title companies show up to help on different weeks.  The coordinated cooperative leads to a cleaner highway and a more pleasing experience for the motorists and travelers who stop to enjoy the views by the coast.

At the end of the clean-up, we arranged the bags neatly by Box 383, and I contact Cal Trans to pick up the bags. You will surprised at the range of items that have been left along the highway.  We found big itmes like sofa, tires, bar-b-que pit and even snakes! Of course, we left the snakes (obviously, the live ones) alone.

Doesn't the coast look more beautiful without any trash?

The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside's car wash fundraiser raised over $1,000 during the four-hour shift from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2008.  Half of the proceeds came from pre-sold tickets, while the remaining half was collected from cash-paying customers on the day of the car wash. 

The fundraiser was held at the Cayucos School, which supplied water for the event.  The car wash detergent was donated by AutoZone of Morro Bay, CA.  Armed with buckets, hoses, spray guns and towels, the Rotarians and Cayucos school students squirted, soaped, sponged, scrubbed and sprayed to get cars and trucks clean.

The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside wishes to thank everyone who supported, especially the 15 Cayucos Middle school students who came to help. Proceeds from the car wash would go towards the purchase of an electronic scoreboard for the new school gym in Cayucos.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside, please visit www.CayucosRotary.org or call club president, Sherry Sim, 805-234-4315. The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside meets every Thursday, 7 am at the Sea Shanty Restaurant, 296 S. Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA.