My life experiences that led me  to pursue a degree in business specifically addressing the GREEN MBA program and my carrier intention after graduation.

I am not a global thinker; however, I was deeply moved by Al Gore’s movie and care deeply about the environment.  I didn’t know how I can make a difference beyond recycling and energy savings in my personal life.  When I completed eco-Broker training and learned about building orientation, natural landscaping feature, indoor air pollution, energy efficiency and cost-effective ways green-minded consumers can benefit, I felt that I can begin making a difference in the lives of other by educating them and raising their “green” awareness.

 “Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization.”  This is the first sentence in the REALTORS Code of Ethics and Preamble, which establishes obligations that are higher than those mandated by law. I took an Ethics class when I became a REALTOR and I was deeply moved by the imposed obligation beyond those of “ordinary commerce.” Being a real estate consultant for the past ten years allowed me to meet and touch many lives and still have my own. It allowed me to work and be a single parent to my children.

My oldest is an attorney in the state of New York, my second son, graduated from Cal with a double major and interned at the San Francisco Chronicle during his senior year. He is now a reporter for LA Times. My third son is a senior at the UC Santa Barbara, also double majoring in History and Slavic Studies. My third son is at the UC Santa Cruz in the pre-med program and my daughter is a freshman at Redwood High School. She wants to go to John Hopkins Medical School and plans to be a surgeon. My children’ ambition grew as a result of my own late blooming. In high school I was torn between going to law school and art school. I graduated from high school when I was fifteen and unlike most of my class mates who went to college right away, I worked as a court recorder in the most difficult and longest trials. In the evening I attended law preparatory courses. I decided to go to law school the following September, but unexpectedly my mother and I had to leave my country, Ukraine.

My story began on the other side of the globe many decades ago. When I was growing up in Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine (part of the former Soviet Union), life was hard but simple. As a little girl I was often sent to the corner store to buy groceries. If my mother needed sour cream I made sure to bring an empty glass jar for the sour cream to bring it back home. Also I brought back empty, cleaned glass bottles and jars back to the store for redemption. If we needed seltzer water, I would carry empty “siphon bottles” and exchange them for the full ones. There were no plastic bags or plastic containers or even paper bags and everything we used was re-used. 

I came to the United Stated in 1975. I was amazed at the country’s wealth and opportunities. I lived in a small studio with my mother on the West side of Manhattan. I was grateful to be in America. I studied English as a second language at the Columbia University and tried to get a job. I applied for a part-time job through the student union. During the interview I was told that this job opportunity offered to extremely needy students. In my mind, I did not feel needy. During my three year journey to get to the United States to join my mother, I endured far worst living arrangement than our studio apartment on the West side of Manhattan in a building with a doorman. This was pure luxury. I felt very privileged and fortunate and told them that I am not that “needy”.

Ten years and five children later, I was living in San Francisco. As a family we did the right thing; we recycled bottles and cans. We would clean them and bring them to a recycling plant so the children could learn recycling. We re-used our paper shopping bags before it was fashionable.  When my children attended the San Francisco Waldorf School, the entire family was introduced to a more conscience life style. In kindergarten children made soup and grew their own vegetables. They carried their lunches in wicker baskets and played with the wooden toys.  They watched very little TV and wore cotton clothes without logos. They painted, performed plays and had a special movement class, called eurhythmy. I found it very holistic and wholesome. In retrospect, I suppose, we were ahead of the trend. As part of their curriculum, my children went to sustainable farm in Covello; they planted seeds and took care of the crops and animals. They learned to honor and love the land.  

Our lives changed dramatically when we moves to Marin. I was a single parents with four young children in three different schools. I was working full time and completing my BS in the evenings. The children ranged in age from five to twelve when they attended my commencement ceremony at the San Jose Arena in 1998. They had witnessed me writing my school papers late into the night, they felt excited along with me when I received my grades and missed me the nights I went to school. My graduation was their victory just as much as it was mine. I chose a Bachelor of Science because I felt it was necessary for me to balance my aesthetic side. Studying critical thinking and working on business projects with my cohorts helped to strengthen my pragmatic side and prepared me to see things in the more balanced ways.

One of my son’s personal statements said: “Not going to college was not an option. We grew up seeing our mom going back to college to get her BA. Going to college and beyond was a natural continuum”.

Now that most of my children are on their own, spreading their wings and finding their own passions in life, I felt a need to further my education. I love learning; I literally feel the dendrites in my brain deepen and expand when I am learning something new. When my children are home for the holidays and we discuss their course of studies and they share their ideas, I see a very special light in their eyes.  Their intelligence and passion for learning shines though; I can not be more proud of them.

The idea of getting the Green MBA from the Dominican became obvious after I volunteered for the Environmental Educational Council of Marin at the Bioneers conference last year. I was so impressed with the people who organized and attended it. I felt that they were much more evolved and involved in being “green minded” than the majority of people I know. As a REALTOR® I wanted to help my clients and (the planet) to learn about ways they can “green their environment and help them make more conscience decision when buying, selling or remodeling.

In Marin we have limited build-able land; ninety-five percent of our land is dedicated open space and therefore, we have an obligation to make sure that we utilize our resources wisely. I found out that many homes in Marin face the wrong way to utilize solar power while I was helping my clients to install solar power in their new homes. This brings us back to the utilization of land on which depends the survival and growth of our civilization. We owe it to our future generation to take care of our resources.  Personally I carry responsibility to my children and to my children’ children to do what I can to promote more sustainable lifestyle and raise my own consciousness and to expand my knowledge.

My carrier intention upon graduation is to help small and mid-size business owner to run their business more efficiently, utilizing green business practices. In a very short time, I envision a standardized “green business practice” for all business in the world.  I foresee the County and the cities of Marin impose new standards for the remodel and the new construction practice and use of “green” materials.  All businesses will have to be “green” certified by the County of Marin.  Unless we, as humans, collectively understand that each and every one is a part of the solution and not just see ourselves as a problem, we can not move forward.  When each one of us reduces our carbon footprint and reduces consumption we can ultimately make a difference. The Humanity can not continue doing the same thing and expect different results. The urgency for a change is prominent more than ever, necessitating our individual as well as our collective consciousness to rise to a new level of evolution.

I realize that the ‘green’ MBA will crystallize my ideas and help me transform into a more useful and responsible individual. Most importantly it will empower me to lead the way. I suppose my ‘green awakening’ did not occur overnight.  It was a culmination of my upbringing, my life experiences, my beliefs and my education.

Now that I attained my “green awakening”, I am bound to seek ways to improve and to be useful and to make a difference in the lives of all those who I meet on my journey. I am looking forward to the journey.

Thank you for reading.

Victoria Wells

Broker Associate, e-Pro, SRES, eco-Broker

415-710-4090

vawells@comcast.net

www.marinbesthomes.com

Green Market Data

·         Solarbuzz states that “solar energy demand has grown about 25 percent per annum over the last 15 years” and “the United States market showed a 33 percent growth in 2006”. (Napa Valley Register, March 2008)

·         Research firm Clean Edge sites that “worldwide sales specializing in biofuels, wind farms, solar panels and fuel cells grew 40 percent in 2007.” (San Francisco Chronicle, March 2008)

·         “5 to 10 percent of all housing starts by 2010 will be of green certified construction.” (Napa Valley Register, March 2008)

·         Sales of existing single-family homes are on the rise, modestly. Sales rose by 0.5 percent in January, compared to the previous month. This would translate to an adjusted annual rate of 4.34 million homes in January - up from 4.32 million in December, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. (Ventura County Star, March 2008)

·         The value of green building construction starts was expected to exceed $12 billion in 2007, according to a national study by McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics. (Battle Creek Enquirer, April 2008)

·         In 2006, approximately 2 percent of U.S. homes were built using green components, according to the McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Residential Report 2006, accounting for $7.8 billion in housing spending. That statistic is expected to increase to 10 percent of the market by 2010. (Des Moines Register, March 2008)

·         Retail sales in green buildings are 20 percent higher, and their value is increased by 7.5 percent, according to Ashley Katz, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Green Building Council. (Ft. Collins Coloradoan, March 2008)

·         According to a 2007 National Association of Home Builders survey, 63 percent of buyers are motivated by the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy and resource-efficient homes. (Environment News Service, March 2007)

·         Energy Star appliances use ten to fifty percent less energy and water than standard models. (Energy Star, 2008)

·         A study prepared for the Massachusetts Technology Council found that buildings credited with "LEED" status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)--a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council based on how well a green building reduces its energy use and environmental impact--uses on average 25% to 30% less energy than conventional buildings and cost, on average, only 2% more to build. (Forbes April 20, 2007)

·         The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is an incredible nonprofit resource for architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, and others committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC’s mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves quality of life. (Canvas Magazine, February 2008)

·         Overall costs for new green construction vary based on the type and amount of green features, but are typically about 2% higher than conventional buildings, according to cost-benefit studies by Capital E, a Washington-based energy-efficiency consultant. (Wall Street Journal, May 2007)

·         Using an energy-efficient furnace or boiler could save you $570 annually, according to the Department of Energy.  (Smart Money, January 2008)

·         While the average U.S. home lost 5.7% of its value in 2007, eco-friendly homes have held their value, even appreciating in price. Come sale time, a green property typically appraises for 10% to 15% higher than comparable conventional homes according to Jim Amorin, vice president for the Appraisal Institute, a professional trade organization. (Smart Money, January 2008)

·         Green homes are expected to account for 10% of new home construction in 2010, up from 5% in 2005, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a market researcher. (Smart Money, January 2008)

·         Almost 9 out of 10 consumers surveyed in 2004 by the National Association of Home Builders said they have some degree of concern about the environmental impact of building their home. Seventeen percent said they’d pay more for an environmentally friendly home, and 46 percent—up from 35 percent in 2003—want an environmentally friendly home but aren’t willing to pay more. (Realtor Magazine, October 2005)

·         Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and 12 percent of water use. U.S. Green Building Council, September 2007 (Energy Star, Spring 2008)

·         Membership at the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals has also grown enormously according to John Stovall, vice president of business development for the nonprofit group. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

·         In 2005, the number of home builders focusing on green building in the U.S. rose 20% and those ranks are expected to swell by another 30% this year, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders and McGraw Hill Construction. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

·         The value of the residential green building market is estimated between $19 billion and $38 billion by 2010, up from $7.4 billion in 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

·         More than 10 percent of new homes last year were labeled Energy Star, says Steve Baden, head of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). (Newsweek, December 2006)

·         The average U.S. household with four people generates between 30 and 40 tons of carbon dioxide a year, depending on elements such as its type of heating fuel, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's carbon calculator. (Denver Post, August 2007)

·         Producing homes that are 30 percent more "green" or energy-efficient than elsewhere in the nation, California's home builders are putting up homes that are also 70 percent more energy-efficient than homes built in the 1970s and 1980s, according to the California Building Industry Association. (Realty Times, September 2007)

·         Demand for green housing has been growing — 46 percent of buyers would like a green home, according to an August report by the National Association of Realtors on home buyers’ preferences — but supplies are limited. (New York Times, November 2007)

·         In a nationwide survey of Certified EcoBrokers, 20% reported working with a client to complete a major cost-effective retrofit that significantly reduced energy bills. (Times Herald-Record, April 2008)

·         According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), there are more than 70 of these local or regional green home building programs in America. (EcoBroker International, Inc., February 2008)

·         An ENERGY STAR qualified light [bulb or fixture] prevents more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime, the equivalent of keeping nearly 200 pounds of coal from being burned. (Energy Star, 2008)

·         The market for green homes is expected to boom from $7.4 billion to $38 billion by 2010, according to the National Home Builders Association. (Times Herald-Record,  April 2008)

·         Green friendly home improvements will likely yield a solid return on investment come selling time as almost three quarters of Canadians (72%) say they will look for a green-improved property in their next home purchase, and 63 per cent will be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home, according to the Royal LePage Eco Home Survey released today. The joint Royal LePage National Association of Green Agents and Brokers Eco Home Survey, which examines the attitudes and opinions of Canadians with respect to green living, found that Canadians are willing to pony up cash for greener home features. In fact, 62 per cent of respondents are willing to pay between $5,000 and $20,000, for green features, while eight per cent (8%) of respondents are willing to spend $20,000 or more on a home deemed green. (www.foodshedplanet.com,  April 2008)

·         According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry survey, 46 percent of American homeowners claim they would be eager to incorporate green principles into their homes, especially if it would save them money. Experts estimate one can generally save 20 to 30 percent on energy costs with $4,000 to $8,000 worth of improvements.

·         The average household spends some $1,500 each year on energy bills. By choosing ENERGY STAR certified products, consumers can cut this by 30%, saving about $400 each year. (Energy Star).

·         Energy cost increases is the number one trigger cited by home builders when considering building green homes. (McGraw Hill, 2006)

·         More than half a million U.S. families, 40% more than 2004, now live in Energy Star qualified homes and are saving about $110 million annually on their energy bills. (Energy Star, 2005)

·         According to the McGraw Hill SmartMarket Report 2006, 2% of homes built in the U.S. were built green. The value of this marketplace is approximately $7.8 billion. Given forecasts of the housing market and other trends, the green homes market is expected to increase to 10% by 2010. (McGraw Hill, 2006)

·         Americans purchased more than 300 million ENERGY STAR qualified products in 2006 (Energy Star, 2007).

·         According to the National Association of Home Builders, when 800 registered voters were given a list of motives for either purchasing a new green home or remodeling their current home to make it greener, nearly two-thirds (64%) identified “reduced energy costs” as an important factor, followed by “because it would be healthier,” and it’s “the right thing to do for the environment.”  (www.nbnnews.com, November 2007)

·         Green homes are gaining in popularity and can make a property more desirable in a slow housing market. According to a new report released from Carbon Free, “Stemming from growing concerns among the public, governments and businesses, there has been a steep increase in demand recently for knowledge about green building practices, and as more light is shed on the heavy impact buildings have on the climate, Carbon Free expects the green building to push forward and grow despite the cooling of the rest of the housing market.”

·         Green home building products are gaining ground, according to a report produced jointly by McGraw-Hill Construction and the National Association of Home Builders.
The major findings of the report conclude:

o        The market for green homes is expected to rise from $2 billion to up to $20 billion over the next five years.

o        Standard homes are becoming increasingly green, with home owners using green products for 40 percent of their remodeling work.

o        Most Americans find out about green homes through word-of-mouth, followed by television and the Internet.

o        Green home owners are happy with their homes and are recommending them at rates significantly higher than recommendation levels of other industries.

o        Home owners are buying green homes because they are concerned about the health of their families, as well as to reduce energy and other home operating costs.

o        Education and awareness of green ranks as the most important obstacles, slightly higher even than the additional first costs associated with building green.

A boon for new homebuyers, scheduled to last through next March, will be out of money long before that. 

First-time home buyers wanting to take advantage of the state's $10,000 tax credit may have less time than originally expected.  California set aside $100 million to help home buyers purchase newly built homes, hoping to jump start the residential-construction market.  According to state officials, the tactic has worked well and is helping to entice home buyers into the market.  However, there only is approximately 20 percent of the program's funding remaining.

The program launched in March and as of June 3 nearly $24 million in tax credit certificates already had been issued, according to the state's Franchise Tax Board, leaving nearly $76 million in credit available.  Many applications still are in the pipeline awaiting approval.  If all of the submitted applications are approved, only $17.5 million would remain in the fund. 

 The California state legislature is considering adding another $200 million to the program.  However, securing approval may be difficult due to the state's estimated $24 billion budget deficit.  A bill to extend the program already has won Assembly approval and now is awaiting activity in the state Senate.

The credit is available on a first-come first-served basis and was supposed to last through March 2010. Almost any newly built home qualifies, as long as it's an owner-occupied, principal residence on which property tax is paid. It could be a single-family home, a condo, a coop, a manufactured home or mobile home -- even a houseboat. Only owner-built housing does not qualify. There is no cap on the home price or buyer's income.

The credit reduces taxes dollar-for-dollar up to $3,333 a year for three years, or 5% of the purchase price of a home, whatever is less. Unlike the federal first-time homebuyers tax credit, which is $8,000 or 10% of the home price, whichever is less, the California credit is not refundable. That means the credit will only wipe out taxes up to the full amount paid or owed but no more.

For example, if the buyer's tax bill came to $2,000 for the year, a buyer claiming the full $3,333 would owe nothing but couldn't claim the extra $1,333 back from the state.

First-time, new-home buyers in California can claim both the federal credit and the state if they qualify. That could reduce taxes by $11,333 for the first year of ownership.

More money coming?

Because the money has gone so quickly, the state legislature is considering adding another $200 million to the program. That may be difficult to accomplish right now, however: The state is worse than flat-broke; it's running a $24 billion budget deficit and has the lowest bond rating of any state.

But Coyle argues that the credit is a net win for state coffers and it puts people to work. "Every time you build a home in California, you're generating $16,000 in taxes," he said.

During the boom years, developers were building about 200,000 housing units annually and supported about a half million jobs. Now, only about 50,000 new homes will go up this year and industry employment has shrunk to a fraction of its peak. From 2006 to 2007 alone, industry employment dropped by about 220,000 jobs, according to the CBIA.

Passage of an extension of the program has a good chance, according to Assemblywoman Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), who supports a new bill that already won Assembly approval and has gone to the state Senate.

There has been little opposition, she said, but the program has to be "revenue neutral," which could limit how much is made available as funds would have to be cut from other areas to pay for it.

There is also one big change from the original offering: People buying homes under construction - not just those already finished - will qualify, which should help put projects back on track.

"It creates a reservation system that was absent in the first bill," said Caballero. "Buyers only received a credit when they closed escrow. Now, they would get it with a signed contract."

"Contractors in Southern California were reporting no housing starts last January," she added. "Now, they have new crews out on the job. That's significant for California." 

Green is good.

Victoria Wells is "Green Value Added" real estate professional with additional Eco-Broker Certified® training on the energy and environmental issues that effect real estate transactions. GoinGreenMarin offers tremendous green resources available in the market for the consumer, as part of the service commitment. We can help you identify and make sense of these invaluable green opportunities.  

Victoria is passionate and dedicated to the sustainability movement. When you work with Victoria on purchasing your new home, she'll dedicate part of her commission toward making GREEN improvements in your new home within a year. Also ask Victoria about IRS Code 25C, a government tax credit to "green" your home.

How energy efficient is your home? Is your home costing you more $$$ to maintain? Are your appliances energy rated? What is you green footprint on this Earth?

Are you looking to save energy and save money? Considering ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly? Think there may be a way to lower the impact of your lawn? There are many ways to create your dream green home. Just click on the area of your home below for great green home improvement recommendations. Or are you interested in learning more about the various green alternatives available to you?

Save money, save the Earth!  How efficient are front-load washing machine? When is the time to replace your old refrigerator? These questions and many more are answered in the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, a one-stop resource for consumers who want to improve their home's energy performance and reduce costs.

To request your complimentary copy, please contact:

Victoria Wells, Eco Broker,

415-710-4090 or email your request to: vawells@comcast.net

GoGreenMarin with Victoria!

Check out these great Green Resources Sites on this page.

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies?

irst-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax CCredit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two factors: he price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

 VICTORIA WELLS

vawells@comcast.net

Http://www.marinbesthomes.com

IMPORTANT FACTS OF REAL ESTATE LIFE FOR THE HOME SELLER

Your house cannot sell for a penny more than the best offer obtainable from the best buyer available in the current market. Recent sales of similar properties have historical value, but the best buyer we are looking for is to be found in the present market place, not in the past record books. Our job is to find that buyer and obtain their offer. No house in history has ever sold for more than the best offer obtainable from the best buyer available in the current market.

The only way to find the true value of a house is to thoroughly test the market and aggressively challenge the competition.

Appraisal and expert opinions can be helpful in establishing the listing price for your home, but its ultimate selling price will be determined by the prospective buyers whom we are able to contact. Buyers will compare your home with other offerings in there price range and make judgments. It is critical that your home be competitive in price and other options that these prospective buyers will be considering.

Testing a bigger market and a better market with grater skill yields a better price.

It is axiomatic that the larger the market you can reach the higher the quality of that market, the better the price you will realize. It stands to reason, for example, that sellers working along can only expose their home to the small segment of the market that can be reached by a single sign and limited advertising, these two sources typically account for only about 20% of the actual buyers attracted to a typical real estate office. The other 80% of the market is represented by the efforts of cooperating brokers and the marketing activities of real estate brokers and sales associates. It is also well established that the buyers most ready, willing and able to BUY are almost invariably availing themselves of the services of real estate professionals. Finally, the best buyer, unless he or she is being handled by a skilled professional, can often come and go without making a commitment.

An appropriate listing price will, immediately and consistently, attract attention and generate activity.

The process of testing the market need not be a lengthy one, regardless of marketing conditions. As we said before, buyers do comparison shopping and act accordingly. When the property is first exposed to the market, both buyers and brokers make instant

evaluation of the offering and if it compares favorably with what they have already seen, it will not only attract their attention, but stimulate them to inquire for details and arrange appointment to inspect. Your listing price must be realistic enough to immediately attract this attention from buyers and brokers. If it does not appear to be so, while competitive properties are attracting attention and generating activity, you have a clear indication that the listing price is not meeting the acid test of the market place, regardless of the economic conditions or other external considerations.

A home that is priced realistically and marketed effectively will always sell!

There is an old saying that the three most important words in real estate are “location, location, location”. Like a lot of old saying, it is simply untrue. No matter how poor the location might be, there is a price at which it will sell, and that price will be determined by testing the market. The three most important words in real estate, therefore, are PRICE, PRICE and PRICE—followed by marketing. Unless the price and the terms are competitive, the chances of a home selling are slim to none; and even realistic pricing should be supported by the thorough testing of the market and aggressive challenging of the competition that can best be performed by skilled professionals.

BOTTOM LINE # 1

When realistic pricing is combined with effective marketing, there is a buyer for everything and, given these conditions, any home can be sold in any market.

BOTTOM LINE #2

Homes that languish unsold on the market for months and even years are ignoring these “facts of real estate life”, often causing unnecessary inconvenience and financial damage to owners and agents.

The Market is not always kind, but it is never wrong…and those who believe otherwise pay a heavy price for ignoring these “facts of life”.

BOTTOM LINE # 3

In this market more than ever you need to have a SOLID action plan if you are thinking of moving in 2009. I am not only a real estate professional, who knows the current market trends, have an exceptional marketing strategy and sold many homes in the past years,  I am also you neighbor, I live in Greenbrae, right here in our community,  and know its’ challenges and benefits. Who could be better to represent your needs and to find the qualified buyers for your home? Please contact me for a Free consultation and complimentary home valuation.

Victoria Wells--Broker Associate, eco-Broker

Bradley Luxury Division

415-710-4090 Mobile,

vawells@comcast.net

Http://www.marinbesthomes.com

                        Why Buy a Home Now?

If you're renting and wondering if you should buy a home, consider what bestselling author, David Bach, says, "The average homeowner is worth 35 times more than the average renter."

He advises renters to take action immediately and start saving part of their paycheck every month to help accumulate a down payment. He also encourages renters to borrow 10-20 percent less than what the bank is willing to lend; that way they're only buying as much home as they can afford.

The longer you rent, the longer it may take you to eventually get into homeownership. If the market conditions have scared you, perhaps you're not looking at the other side of the coin. Owning a home becomes part of your investment portfolio, provides tax benefits, allows you to build equity (it still exists), and, if you buy now, you may get an excellent deal.

According to a MarketWatch news article, buying a home now can provide some real negotiating power to request improvements, price reductions, help with closing costs, and more. "People can get a lot of what they need and almost all of what they want today," said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of "Your First Home".

While poor market conditions have created a troubling situation for some homeowners, the downturn has made the buying market ripe for others. The affordability of homes is better than ever. The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index concluded that homes in December of 2008 were more affordable than at any other point since 1970 (the start of the index). And with numerous foreclosures on the market and prices dropping in many areas, now is a good time to buy. But in order to make your purchase profitable, here are some things you should consider.

How long will you be in the home? Some experts advise that if you are planning to move within a year, buying may not be the best option because of the expenses associated with moving. However, if you're searching for a place to live for, at least, several years, buying now could be a good choice for you.

How much you can afford. Don't let tighter lending regulations scare you off from making a purchase. Instead, understand what you truly can afford. Don't get caught up in buying too much home. In fact, these days, the trend is moving toward smaller homes -- simpler living.

Mortgage rates drop to historical low. How much home you can afford is affected by mortgage interest rates that, right now, are highly appealing? Good credit, documenting your income and a substantial down payment will make you a better candidate for the better mortgage rates.

Freedom to choose. Now, unlike several years ago, the market has a large inventory in many areas. The market time to sell a home has increased which creates a large inventory of homes, everything including new, existing, and foreclosures. Buyers can peruse the market and have the freedom to select the home they really want. If you're interest is in a new home, know that many developers are getting more competitive with their pricing because they also have taken a hit by the ailing economy.

Quality of life. Buying a home can create a higher quality of life, giving you pride of homeownership, and something to enjoy improving and developing over the years.

Tax credit benefit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser. 


VICTORIA WELLS/ Broker Associate/SRES, e-Pro, Eco-Broker, Bradley Real Estate, 851 Irwin St., Suite 104, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415-209-9020, vawells@comcast.net

Http://www.GoinGreenMarin.com

Incentive for Greening American Homes

Green is good, and the Obama Administration and Congress believe it should be an integral part of pulling America out of its economic doldrums. According to the National Association of Home Builders, expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the new economic stimulus package puts more money in consumers' pockets by providing financial incentive for home owners to go green on their renovation projects in 2009 and 2010. While more efficient homes save on water and energy bills, these tax credits will make such home upgrades even more affordable.

The Internal Revenue Code section 25C tax credit for existing homes, which had expired at the end of 2007, was reinstated as part of the economic rescue package passed by the Bush Administration last fall. Homeowners could be rewarded for installing energy-efficient windows, doors, roofing and insulation as well as furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps. But remodelers found that the terms of the 25C credit -- equal to only 10 percent of the cost of each product and with a lifetime cap of $500 -- weren't strong enough to push enough homeowners off the fence and into action.

Now, the credit rate and lifetime cap have been tripled – to 30 percent and $1,500, respectively – the list of eligible improvements expanded, and the deadline for applying has been extended through the end of 2010. Congressional estimates indicate that the new rules for the tax incentive will increase aggregate remodeling activity by more than $6 billion.

"The new tax credit also aligns with industry research indicating that even the most aggressive efficiency goals for new homes won't make a dent in overall energy consumption. Instead, remodeling and retrofitting the nation's older homes is by far the more efficient solution," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, a remodeler from Tucson (AZ).

"These new tax credits are another way that home building industry can combat the potential effects of global climate change by encouraging home owners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes," said Miedema.

A 2008 California study revealed that 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family envelope energy consumption can be attributed to homes built before 1983.

The bottom line: Retrofitting existing homes with energy-efficient features is four to eight times more carbon, and cost-efficient than adding further energy-efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.

Details on qualifying improvements are available at the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov. It is expected that homeowners will need to complete Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) and submit as part of their 2009 income tax returns to claim the credit. Further, homeowners should retain for their own records information that includes:

·  Name and address of the manufacturer

·  Identification of the component

·  Make, model or other appropriate identifiers

·  Statement that the component meets the 25C standards

·  Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied

·  Additional information for storm windows, if applicable

·  A declaration that the certification statement is true.

Due to the efforts of nonprofits like NAHB, the National Association of REALTORS and its affiliate organizations like the CCIM Institute, more and more businesses and individuals alike understand that 'green' is good for our economy, for our health and for the sustainability of our nation's communities. 


VICTORIA WELLS/ Broker Associate, SRES, e-Pro, eco-Broker

Bradley Real Estate, 851 Irwin St. Suite 104, San Rafael, CA 94901

415-209-9020

e-mail: vawells@comcast.net

Http://www.GoinGreenMarin.com

WCR Marin Presents:

Nationally Acclaimed Green Architect

Eric Corey Freed

A Roadmap to Greening Our Buildings

Creative -Thought Provoking -Entertaining

* Learn to educate clients on the need for greening our buildings. 
* Develop an understanding of the problems & issues surrounding our current lifestyle.

* Explore environmetal issues in an innovative way. 
* Save energy, money & the environment.

Discover hidden opportunities in our environmental problem areas. 
Drawn from the most advanced research in Green Building, you will 
learn a roadmap for our buildings for the next 50 years.

Principal of organicARCHITECT, a San Francisco architecture and consulting firm,Eric Corey Freed is a recognized pioneer in the tradition of Organic Architecture, first developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a lifetime proponent of individualism and sustainability.

Over 15 years experience in green building.
"Best Green Architect" in 2005 -San Francisco Magazine. 
"Green Visionary" -7x7 Magazine -2008.

Developed the Sustainable Design program at University of California Berkeley. 
Founding Chair of Architecture for The San Francisco Design Museum. 
One of the founders of ecoTECTURE: The Online Journal of Ecological Design.

Monthly column at GreenerBuildings.com. 
Syndicated in over a dozen other publications. 
National Lecturer at 40+ conferences a year. 
Featured in Dwell, Metropolis, Town & Country, Natural Home and Newsweek 
Appeared on HGTV, The Sundance Channel and PBS.

Author of "Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies" (John Wiley & Sons), 
"Sustainable Schools," his next book, will be released in 2009.

******************************

When

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (PT)

Where

The Club at McInnis Park
350 Smith Ranch Road
San Rafael, CA 94901 

OK I admit that I live each day in my pink bubble. I TRY not to watch news or stock market or listen to all negative talk. If I happened to do it - I feel drained; it literally sucks energy out on me and by the time I am ready for bed..I am out. No wonder so many of us have sleep problems; or rather "no-sleep" problems or wake up in the morning wiped out and dread facing another day.

I believe that one becomes like the five people he/she hangs out with all the time. We inevitably absorb the environment like the sponge and become it; all tense, upset and negative. It's a human nature. All we hear everywhere is: "in this hard economic times" and watch it magnified on our ginormous TV screens screaming doom and gloom; what can one do?

How does one stay happy, at ease and positive?

My solution works for me. I get up in the morning and look in the mirror and say: I love myself. I am at ease. I am healthy, I am wealthy, I am happy, I am loved. I am grateful for my family and all the gifts I am given. I am hopeful, I invite Lord to be with me this day, I pray for a good day. I take care of my spirit, my mind and my body. I don't do it because I am vain. I do it for survival and sanity. Besides, if you don't love yourself, how can you love another human being? I love myself, therefore I surround myself with a pink bubble to protect myself from dis-ease and fear. I shut that little voice in my head that says...what about this and what about that? How will you be able to pay your bills? What about the holidays and the gifts? How will you do it? It isn't easy. The only way I can do it is to stay in the present moment; in the NOW. Fear is the opposite of faith. I plop myself in a positive pink bubble filled with faith, hope and unlimited possibilities that caries me through the day. 

How about you?

 How do you do it?  

I invite you to share some positive thoughts and inspire others. Being inspired, means being In-Spirit...to be in vibration with the higher power. How do you stay positive and inspired?

I'd love to hear from you?

Victoria Wells

Marin County

vawells@comcast.net