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."
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. GoinGreenMarinoffers 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 forgreat 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 toHome 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:
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.
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.
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
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
* 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?
You bought your house within the last three years and your home price dropped considerably. Should you appeal to the county to have your assessment re-evaluated? In these uncertain times, many home owners have had to face the fact that the current market value of their homes is less than they once thought and what they bought it for in the last few years. And yet most home owners continue paying high taxes and are unaware of the fact that they can appeal by contacting Assessor's Office.
How to Evaluate Your Assessment
The majority of taxing jurisdictions assess residential property based on market value and with each re-sale. However, assessments are generally not reviewed on the annual basis, so a property assessment will never be 100 percent market value. To compensate, taxing authorities apply an equalization ratio, which is designed to guarantee that assessments are relatively equal among different tax districts to all assessed values. Home owners can obtain their equalization ratio from local taxing authorities.
Check out and review your home value with your real estate agent or appraiser and if your home value seems out of line with current market values, the home owner might consider taking the following steps:
1. Visit the local Tax Assessor and request a complete copy of the home's tax records.
2. Pay particular attention to the market value of the comparables listed on the property records. The comparables would be recently sold homes.
3. Take the appropriate equalization ratio and multiply the market value you believe appropriate for the home by that rate. If the number is lower than the current assessment, you should file a tax appeal.
How to File an Appeal in Marin County
In accordance with the California revenue and Taxation Code, Sect. 26611.6 the taxpayer' rights are as follows:
If a Taxpayer disagrees with the assessed value as shown on the bill, the taxpayer has the right to an informal assessment review by contacting the Assessor's Office: mailing address: Marin County Assessor's Office, P.O. Box C, Civic Center Branch, San Rafael, CA 94903. Telephone: 415-499-7215. E-mail: assessor@co.marin.ca.us
If the taxpayer and the assessor are unable to agree on a proper value following the informal review, the taxpayer has the right to file an application for changed assessment. Time of Filing: Application for changes assessment for the regular assessment period must be filed between July 2 and November 30 of each calendar year. Forms for an application for Changed Assessment may be obtained by contacting: Assessment Appeals Board Clerk, County of Marin, Board of Supervisors Office, Civic Center, Room 329, San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 499-7345. Michael J. Smith, Treasurer - Tax Collector
During these uncertain economic times, the effort of appealing a property tax bill reduction may be well worth the effort and time involved.
For your property current market valuation, please contact Victoria Wells, Broker Associate, Bradley Real Estate, 851 Irwin Street, Suite 104, San Rafael, CA 94901.
Please join us to honor Gordon Bennett 2008 Environmental Leader of Marin
Save the Date
Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941 When: November 11 2008, 6:30 - 8:15 PM
The Environmental Education Council of Marin "EECOM" invites you and your colleagues and friends to join; Senator Mark Leno, Assembly member Jared Huffman and Supervisor Charles McGlashan at our 2008 Environmental Leadership Award Ceremony. The award ceremony will be held at the Mill Valley Community center on Tuesday evening, November 11 th between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. This year EECOM is pleased to honor Gordon Bennett as the 2008 Environmental Leader of Marin.
We hope that you and your work colleagues/friends can join us for this auspicious event to honor an environmental hero, and to support our important work going forward. The price of a ticket is $40 per person paid in advance and $50 at the door (advance purchase is suggested in case of the event being sold out). Tickets can be purchased on line at www.eecom.net or by mail to our office at 42 Bolinas, Ste G, Fairfax, CA 94930.
Excellent opportunities to sponsor this event and be involved in this important ceremony are also being offered. EECOM has received excellent coverage for this event in Marin IJ and other news sources (reaching over 80,000 people), and we always list our supporters, on signage at the event, at our web site and in our e-zine which goes out to over 2,000 people. If you are interested in being a sponsor please contact us at support@eecom.net.
This important event marks an annual milestone by honoring individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to our community. It also presents community leaders an opportunity to come together and celebrate our sustainable Marin County.
Dear Friends,
EECOM, a decade old environmental organization has provided leadership in the areas of environmental education, sustainable food systems, and in helping to stop global warming. We are a small non-profit with environmental programs throughout Marin and the Bay area. We network with a large number of organizations including sustainable businesses, environmental education groups and government agencies.
Here are some highlights about our work:
Eco-Energy Footprint Campaign to Stop Global Warming
Last year, Al Gore's Marin county appearance benefited our local energy footprint (global warming) campaign. To date we have received over 800 pledges from home-owners and business owners to reduce their energy consumption, and we have educated over 40,000 Marin residents on Marin's oversized energy footprint. [Got to www.eecom.net to make an energy pledge and sign up on our "Pledge Wall" and join many of your neighbors.]
These pledges result in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the 800 people who have pledged to reduce their electricity and gasoline consumption by 20% each over the period of one year, they could be collectively saving:
• 1,181,376 kilowatt hours per year, resulting in annual savings of 3017 tons of GHG
• 91,560 gallons of gas per year, resulting in annual savings of 784 tons of GHG and 889 tons of CO2 !
Not to mention savings on their energy bills. According to one of the businesses that EECOM has worked with, they saved 30% on their energy costs!
Recognizing that even if we succeed in significantly reducing Marin County's energy use, because of our small size and population this is not enough to stop Global Warming, EECOM links community members to larger state and national campaigns like the Step It Up Campaign seeking to pass a bill in Congress to significantly reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions. Over 1,000 residents joined us throughout the county to raise support for this initiative.
Environmental Education Programs
Through our teen media program, we train high school students in journalism, we interview environmental leaders, and their stories are professional edited and aired every week (52 stories a year) after Living on Earth on KAWL. This fine education program for older teens, builds communication and media skills while providing job training. We are also able to bring new voices to the media, by disseminating newsworthy environmental stories.
We also reach many younger children in Marin County through our excellent nutrition and garden program for children in grades k-4 th . Just this past year, we reached over 650 children nutrition and garden lessons (in four of Marin counties poorest schools) every other week. By doing so, EECOM provides over 50 hours of in depth education and training to each youth (a grand total of 32,500 hours of educational instruction!). This in-depth nutrition and garden program has changed children's attitudes and behaviors about what foods are healthy and desirable to eat, and educated them in basic ecological and gardening principles. The program has also transformed some of the schools food and nutrition practices, by encouraging a school salad bar option.
This year, we are pleased to be able to reach out and help many more schools and children since launching our school garden mini-grants program and our mini-grants for field trips for kids. You can learn more about these grants at www.eecom.net .
Marin City Programs: Health and Nutrition
For four years, EECOM has provided services to some of our poorest communities; Marin City and the Canal. We run an after school education program for Marin City middle school children to engage them in beneficial activities. Through the Marin City Youth Corps program we guides and recognize the youth's contribution to their community through gardening, clean up and helping on community projects. One of our favorite youth activities is their bringing fresh organic produce directly from our farm stand to elderly Marin residents as part of a free delivery service.
This past year, we successfully launched the Marin City Farm Stand bringing organic produce at economical prices to the Marin City community. The farm stand is a fledgling micro-enterprise that provides employment and job training to Marin city residents. We hope to spin off the farm stand in several years as a viable self-sustaining business. In the future, we hope to link the farm stand to a larger community garden, making the stand entirely self-sufficient and community run.
Environmental Education Networking, Training Mini-grants & More
EECOM has the most comprehensive and up to date listings of environmental education providers in Marin County. You can view our list and get more information about the different programs from the providers at www.eecom.net. We also host a quarterly networking meeting as part of our Children and Nature Connection, and we just launched two wonderful mini-grant opportunities for school gardens and for field trip outings for kids. Go to www.eecom.net to see our application and learn more.
Next year, we will offer certification course in EE for Marin public school teachers, along with many of our partners.
All of this and more has been accomplished, by a relatively small organization, making EECOM one of the most efficient non-profits in the bay area. This means that every dollar that is donated to us is put into meaningful programs that benefit our local community.
We have a wonderful group of community supporters to date and EECOM would be pleased to add you to our list as one of our sponsors. If you live or work in Marin County, you will be directly benefiting your own community by doing so. If you have any questions please contact me at the e-mail or phone listed below.
This blog is dedicated to those who have interest in real property ownership and would like to keep up with the ever-changing real estate market in marvelous Marin County, California. We are located across the Golden Gate Bridge, just a short distance from San Francisco, we call "the city" so read on....
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Green is good.
;)
;)
