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What You Need to Know about High-Performance Homes

Not all THAT long ago, a phenomenon took place right here at Active Rain. A conversation that started as the simple sharing of information on a post by AR's own Jeff Geoghan , opened up a flood-gate of interest about high-performance homes and what real estate professionals need to know about them!

Soon, Gary Smith, Realtor®, e-PRO, RECS , Buzz Holtvluwer, Mary Bigelow ,Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS , Michael Eisenberg, (many of hwom yu may know) had something to say. And as of today, Jeff's post has elicited over hundreds of comments. ..in the AR community. This conversation , like a gigantic waterwheel, (see photo I took) really delivers!

AR members, here is news about the latest developments in high-performance homes that will help you be RED HOT Points: 1) financial , insurance, up front costs, longevity, mortgages, affordability 2) health benefits.3) the technology and physics behind the latest products our clients are demanding.

The ECO-All-Stars are ready, willing and able with a team-effort to create a resource guide for all the Active Rainers. You could use this to learn about high-performance buildings and eco-friendly land . When your clients ask you, as without a doubt they will, you will be "in-the-know". Typical subjects to be covered:

Resource Efficiency
Energy Efficiency
Water Efficiency
Indoor Environmental Quality
Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education
Site Planning and Land Development,
Lot Design, Preparation and Development,
Environmental Impact, Ecology, Hydrology, Landscaping
Construction, Building materials and methods
Real Estate Services
Consulting Services
Financial Services
Global Impact

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Posted by janeAnne Asheville Signature Finds in Mountain Homes and LAND on 06/30/2007 12:14 PM

Comments (48)

High Performance Homes in the Home Improvement Channel

sustainable innovation, advice for buyers sellers and investors, eco topics, greenolina, green built

Originally posted at: Asheville Homes and LAND!- The Keep In Touch Blog: What You Need to Know about High-Performance Homes

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This post has been included in North Carolina Real Estate News Buncombe County, NC Real Estate News Asheville, NC Real Estate News Eco Green In Asheville (Asheville, NC) Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Going Green!
Post is included in group: ECO-All-Stars~ GREEN Resources, Trends & Friends
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor
Post is included in group: Dedicated Bloggers
Post is included in group: Cosmic Cow Pie...The Rome Way

48 Comments on What You Need to Know about High-Performance Homes

JUN

2007

Yeah! Great post JaneAnne! We really covered a lot of material didn't we? Can't wait to see what's up the sleeve for July. :)

Steph~

Possibly we might get into organizing information on developments in high-performance homes and land .

I am not convinced that this is a subject that intrigues the larger membership. But ...within a couple years the trend toward high-performance design, construction and remodleing will be HUGE...and our efforts will be here and available when they use the "seasrch" funciton, right?

Looks like some great info - I would like to see the finished product.

Now Have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, Hemet CA REALTOR
Mission Grove Realty
Hemet CA Real Estate

This is a great idea. I would love to see the finished product also.

JaneAnne, I suspect '08 Elections to help the Green efforts. I believe it will be one of the main topics of debate. Along with that will bring MEDIA attention to green in many aspects and as big of a topic as real estate I think it will cause a trickle down effect for interest. Just my opinion. :) We'll see in the next year.

The success of the Eco Allstars is hugely due to your undying passion to keep these topics in the forefront.

I know I can say this on behalf of all the Green Scene Members: Thank You janeAnne for all you do!

The movement is happening, and we are taking it forward!

janeAnne - I am so glad you posted the Summary on that post and then this particular article - it's a really great undertaking and if you're still at it by the time Project Blogger ends, I would like to help in whichever way I'm needed.

John~

This conversation really unfolded into something all the AR members can use! Seems as if there is quite a bit of excitement about this and how it can benefit us as a group. Thanks for your interest.

JUL

2007

I'm not into designations but can we have an "ARG" designation? ActiveRainGreenie?

:) Yes it's 1:30 and the baby is not crying at the moment...

janeAnne: I appreciate you being patient knowing I am not to "literate" and educated on this subject. I may not participate too often in the conversations but I wanted you to know that because of your passion for this.... is the reason I come back. I'm learning. Thanks.

Randy~

Yes, I think an overview could be of value to all of us, especially considering the trend toward client demand for high-performance homes. Thanks for your interest, and I hope you will also contribute your thoughts and input into the project. . .

Steph~

Always interesting to observe the negotiations between sides. When it comes to the subject of high-performance homes, sustainable design and construction, healthy-built buildings.. . .it just feels as if there is a common meeting ground. . .one where all of us WIN.

Michele~

I love the idea of stewardship, you're right. There are so many ways to be involved in "taking good care" ...starting with taking good care of one's own health and fitness, and then one's family's, and then reaching out to neighbors and the neighborhood. . .and so it goes. As REALTORS (R) it seems to me that we are in a position to empower positive situations for our clients. SO...

Resource Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Water Efficiency

Indoor Environmental Quality

Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education

Site Planning and Land Development,
Lot Design, Preparation and Development,
Environmental Impact, Ecology, Hydrology, Landscaping
Construction, Building materials and methods

Real Estate Services

Consulting Services

Financial Services

Global Impact

are likely subjects to include as we do our continuing education. . .

Ines~

YAY-Yeah!!! I am thrilled that you have said you'd like to help out on the project. With your background in architecture and your experience, we will be off to a running start. Right now , I think we are looking at JULY (after the holiday) to begin the project. I'll stay in touch.

Jeff~

Since you began the original conversation, you have certain privileges enhanced by the fact that you will be spending many hours wide awake in the middle of the night with the new BABY. .. ARG...sounds like a wonderful term to me. . (I'm, smiling)

janeAnne - I will be an honor! (I already feel a hint of Adrenaline.....very cool)

Sally~

"Word on the street " is that you are considering going for your ECOBroker designation .. .my sense is that you already know the heart of the curriculum. The heart of the curriculum is about stewardship...and as I read your posts, I am sure you are there. . .your posts for Localism.com are proof.

Ines~

I love projects. I love working with a team to create something amazing that can be helpful for the larger group. I love it when others feel that sense of delight & anticipation that comes with the shared experience...THX for your energy for this project!

janeAnne: When I wrote the comment I was disheartened by a comment I saw on one of these lovely writer's blog last night. She really puts a lot of time and effort into her research. I have learned from all of you and one day ...may just do that. (I also felt clueless looking the "conversation" ...but I will learn!) As always, you always have supportive words for me...thanks!

JaneAnne - this is a tremendous undertaking and will be ongoing, for a long time, I am sure. Reviewing the talk of the '08 elections I think it is important we DO begin this discussion now so that we are able to influence the elections and voice our opinions as to what the people want. You have assembled an awesome "cache" of professionals in the ECO All Stars Group. So willing to share information and research for the benefit of others.

One great thing we all share is a variety of interests. What may interest me may not interest you. By creating an ongoing RESOURCE we can disseminate a tremendous amount of information to the consumer and to other professionals. AWESOME you are spearheading this project! Thanks also to Jeff who got the ball rolling.

Interestingly enough, this is the only group I really have time to frequent! It keeps me thinking and learning!

Sally - your comment struck me...keep your chin up! You are a great addition to this and other blogs! So glad to have you part of the community!

Thanks - in fact we're doing it again tonight!

JUL

2007

Jeff- at least at this age when babes keep you up at night it is exhausting, no doubt, but with different fears than when they become young adults! LOL!

janeAnne, Your are a visionary.Your idea is ECOriffic! it could also be used as a resource for review by the insurance industry, and state and local governments to entice them to give additional incentives to the ECO friendly builders,

Ginger

Cool development - our GBA director for this region's association has asked me (and another regional agent) to help critique and develop a residential initiative they are committing to in 2008. We meet with the key players in 2 weeks. Stay tuned!

JUL

2007

Excellent Jeff! Keep us up to speed on the developments!

Happy 4th! I'm signing off for a few days~!

JUL

2007

Sally~

I appreciate your curiosity . It is the gentle kind. The kind that doesn't make a person uncomfortable, but arrives from the caring-heart that asks good questions. As a real estate professional, THIS is one characteristic I would want most in my representative...and (obviously) you have it.

Mary~

I know you are on vacation for a few days. Hope you will find my comment back to you on the following (see below) when you return..

You wrote, " ...By creating an ongoing RESOURCE we can disseminate a tremendous amount of information to the consumer and to other professionals.." I am very excited about this project. I am looking for others in the ECO-All-Star Group to give me the sign to go forward with it...It's something I would not try to undertake without a strong team.

Ginger~

Love your word," ECOter-iffic" I am ready for the challenge of pulling together resources from the ECO -All-stars...with a lot of help, though =)

JUL

2007

janeAnne, I am sure you will get a lot of ECOrrific help from this wonderful ECO group!

Ginger

JaneAnne - back in for a check to see what has been going on! I am so impressed and excited with what we are putting together! I say "we" because I know we are all going to bring in so much professional support and insight! To give you an idea of what is going on in Michigan since the energy fair please check out the link from Adam's update. This young man is so excited about the future FOR ALL OF US!!! He had a radio spot this morning and tonight is taping a televised program! How exciting!

Jeff, Eric, Adam, Jake, Buzz ... these are the people in my circle that will bring things to the table. Then we have YOU!, Rick and Innes, Jeff, Tom, Stephanie...I am so proud to be a part of what is coming down the pipe! Let's ROCK!

Love you guys! I am in the middle of literally diving in to Energy Efficient Mortgages and will keep all abreast of my developments.

In the meantime...stay green and keep the momentum going!

janeAnne, I've been a little out of the loop lately. But it is nice to see the Eco wave continues to build in size and power.

And on the subject of "High Performance Homes" this is a term I'd like to see used more and more. Used by Realtors in the know and by buyers who are educating themselves. The green industry is growing and that's a good thing. But I am hearing and reading more from people who are green washing. They think they know the answer, why? Because they read one article in the paper or hear a radio broadcast. The 'green movement' is a growing evolving issue, there is no one right answer. But as long as our collective conscience is growing and hopefully in the correct direction - it's all good!

JUL

2007

Dena, you are so correct about the "Green Washing". There are many who want to ride the green wave but aren't really interested in doing the work. That is why I am so excited about this project and the professionals, like yourself, involved in AR. Education is key and as we educate the choices for consumers will increase as demand increases. This has been a very long time coming and I am excited that we now have the technology to make it happen.!

I second Mary's concern about greenwashing. It's going to get worse, I fear...

JUL

2007

Jeff -

Thanks for your inspiration tonight! I have been trying to make many points and something in your comment gave me the inspiration I was looking for!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/140788/Preventing-Greenwashing-Herkelrath-Project

I'd like to use this as some direction to wash out the greenwashers!

Mary~

It is exciting to think that more and more our clients can find resources for financing.
As you wrote, " I am in the middle of literally diving in to Energy Efficient Mortgages and will keep all abreast of my developments.. .. " Now that is amazing news! Let's plan a community post on your discoveries.

Dena~

Thank yo so much for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment on "green-washing" and on the importance of having n educated understanding of what "high-performance" really means in a home. I am always surprised at the way popular trends get "consumerized" ...I do think that we have a good-strat on providing in-depth information via Active Rain.

Dena, Jeff, Mary and Everyone~

Thanks for bringing up the subject of greenwashing...when I think of greenwashing, I get a picture in my mind of pea-green slime smothering a polluted pond.

I want to direct you to Mary's excellent article on greenwashing.
And ask you...what examples of green washing are happening in the residential market?

EXCELLANT description JaneAnne! and those ponds ARE out there!

I think greenwashing is the proper place to start our High Performance Homes discussions.

I'd also like to hear what is going on around the country. I spoke with an account exec at one of our major lenders this week (names withheld) who HEAVILY advertises energy efficient mortgages around the country and I was told "they are not really doing them" and "the program is so new we don't know anything about it". I was flabbergasted! I haven't been able to find out yet if it is just MY account exec or the company as a whole - if it is the company that fits perfectly into the definition in my greenwashing article.

More research to come...I don't want to jump the gun with misinformation.

I got that too from a lender recently! "They're too hard" was his response.

JaneAnne, I'll try again to lure Burbank Builders from Providence, RI in here. Great information to share with all readers here at AR.

Jeff - isn't that just CRAZY! To me the process doesn't seem that hard -- I just think it's the amount of time that goes into learning the guidelines and assembling the team needed that is viewed "too hard". Additionally, No one has pushed the envelope with the lenders. I think most originators just find it all to easy to take no for an answer.

I spent at least an hour with UnderWriting (not the same company I referred to above, the AE shut me right out there) Thursday asking her what part of the guidelines I was reading wasn't in HER guidelines! She finally saw what I was referring to and said "Just a minute! You are right!" She put me on hold and dug into it with a senior UW and proceeded to be very helpful. The conversation ended that She will likely be the one to dig into this with me! Yippee! I think I made a friend and ally!

I find it interesting that there is a disclosure signed on all FHA Backed Mortgages informing the borrower that they CAN finance energy improvements into the mortgage. Fannie and Freddie have also jumped on board yet very few lenders have trained their underwriters or truly jumped on board -- although they advertise EEM's. Unfortunately for them when I get on a mission I don't let it lay.....stay tuned!

Sue - Let Burbank Builders know how important it is that we get the best industry professionals involved in this project!

JUL

2007

I was reading on GMAC's site, "Defining Luxury Homes", and they wrote: ...many contemporary luxury home buyers are leading the movement for Eco-friendly building materials.In addition, many of today's luxury homes - known as Smart Houses - are equipped with high-tech computers that monitor and control everything from lighting, heating and cooling, to inside and outside security.

Wonderful that people are looking for energy-saving methods, but I'm not sure that buying wine refrig's, extra washing machines, 2 ovens, heated pools....is very energy conscious! It's fantastic if you can afford all of these luxury items, but to purchase a superfluous living arrangement and call it energy-wise, it goes against my better judgment!

Did I just get waay off track?

Mary~

It's funny (odd) to notice how my clients choose and DEMAND high-performance homes and yet, appraisers and lending institutions are a little slow on the pick up. . .good thing they aren't baseball players...they'd be stuck on First Base. . .

PLEASE keep us informed of any energy efficient, high-performance-related loans for our home buyers ...it would be great to have a resource to point out!

Sue and All~

Good point about the "Smart Homes" and extravagance. Just want to define HIGH- PERFORMANCE Homes because these homes are"smart" ...but in another way....the High-Performance homes focus on sustainable design and construction with dedication to LEED (or NC Healthy-built) standards...

Resource Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Water Efficiency

Indoor Environmental Quality

Operation, Maintenance and Homeowner Education

Site Planning and Land Development

Lot Design, Preparation and Development
Environmental Impact, Ecology, Hydrology, Landscaping
Construction, Building materials and methods

Global Impact

JUL

2007

JaneAnn -

Coming from the Aunt of a former Coastal Carolina Player who was drafted by the Padres (Grandma said, "He's going to be a PRIEST?!?" when she heard! LOL!) I love the first base analogy! You are correct that they are slow on the pickup. I am hoping to make some headway this week - I think there are many changes that need to occur and will be recruiting (!) friends and allies to push the envelope!

Also - I like NC Healthy-built standards after browsing through them! You guys are on the ball out there!

JUL

2007

Just getting back into the conversation here. I really want to know more details about EEM's. I had a lender email the underwriting stuff for it, but most was over my head. I know the basics, but not enough to really tell a client how specifically it is different. I guess that's what the pros are for anyhow. :)

It will be interesting to see how the High Performance Homes conversation plays out.

Like Mary, I liked the NC standards. Very thorough.

Stephanie - What part of EEM's was over your head? I'm asking because I would like to answer specific questions - (and have more questions for the lenders!)

As a broker shop I am able to go through many "lenders". It is important for me to know the questions you have as my project is currently calling many underwriters/UW depts to find answers...

REALTORS....What are you running in to out there???

DEC

2007

Mary~

You asked what we real estate professionals are finding "out there"...I think there is a solid trend toward healthy-built homes...better indoor air quality, and use of energy efficient products.....The ECO-All-Stars are ready, willing and able with a team-effort to create a resource guide for all the Active Rainers. REALTORS could use this to learn about high-performance buildings and eco-friendly trends. . .

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