Name

Marlene Bienes

Company

Rose City Realty, Inc.

E-mail

Contact Marlene Bienes (Rose City Realty, Inc.)

Website

http://www.EcoHomesGA.com

Office Phone

(229) 225-9225

Cell Phone

(229) 289-0139

Fax

(229) 225-9991

Address

1233 E. Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA, 31792

Description

I am your personalized Ecobroker Certified Realtor. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, I can put forth a Marketing Plan that will get your current home sold or get you in to your dream home.

My Profession

National surveys indicate that 80 percent of consumers consider themselves green-minded, real estate professionals like me with the EcoBroker designation are in a better position to serve the real estate consumer.

My clients deserve exemplary service, facts, information and a Realtor that stays updated with market trends.

I hold a Bachlors Degree in Business, 10 years in sales, Member of The National Association of Realtors, Member of The Georgia Board of Realtors, and I am the first Ecobroker Certified Realtor in the South Georgia Region.

An EcoBroker Certified Realtor is the premiere green real estate professional that can help clients market properties with green features, save money, and live comfortably, through energy efficiency and environmentally-sensitive choices.

Ecobroker Certified Realtors are equipped with additional energy and environmental information and tools that help them provide added value to all of their real estate transactions. EcoBroker trained real estate agents can help address the newest topics in real estate, such as "green" home certification programs like Energy Star® Qualified Homes, energy-efficiency, and environmentally-sensitive design. EcoBroker Certified Realtors assist in working through issues that may arise in any real estate transaction, such as mold, radon, and poor indoor air quality, providing real solutions. EcoBrokers can provide the correct information, experience and knowledge to their green-minded consumers by providing valuable energy and environmental information to all types of clients. With expertise and Affiliate relationships, EcoBrokers are known for providing exceptional value to all of their relationships.

With the growing green real estate market, Ecobrokers help customers get the most when buying or selling energy efficient, environmentally friendly homes.

The only way an Eco-buyer is assured that the property they are buying are TRULY an Energy Efficient home is through an EcoBroker trained Realtor or by looking for the trusted Energy Star Blue Seal.

Finding the home of your dreams and enjoying peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines is a profitable investment now and in the future when you're ready to sell the features.

Home Energy Incentives Increase

 You've heard about all the great tax incentives for greening homes with new windows and insulation, so how can you get in on the action? The best place to start is the federal web site, DSIRE, which spells out incentives specific to your state. Existing homes are eligible for a series of efficiency measures that pertain to the home envelope, worth 30% of the cost of equipment. There is a $1,500 cap on the credit per home, including the amount received for heating, cooling, and water heating equipment.

"Features like properly installed insulation, high-performance windows and high efficiency heating and cooling can reduce home energy needs by 20 to 30 percent, saving American families thousands of dollars on their utility bills," according to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
source: Eco Hatchery

   Analysis Tax Credit Adds 357,000 Buyers

A study estimates that 357,000 buyers have been motivated so far by the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The study by Campbell Surveys, a division of Campbell Communications, calculated the figure by comparing the number of first-time homebuyers before and after the tax credit was instituted. The percentage of first-time buyers rose from 32 percent in January and February to 43 percent for the rest of the year - except July when the rate fell to 42 percent.

Campbell's Research Director Thomas Popik pointed out that this survey mirrors the numbers calculated by the National Association of REALTORS® and those from Moody's Economy.com.

The data supports legislative efforts in both the U.S. House and Senate to extend the tax credit.
Source: HousingWire.com, Austin Kilgore (09/22/2009)

The Age of the New Type of Realtor

 Green Realtors

An Eco Green Realtor is a green professional that is certified as an EcoBroker®. Specializing in green building, we assist home buyers make smart decisions in choosing a healthy and environmentally friendly home. An EcoBroker also guide sellers in marketing the green or greenable aspects of their property.

I believe that living greener isn't just healthy for us, our families and our communities that we inhabit but for our planet. If that's not convincing enough, greening your home can also save you money.

The so-called green movement has sprouted a fresh crop of lawsuits: greenwashing claims, in which companies are getting sued for making bogus eco-friendly statements about their products. Realtor's should also be careful when stating their listings and claiming they are energy efficient without really knowing what those words mean. Greenwashing is more prominent in areas where there are little or no professionals that can point out the false claims landing them in greenwashing litigation this is a hot area of false advertising. Making sure that the claims are correct by proving it with scientific evidence is key.


An Energy Efficient Certified home have the ability to save residents money on utility bills and their potential to help reduce health problems like asthma, green homes in many ways are best-suited to those making less than an area's median income.

Robert Ivy, McGraw-Hill's vice president and editorial director, said the data show green homes as a bright spot in a tough housing market.

"Green homes are a shining area of growth in new housing construction," he said. "The housing market is literally, statistically, on the verge of a tipping point."


Do you know what makes a green home?


A green home incorporates smart design, technology, construction and maintenance elements to significantly lessen the negative impact of the home on the environment and improve the health of the people who live inside. No matter your location or living situation, the opportunities for living a greener life at home are limited only by your imagination.

Going Green 101


Living a greener life and making your home a greener place is a commitment to yourself, your family, your community and the planet. Going green is a learning process. As new technologies, products and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the how's as well as the why's - of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible. That's why consulting with an Eco-Broker Realtor or green consultant can better your chances in your greener life.

Besides the health and environmental benefits of living in a green home, many local and state governments, utility companies and other entities across the country offer rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for adding eco-friendly elements to your home. These incentives are available for new and green remodels.

 

Green Consulting

 If you're planning a green renovation or new construction project, make me your first call. I collaborate with architects, interior designers and builders to ensure that your project meets the highest level of green building standards.

RESEARCH&CERTIFIED GREEN

I stay on top of the latest developments in green products, materials, and techniques. I research product information to make sure that it is a true green product as well as environmentally friendly satisfying both the discerning designer and strict green builder.  I research products that I recommend.


PROJECT SCOPE

I provide green design guidance for your home- from top to bottom, insulation to cabinet hardware, to water conservation and green property maintenance. I work together with your team to make sure that your project is held to the highest green standards.


THE DESIGN TEAM

I work with architects, designers and contractors already selected by you, or I can help you to create a team of building professionals to realize your project. Because I believe that my clients should chose architects, interior designers and contractors based on what it is that they do best- design, and build, I don't expect them to have any experience with green but having an open mind to it is critical. I will lead your team with the products and the sustainable design. This is how I will work with you and with the rest of your building/design team. I'm in a better position to assist you on our green project.

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Considering Buying a Green Home? Think No Further  

According to the preliminary results of a study released recently by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and McGraw-Hill Construction, environmentally friendly homes are no longer a luxury reserved only for the richest Americans.
 
Within the last three years more than 330,000 homes with green features have been built in the United States, of which, more than half of the home buyers earned less than $75,000 a year and 30% earned less than $50,000 per year, according to the study.
 
In addition, 78% of homeowners, earning less than $50,000 per year, say they would be more inclined to purchase a green home. The study said green homebuilding is now a $36 billion per year industry in the U.S.

There are many reasons for owning or buying a green home.

Low Operating Costs

The technologies and practices required to build a green home to a certain standard may result in lower costs to operate the home. Energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems result in lower energy consumption compared to other models. Using less water through water-conserving faucets, showers, toilets, and irrigation systems may also result in less water consumption. Employing photovoltaic panels for solar electricity and water heating, and geothermal heat exchangers could utilize natural resources, too. A tight building envelope construction using spray foam insulation and a properly sized HVAC system means that less energy is needed to condition spaces.

The Environment

Some renewable, recycled, and other efficient building products used in green home construction may reduce the impact on natural resources. Global Warming is another major concern that green homes can help address by using materials that minimize the impact on climate change.

Health & Comfort

Indoor environmental quality is one of the guiding principles of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. Homes that allow for proper air exchange through mechanical ventilation and has low-emitting products like low- or no-VOC paints, create a healthier indoor environment. Concerns about environment, energy costs, occupant health and even resale value of the home will add up green for builders and buyers alike. Green homes are definitely shining through as the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy housing market. source: Icynene