Business Review and Green Realtors…Yup, I’m one of them!

  Lately, I had the priviledge of being interviewed in the Business Review.  It’s a little bit intimidating especially since you don’t know exactly what or how your words were interpreted, but it came out pretty well.  I, of course, kept a copy of the newsprint for my records which contained my pretty little picture but thought you might want to read the online version (which doesn’t have my pretty little picture but one of Kari Bliss, a great REALTOR for Bazzani that is also a GREEN REALTOR.)  Oh well, still a good article that I think you should read but of course, I would think that since it was a write up about me, right? 

Here’s what you need to know. 

 Besides the normal continuing education courses that REALTORS are required to take, many of us do far more and are continuously being educated about the latest practices, legal actions, and other business parts that we want to specialize in.  Being a specialist with Green hasn’t been an easy road as there is no set manual or to do list.  There are courses that would be smart to take and I’m in the process of doing that with my busy schedule but again, it’s like going back to school.  Oh yeah, going back to school as a builder (wait a minute, I thought I was a REALTOR?) and knowing all the specifics in building.  The LEED designation is a difficult designation to get and has been compared to passing the bar exam as a lawyer.  So, you guessed it… I have my work cut out for me.  Wish me luck!

Here’s the link for you to peruse: http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/western/index.ssf/2008/08/realtors_doing_their_homework.html

 

Great Lakes Green Makes Debut in Grand Rapids

Thursday was the official start of Great Lakes Green 2008 that is open to the public and will run through Saturday night (August 21-23, 2008).

The intention of the show is to bring a “greater awareness about residential green building programs and technologies”. (http://www.greatlakesgreen2008.com/). Sponsored by Green Built Michigan and many builders, the show will offer professionals and the general public a chance to view some of the products and services that are part of the Green movement.

While certain builders specialize in certain areas of Green, the Green philosophy is geared to energy efficiency, sustainability, and recycled, non-pollutable substances. As a member of the West Michigan Chapter of the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), I’ve had the opportunity to view and begin to understand all the options that are available to consumers. My hope and goal when I embarked upon the “Green” way of thinking was to thoroughly understand the processes and point consumers in the right direction.

How Do You Define Green?

In this process, I’ve learned valuable information on products and have gotten to know a wide variety of people that are truly interested in building a great home with these Green practices. In talking with consumers, the biggest benefit to Green for them is:

Energy Efficiency

Indoor Air Quality

Environmental Issues (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

It will be a fantastic show and I urge you all to attend if you are even slightly curious. I will be part of the LEED for Homes booth (LEED is a third party certification system that rates a home on “Green” Qualities) on Saturday starting at 5:00 pm. Stop by, say hello and see what this is really all about!

 

Recycling Fish for Foot Pedicure?

If you haven’t noticed, I do like the “GREEN” philosophy… specifically the reduce, reuse, recycle mentality.  I just believe that if we can, recycle we should! 

Anyway, thought this was interesting in the Grand Rapids Press.  “Carp rid human feet of scaly skin”.  You can check  it out in July 27th edition, front section.  Talk about not wasting and putting things to good use…

The article talks about a spa owner that uses carp called garra rufa (or doctor fish) for a pedicure treatment.  The carp go and eat off all the dead skin cells on the feet, eliminate callouses, and soften the skin.  I thought it was interesting that someone was willing to have little fishes nimble on their feet.  But according to the article, an athlete that tried it said that since she was an athlete, she couldn’t believe how well this system worked.  “This was the first time somebody got rid of my calluses completely.” (Barakat, GR Press).

I don’t know if this is considered green or not but it made me wonder if these fish can get rid of scaly, dead skin what’s next… A NEW FACIAL METHOD???

 

What is ICF Construction and How Does it Provide an Energy Efficient Home?

Gaining in popularity for the green home are the tools of the trade. ICF’s, or insulating concrete forms, are one of the strongest forms of construction in that the home is built with concrete. These forms used primarily for the exterior walls of the home are designed with foam that is grooved and fitted to fit the other ICF pieces just like a puzzle. In between the two pieces of foam on either side are rebar reinforcements that lock the foam pieces together and provide solid material for the concrete to adhere to.

ICF’s are a popular way to go in the construction of a green home in that they not only provide a solid home but also an energy-efficient home. Since the concrete is totally encapsulated in rigid foam, the foam provides the energy efficiency while the concrete provides the strength. Energy efficiency is dependant on how the home is built and how much leakage is moving in and out of the house. Green home practices focus on building air-tight homes and with the interlocking foam blocks and long continuous panels, ICF’s are ideal in preventing air leakage. The solid structure and the fact that concrete doesn’t settle, also lends to the tight house construction.

 

While ICF’s are definitely something that may seem like a different philosophy in building a home, the fact is that when the home is finished, it actually looks like every other home. If you have ever been in a house with ICF construction, one of the many comments is in regards to how quiet the home is with very little outdoor noise penetrating the walls. Solid construction, high energy efficiency, superior wind and fire resistance, superior soundproofing, and affordability are big plusses for ICF’s. Vapor and air barriers are built in to maintain a healthy interior air environment.

No question about it, ICF’s are changing the way homes are being built. Consumers are realizing not only realizing the benefits of a healthy home, but most definitely are enjoying the benefits of energy efficiency.

With the rising cost of oil, more people are more aware of how much of their budget is actually being flushed down the drain by high energy costs. My green listing in Canadian Lakes, Michigan has been built from top to bottom with ICF construction including the roof. It is one of most quiet, energy efficient homes located in that beautiful area of golf courses, 4 club houses including the Castle, the out door pool and tennis course, the indoor pool and fitness room, private air strip and most important is the 24-7 security patrol.

 

Why Southern Exposure is Important in a Green Home

While some of us like to “shoot from the hip”, there are others that are very organized in their thoughts and processes. Initially, I’m an organized individual and unfortunately, there are a lot of days that I “shoot from the hip.” So, I guess I’m a little bit of both personalities.For those of you who hate organized ideologies, you have to admit that a little bit of organization can go along way. In fact, when it comes to buying a home, answering some key questions just makes the process so much easier and helps you figure out what your true priorities are. See Planning the Key to Home Buying Success.

New construction works the same way and more specifically when you discuss “green” homes. “Green” homes start with a smart design and efficient technology systems to create green homes. In fact, the planning or design stage, in my opinion, is one of the most important steps in the process. Deciding what factors are important to you in the beginning saves a lot of time and possibly a lot of money in the future.

Green homes are about having “residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and limit environmental impact.” (http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/sushomedesonline.html. This type of home is about taking the house as a whole unit, being aware of the climate and temperature changes and knowing which design strategies can handle the environment and its natural surroundings. In order to reduce energy consumption, green designers look at other ways of obtaining other forms of renewable energy, such as solar, wind. In fact, here’s what Wikipedia defines renewable energy as, “Renewable energy effectively uses natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished.

To read more

 

Brand New Homes Don’t Always Mean Energy Efficiency…

Alright, alright. I have to tell you that I love green. Green to me means “Go”, means $ signs, and also means a well-built house. In fact, my next article was supposed to be about the first stages of building a green home, but realized that I need to backup a bit.In talking with several people, most people BELIEVE that when they buy a brand new home that they will have some of the qualities of a green-built home. Some of characteristics of a green built home include:

Energy – Efficiency

Safe for occupants (natural disasters etc.)

More comfortable (temperature, humidity)

Healthier environment

Durable (Structural, moisture managed)

Honestly, you should expect those things in a new home but in reality, it is not always there.

To read more…

 

Is Shrek Green? Yes, He Is.

So, I’m this huge movie buff. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is to sit down on a Friday night with a bag of popcorn and put in the latest and greatest movie. And by the way, my family has seen a ton! Last Friday, we watched Shrek 3 with the kids. Initially, I wasn’t going to watch it but decided it would be a good family bonding time!

The movie was good but what was interesting was playing around after the movie in the extras. They had “Ask Merlin” where you get to ask Merlin a Yes or No question and he answers. My question was, “Will I be incredibly wealthy?” I’ll just say, I was pleased with the answer!

Another section was titled, “Being Green” to which my husband said that I should see what that’s all about since I love the “Green” movement. Because I’m curious… I checked it out. Shrek starts out by saying that Kermit (do you remember him?) said it wasn’t easy being green. To which he replies that it’s not that hard. So here’s the message that was sent out to the kids in a fun way on the backend of this movie.

To read more click here

 

How Does a Home Qualify As Green

We’ve already discussed the trends in home building and how “Green” built homes are becoming a trend. We’ve talked about what Green is in relation to the definition. Now, how do you know if you have a Green-Built Home?

Just so you know, there are a lot of builders that may claim to build “Green” and are hopping on the wagon to try and be “Green”, but really aren’t “Green.” Some builders that I’ve run into the past couple of years, think it’s a bunch of hog-wash. Maybe it is. With the media attention around “Green”, I’ve now seen that many of the builders are changing their tune when it comes to building “Green.”

I went to a great seminar about building a healthy home. The gal even put together a great checklist of things that you should be sure to ask.

Directly from her suggestions in her book, were some of the following questions to ask a builder:

To read more: http://www.seegrhomes.com/green-energy-efficient-homes/how-does-a-house-qualify-as-green.html

 

YOU Are the Market !!

I love watching the trends in the home building industry.  In fact, it’s one of my favorite subjects to read up on.  What you need to realize is that the “HOT” trends of today are because of what you said was important.  See if you agree with these sources of the latest and greatest trends in home design. 

Everyone knows that Location, Price, and Condition always rule!  However, “new materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build.” (Craven, About.com).  With the emergence of casual entertaining and the home being a person’s showcase, here’s what sources have said are the “HOT” items in Home Building.

March 2007 – Realtor Magazine

• Cozy, small homes on a big lot 
• Earth tone colors
• Oversized Family Rooms
• Open Kitchens
• Exotic Hardwood Floors like bamboo and brazilian cherry
• Mudrooms with lots of cubbies/storage
• Stone for countertops… ie. Marble, limestone

May 2007 – Realtor Magazine

• Various materials, textures and colors (this would include metal, granite, stone, copper, different floorings) can make a huge impact.
• Healthier Homes - includes:  Sound proofing, Water Conservation, Wastewater Treatment, Roof Space, Native Plants, Graywater, Sun/Wind Power, Engineered Hardwood

August 2007 – GR Press

• Large Family Rooms, Smaller Living Rooms
• Home to be airy and bright
• Larger Open Kitchens with Islands and Recessed Lighting
• Fireplace
• 3 Stall Garage
• Universal Design – “A concept that makes homes accessible to all people regardless of age or disabilities” (GR Press, August 19, 2007).

Latest Recent Google Search – About.com

1. Earth-Friendly Design – Sensitivity to the environment and the reuse of materials

2. “Prefab” Construction – Far from the perceived notions of prefab and trailers, prefabricated materials come in all shapes and styles and have great new designs.  Anyone hear of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)? More to come on this later.

3. Adaptive Reuse – How can we reuse the buildings we already have?

4. Healthy Design – Increasing awareness is making healthy design a BIG deal.  People have realized that they are becoming sick from the synthetic and chemical materials that are present in our homes.

5. Storm-Resistance – Can anyone say Hurricane Katrina?

6. Flexible Floor Plans – This one seems to be a trend everywhere I read.  More people want the ability to use a great room and/or bonus room for multiple uses.  Hence pocket doors and movable partitions are becoming vital.

7. Accessibility – Universal Design: making the room accessible to all individuals including those with disabilities.  It includes wider hallways and doorways that is so beautifully blended in with the design that it doesn’t look “handicap accessible.”

8. Outdoor Rooms – Haven’t heard of this one from other sources, but the article goes on to say that the yard/garden may become part of the floor plan on the patios and decks.  It’s not that far-fetched and you definitely won’t have to walk that far to get fresh tomatoes if your garden is right off the slider.

9. Abundant Storage – Storage, storage, storage everywhere is now a necessity.

10. Eastern Ideas – Feng Shui principles are probably the most influential in homes today.  The belief is that you will feel positive effects in your life.

There seems to be a common thread in most of these publications.  Just to summarize:

•·       People want large family rooms/great rooms

•·         People want large, open kitchens

•·         Various materials and textures is important

•·         Universal Design will be a term that becomes more important

•·         Healthier Homes, Environmental Concerns, Sustainability of the Home – “GREEN” concerns are affecting the way we build today!

References: Craven, Jackie. “Top 10 Trends in Home Design.” About.com. http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/homedesigntrend.htm

March 2007.  “The only tool you need.”  Realtor Magazine. http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

May 2007. Ballinger, Barbara.  “Trends in Home Building & Design.” Realtor Magazine.   http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

August 19, 2007.  Grand Rapids Press.  “For homes in 2015, it’s what’s inside that will count.”  

Stay tuned for: “What Do You Think of When You Think of Green?”  Coming soon.

  

 

 

Why is a Green Home Important?

Quite Simply… A Green Home Provides…

Safer Environment – it prevents moisture, mold and radon.

Healthier Environment – the toxins in paint in building materials can be harmful to one’s health. Indoor air quality is huge, just ask someone with breathing problems like asthma.

 

Energy Efficiency – Everyone loves to save money.

 

Environmentally Friendly – Check out the impact that are buildings have on resources today.

 

 

WOW! This is amazing. There is something to say about the environmental impact of buildings today. Here’s the information from U.S. Energy Information Administration from 2005

U.S. Impact of Buildings on Resources Today
- 40% of Total Energy Use
- 71% of Electricity Consumption
- 38% Carbon Dioxide Emissions
- 36% of all Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- 30% of Waste Output
- 12% of Potable Water Consumption

Just some things to think about… Stay tuned for How Does a House Qualify As Green?