Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Maybe it's just a Baby Boomer thing, but I love the thrill of finding a bargain and a piece of history, or art, at the same time. I am able to do this by shopping at consignment shops. Okay, so maybe it is not recycling at its best, but it is recycling at its most enjoyable.

Some might think that the economic downturn is the reason why many turn to consignment shops, but my love for consignment shopping began long ago. In fact, I still have my first purchase. It is the Delft container in the center of this photo:

My parents came over from the Netherlands (Holland), and Delftware was a way to tie in my love of the color blue with my ethnic background. (Delftware is a type of ceramic ware made in the town of Delft, better known for its blue and white floral motifs.) My collection grew from there:

I've visited Goodwill shops, too. I have two daughters. When they were younger, finding clothes for them was a task that required more funds than I was willing to spend. I allowed my children to play in whatever clothing they had on at the time, and stains didn't discriminate between their play clothes and their better clothes. With hand-me-downs from friends and Goodwill purchases, I didn't have to worry that they were dirtying an expensive outfit. Parenting is stressful enough without worrying about children getting dirty. Let's be real. Childhood is a dirty job! (I wonder if Mike Rowe, from Dirty Jobs, would consider trying this one out for his television show.)

Today, I give as good as I get. I always donate at least 10-20 bags a year to Goodwill. I set up accounts at my favorite consignment shops and several times a year, I drop off 5-25 items. Once a month, I collect a check and then purchase more bargains! These shops charge 30%, 40% and 50% commissions, but my savings on my purchases tend to exceed the value of the items I have traded in. How does this happen, you ask? Well, all consignment shops drop their prices after a certain period of time. The trick is to look for the dates on the items you are interested in, and keep your purchases to only items that have been further reduced. Here are some examples of what I have been able to find: A batik butterfly framed print - $5; bentwood chair - $18; painted gourd - $1.50; rafia wall hanging - $8; framed painting of San Francisco Bay - $60; and my favorite... my daughter's wedding gown - $250

The most interesting item I've discovered, however, has to be this item called, a Cap Off. It is a device that removes the caps from soda or beer bottles.

If you try to find this by Google search, you will only find a new version. I have the original "Cap Off" :-)

New Hampshire To Do will be featuring some of my favorite consignment shops in an upcoming issue of their magazine. In the meantime, try some of them out by checking out the links below:

The Etcetera Shoppe in Meredith, New Hampshire: something for everyone!

Pat's This and That for antiques in Tilton, New Hampshire 603-286-2442

Project 4 Consignments for clothes in Tilton, New Hampshire 603-286-4206

Consignment Gallery in Amherst and Bedford, New Hampshire 603-673-4114 and 668-4114

Feel free to add some of your own favorites. Look for the Ebay Bedroom in my next article.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association is holding its annual Green Building Open House Tour. This Saturday, October 3, 2009, is your chance to tour over 75 "Green" homes and businesses in New Hampshire. You can check out anything from straw bale construction in walls, insulated concrete forms, passive solar and active solar installations, geothermal installation and cellulose roofing.

To see a full listing of New Hampshire properties available to tour, click here. To find out more about New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association, click here.

Feel free to comment here about any of the homes you visited.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^® 

I wrote a previous post about energy education websites for kids., entitled, Great Kids Websites for Energy Education. I am a former Teacher with an Early Childhood Degree and I am always on the lookout for educational sites that are fun for kids. I feel that for us adults, changing the way we use energy is a slow process, but for kids, lessons learned at a young age come easier and they help form lifelong habits.

My favorite author is Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, as most of you know him. My favorite story is The Lorax. (More info on Theodor Geisel at the Seuss Website of Springfield Museum in Massachusetts.)

The story of The Lorax is all about saving the trees. This website on the EnergyStar website however, is one that takes it a step further. There are hidden pictures of appliances, coloring pages of the characters of The Lorax, and word searches for ways to protect the environment.

I give this site a thumbs up and recommend it for ages 5 through 10. And Parents, do check what's out there for your children with them. We let our children play all kinds of games which bring out aggression and competition, as well as creativity. I'm not going to preach here. I'm just asking you to balance their experiences with knowledge that will help their futures, at least environmentally.

Feel free to add any sites you feel are worthy of noting. We all learn when we share.

By the way, www.EnergyStar.gov is a great site for adults, too!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

How do you rate a home for it's ability to produce as much energy as it uses? Well, the possible answer is a Building Energy Quotient Rating System.

You may have heard of zero energy homes or net zero homes. These are homes with zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. Sounds great doesn't it? But how would you rate such a house?

In keeping with their mission statement, ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, has just published a final draft on an Advanced Building Energy Labeling (ABEL) program which will guide new construction and existing construction towards net zero energy building (NZEB).

ASHRAE's mission statement is as follows:

'To advance the arts and sciences of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world.'

ASHRAE has been working on a labeling program and the details are in the report which came out in June 2009 (This report can be read @ http://buildingeq.com/files/ABELFinal.pdf.) The labeling program gives a score of A+ to F: A+ being a building that has zero net energy consumption and F being one that is unsatisfactory.

It won't be ready until it has been tried first and until Canada adopts the ENERGY STAR rating process, but it will attempt to be a system that can be applied globally.

What are the benefits of having a Building Energy Quotient Label?

Well, according to the report and final draft:

Why an ASHRAE Label and Certificate?

• Building owners and operators can see how their building compares to peer group buildings, as measured against the highest performing buildings, to establish a measure of their potential for energy performance improvement.

• Building owners can use their energy rating differentiate their building from others to secure potential buyers or tenants.

• Potential buyers or tenants can gain insight into the value and potential long-term cost of a building.

• Operations and maintenance staff can use the results to inform their decisions on maintenance activities and influence building owners and managers to pursue energy efficiency upgrades and demonstrate the return on investment for these projects.

Probably the greatest benefit from implementation of a building energy labeling program is the use of market-based forces to influence energy efficiency investment opportunities. Building owners will make investments in energy efficiency improvements when such investments will have the greatest impact on their bottom-line. Also, owners will invest in the technologies and practices that make the most sense for their building. When potential building tenants and owners have information on the properties in which they are interested (particularly in a consistent format) they can understand the full cost of their investment and place a value on the energy efficiency of the building. The label will help building owners differentiate their product in a technically sound manner.

Beyond the benefit received by individual building owners and managers, the increased availability of building data-specifically the relationship between the design and operation of buildings-will be a valuable research tool for the building community.

As the world looks to reduce its energy use, information is the critical first step in making the necessary choices and changes. With labeling mandatory in Europe and disclosure of a building's energy performance becoming required by several states, now is the time to introduce a label that can provide both technical ratings of building energy performance and energy use disclosure for mandatory programs.

As an EcoBroker^®, this is exciting news to me. Okay, it's another way to market a 'green' home too. I'll be looking for an update on the bEQ label to post. Until then, check it out for yourself here.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

As a REALTOR®, I have been in a lot of homes that were built between the 1940's and 1980's that contain Asbestos, and I hadn't given much thought to the fact that my clients and I might be facing some possible hazards just by our brief visits to these homes. But today, I received an e-mail from Paul James, the Awareness Coordinator for Asbestos.com, asking if I would be interested in sharing information about Asbestosis and Mesolthelioma Cancer and Green Insulation Alternatives in my blog. It made me curious and I did some research. My research provided me with a better understanding of Asbestos; it's natural occurrence in the environment and it's hazards. It also provided me with some precautions that I'd like to share with you. (Bear in mind, there is a subtle Legal influence on the website I've mentioned below, but I did not find it intrusive.)

Now, please, do not panic and feel that you have to wear hazmat clothing wherever you go. Your task is to do your due diligence, like I did, and find out what asbestos is and what the possible risks might be. Then you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Here is a great Asbestos Resource to begin your own research. Credit for this article goes to the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for submitting the information in the article

What is Asbestos? 'Asbestos' is the term given to naturally occurring mineral fibers used for commercial purposes, such as the insulation of homes. The mineral fibers' innate resistence to fire and heat, as well as its reluctance to conduct electricity, are what make it popular for insulation. It's string-like fibers are easy to twist into thread and to weave into fabric for fire retardant clothing, too. It's this string-like quality, however, that has made it dangerous.

What Makes Asbestos Dangerous? The string-like fibers become unbound and float in the atmosphere. They are then inhaled. 'The shape of these fibers reacts negatively with human tissue and biological processes. When inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become lodged in the tissues of the linings of organs, most commonly the lungs and digestive system. Over time, the lodged fibers cause inflammation and cellular damage, which can eventually lead to a variety of terminal diseases', such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, the severest form of asbestos caused cancer. (from the website, asbestos.com)

So what precautions should you take when you know you are around asbestos? First, there is no way to know for sure if you've been around asbestos. If the home or building has been abated for asbestos, there may be some record somewhere, but not always where you can see it. Here are some tips from the asbestos.com website:

• Finally, if you know you have asbestos in your home, have a professional perform an abatement.

Greener Insulation: Here are a few of TreeHugger's (Colin Dunn) Picks for Green insulation Options: (Sorry, I can't add my own just yet.)

1) Recycled paper insulation is made from 100% waste recycled newsprint and has been successfully installed in more than 1 million homes in the UK alone!
2) HempFlax insulation uses mostly hemp fiber, with a little added polyester fibre for reinforcing. Soda acts as the fire retardant, and, as the hemp is naturally resistant to moths and beetles, extra chemical application is avoided.
3) Concrete Blond's customized insulation panels create a false wall, behind which an insulating material can be placed; it's a great product for older homes with solid walls which would be difficult to insulate otherwise.
4) Recycled denim insulation is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.
5) Lloyd just added three new entrants in one entry to the archives, with recycled materials, LEED credits and positive air-quality features abounding.

Again, this post is not meant to alarm anyone, only to inform. Feel free to add a comment about your favorite Green Insulation while you are here

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

In my Martha Stewart Living magazine, I just found this advertisement from General Electric that I just had to share with you. The Plant A Bulb promotion ends tomorrow, April 30, 2009, so please read on.

In the advertisement, the words 'The World is Your Garden. Celebrate the Earth by saving big on GE Energy Smart^® lighting... and plant a flower in the process.' ... and it ends with 'With each click, a flower blooms. GEProjectPlantABulb.com'

For every unique visitor to the site, GE will plant a bulb, up to 100,000, until April 30. All I had to do was click on this link and it stated that I had given a flower to the Earth. On this site, I could learn more about energy efficient lighting and get discount coupons as well.

So if you've got a second or two to give to the Earth between today and tomorrow, please click the above link. And Thanks from your fellow Earthling :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

Mr. and Mrs. John Q Smith have just rehabilitated an 1800's one and a half story New Englander. The home has 1200 square feet of finished living area. The home had horse hair and newspaper insulation in the walls which were covered with lead paint, lead glass windows with rotting sills, asbestos insulation in the attic, and asbestos wrapped pipes. They did things properly. Upon the advice of their Certified Green Real Estate Agent, they hired professional contractors to come in and remove the asbestos insulation and lead paint. They contacted their local utility company and requested information on what the company offered for plumbing, heating, electrical, biomass, wood heat, geothermal, appliance, solar or wind installation rebates. They checked out www.energystar.gov for their current available State Rebates, and they checked the IRS website for available Energy Tax Credits. And then they went to their local Planning Board to see if there were any existing Property Tax Exemptions in place for solar, wind and central wood energy installations. Based on the information they gathered, they created a list of home improvements that would net them the most money back for their investment.

They installed moisture and mold resistant walls. They painted those walls with low V.O.C. paint. They installed bamboo flooring in the majority of the floors, and tile on floors that faced the south side of the home. They had low E glass windows with interior shades for the summer. On their roof, they had photovoltaic cells installed with a collector for generating electricity. They had a tankless water heater installed under each of the sinks in the home. They had low-flow toilets and showerheads put in place. CFL light bulbs were installed in their EnergyStar® certified light fixtures. They purchased EnergyStar® Certified appliances and opted for blown in insulation. They even installed an air exchange unit for cleaning their indoor air. Last, they invested in landscaping by placing deciduous trees on the southern and eastern sides of the home, and local, natural, stones were placed in such a way as to divert water away from the home.

When all was completed, they called in an Energy Rater who was certified with RESNET. All of this they did, as recommended by the Green Professional Real Estate Agent they had been in consultation with from the beginning.

Now came the time to sell the home. They'd had five good years in this home but now, for whatever reason, they needed to move.

They called their favorite agent to help them market the home. Fortunately, they were able to get the home EnergyStar® Certified during those five years. They even managed to get an Indoor Air Package certification on the home, as well.

So, what did their agent do?

Well, that's where I keep some trade secrets. There are special sites for selling this green home. My advice for you, if you want to know more, is to talk to your local Certified Green Real Estate Agent. Appraisers are beginning to take courses on valuing homes with energy efficient amenities, but it is slow going.  Your agent will lobby for you and guide you.

I would also recommend you read this article by fellow EcoBroker®, Andrew Cepeda. He tells the story from the Buyer's viewpoint. Remember, Greener times require Greener agents.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

So many people have asked me 'What is an EcoBroker^®?'. I thought I'd find a more creative way to answer the question, AND, one of my New Year's Resolutions was to become more tech-savvy. So here it is...

My first YouTube video: (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed the actual video yet, but I should at least get some points for trying, right? :-) Just click on the link below the graphic.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqOgKDc-FF0 

I'd love to hear some feedback. Don't be shy. I take constructive feedback very well :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®

‘On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008." This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.'

‘The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits for builders of new energy efficient homes and tax deductions for owners and designers of energy efficient commercial buildings were also extended.' From the energystar.gov website.

Okay, so what can you do for the year 2008? And how do you plan for 2009.

Well, for 2008, you can check your State's tax incentive programs at the Department of Energy's website to see if your state offers any tax incentive for home or business improvements. (http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/tax_incentives.cfm)

They have a link to a database which lists each individual State's incentives. If the link on that page doesn't work for you, (as it didn't for me) you can get there by clicking on this one: http://www.dsireusa.org/

Also, check the manufacturer's website for a rebate offer. I'm afraid there is not much more you can do than this.

For 2009, however, you can prepare now. Go to the Energy Star website and print out their chart for Federal Tax credits for Consumers, Home Builders and for Commercial Buildings. This will help you in determining which products to buy for the best value.

Lots of great information here. For example, did you know that there is a tax credit for builders of Manufactured Homes if they are built to increase energy efficiency of the heating and cooling system by 30%? Or that there is a tax credit available for purchasing a Biomass Stove (stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water)?

Obviously, this isn't a complete offering for what might be out there, but it's a place to start.

I wish you all smart planning for a renewable New Year!

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

I feel that educating our youth on energy savings and protecting the environment is part of my service as a Certified EcoBroker^®, and I'd like to share some of my favorites. They range in age appropriateness and levels of difficulty. Hopefully, your children will find them as stimulating as their Nintendo^®, Playstation^® and WII^® games.

Please feel free to add your favorites to the list. (Be sure to scroll through the comments as the list keepas growing.)

http://www.touchstoneenergykids.com/ Touchstone Energy Kid Zone

http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/ US Department of Energy

http://www.eere.energy.gov/education/lessonplans/ US Department of Energy

http://sciencespot.net/Pages/kidzone.html The Science Spot Kid Zone

http://www.iknowthat.com/com/Search?Search=Environment Learning Skills for Life

http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/ Agriculture in the Classroom

http://content.fsa.usda.gov/FSAKIDS/ Farm Service Agency

www.eia.doe.gov/kids/ Energy Information Administration

http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm Alliance to Save Energy

These links are presented as a service only. I do not endorse or warranty this information.

NEW ON ENERGYSTAR.GOV WEBSITE...ENERGY STAR KIDS 

www.energystar.gov/kids

Fran Sanderson, Franklin, NH, REALTOR^®, Certified EcoBroker^®