Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

If you live in Asheville, NC, or are relocating here, you reside in "WNC"- Western North Carolina , a region of  about 10,000 square miles from the state line of Virginia to that of Georgia. There's much going on here in the mountains in the Asheville area, and it is not all about the cultural arts  for which Asheville is celebrated. 

There is also a Big Discussion going on around proper development and the sustainability of real property here in the WNC ‘s mountains- - discussion between "newcomers" and  descendants of pioneers-- and between contractors and stewards of the Land.

Some look at the mountain slopes, once dotted only here and there with an occasional light in the late hours, where now the human-influenced trails of street lights  mark the slopes and see the obliteration of a priceless landscape. Others see the  ridgetops as private property and extol the engineering feat it took to build there....

 

"Demand from second-home buyers and retirees...is pushing houses closer to the summits of the state's tallest peaks and up mountainsides long considered unfit for buildings.

Geologists fret over houses and condos being built in landslide zones and flood plains. Soaring land ... tempt owners to sell long-held family land, " reports BusinessNC.com.

In Asheville, WNC, we have adopted height limits on buildings. At elevations of more than 2,500 feet, buildings can't be taller than 35 feet, and at 4,000 feet, they can't be more than 25 feet tall, or two stories.

A Land Broker in the Greater Asheville, WNC area, I chose to broaden my understanding of the environmental factors around development. I completed a 36-hour hands-on certification as a eco real estate consultant.

I had the privilege of spending  the better part of an eye-opening day with Rick Wooten, a senior geologist with the N.C. Geological Survey. Rick heads a project for mapping landslide and debris flow zones in Western North Carolina.

 

Here are severalof the posts that have arisen as a result:

Landslides, the Steep Slopes - (Information forBuyers/Sellers of Asheville Area LAND)
Caveats, the Steep Slopes- (Information about Building or Investing in Asheville Mountain Property)
 BEFORE You Build in Asheville's Mountains - ( Asheville Eco Resources and Information) 

RESOURCES: "information on steep slopes." ...LAND OF SKY- Another source of information ...
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(*)/'(*)   ________Asheville NC Real Estate Journal. Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-  - Asheville NC Real Estate  © 2011.  " On the Road HOME, CONTACT ME :  I hold: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant.

LAND::: When buying mountain real estate do your homework.  Asheville area mountain environmental factors such as slope stability can only be determined by state licensed engineers and geologists:Buyers, Sellers and REALTORS® are NOT qualified to make these assessments. Complete site specific analyses are available and advisable. I am happy to refer you to our team of experts

Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos  on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-  -ASHEVILLE- LAND BUYERS-Big Discussion on Mountain Slopes-  Asheville NC Real Estate  © 2011. ________________________________________________________________________

  

What is the best mountain view land in Western North Carolina?  I can't tell you the number of times we have been asked that question. It is not easy to answer because, here in Asheville NC,  the response must take into account a number of amazing Asheville area eco developments.

Environmentally-friendly, these sustainable developments have grown up around your demand for nature and energy-wise home places. They are urban sanctuaries and/or a retreat-like settings. Many are graced with abundant water sources,  waterfalls, meadows, hiking trails and gathering spots for picnics beneath grandmother trees. If you are looking for time and space to connect with those you love, consider this: you have the wonderful possibility of living in an eco-friendly home--of building within hearing distance of a musical creek, beside a meadow, in the forest, or on south-facing slope where you and your family can watch your tomatoes grow.

Many of Asheville's eco-sensitive communities have dedicated land to be protected permanently. Many people come to the  mountains with the intention off being involved in land conservation -- protecting the mountains, the biodiversity, the waters, forests and the extreme beauty of Western North Carolina forever.  

Below you will find a list of special places where people can choose to live among caring neighbors, sharing their inspiration and enthusiasm .Here is  a sustainable community that could power the homes by unleashing the renewable energy inherent in the land, the water, the wind and the sun, and a thoughtfully-planned neighborhood. Here you can envision green-built homes  designed with natural, non-toxic materials to be safe, healthy, and energy efficient and a concept of development that rests on maintaining a healthy, diverse ecosystem. Here you really can come Home.

The word on the street  is "green". Green's going mainstream. The Smart Market Report  looks for the "green" home to be the industry standard by 2010.  Do you really believe that? 

Yes, people and projects on the front lines of environmental sustainability and innovation are in the news. 

Yes, the  trend is toward designing, constructing, and operating high performance "green" buildings that reduce the negative impact on natural surroundings and benefit those who work or  live there with a healthier indoor environment.   

Yes, we can celebrate a positive outlook when it comes to new construction. But what can you and I do right now to "green up" personal and work spaces to make them more healthy? After all, we all are stake-holders in the many shades of green that affect wellness the taproot of  natural, social, economic and personal capital. 

The levels of attraction, commitment and motivation toward designing and maintaining healthy environments may vary,but we all benefit from a healthier environment. And, at many levels, it is empowering to participate in health-conscious living. 

 Possibly even more of us would be "greening up", but we just don't know where to start. ...more on this to follow... Where would YOU start?
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-Asheville NC Real Estate  Greening UP? Yes or Don't No?© 2010.   

Take the Do-It-Yourself  Home-Energy Audit

I bet YOU already know that  most homes can save 25% to 50% or more energy, right? 

A home energy audit can help point the way to savings. But sometimes it takes a while before the home energy rater/auditor can get to your home.  So in the meantime, you can start right away with a do-it-yourself home energy audit .  We like to put this on our Spring 2-Do List each year. 

If you decide this is the year to sell your home, a professional home energy audit might be a BIG PLUS.The HERS Rater will investigate the general condition of heating and air conditioning systems,  look at  insulation, and the degree of outside air infiltration, the operation and condition of lighting, and reviewing the efficiency of water heating systems and appliances, and give you a report.

Buyers today are really interested in energy efficiency and dollar savings. By having professionally prepared information on hand, like the HERS rating, you can stand out in the crowd.  

FUN PART you and kids might like:  HERS Raters might bring some handy instruments with them to do blower door  tests.to measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope. One of our things to see is what happens when they use infrared cameras   ...to reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation.

 

NOTE:: The home shown here is brand new construction and has passed all the HERS tests. That's one Big Plus when you step in the door! If you are buying a new home in Asheville...ask if it is either LEED Certified or NC Healthy Built.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. HERS Ratings and the Do-It-Yourself  Home-Energy Audit -Take the Do-It-Yourself  Home-Energy Audit - Eco-Friendly Mountain Homes and Land Legacies-Asheville NC Real Estate  © 2010.

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With the visit this weekend to Asheville of The Obamas, 
who chose to take a mini-vacation in our town,
we realized, once again,  just how
attractive

Asheville is! ... YES!

Yes- if you are seeking location, location, location, the return on investment (ROI) potential for land and/or second and vacation homes in much sought after region such as ours makes sense. Asheville NC, has been dubbed the "Happiest City in the USA." In Asheville, investors are looking at a promise of sustainable development, walkable communities, delicious locally-grown and harvested organic food, fabulous restaurants and B&Bs,  and smiling residents.

Yes- if you are  choosing Asheville for eco-friendly qualities and a cultural vibe that is spirited and vibrant.NOTE: Recent research points out that most second and/or vacation home buyers are looking for a smaller footprint these days - somewhere between 1500 and 300 square feet and in the $350-$450K range.

Yes- if you consider demographics and growth patterns/choices. EXAMPLE: Smart Growth. For Land purchases this would mean taking into account water efficiency affecting animals, crops, and timber, renewable and alternative energy , and goals and methods and practices of sustainable development.

As a Land Broker, I am appreciative of what site analyses do for buyers, sellers and for me. Combined with the building site's overall ecological patterns site analyses-such as solar orientation, soil, hydrology, botanical and biological surveys, etc.- can provide essential information that helps all of us make wise choices.

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Asheville NC Real Estate:  LAND & LOT EXPERTS:: Going Green Eco-Friendly Properties::  Second and Vacation Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. Asheville , The Attractive Factor ? YES! All rights reserved. ©
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Today we headed out to visit our friend who has a building site at Creston Preserve near Black Mountain, NC.  We hiked down the gentle slope,  past the twin mountain laurels toward the sound of the waterfall. The sun was just rising. It was about 65 degrees- perfect day for a hike through the woods. 

It has been reported that natural areas like the one we took on our hike and seen in the photo here are

" irreplaceable as laboratories for scientific research, as reservoirs of natural materials for uses that may not now be known, as habitats for plant and animal species and biotic communities, as living museums where people may observe natural biotic and environmental systems and the interdependence of all forms of life, and as reminders of the vital dependence of the health of the human community on the health of the other natural communities." 

And after our half-day sojourn, we agree. Totally! 

In North Carolina, we have established a Natural Heritage Program .  It provides assistance in the selection and nomination for registration or dedication of natural areas. This program includes classification of natural heritage resources, an inventory of their locations, and a data bank for that information. 

LOOKING FOR SPECIAL LAND? PLEASE NOTE:

1.Nature preserves may be acquired by gift, grant, or purchase.

2.There are a select number of amazing real properties available for sale in the Asheville, NC area. They do qualify as "outstanding natural areas" like that we visited for our hike today.

3. YOU can take part in funding and founding nature preserves by investing in such a property.

4. The owner of a qualified natural area even may transfer fee simple title or other interest in land to the State.  

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Asheville NC Real Estate:  LAND & LOT EXPERTS:: Going Green Eco-Friendly Properties::  Second and Vacation Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. TAKE A HIKE CRESTON PRESERVE ©

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An Asheville area  aspiring LEED Certified®  green builder we know is always on the lookout for remarkable and sustainable elements she can incorporate in her projects. She is especially intrigued when elements not only are environmentally responsible, but infuse spaces with an artistic quality. So, knowing her aptitude for finding excellent products,  it was really no surprise when, on a recent visit to her home,

 we discovered glass tile-and in a place we had not expected-on the floor of her laundry room! This creative professional assembled a gorgeous presentation of color and light. No trepidation when stepping on this recycled glass. It simply sparkles with an invitation to enter. As you can see by my photo, the surface offers an uncommon, yet very attractive look and feel. There is the glow of artisanship. 

Fascinated with the effect and the affect  I asked,  

"How is this glass on the floor working out for you?"  

"I'm very, very pleased!" she responded with enthusiasm.  "Glass on the floor, in this case, is not something to worry about. And caring for it is simple."   

eco-friendly glass tile seen here

Benefits to Home Owners Near and Far:  

• Unique artistic qualities gives you a one-of-a kind affect and effect
• Easy care
• Helps save the environment and reduces glass in landfills

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Asheville NC Real Estate:  LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties.  Second and Vacation Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............" We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Green Asheville - Glass Floor ©
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Sunset Park  is Asheville's New Urbanist's dream-come-true.

Urban living means walking to your favorite bakery for coffee and a fresh-baked delight, catching up with friends and colleagues at the farmers' tailgate market,  or simply strolling around the neighborhood for a "constitutional" after dinner.

And all that is possible here. Just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from downtown Asheville, this eco-amazing infill project is a very do-able walk to City Bakery for fresh-baked bread and goodies.

(photo shows oneof the N C Healthy Built homes at Asheville's Sunset Park)

 

 

 

View of Asheville from Sunset Park. This is one of the building sites where you can create your own urban dream-come-true.

 Sunset Park green-built homes offer a mixture of condominiums, town houses and single-family homes desirable for year-round  dwelling.  Second home residents may be intrigued with the small footprint "Laurels" models at Sunset Park.  In all, there are nineteen (19) units with, four (4) townhomes and ten(10)  single family homes. Here you will find a sustainability profile to be awed including (interior) top-of-the-line finishes, and (exterior) common areas and outdoor living spaces. 

The architect, Daryl Rantis   is known for his ability in crafting environments and  celebrated around Asheville for sustainable designs and innovation.  We are excited about our clients working with Daryl. His " New Urbanist"   land plans and community-scaled projects emphasize sustainable design and Smart Growth concepts.  

"Living in Sunset Park means considering the world we want to leave for future generations, and how we want to live today. "

ALL  the residences at Sunset Park are NC Health-Built ®Certified  constructed with low-maintenance building materials. Of course, thesehomes are Energy-Star® Certified. 

Our clients' favorite eco-friendly features at Sunset Park: Radiant heat floors, roof rainwater collectors and rain chains (see photo) and permeable walking paths.

You may also be attracted to the sense of place.The views are so lovely,and there is a very alluring  park-like feeling.  Also attractive- the New Urbanist concept and the execution you find here.

 

 

 

With price ranges from $440K to $1.1M and approximate size from just over 1,000 to 2,900 square feet, these homes, of Arts and Crafts Design are well-priced.

Being a part of a thoughtfully-planned neighborhood, where green-built homes are designed with natural, non-toxic materials adds value now and in the future. 

We are in the business of representing Urban Lots and Green-Built Homes of special value for our clients and recognize Sunset Park with respect.

Resources:   
Daryl Rantis Sunset Park Designs for Green-Built Homes

 Link to  Daryl's Sketchbook

 

 

Would you like a PDF  of Designs for Healthy Built Homes? Let me know.

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............ " We are on the roll  for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NCReal Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved. Sunset Park Asheville-A New Urbanist's Dream-Come-True  

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We are working with a general contractor in Asheville, NC who plans to build a LEED certified home on an outstanding lot she discovered, so we are especially excited about RLI's upcoming March 3, 2010 webinar that all of us have been invited to attend.

 It offers useful  information about sustainable development including one of my favorite topics: site development.

Site analyses are important no matter what you are building or where you live.They are especially important in the mountains. So, here in Asheville NC sustainable development is "the thing".

For the builder/owner of a LEED Certified home, taking the following into account is really  important:

Hydrology
Soils
Slopes
Solar aspect and building orientation
Microclimate(s)
Vegetation
Wildlife
Scenic qualities
Cultural features

(Photo shows sustainable education teacher demonstrating solar gain at Hickory Nut Forest eco-community near Asheville, NC)  

As a land specialist and broker of large and small tracts of land for sale, I am appreciative of what site analyses do for buyers, sellers and for me. Combined with the building site's overall ecological patterns a site analyses provides essential information that helps all of us make wise choices.

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Asheville NC Real Estate:     LAND in  Asheville.  Going Green  and Eco-Friendly Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of  Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for  sustainable  innovation."  © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate     Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.

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