Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

You know that old country song..."I was country before country was cool..." ?  Well ,guess who was "Greenolina"  before sustainability was cool? . . . Remember the old Green is Red Hot Contests that took place in March, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 right here on Active Rain?  They were fun and informative and as a result, the Eco- All-Star Group went from 2 members (yes just Dena and me back in 2006) to a very nice 1,000+.

Now it looks as if  the trend toward green -sustainability it red hot in a broader audience. As a land broker, I was so pleased to learn of  a webinar sponsored by the REALTORS® Land Institute,  for example. 

" Sustainable development is the ability to satisfy the basic needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to do so...the intention behind sustainable development is to create a balanced environment that can be maintained in line with nature's life supporting systems," says the eFlyer I just received.

So it turns out that-

Planning low impact land use to preserve natural beauty and resources is the trend.

This webinar deals with mighty interesting subjects including:

1. non-polluting  alternative energy sources -  solar, wind, hydro
2. strategic planning  to preserve natural features, habitats
3. giving thought to sustainable landscape design tactics

I am excited about this. Possibly,  you are someone who might benefit from taking a look  this link for more information: http://www.rliland.com/WebSeminars.aspx

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Going Green: Faux-green to Real-deal- Asheville NC Real Estate and Beyond 

If you are Going Green, how do you tell the difference between faux-green and the real-deal? If you are in the Asheville NC real estate market or in Anytown, USA,  this can be an amazing challenge.  There are so many shades of green out there today-   "green buildings" encompass a wide variety of real estate from homes you might find in a conservation-oriented subdivision, to homes on acreage that are off the grid,  to mixed-use buildings that have residential condos above ground floor retail- to mention just a few. 

 Here's a check list of questions to ask real estate and related service providers.
These apply whether you are in the Asheville NC real estate market or in Portland, Detroit or  LA::

 1.  WHAT advanced training to you have ?

2.  Do you have the Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultant designation?  Have you completed ECOBroker® Training? O do you hold the NAR GREEN Designation?

3.  Have you advanced training and education in understanding  land planning and use?

4.    How do you distinguish yourself from your colleagues as a valuable resource to buyers and sellers?

5.   Do you have a collection of contact information at the tip of their fingers?

6.   Tell me....what are your concerns for improving environmental quality?

7.   Tell me....what cooperative efforts are you involved in ...in the community...or initiated by business professionals and/or the general public?

8.    Tell me... can you (and how would you)   connect me  with "green" building and development experts for technical assistance in the real estate transaction?

9.    Can you help me determine the type of green real estate that best fits my needs?

10.   What is green-washing all about?

11.   Do you have an understanding of technical issues that can arise with the transaction of green real estate (loans, home inspections, etc)?

12.    Can you identify the "right" expert in the green building and development industry to help resolve potential problems?

13.   Can you point me in the direction of expert information on topics such as energy-efficient mortgages, passive solar heating, radiant floor heating, mold mitigation, land design and development, cluster housing?

14.   What is Permaculture?

15.   What is a rain catchment system?

16.   Who do I contact to find out environmental impact?

17.   How many of these steps for certifying a True Green Home are you familiar with?  http://www.wncgbc.org/healthybuilt/docs/HBHChecklistv3.0.xls

18.   Do you live in a "green" home yourself? And/or  what are you doing to make it more "green"?

19.   What are you doing in terms of collaboration in neighborhoods, eco-communities and the broader community?

20.   What "green" organizations do you belong to or do you sponsor?

...so ....summing it up.....search for authenticity... 

Resources:
Eco-All-Stars. Over 1,000 real estate and related professionals offer green and going green information based on experience.   

Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants.   Consumers can connect with professionals who have done at least 36 hours of classroom, hands-on training in outdoor and indoor green-related real estate coursework.

EcoBrokers®

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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............LAND in  Asheville . Going Green Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of  Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for  sustainable  innovation." See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog. http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/  Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved  Asheville NC Real Estate ______________________________________________________________

LAND  and Green-Built Homes in The Mountains- Market Remain Strong
Real Estate in Greater Asheville, North Carolina

Excellent eco-friendly properties promise appreciationin the Greater Asheville area mountains with predictions of stability during 2010.  

Eco-designed developments, green-built homes and excellent acreages are worthy of note in the WNC region.

NOTE:

•·         "Green" properties are in demand by buyers, and so they have added value for investors.  People living in and relocating to the Greater Asheville area and mountains of Western North Carolina appreciate sustainable eco-oriented properties. They demand green-builthomes and want to live in eco-developments. Expect a strong return on your investment.

•·        Cash stream as well as market appreciation is strong with income properties in the mountains. Here is an excellent opportunity to build/enjoy/rent out a second/vacation home.




Photo taken on Land For Sale by Owner ./\ (Photo shows green-built second/vacation home under construction in the Asheville NC area)

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............LAND in  Asheville . Going Green Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of  Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for  sustainable  innovation." See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog. http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/  Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved  Asheville NC Real Estate Journal   

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Asheville, NC  January , 2010 

Exploring LAND in the Asheville area mountains is always exciting. It is particularly so in the winter after a snowstorm. But, when land is for sale by owner, my curiosity propels me.  Add in an element of anticipation and you have a very alluring adventure.

 Yesterday I ventured out to see if I could get a few winter shots of such a property.Traveling east from Asheville, I turned the volume up on Kathy Mattea's Definitive Collection  CD  .  She was singing, "...I'll be halfway to Asheville...." It's been awhile since I've seen Carolina, it always was pretty this time of year...." and I was singing along... at the top of my voice...the way you can when you are speeding along the Interstate ...solo... 

Before I knew it, I was turning off I-40 and on to the road that would take me to the land for sale by owner.  

 The road was clear, but there  remained evidence of the storm- - trees fallen and debris.

Still the air was crisp and the sky was deep Carolina Blue, so , attentively,  I nosed my way around  the winding mountain road called North Haven where the owner of this land promised a jewel to behold.

Here is an eco-development on over 1,000 acres where sustainable innovation is evident.

The road was cleared and only a few places had me holding my breath as I looked over the edge of the road into the distance. Just to clarify that- I was holding my breath because it was so beautiful ... (see photo)

  I hoped to find "Nestled In" that very special parcel of land for sale by owner I sought. . .to be continued

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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............LAND in  Asheville and Going Green Properties. Mountain Homes and Land Legacies rolling on for a sustainable  world. Asheville NC Real Estate. Marketing Consultation for Land For Sale By Owner and Buyers. See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog.  Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved  Asheville NC Real Estate Journal
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I am looking forward to Sundays on the Island In Madison County, North Carolina  coming soon! It's still cold, so the Farmers' Market is indoors (see flyer and note below.)

But I can hardly wait to find vocal  streams, rolling pastures, welcoming  "coves" and unending vistas that take your breath away as I head out in Spring, 2010 to the  Madison County farmers market (see photos.) 

There's a spirit of community here. Camaraderie. Inclusiveness. A sense of place and a sense of belonging, all exemplified  in the weekly tailgate markets. .It is all about Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People. Again... Heaven-on-Earth...For those of us who live and work here, that's how it can feel.

Today I'm taking you on a short drive north of Asheville, NC (about 18 minutes) to the tailgate market in Marshall, NC.Look out your window as we drive the scenic (excellently maintained) country roads. Do you see tobacco crops? Quite a few of them, actually? . That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas.

A decade ago, burley tobaccoaccounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline. Not to be defeated, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying, and we are  moving into sustainable agriculture.

That is one reason why Marshall's tailgate market exists.

And wait until you see where it is located. (see photos I took during my tailgate market visit)

 Under huge, old trees, the Marshall tailgate market decorates the banks of the  French Broad River every Sunday during the season.

Park your car and walk over to the colorful tents, produce, crafts...and PEOPLE!

Today expect to meet a master craftsman, a gourmet meatball sandwich chef, some political activists, musicians and local growers. 

It's a community get-together where laughter and good-things abound. We will be able to enjoy the harvests of the most amazing ORGANIC crops.

Sundays on the Island
Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street
Marshall, Madison County
Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Starts April 20, 2008

Meatball Sandwich, Anyone? 

MMmmmmmm! Dee-lish-UHsss!

 In the meantime, you and I can stop by Madison County Cooperative Extension Saturday (10am-2pm) to pick up some winter veggies, delicious breakfast, crafts, goat cheese and more for the Winter, 2010 Indoor Tailgate Market cur every 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of the month in January, February and March. 

WE SUPPORT LOCAL FARMS AND FOOD   

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Read  a l.ocal expert's news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics,
and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.  /\ Check THIS out /\  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.     

__~o
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WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

ECO-SENSITIVE EQUITY PRESERVATION IN ASHEVILLE , NORTH CAROLINA

The value-added element of sustainable innovation must be taken into account when considering real property. This is about 2010 and beyond. Too, it is about an investment  that considers social and natural capital.  

Considering the big picture is easy to do in the Greater Asheville , NC Area because nature, culture and a steady  real estate market work together to support sustainable innovation, eco-sensitive equity preservation and eco-sensitive development.

Here's a Big Green Thumbs Upto just a small sampling of collective enterprise helping to create sustainable solutions in the Greater Asheville area.

Check out GOING GREEN in the Greater Asheville Area:

Sustainable Asheville

WNC Green Building Council

WNC Alliance

WNC Regoinal Air Quality Authority

Asheville Freecycle 

Warren Wilson College  

Buncombe County Beekeeping Chapter 

Canary Coalition 

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy 

Clean Air Community Trust   

Dogwood Alliance   

Quality Forward   

Riverlink   

Going Green? Here are some practical suggestions-

Have you been talking with neighbors and friends about putting sustainable practices into action? If so, I happened on an article written by Sanyo's Aaron Fowles  today that could be of interest to you. The article takes a look at going green from the "where-oh-where  to begin" perspective-  a puzzlement to many of us. Here is a summary list of proposed steps in going green.

• Set realistic goals and make small changes over time
• Make sustainability a core part of your  vision and values
• Get involved in worthwhile activities and causes that help protect the environment , and be sure to
  Reward yourself for making positive changes
• Make changes in your everyday purchasing decisions
• Recognize the long-term benefits and return on investment of reducing your environmental footprint
• Share your environmental accomplishments with other neighbors
  
  You can see two of my favorite going green starting places in the Resources links below.

Resources:   Carbon Footprint  
                   Solar Power    

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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable  world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal_____________________________________________

Community Connections  may be considered going green connections. Whether you live in Asheville or  in Anytown  those connections can deepen an important sense of belonging. The going green part is about neighbors, neighborhoods, and whole regions flourishing.

Take for example going green organizations such as:

The Audubon Society.Here in Asheville the chapter of the Audubon Society is open to birders of all experience levels. (Photo taken just a short walk from a birding adventure at Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society. ) 

The Clean Air Community Trust.  Our family is a big fan of improving air quality. Possibly yours is, too. Here is a link to innovative programs that educate, energize and empower the communities of WNC.   

Blue Ridge Forever is on my great connections list because you can connect with thirteen (13) local, state and national conservation organizations working to protect the Blue Ridge Mountains. Go here:

The Canary Coalition. You probably already know about this one.  It is a grassroots group working to mobilize and demonstrate public support for clean air. Nothing like clean air, right? 

Tell me what is happening in your neighborhood!

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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable  world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal
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Are you a tree hugger? If you check out the first few links below, you may be surprised at your answer! 

The American Chestnut Foundation.  Do you miss seeing the great American Chestnut trees as much as I do?  Check out this link where you can connect with other folks who are working to restore the American chestnut tree to its native range within the woodlands of the eastern United States.

The Dogwood Alliance is your connection if you want to help protect and restore endangered forests across the South.

National Park Service- Historic Places. Asheville is celebrated for her architectural reservoir of Art Deco, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts style buildings. And Asheville is home to some of the most magnificent trees on Earth. One of my favorite past times is photographing those trees, their neighborhoods and buildings.

The Cradle of Forestry  is located right in  the Pisgah National Forest. This connection centers around the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachians at the birthplace of scientific forestry.

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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable  world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal

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It makes me smile each time I hear about a teacher who inspires greatness in her students- especially when this leads to a better understanding of Going Green. Most of you know that I am an old schoolteacher. Perhaps that is why I was attracted to a segment of a PBS Series (Edens Lost and Found) that pays tribute to Deb Perryman.

Ms Perryman is a teacher who created and  outdoor classroom,  a 35 AC parcel of land she somehow managed to salvage and then sculpt into a nature preserve right out the door of her school!  You may wonder how to motivate a group of teenage people these days. Take a peek at the video clip and you see how Ms. Perryman teaches about the meaning and practice of stewardship-  a subject you all know is close to my heart.  

WATCH as she teaches students about sustainability and the environment through hands-on activities.  She calls this "service learning."

___________________________________________________________________________    ..........      ............green real estate Asheville: GOING GREEN: Mountain homes and land legacies, socially conscious investing, rolling into a sustainable  world. Create it today for tomorrow. Find eco-friendly LAND. Build a green home. GREEN Real Estate, Retrofits and Relocation: ECO HOMES AND LAND. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved the green real estate Asheville Journal