Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Asheville NC Real Estate. Numerous  amazing real properties qualify as outstanding natural areas. You can even "adopt" a small piece of land while you consider making a home on the land. (see below for details.)

We admit it. We simply are unabashed land lovers. As  Land Specialists, we are excited about the idea of stewardship of the Land.  Partnering with the Nature Conservancyin working to conserve 1.7 million acres of public and private land, restoring forested lands, establishing conservation easements, learning and practicing sustainable forest management  and promoting the use of native plants in eco-friendly residential properties, is an attractive  choice for us.  

No matter the season, hiking in the Asheville mountain lands is an experience. Natural areas, like the one in the photo we took recently (seen here) are alluring.  We like to take in these areas as if we are visiting
living museums. Where else to you have the chance to observe natural biotic and environmental systems and the interdependence of all forms of life? Where else do you have such an immediate reminder of the vital dependence of the health of the human community on the health of the other natural communities? 

Numerous  amazing real properties qualify as outstanding natural areas. You can participate in funding and founding nature preserves by investing in such a property. The owner of a qualified natural area even may transfer fee simple title or other interest in land to the State. 

Here in Asheville NC, we contribute to the Adopt and Acre® Program through the North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.  By the way, nature preserves may be acquired by gift, grant, or purchase and in the Adopt and Acre ®Program you will be surprised what $50.00 will do! 

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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. http://landlegacies.blogspot.com/

Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved  Asheville NCReal Estate Journal  _______________________

LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER (or NOT)

As a Land Specialist, I get to walk incredible acreages.-some land for sale by owner-some listed on the MLS. I never cease to be thrilled when I get "that certain feeling" within seconds of stepping on LAND that resonates with me. I have found that my clients feel the same way. It is funny how that happens. Within literally seconds, they/we simply "know". And when we "know" it's the "RIGHT ONE"...it's like finding treasure .....

The  choices and variety of land/ acreage here in the Greater Asheville area (Buncombe, Madison, Henderson, Transylvania and Yancey County) has always attracted people area. I've been reading a novel set in 18^th century North Carolina that makes it clear that even in 1776 people braved ocean waves and mountain passages just to be here! YES... It is like finding .

In the past, even 20 years ago, it was not too difficult for land lovers to secure significant tracts of land here in the Appalachians, whether for investment or for conservation purposes. 

However, today locating large acreages can be challenging.There only are  13  large (over 400 acre and commonly known to be available) tracts within 50 or so miles of Asheville, N.C. (December, 2009)

 Here the data:  

Acreage                              Listed at $$$$ 

404.5                              $ 2.52.                                    
430                                 $ 7,740 
457                                         $ 8,230,140
481                                 $ 3.6 
499                                         $6,986,000                

517                                         $ 6,204,000                 
585                                         $ 6,800,000
690                                          $ 5,500,000
730.49                                    $ 11,614,791
742                                         $ 12,243,000
748                                $ 10,472,000 (Henderson)
748                                $ 10,472,000 (Transylvania)
1048                              $10,867,500 (Jackson County)

Whether the land is old family land, as much of the above it, and is used for farming, or  forest land with awesome views, waterfalls, streams, the  unique quality makes it an excellent choice for conservation real estate investors; perhaps even a Preserve .

  It seems that unique mountain acreage always has and always will attract treasure seekers. IF you are one such person, I can help.

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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/
LAND FOR SALE by owner or not. Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reservedthe green real estate Asheville Journal

Yesterday, two Sprouts stores opened in the Austin area - one in Sunset Valley and one (the one we visited) in Round Rock.

Being the foodies we are, my husband and I made a date to go check it out the very first day they were open. 

We arrived separately (I was coming from showing properties in several parts of the area) and found parking spaces relatively easily, surprising since the parking lot was full, full, FULL!  This should have been a hint.

We didn't take a basket, as this was planned to be an exploratory expedition.  Good thing, too - the store was not only packed, but the checkout lines reached halfway to the back of the store.  We maneuvered our way through the various departments, checking out the produce and the items available and doing some comparison shopping.  A good selection of items that I've had to drive further into town, to Whole Foods or Central Market or Sun Harvest, to find (though I'm still going to have to drive all the way in to get my favored brand of peanut butter, Arrowhead Mills crunchy), and some new items I wasn't familiar with by old, trusted vendors.  The produce looked good, though I didn't see any local produce (we are, after all, in the middle of a drought, and that might have something to do with it), and local produce is one of the reasons I was glad to see them open.  We'll be checking out the bakery items in our never-ending quest for great bread. 

All in all, this looks quite promising.  I'll be making a serious shopping trip sometime in the next couple of weeks, after the "new story frenzy!" slows down a bit. 

From the ASHEVILLE AREA NEIGHBORHOODS TO LOVE Series : ALBEMARLE PARK (Part 1)

Let me start by saying...  Once upon a time, approximately 11 miles from downtown Asheville; or 7 miles from the where bustling Patton Avenue intersects Highway 63; or 5 miles from dear "Green Asheville's" city limits; or 1/2 mile from the new Leicester Post Office, there was a beautiful organic farm-  

HOWEVER......for those of you who want a glimpse CLOSE IN before we head out there here the first of our series on  ASHEVILLE AREA NEIGHBORHOODS TO LOVE...CLOSE IN neighborhoods and their parks...ALBMARLE PARK

ALBEMARLE PARK of which Cottage Living says, "Like Cheers, the famous TV bar, Albemarle Park is a place where everyone knows your name. A mile from downtown Asheville, Albemarle is equal parts refuge, extended family, and happy hour. Each of the storybook homes has a name, such as Dahlia, Fox Hall, and Chipmunk..."

Homes: Thoughtful sustainable design and "green up-fitting"represents the character of Albemarle where tree-lined lanes accentuate a cottage scale, and street signs that make your on foot or fuel-efficient vehicle over approximately 42-acres a delight.

Sloping land leads to charming cottage-style homes. These may be rustic bungalows or shingle-clad Dutch Revivals, yet, while styles vary, design consistency-in the building materials, cottage scale, and street signs-graces Albemarle Park with a unified feeling.

Neighbors: Like most neighborhoods in Asheville, NC, the folks who live here (many of whom are "Cultural Creatives  -- architects, designers, teachers, authors, doctors, poets, lawyers, and gallery artists) are known for old-fashioned neighborliness. Here you can meet neighbors at the Autumn chili supper, Earth Day cleanup and brunch, and Easter parade.

Shops and Hangouts: Walk on over the short distance or ride your bike to the excellent Charlotte Street City Bakery and watch the on-going the historic restoration in the building in which it is housed. Or you can go a few blocks closer in to downtown for a Late at Starbucks.  The Asheville Board of REALTOS' HQ is right around the corner from City Bakery.  Collect a picnic at the Bakery and meet us for a tour of Green Homes nearby.

Neighborhood Parks Greenspace: (see photo) Right at Albemarle's center is a unique neighborhood park called The Circle.  Thomas Wolfe once performed there. During winter, families meet there to sled; in summer, neighbors hold a concert series, and oh my the colors of Autumn call to residents and visitors, alike....for an after work ramble with their dogs.

Pet Friendly: Yes!

Price Range: $500,000 and Up...NO  homes available at this time
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__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Asheville NC NEIGHBORHOODS Favorite READ ABOUTS - 2009  .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

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A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 4).

Cloudy days in the real estate market? Not so for eco-friendly buyers in the Asheville, NC area. ... 

 "Sunny days" (see photo )are still to be had. And, as I  reviewed the happenings in the real estate market here in the Greater Asheville area, I recognized bright trends and forecasts. 

Yes, to some extent, we have felt the effects of credit tightening and the sub-prime mortgage crisis.

But consider this:  Demand for green built homes has only increased.

And, in Asheville, it seems to help drive our market in a healthy trajectory.

For those relocating to Asheville:

•   MSN "Best Housing Markets"recently reported that    Asheville is in the Top 10 List 

Appreciation figures for  real estate markets across the U.S. can be found at the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight  but  there follows data I have collected for our very special area of interest in the
real estate market here in Asheville: GREEN REAL ESTATE. . .I've compiled data (below) for "GREEN-Built" Homes, ECO-Friendly Developments/Lots, Farms & Land /Acreage (20-100 Acres), Farms & Land /Acreage (100-500 Acres), Horse/Equestrian Properties w/ Residential Amenities, Luxury Residential and Second/Vacation Properties on at Least 5 Acres, and Special Gems for Baby Boomers.

2007-2008 to  2009  Real Estate Market Review & Trends ECO-Friendly Market Niche
Buncombe County & The Greater Asheville, North Carolina Area

"GREEN-Built" Homes and/or Energy Star
Closed in 2007- 2008  Eighty-two ( 82) 
470  NEW NC Healthy Built Homes ...

NEW CONSTRUCTION due shortly in 2009 
Six hundred eighty one (681)
                  
Currently Available Over $1M:  14
Available  $500- $1M :  20
Available  $300-$500K: 46

Available  $200-$300K:  58
Available Under $200K: 16

NOTE: "GREEN" NC Healthy Built Homes...DUE in 2009  681

LAND /Acreage (20-100 Acres) :                   
Currently Available Over $3M: 16

Available  $1M- $3M: 124
Available  $500- $1M: 132
Available $ 300-$500K: 115
Available $ 200-$300K: 83
Available $ 100-$200K: 36
Available Under $100K : 3

Look for Part 2 of this report SOON. It includes stats  and news about

• Horse/Equestrian Properties w/ Stables & Residential Amenities
• LAND /Acreage (100-500 Acres)
• Luxury Residential Properties on at Least 5 Acres and Second/Vacation Homes in the Mountains
• Special Gems and Tax Incentive for 1^st Time Home Buyers...Just FYI
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 4).The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Asheville "GREEN" Real EstateMarket Outlook-It's  GREEN (Part 3) "GREEN" Financing and Tax Incentives (Part 3)

 There is a bright outlook for home and land buyers here in the Greater Asheville area.

Take for example the financing power in terms of energy efficient mortgages. ..and Tax Incentives.

(photo is one I took of the Asheville sky line...there is a bright outlook here)

According to the Residential Energy Services Network:   An energy mortgage is a mortgage that credits a home's energy efficiency in the home loan. There are two types of energy mortgages:

• Energy Improvement Mortgage - Finances the energy upgrades of an existing home in the mortgage loan using monthly energy savings
• Energy Efficient Mortgage - Uses the energy savings from a new energy efficient home to increase the home buying power of consumers and capitalizes the energy savings in the appraisal  

An energy mortgage is credits a home's energy efficiency in the loan.

Not long ago one of our clients obtained such a loan through a lender who is on the Green Referral Team we enjoy working with here in Asheville.  The home they chose went through a HERS Rating process and was shown to be energy efficient. That meant that they could buy a higher quality home because of the lower monthly costs of heating and cooling the home.

On the "green upFit" side another client chose to purchase a home where the energy efficiency was just calling out to be improved. In that case, the loan concept allowed for money saved in monthly utility bills to finance energy improvements. 

2009 Obama Stimulus Package according to Earth2Tech means thisfor eco-friendly buyers and investors:

1. The stimulus package expands tax credits for more energy-efficient appliances and insulation improvements, for a value of $2 billion over 10 years.
2. It also provides $300 million in matching funds for state rebates on energy efficient appliances and increases government spending on weatherization for low- and middle-income homes (annual income of $32,000 or so for a family of four, depending on the state, according to CNNMoney) to $5 billion, up from the current $500 million per year.
3. Public housing projects get $250 million for energy-saving upgrades.

2009 Obama Plan according to Energy Star  offers credits for energy efficient home improvements

The highlights are: The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.  The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.    The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.  The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.    The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

 Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes: Tax Credits for Consumers                                   Home Improvements   Windows and Doors   Insulation       HVAC                                                 Geothermal Heat Pumps    Water Heaters  Biomass Stoves   Solar Energy Systems                                  Small Wind Energy Systems   Fuel Cells

 All commercial and private buildings are eligible for a 10% grant in lieu of tax credit for the total cost of installing geothermal systems

But how does it affect you?  Let me know....and look for Part 4 for more on this subject
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 3).The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Hop on board for the  Asheville GREEN RELOCATION Urban Green: : Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour. Whether it is a home's environmental impact, its green features and/or place in the community many people relocating to Asheville look at this eco-friendly trend as THE important connection to what really matters...

 (photo is one I took of new green construction in Asheville)

And  when they explore Asheville, a desire for deeper look at  sustainable and historic neighborhoods, horse farms and eco-communities, urban lofts, and expansive acreages just seems to arise, naturally. 

That's where Asheville's  Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  can be of real assistance.

The "just scouting"  Urban Green: :Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour lets people look around the Greater Asheville area sans pressure.

"You just need to make a reservation and, for a nominal fee, you can choose from one of eight tours, "  one of the tour guides told me.

" One of the most sought after is  The Green Homes of Asheville Tour.

"You can spend a few hours in walkable communities or in nearby neighborhoods and have a better idea of what is available and how you can benefit from TAX CREDITS," one person told me."

GOOD TO KNOW: There are currently 248 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 681 "in progress" in the Western North Carolina area. What a great idea.... tour the Greater Asheville area before you relocate here.  Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  are knowledgeable in land and green-built or eco-friendly properties in the Asheville area.

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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Asheville GREEN RELOCATION TOURS: The Urban Green: : Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour..The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Here are just some of the events coming up in the near futureto help you learn about gardening here in the Land of Enchantment.

• Friends of Rio Grande Community Farm are hosting work days at the farm over the next several weeks and volunteers are needed.  Come out and contribute your time to assist with the development of a state of the art agricultural project designed to increase local food production for APS and beyond.  Volunteers are particularly needed this Friday 1-5pm and Saturday 8:30 - 5pm (Feb 20 and 21).  All volunteers are appreciated and greatly needed!  For more information contact Minor Morgan at (505) 379-1640. 

• High Value Fruit Production for Small Acreage, the last session of the Urban Farming Series conducted by the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension will be held on February 21^st from 9-4pm at the Historic Hubbell House in the South Valley of Albuquerque.  A $10 lunch/workshop fee applies.  For more information contact Jeff Bader at (505) 243-1386.

• Come out to Community Garden Seed Exchange on Sunday, February 22, from 12-4pm at the South Valley Economic Development Center located at 318 Isleta Blvd. SW in Albuquerque, just south of Bridge.  "Bring the seeds you have to share, take the seeds you need to grow!  Come have some fun with the whole family!"  For more information please contact Heather Rowley at heather_rowley@hotmail.com or Tim Nisly at timn@svedc.org (see flier attached)

• Cold Frame Workshop- Learn how to start you plants early!!  This event is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 at 1pm.  The workshop is hosted by Project Renaissance and will take place at Dragon Farm, 3416 Blake Rd. SW.  Master Gardener Ron Jobe will direct the workshop. $5.00 Donation Appreciated.  For more information contact Richard Brandt at  rembrandtrocks@yahoo.com 

• 2009 NM Organic Farming Conference will be held on February 27^th and 28^th in sunny Las Cruces.  For more information, contact Farm to Table at (505) 473-1004 or ladams@cybermesa.com

• 2009 International Xeriscape Conference and Expo will be held on February 26^th and 27^th at the Marriot Pyramid Hotel.  The sub-topic of this event is Watershed-Foodshed. The conference will be followed by a two-day Expo at the NM fairgrounds on February 28^th and March 1^st.  For more information contact the Xeriscape Council of NM at (505) 468-1021

• Creating an Urban Food Forest, a free workshop will take place on March 22, 12-4pm at Sanchez Farm Open Space in the South Valley of Albuquerque.  The hands-on workshop will be led by Jen Prosser, a practicing herbalist, farmer, permaculturist and owner of Sunstone Herbs.  For more information, or to RSVP contact Colleen Langan at  calangan@bernco.gov 

As a land specialist here in the Greater Asheville, N.C. area,  I think about things like the quality of air and water and how that can impact our clients.

(Carolina Blue sky and mountains)

I think about the troposphere and stratosphere, and how each affects the quality of life on Earth differently.

As a former schoolteacher, I remember emphasizing to my students the importance of learning about such things.  Maybe you remember learning that the troposphere begins at the Earth's surface and extends for 6-10 miles.

It absolutely and directly affects the health of the people, animals, and plants living on the Earth.The stratosphere, which extends to 30-34 miles above the Earth's surface, preserves the Earth's climate and protects the Earth from the sun's radiation. But we have a challenge. And it's mostly related to human beings.

Carolina blue skies or not, ozone  formed in the troposphereby chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) on sunny days, and that industrial facility down the road, and that coal-fired power plant over the hill.... emit VOCs and NOX. It's a challenge. Even, gas-powered yard tools, boats, cars we appreciate so much can be a problem.  If you look at it as an opportunity to turn on the valve to your creative juices, you could get inspired by the challenge to remedy the problem. 

As real estate professionals,we are invested in quality of life issues for our clients. When I think that various pollutants impact the quality of daily life by making it difficult to work or play out-of-doors, I want to do something ....SO look for a list of tipsin upcoming posts....tips specific to real estate here in the Asheville Area....

AND I am inviting you to add your suggestions.

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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Land and Sky  and Mountains: Asheville, NC!The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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