Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

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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As real estate clients become more and more interested in energy and cost savings, before investing in a residential property or building on eco-friendly land, many buyers want to know more about  solar capabilities.  So I put together this list  of 5 Steps Buyers Can Take to Learn More about a home's  Solar Capabilities.

There's much to learn and consider, including, for example, the differences between passive and solar building features and the costs involved. (Unlike passive solar systems, active solar systems, use mechanical devices such as fans and pumps to distribute solar heat or cooling effect from a collector.)

(Photo shows expert David Tuch from Equinox Environmental in Asheville as he  talks with REALTOR and client...)

There are so many  things to consider for inquisitive buyers into sustainable design and development, that the green buyers' brokers at our Firm here in Asheville, NC, turned to Solar Experts to learn more about a home's  solar capabilities. Here are the suggestions:  

1.         Learn the Lingo.  Good jumping off point: US. Department of Energy' s web pages on Active Solar Heating

2.         Learn about the many types of  SOLAR COLLECTORS(usually roof-mounted) used to heat the air or liquid that is used in residential applications to heat water, indoor spaces, swimming pools-these may include flat-plate, evacuated-tube, and concentrating collectors- to solar water heating systems used to heat water or a heat-transfer fluid housed in collectors--- to liquid solar collectors which distribute heat to radiant floor, hot water baseboards or radiators, and central forced-air- to stand-alone photovoltaic systems that  produce power independently of the utility grid. 

3.         Learn about issues of cost and savings. For example:  Some photovoltaic systems can be more cost-effective than the alternative of extending power lines. Taking the cost of extending power lines into account significantly enhances the payback period associated with photovoltaic applications.

4.         GO out to the home or building site with a professional solar evaluation team. Get your own feel for the process.

5.         Refer to the list of renewable energy experts that a real estate professional provides.

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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!. .........................    .............

5 Steps Buyers Can Take to Learn More about a Home's  Solar Capabilities .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Here in Asheville, NC, we are green buyers' brokers specializing in large tracts of land.

This means that when it comes to due diligence often,we are busy following-up with various Closing Coordination details (septic/perc/diggers/power lines/ROW, etc.). In the process, we contact and get to know various surveyor's and other land-related professionals. 

Over the years, we have developed a very nice list of professionals. We always take time to explain to our eco-friendly Buyers- (and we feel that it  is important for Buyers to understand )- that they are well-served to interview at least three(3) professionals before hiring them to advise them on due diligence issues. We advise the Buyers to seek that advice from an Attorney.  

The other day, a case came up where there was a disputed boundary line.
We were happy to know that our clients sought the advice of his attorney who had recommended a new survey who wrote the following: 

"This contract is contingent upon Buyer's examination of the survey and right of way for ingress and egress, and upon Buyer's determination, in Buyer's sole discretion, that the said survey and right of way are suitable for Buyer's Intended Use of the Property, and that the acreage is at least the 21.24 acres represented by the Seller in the contract.."
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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!. .........................    .............

The Eco-Friendly Real Estate To Do List .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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 "Will This Home Meet Our Clients' "Sustainably Built" Expectations?"

 Recently JT  and I were exploring the area for our "green" clients hoping to unearth a few "hidden gems"...As we scouted the Asheville area, JT "happened"  to bump into  and start up a conversation with a young couple . it seems they had just completed construction of a "sustainably built' home, their second such project.  As it turned out, they  even were considering selling this home. Talk about LUCK! 

Will this home meet our clients' Sustainably Built expectations? Take a look at the details below and let us know what you think... 

House area: 1,344 square feet       Decks and porch: 586 square feet 

Foundation:   8" CMU foundation wall on reinforced concrete footing,  Bituminous damp proofing applied, face of CMU. NOTE:   Continuous footing drain around perimeter of house 

Floor Framing System:   Double LVL support beam on CMU piers,   Trus-Joist floor joists (engineered by Trus-Joist),   ¾" floor sheathing 

Exterior Walls:   2x6 studs at 16" o.c.,  5/8" sheathing (zip tape system),  R-19 fiberglass insulation with paper face,  Peachtree doors and windows- metal clad exterior- wood interior.
NOTE:   Hardi-Panel cementitious siding,     Lap siding factory finished and warrantied,     Standard sheets cut as required 

Roof:   Trus-Joist rafters at 24" o.c. and 19.2" o.c.,  5/8" sheathing,  Titanium roof paper,  Galvalume roof panels and trim,  Factory painted aluminum seamless gutters and downspouts,  Velux fixed roof windows 

Interior Walls:   2x4 or 2x6 wood studs at 16" o.c.,  ½" gypsum board,  Ceramic tiles at bathrooms,  Paint grade birch veneer doors 1-3/8" solid core pre-hung 

Ceilings:   1x6 tongue and groove lodgepole pine ceiling with Tung Oil finish in main living area,  ½" gypsum board ceiling at all other locations 

Floors:   Ceramic tile at both bathrooms and utility room,  Hand scraped bambooat all other locations 

Cabinets:   Kitchen: Manufactured birch veneer system,  Vanities: Custom "locust" cabinets by local artisan

 Bedrooms: Built-in wardrobe units (see photo JT took on the site)  

Mechanical System:   Heat Pump-York electric heat pump (13 SEER) with York air handler 

Solar Water Heater:   80 gallon tank with electric heating element and copper tubing heat exchanger as manufactured by Richmond,  Eagle Sun collector,  Non-toxic glycol coolant 

Finishes:   Paint: Interior-Sherwin Williams "Harmony" (no/low VOC)        Exterior-Sherwin Williams 

Appliances: EnergyStar® Refrigerator,  Range,  Dishwasher
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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!. .........................    .............

Will This Home Meet Our Clients' "Sustainably Built" Expectations?.The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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When it comes to being an Eco-Starevery home can shine, even an "Oldie but Goodie" like this one in an historic and  sustainable community in Asheville, NC.

Simple  changes at home can add up to real benefits for your family, neighborhood and contribute to a sustainable community.  

Here, for example, are at least 10 "re-greens' ( things you can do)  to retrofit an older home that I collected as part of an on-going series I am doing to highlight Active Rain bloggers who have caught my attention with their wit and wisdom(Look for my reBLOGS)

Here, from your AR colleagues at the ECO-All-Stars Group  are examples that represent value-added opportunities for real estate professionals and our clients in terms of sustainable living alternatives.

•1.      Tony ZimmermanReGreen Tips
•2.      Stephanie Edwards-Musa
•3.      Mary Bigelow  Energy Efficiency
•4.      Jonathan Blackwell Green Bathroom Renovation
"5.      Deb Hurt  Perspective
•6.      Diane Daley  Linoleum!
•7.      Tricia Jumonville  Which home is Greenest?
•8.      Johnathan Mullaney GREEN Living Tips
•9.      Kimo Stowell Beautiful Revival 
•10.    Sharon Simms NEAT Features in Old Homes 

 OK I'm liking this conversation.!   It's Winter! And I am thinking "Time for Creative GREENING Projects" ...and recycling. Did you know that according to the National Institutes of Health we generate about 208 million tons of municipal solid waste a year!  That's more than 4 pounds per person per day of   GLUNK!

SO! Recycle and Re-Green  is the by-word for 2009. You could  recycle glass bottles, save electricity and create countertops like this one by IceStone    that offers "  an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials. The non-porous, durable and heat-resistant qualities make them a good match for kitchens and bathrooms. ... Because the material can be shaped, cut, inlaid or mounted it can used for of applications from backsplashes to countertops to flooring. Due to its high recycled content, IceStone materials can be used for LEED qualification."

By the way!  IceStone received a Silver certification from Cradle To Cradle (one of my favorite organizations)  for its commitment to environmentally intelligent design."

So here are the 10+++++ (pluses)  to add to our Winter Re-GREEN Tip for Older Homes: 

1.Tankless water heaters.  Very popular in Europe. Hmmmm. Maybe they know more about preserving castles.
2.Compact fluorescent bulbs. You can replace the incandescent bulbs, one at a time as they burn out. John's record for fluorescent bulb: 13 years! (see above)
3.Radiant Barriers. Reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss, and thus lower heating and cooling costs. The barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. 
4.Solar Panels . Modular panels that can be designed to meet any electrical requirement, no matter how large or how small.
5. Weather stripping. Caulk and check is as needed. And check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.
6. Natural stone and solid surface materials. Love this one (See link above)
7. Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Replace your old one when the time comes. They use 25%-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems and save  money.
8.Task Lighting. Direct light where you need it. Save energy and money.Good for romantic cooking. Better than candlelight they tell me .
9. Renewable Energy.  According to Wikipedia this is "energy derived from resources that are regenerative or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted."   Try solar-powered outdoor lights . Consider, too choosing renewable energy from your utility to even producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells. Also check out Wikipedia for more info on renewable energy in the form of: 

•  
  • 1.1 Wind power   1.2 Water power     1.3 Solar energy use   1.4 Biofuel 
    • 1.4.1 Liquid biofuel   1.4.2 Solid biomass   1.4.3 Biogas   1.5 Geothermal energy  

10. Sayeth the U.S. Department of Energy

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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!. .........................    .............

10 + "Re-GREENs" Breathe New Value Into Old Homes. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"?   If you think that it is possible for a home to be both a "luxury home" and  eco-savvyyou are one person who has given some thought to how the building is to be used.

Flexible design a key feature in green-built homes. Size and function matter when you are talking about environmental impact. In fact, size can be quite a lively, if not controversial subject with our green buyer clients and eco-friendly builders and developers.

Can a "Luxury" home also be "Green"?

As you consider  your answer, you may want to take into account the relationship between size and  sustainability.

After all, some people will tell you that  "luxury" real estate may come in many shapes and sizes. There are small footprints with three-stories rising in the trees and lots of square footage, there are larger footprints set neatly into the landscape.  

And then , too, you have to think about the green features. There are homes sited to take advantage of solar benefits.  And, there are those very large homes designed to take advantage of nature, or privacy, or  architectural excellence; signature homes that may, in some cases, offer eco-savvy features.

 Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"? YOU DECIDE.

I'm going to tell you about one of those cases right now; one that involves Amazing Views, Green Design & Ideal Location . I am going to tell you this story from the point of view of the artist/builder, a custom, eco-informed builder  in Asheville, NC.  And I will share a list of green features so that you can decide if this home, considered by many to be "luxury home" is eco-savvy...

What the green builder will tell you: "The home takes advantage of desirable Southern exposure, a passive solar design, and a large covered deck which maximizes the visual connection to nature on 3.5 acres of pristine forest with commanding year round mountain views.

The home was built using green design principles ensuring energy efficiency, health and low maintenance while providing an elegant ambiance and a close relationship with the surrounding environment. The home was sited to maximize the mountain views and the preservation of the existing hardwood trees and the flowering rhododendrons. Hiking trails and the best that nature has to offer await right at your back door [and there is ]  a beautiful and edible landscape featuring strawberries, blueberries, fig & cherry trees." 

GREEN BUILDING Specs:

 Green Building Attributes: 1. Passive solar design 2. low maintenance exterior 3. highly insulated exterior walls and roof 4. high efficiency variable speed heat pump 5. recycled kitchen cabinets 6. milled on-site cleared and wind-falling trees 7. recycled greenhouse plastic vapor barrier under cement pad 8. natural boric acid termite treatment 9. foiled faced rigid insulation on roof 10. low VOC sub-floor and interior paint 11. low maintenance native and eatable landscape 12. landscape rocks (walls and paths) were obtain on-site and within 1 miles of building site. 13. Over 90% of lighting is fluorescent 14. Grided and finished cement floor adds thermal mass and low maintenance 15. tight high quality Hurd windows 

Design: The main objective was to preserve the mature hardwood trees and rhododendrons while taking advantage of the southern exposure with good "green" and passive solar design. A significant design element is the large south facing sliding glass doors in the great room and bedrooms. This design configuration brings daylight deep into the house, connects the interior space to native hardwood trees, offer pristine views of the mountains, while the southern exposure allows for solar energy gain.

 
The kitchen, living, and dining areas are one big space with large areas of glazing on south side. These windows are protected during the hot summer months by the mature deciduous trees, adding to the house's overall energy efficiency. The north and west face has minimum window area. The color palette (bronze) of the exterior surfaces are dark, absorbing solar energy during the winter months. The abundance of hardwood trees around the house keep it cool during the warmer seasons while also maintaining complete privacy. The net result is extremely low energy use with an average utility bill of less than $50/month. All domestic energy demands are 100% electric supplemented with a wood burning stove. 

Construction: The house is built using basic stick framing with low maintenance cement board siding trimmed with western red cedar. A maroon-color standing seam metal roof adds aesthetic qualities while contributing to the sustainability and low maintenance of the exterior. The interior woodwork is highly crafted of fine hardwoods milled on-site. 

Landscape Design:The 3.5 acre site is blessed with an abundance of mature hardwood trees, native rhododendrons and mountain laurels. The house site was carefully placed on top of a sloping knoll so as to maintain the largest oak, hickory, and maple trees and the many native (flame) azaleas. After careful thinning of the wooded area, native plants were incorporated into the landscape, such as oak leaf and flowering hydrangeas, ferns, dogwoods, hemlocks, rhododendrons, hollies, irises, daylilies, laurels, hostas, etc. Many low maintenance edible fruit bearing plants were added including blueberries, strawberries, cherry trees, service berry and herbs. Finally, an area was designated to accommodate a vegetable garden. All planted vegetation is grown organically utilizing the site's top soil supplemented with organic fertilizers and generous amounts of on-site produced compost. 

HVAC:Force air heating and cooling- Trane high efficiency heat pump 14 seer rating, 34,000 BTU/HR Max Blank (Mfg. in Germany) woodstove with baking oven. All HVAC duct work and air handler are within the insulation envelope of the home.

Site: A beautiful south facing mountain property was an opportunity to design a contemporary passive solar home that limit the disturbance of native vegetation while maximizing visual connection to nature. The 3.5 acre site is located  just a 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 15 minutes to the regional airport. ..and offers complete privacy, sloping land, mature hardwood trees, southern exposure, and 180 degree pristine mountain year-around view. 

Exterior Materials:Hardi panel cement board accented with Vermont slate roofing shakes, vertical grain western red cedar and mahogany, standing seam metal roof, ipe (ironwood),
white oak and locust decking (milled on-site), stainless and galvanized steel fasteners. 

Interior Materials:Painted drywall, quarter-sawn white, red oak and hickory floors, quarter sawn oak, walnut, and cherry trim, white oak/steel tubing baluster, split-face block, granite counter top and hearth, stainless steel counter tops, and T&G spruce cathedral ceiling in great room. All hardwood flooring and trim were milled (quarter-sawn) on-site from building site trees and wind fallen trees found near the site. 

Cabinetry:Custom built and recycled kitchen cabinets (birdseye maple faced drawers and doors featuring Blum hardware with full extension under-mount slides and soft close blumotion). Bathroom cabinetry utilizes black cherry, mahogany, white oak, black walnut, and stainless steel.

Windows:High Efficiency Hurd sliding doors and windows. Anodized bronze aluminum cladding with wood interior. 

Insulation: Formaldehyde free fiberglass wall insulation R19 and R30 (1st level). Foil face polyisocyanurate foam insulation under 1st level cement floor R14, behind block walls R17, and roof R42

Now to your evaluation and your answer to the question. For sure, this home is a LUXURY HOME.
So- Can a "Luxury" home also be "Green"?  
Let me know what YOU think. . .

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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!. .........................    .............

Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"? .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

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 Sustainable (GREEN) Energy News: I am always "keeping a good-eye-out"  for news about sustainable energy. .. and not only local news from Asheville, but across the USA. 

This week, for example, I've been out exploring around the WWW for green energy news that could be valuable to you.

I am focused on North Carolina Sustainable Energy News. Headlines in the news such as: "Deals in Alternative Energy" and "Green Initiatives Could Bring JOBS"  are so promising!

I've compiled the following list of promising sources for information (see just below) that could be of interest and use to you as they were to me, and I'd like to ask you a question:

Would you kindly add Green Energy NEWS/information from your state? 

(Charlotte Observer) N.C. businesses thrive on renewable energy
(WRAL-TV) 'Cleantech' opportunities will be focus of RTP event
(Charlotte Business Journal) Dragonfly finds deals in alternative energy
(Raleigh News & Observer) Energy: Green initiatives could bring jobs
(Charlotte Observer) Energy: Reward for being green: Cash 
(Rocky Mount Telegram)QVC starts its own green electricity farm

(Greenville Reflector) N.C. needs to prepare for changing climate, ECU report states
(Raleigh News & Observer) Green funds are attracting investors
(Fayetteville Observer) Outshining conventional electricity 
(Charlotte Observer) Utilities seek stimulus money to improve energy efficiency(Newsweek Magazine) 50: Jim Rogers; The CEO of Duke Energy could make dreams of renewable power a reality.

As I mentioned,  I am always interested in news about sustainable energy. ..and not only local news from Asheville, but across the USA. ..so please let me (and all of us) know your news.
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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!. .........................    .............

Green Energy NEWS HEADLINES Across the USA .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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Farm stewards across the USA and CSA Farms here in the Greater Asheville area contributed so much to our holiday season. All across the nation farmer's markets offered sustainable, useful gifts such as honey, molasses, jams, jellies, pickles, salad dressings, and herb vinegars and oils directly from the person who made them.

Did your family, friends and wonderful real estate clients enjoy the small tokens of affection found for them as much as mine did? 

 I found "non-edible"  gifts such as soaps, salves, lotions, pottery, baskets, quilts, pot holders, bee's wax candles, brooms, and more local wood and fiber crafts.

The excellent thing about this is that the offerings are not just for the holiday season. Would you expect less from a CSA, a community supported agriculture enterprise(community farm with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production?) CSA and farms selling healthy products have something for you no matter what time of year it is.

FIND a CSA Across the USA: for those of you NOT living in Asheville, visiting or relocating, here is a link to http://www.localharvest.org/csa/  Locally Grown is GOOD, no matter where You Live =)

Asheville Links:
Slow Food Asheville's  monthly newsletter http://www.slowfoodasheville.org/ which may be of interest to you

Firefly Farm (Burnsville,NC) 
Cane Creek Asparagus & Company (Fairview,NC)
Green Toe Ground Farm (Burnsville,NC
Jake's Farm (Candler,NC
Homegrown Heritage (Candler,NC)  
Gaining Ground Farm (Asheville,NC)   
Flying Cloud Farm (Fairview,NC) 
Mountain Harvest Organics (Hot Springs,NC)  

UPDATE: January, 2009...Cane Creek CSA is now accepting subscriptions. 

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CSAs Acriss the USA! Locally Grown is GOOD! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved  Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG and keep  those creative wheels a turnin'  

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) 

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Over the past few years, have you noticed a change in perception about the way people choose where and how they live and what they need?

Is this a trend?

JT (see photo) has been keeping an eye out . He has noticed a change. And it does appear to be a trend!  

But just to be sure, I am looking for the "proof in the pudding" so -to-speak; I'm looking at statisticsunearthed from our Mountain MLS System here in Asheville.

 Although putting numbers on my intuitionas a REALTOR® feels a little "dangerous"- (I don't want to lose my intuitive edge) - this  search for statistics could be important for everyone our clients and for brokerage business planning.

What intuition and observation tell me:

1) I am aware of a bubbling apprehension in  the Appalachians when it comes to
  mountaintop removal .
2) I have witnessed some pretty noisy community meetings about such topics.
3) Then there have been the lively neighborhood charettes .
4) Time and again, I have seen community members insist on sustainable innovation.

You could say that sustainabilityis the by-word here in Asheville. So it is not surprising that my intuition, based on in-your-face observations, tells me that there is a significant public interest and shift(at least in the Asheville area) toward environmentally-sensitive residential properties.

Could there be more evidence than this, for example, (see photo) a new urban, green-built community being evaluated by members of the local community.

It's walkable. It's green. It's energy efficient and it invites neighborliness.

 It is a new green-built urban community in Asheville.

** And  intuition is  born out in client demand. 

 As Green Byers' Brokers, with eco-savvy  clients, if they are not buying NEW green-built homes, our clients are demanding  green retrofits.

Here is a photo I took recently. This is an environmentally-sensitive new home. It is situated to take advantage of the sun. (Note solar panels)

This home is in West Asheville. You can walk to the bakeryfrom your front door. And, although you cannot see it, there is an organic garden  to the left of this photo.

Energy efficiency is important to all our clients whether they are looking for income-producing rentals (green investor-buyers ) or for personal residences. 

All follow the trend toward being particularly serious about Energy Star Rated homes.  Take a peek at this array! I took this photo earlier this week at a site evaluation on a Gold Certified Healthy Built Home just outside of Asheville.  

We can tell our clients about NC Healthy Built Homes  but, for the purposes of future planning,  you may be interested in a just a couple of the most obvious  features of sustainable, healthy-built  homes, and some numbers on the trend.

Features:

Energy-.Energy Star appliances, florescent bulbs, high efficiency water heaters,
fifty (50) year shingles, low flow faucets and showerheads ,sealed crawl spaces, cellulose and icynene insulation, solar preheat for hot water, and oh so comfy radiant floor heat...

Low Toxicity-.Low VOC paints, Bamboo, hardwood or a natural linoleum floor that is made with 100% natural ingredients.

 Benefits: In the long run; sustainability- lasting value, lower environmental impact, and right now today; lower utility bills for heating and cooling, improved indoor air quality, and happier faces on family and neighbors.

STATS:   OK! Are you ready to check out the stats? The numbers? The proof in the pudding?

In 2006~ Asheville Area NC HealthyBuilt and/or Energy Star Rated: 39

Three years later in 2009 - There are currently 230 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 687 "in progress"in the Greater Asheville Area in Western North Carolina. 687!!! Talk about a trend!

Resources GREEN HOMES

This information could well change how we look at  where we stand and the direction in which  will be moving  in 2009 and beyond.,and maybe it will make a few people feel better knowing that this direction is not "simply intuitive"... but is  based on a hard, objective look at the stats.

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

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

Statistics: Where is the "Proof in the Pudding"?.The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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It was during the last days of Autumn in the mountains around Asheville .The canvas of orange, purple, red and gold splendor was giving way that  morning to frostings of white

see photo JT took on an outing last week)

 ...Soon it would be time to gather by warming hearth-fires. The telling of stories of the lands and people we love will commence. December would  find characters coming to life as tales of the indigenous peoples and first settlers are told.  

And as the winter progressed, there would be, as there always was,  talk of recent history, current events , local lore and news of the neighborhood.

All this, of course, the stories told must be set in an authentic backdrop ..stories of a "favored" kind this green buyers' broker who loves this area is most likely to unearth ...

And so as the snow falls on our wee cabin in the mountains, here is the RECENT HISTORY of MADISON COUNTY, NC for your  real estate investment decision-making notes and for those wonderful snow-bound days we so appreciate. . .

 (photo...how do you like our wee cabin in the snow?)

Madison County, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains  of Western North Carolina, is a rural county. It is only about half an hour or so from Asheville, but with approximately 3,500 small family farms, agriculture is the largest industry in the County. In fact, agriculture accounts for half of the gross income in the County.  Here in Madison County, where streams and pastures and "coves" abound, you may look out your window as you drive the scenic (excellently maintained) country roads and notice tobacco crops. 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. (interesting side note: history of tobaccoin the USA) ...A decade ago, burley tobacco accounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But the demand for tobacco has been on the decline.

Not to be trounced, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying.  ORGANIC FARMING   is big in the Greater Asheville area. Farmers have been cultivating the most amazing ORGANIC crops. Vegetable, organic and nursery crops have increased dramatically since 1998.  And farmers' tailgate markets thrive... (ask me for links to stories I've written about our local Tailgate Markets!)

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 Curious about green building, remodeling and eco-communities ?
Simply pedal on over to the convivial blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Research of A Favorite Kind: Neighborhood, Small Family Farms and Organic Madison County NC .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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