Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Have you heard the BIG news? Tomorrow is Take Your Mug to Work Day sponsored by International Delight. I am very proud to be working with them on this project in Houston and wanted to bring it to your attention as you will see it in the news. Over the past couple years down here in Houston we have heard more and more about Recycling, the need to bypass materials from entering the landfills and so on. Often times what we do not realize are the small things that we can help with.

In fact, a recent study shows that 67% of Americans that go to their local coffeehouse to get their favorite cup of joe admit to throwing their paper cup in to the regular trash instead of recycling it. All of this, multiplied across the Nation equates to approximately 28 Billion Cups (with a B) or 100 million pounds annually that get sent to the landfill. This not only affects us Environmentally but Economically as well.

In an effort to raise Awareness International Delight has made tomorrow - October 15th, 2009 - Take Your Mug to Work Day. Instead of stopping at your local coffeehouse, brew your coffee at home and take it with you in a reusable coffee mug. They have also taken this opportunity to roll out 3 New favorite Coffeehouse Inspiration flavors. Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte and White Chocolate Mocha making it easier for you to turn your home in to your own Coffeehouse.

Need an incentive? If you visit the International Delight website you can enter their contest - Upload your 'mugshot' (you and your favorite mug) for a chance to win a Coffee Pack Prize! Simple! While you are their, use their new Coffee Footprint Calculator to see exactly how much YOU could save by brewing your coffee at home. If you take out one White Chocolate Mocha a week, you can save approximately $160.68 over the year. How much could you save? Companies and Offices across the Nation are joining this cause, I hope that you choose to as well.

Let's save some paper from being sent to the landfill and save some money at the same time. Oh, while I'm not entering the contest, here is my "MugShot" - So come on Houston! Get in those Mug Shots! Feel free to share them here as well!

I was in the middle of putting together a Class Presentation this morning for Lone Star College and thought it could be fun to put together a list of Daily Energy Saving Tips for a Week or Two.

With Summer time coming, get ready for those Electric Bills to skyrocket!!

In your home, there are a ton of Little Things to do (besides changing your light bulbs) that can help you reduce your bill.  With this being the first day, let's start with something easy.  It shouldn't even take 10 minutes to do.

Phantom Energy Loads - We have a bunch of little things plugged in all the time.  Like our Coffee Pot.  We can set it to automatically turn off if we forget but the truth is, even when it is off - It is still using Electricity.  The majority of Electrical Devices pull what is called a phantom or vampire load when it's off.

Are you a Technology junkie?  This will probably help you the most then.  Let's take a look at some things we often forget about because these items can be as much as 5% of your Energy bill.

• Ipod Charger
• Laptop Charger
• Cell Phone Charger
• TV's in rooms that we don't use
• Cable Boxes
• Coffee Pots
• Toasters
• Chargers for Electric Drills or other tools
• Electric Toothbrushes or Razors

In an average family of 4 with Technology based items being popular, with 4 cell phones and 4 Ipods, it is pulling quite a bit of energy.  Before you leave the house, just go unplug all of them.

If you have little kids, assign one to be the 'Energy Police' for the week.  Let them be Mom or Dad's little helper and have them remind you about it. 

To learn a little more about Phantom Energy Loads, here is a short article on Treehugger about it.

I was searching for HVAC tape earlier today and someone on Twitter asked why I needed it, what it was going to do to help my house.

Thought I would do a quick video explaining how it helps and why HVAC Tape is better than Duct Tape.  And for the record, I don't recommend doing this on your own.  :) But here is what I did with before and after video.

If you are in Texas, it is mandated by State Law that there be a company to offer this service for Free.  If you are in or around the Houston area that Company is FreeLightingCorp.com

More importantly, who buys homes?  What is the typical buyer profile statistically speaking? 

In Part One of the Series I discuss the need to 'Ditch the term GREEN' - It's confusing.  People don't understand it anymore because everything is 'GREEN'

Reading through the comments of my post it is evident why we need to, as fast as possible, get rid of the word.

• It means something different to everyone
• It brings on Anger to some in light of recent and absurd Government spending
• Many people assume that it just means it costs more money

We could go on and on.  But this is about noting the Obstacles and by the end of the Series, hopefully having an answer to overcome and move forward.

While much can get lost in the written word I am actually embedding a video below to help explain what I am about to say here.  But if you want the cliff notes version, keep reading.

Overall as a society we are more open to Sustainable Ways.  We are more open to buying something that is better for the Environment and for ourselves as well.  However, the Basic Ways that people purchase a product, any product, have not changed.

We still as consumers weigh our options.  Cost vs. Benefit - What's in it for me - Can I afford it?

In Houston, we have a lower than normal Median Price Range for the Nation.  This is one of the largest obstacles to overcome.  While we all may love to have Solar Panels, Rainwater Capture System, GeoThermal or whatever.  Many and probably the Majority, simply can't afford it. 

Second, Well- It's that word Green again.  We need to get back to basics and explain 'Green' homes in a way that makes sense.  Do we use 'Green' Flooring for a Healthy Home or do we maybe use a Wood or Tile that promotes less accumulation of dust and allergens for a more comfortable home to those with Allergies and Asthma?  The two statements are very different.

Third, building inventory homes is a Business that sells a product.  We need to remember that if we are using a checklist for a Green Building Program, checking off points to make the home Green - That Green means something different to everyone.  While one may consider putting an additional $5000 in to Mechanical Equipment, the buyer of the home may want a Healthier Home.  And Vice Versa.

I think from a Sales perspective we need to get back to the Discovery stage of things.  What do people want?

Ok, for a more in depth (much more in depth) version of what I am trying to say here watch the power point presentation below.  It has graphs, Houston Economic information and everything.  Oh, and it also explains why I feel that nearly every single homebuyer wants Green Features in one way or another.

The Obstacle to Building and Selling Green in Houston will be a Series - this is the first of the series.

Typically speaking in the Real Estate Market right now in regards to Green I would say that the average line of thought, the average acceptance of a 'Green' or 'Greener' home not only in Houston but around the Nation is very high.

We have gone from a few years ago, the average consumer thinking that a 'Green' Home was Recycled and only beneficial to the Environment to Today - Understanding that not only is a 'Green' home better for the Environment, It is better for the Homeowner.

This is a Drastic change in thinking for Society when you think about it in real terms and how fast this thought has changed.  Now, the acceptance of Greener Homes may be high, but do they sell?

Regardless of what publication we may read that 'Green' homes are not selling, then we hear that 'Green' homes sell faster and for more money.  When we speak to consumers we hear 'Green' homes are not being built in my area and then 'What is a Green Home?'

This tells me, my personal opinion, that there is still a lot of confusion out there in the market. In all actuality it is probably too soon to know what statements are correct.  In basic terms I personally believe that we have 3 different kinds of people:

• The extreme Green Buyer that will spend and do what ever it takes
• The what I call an Enviro Hater that won't buy anything termed 'Green' or 'EcoFriendly' just for the principle
  
• The Buyer that wants to do the right thing, not be wasteful and have a better quality of home and environment

The 3rd point being the largest of the population generally speaking.  Then, there is the confusion.  The confusion comes in to play because everyone has a different opinion of what 'Green' really means.  Some think it means that the product costs more, some think of it as being Energy Efficient, others think made of recycled content ...

How effective really are the Checklists for Green Building if the purchaser has no idea what it means?

More than ever in the Real Estate Industry we are at a point where we have to sell Value whether it be for a service or a product.  People want to know what makes you or your product different and worth it for me to buy it whether it is Green or not.

What this tells me is that where a couple years ago we thought we had 10-15 years before the term 'Green' disappeared in relation to 'Green Building' - we are probably on the verge of it happening right before our very eyes.  Today, right now.

As a Real Estate Professional that specializes in helping people buy and sell Green Properties I see the need to use different terms to overcome this Confusion.  Let's get rid of the Term 'Green'.  Buh Bye,  See ya Later.

Why? Because it is becoming Normal.  It is expected now that Homes are more Energy Efficient now than what was built even last year.  It is expected that Homes are moving in the right direction and using Healthier Building Products.  And, what the heck is Green anyhow?

We need to, as Real Estate Industry Professionals, learn what it is that makes a product 'Green' and be able to explain it to people.  In markets, such as Houston, where we are still trying to get over the hurdle towards Mass Green Building, do we need a new approach?  A change in terminology and possibly even a change in the approach to what products we build with.

If it is a Green Home, Why?  What makes it Green?  Is it more Energy Efficient?  What products separate it from the rest and does the Home Buyer even care?

All of these are obstacles to building a better and greener home in the Houston area.  Over this series let's break it down and look at the real trends of where 'Green' building may be headed.  Let's take a looksy at how to get the Green Building movement going in a faster pace towards a more Sustainable Houston.

The answer may very well be where they always have been.  The answers may lie in our daily Housing Market and average Houstonian Statistics.

Part 2 of the Series - Who is the Average Homebuyer in Houston?  Who lives in Houston anyhow?

This segment of Greening the Existing Home Webinar Series is the final and 8th one - after this post I will do a Final Wrap up with more detailed information on websites that we visited and all of the segments in one place.

In this video Michael Strong and I discuss a variety of topics including "Does Green Remodeling really add value to your home?" - And then these other topics

• Michael's Top 10 Best Practices to Green Up Your Home
• USGBC ReGreen Guidelines
• NAHB Remodeling Certification

This is probably the shortest of the segments being just a little over 30 minutes long but is jam packed full of great information for anyone that is wanting to do any Remodeling in their home.

I would also like to take a quick moment to Thank our Sponsors for helping to bring this to you:

Pella Windows

Bluegill Energy Management

Lutron Lighting and Electronics

***

Down here in Houston with our humidity, a high maintenance property is not only no fun - But it is also incredibly expensive over time.  If you are having to constantly change out siding, re paint your exterior or find that interior wood warps to make crooked walls and creaky floors, looking in to the Durability aspect of Green Building may just be the answer.

In continuation with the Greening the Existing Home webinar series with myself and Michael Strong we discuss how to take an existing home and make it a Low Maintenance haven for you and your family.

In this segment you will hear about FSC Certified woods, Building Products that promote straight and Durable walls/floors along with other things that just make a homeowners life a little easier.

I would also like to take a quick moment to Thank our Sponsors for helping to bring this to you:

Pella Windows

Bluegill Energy Management

Lutron Lighting and Electronics

***

One of the questions that I get quite a bit from folks looking to buy a home is that they or their loved ones suffer from Allergies or Asthma - So it made perfect sense to have a segment in our Greening the Existing Home webinar series dedicated to Indoor Air Quality in Existing Homes.

In this segment you will hear myself and Michael Strong with Brothers Strong discuss the steps you can take to create a healthier home to live in.

We discuss Low VOC stains and paints, a little bit about Ventilation and all of the other products that go in to a home that are known to Offgas and stir up those sensitivities that many of us have already. 

Get your popcorn and water ready!  It's about 45 minutes long but well worth the watch if you are considering making changes if your home.

Click To Play

I would also like to take a quick moment to Thank our Sponsors for helping to bring this to you:

Pella Windows

Bluegill Energy Management

Lutron Lighting and Electronics

***

We have heard ALL THE RAVE about how the Stimulus Bill had a ton of Energy Efficient Tax Credit stuff in it.  No cap on Solar and Geothermal - 30% up to a MAX of $1500 on Energy Efficient Improvements ...

One of the best parts of that is being able to get up to $1500 back for New Windows.  You know, those crummy single pane windows that you would love to rip out.  But, Hold On!  Have you read to see what qualifies?  I went in to Home Depot the other day and not a SINGLE WINDOW QUALIFIED that they had in there.

That does not mean that the product was bad.  That's not the case at all.  As a matter of fact, the majority of windows that are Energy Star Rated will not qualify.  The Guidelines to receive the Credit are very strict.  The U-Factor AND Solar Heat Gain CoEfficient BOTH have to be = or Below .30

To get the Scoop I went to visit Bob Birner with Renewal By Andersen Windows.  You may also know Bob as the Host of the Home Improvement Hotline on Sunday morning from 9a-12p.  If you are wanting to change out your windows and reap the benefit of the $1500 - Make sure that you listen in so you are not an angry Tax Payer next year.  By the way, all of you folks in the Houston area - Bob has Windows that qualify under both ratings.

The Stimulus Bill, it's rather confusing.  I have previously posted some of the Positive Sides to the Bill and this is part 3 of my Energy Efficiency Tax Credits in the '09 Stimulus Bill.

If you have been following my Webinar Series through 'Turning Houston Green' on Greening the Existing Home, you know that this Saturday, Michael Strong and I will be going over Water and Lighting Fixtures.  Part of this will be in regards to Energy Efficient Water Heating Solutions which includes Tankless and Solar Water Heating.

In doing our research, we noted that the Stimulus Bill changed the Tax Credits for this also.  Because the changes go through 2010, we think it is important for people to understand what it is you can actually get with your Tax Credits.  Be an educated consumer so that you can make the most of you upgrades.

So, here's the 411:

Tankless Water Heaters - Whether you get one that is Gas or Electric, it still needs Electricity.  Why?  There is an actual start for these babies to kick in and start heating your water.  So, with a Gas Tankless Water Heater, it still uses ELECTRICITY to start up.  THEN uses the Gas to heat the water.  This means that during a power outage, you will STILL NOT HAVE HOT WATER.  Because of this, Tankless Hot Water Heaters fall under the Energy Efficiency portion of the Stimulus Bill.

What does that mean to you?  You can get a Tax Credit for 30% of the purchase UP TO $1500 on ALL of your Energy Efficient Improvements - (such as windows which will be another post)  Max.  That's It.  $1500.

Now, Solar Water Heating:

This is considered to be Renewable Energy.  No electricity or gas is really required.  That means that you are solely using electricity derived from a Renewable Source, in this case THE SUN.  During a power outage you WILL HAVE Hot Water.  (not that the power outage has anything to do with, just making a point)

For these reasons, it falls under a completely different category.  Actually, it falls under the same category as GeoThermal and traditional Solar Panels. 

What does this mean to you?  You can get a Tax Credit for 30% WITH NO CAP!! 

Personally, I would use the Energy Efficient Tax Credit for Windows, Insulation, etc. and maximize by upgrading to Solar Hot Water.  You can only get a Maximum One Time Tax Credit of $1500 for Energy Efficiency, yet there is no cap on Solar/Renewable Energy right now. 

With a typical cost of $5000 for Solar Water Heaters - That would give you an ADDITIONAL $1500 Tax Credit if you are making other Energy Efficient Improvements to your home. 

Just a little food for thought.  To sign up for our Webinar Series on Saturday for more details on the Benefits of Energy Efficient Water Fixtures in your home, you can register here.

***Source:  Pages 125-127 of the Division B Tax, Unemployment, Health, State Fiscal Relief and Other Provisions from the Department of Energy Website***

***Photos:  These are from Houston's First LEED Certified Home Built by Greenhaus Builders***