Flint Women's Council of Realtors had an excellent speaker today, Dave Nash from "energy auditors" discussed energy efficient mortgages, showed us home rating tools, explained tax credits, geothermal heating and explained upcoming changes made by the EPA and Energy Star & so much more... need your home energy rated? call Dave Nash 810 614 8614..

http://www.energyauditorsllc.com/

Angie Ridley, EcoBroker Certified
Serving Real Estate needs in  Michigan's Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola Counties
810 744 4600
Angie@AngieRidley.com

Complete Realty, LLC

An interesting story...

My current client had spoke with a few real estate agents in our area.  All the real estate agents told the homeowner he needs an appraiser to price the home for listing because of the declining market.  The homeowner had 2 appraisals that came in about $30,000 less than we expected...

I now have a client for life.
        I let the homeowner talk for about a 1/2 hour or 45 minutes.  I realized this person knew he had an an energy efficient / green home and didn't know how to word it.

We toured the "WOW" home.  At the end of the tour we sat down to talk.  He asked me what I thought about the appraisals he received.  I explained, "the appraisals that you have are useless."  He looked at me with a huge question mark.

I was able to explain that he needed a HERS (Home Energy Rating Score) by a RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) person before the appraisals.   The RESNET person will put in the report the score of the home and the "value added" because of the rating and home energy savings.  I also added information about special loans for buyers that may purchase his home.

    He trusted my advice.  He called, energy auditors, LLC.  David Nash took his equipment to the home and preformed the test.  This home was proven to be an energy efficient home.  While at the Michigan Realtor Conference the client called me totally excited about his progress.

   The report will given to an appraiser for an accurate "opinion of value".

To be continued...

Have a special "Green or Energy Efficient Client" in Michigan.  I love referrals...

Angie@AngieRidley.com

The following information was sent to me by:
Joe Lederman
Mesothelioma Cancer Center
National Awareness Coordinator
joe@asbestos.com

Remove Asbestos with Green Alternatives & Healthy Tips for the Michigan Homes

The great state of Michigan is regarded for hosting four out of the five great lakes, beautiful sceneries and for being the eighth most populous state in the country. Located in the mid-western part of the United States, it is very easy to see why the state is one of the ideal places to call home.

The path to home ownership or seeking rental properties is an exciting time, but one that will bring other responsibilities into your life. Having the assistance of a professional and reliable Michigan real estate agent will make all the difference during this process.

Asbestos Tips

Used in many construction applications for the greater part of the 20^th century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that possesses many intrinsic traits. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires.

 It’s flame resistant and durable qualities made it an ideal choice for many industries. In many instances, homes built prior to 1980 may contain this substance. This should not make you jump out of your seat because exposure to asbestos is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.

According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it's posing no apparent risk. If it's in bad shape, it could be a problem. In many situations, the best action in dealing with asbestos is no action at all. However, if an inspector deems removal necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials.  They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any potential exposure.

Inhalation of its fibers can cause rare but severe ailments known as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma causes are as a result of inhaling asbestos fibers that become ingested in the inner linings of your lung. Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to decipher due to a latency period lasting 20 to 50 years after exposure. It must be noted that exposure does not always lead to an illness and is considered rare.

Michigan Goes Green

The implementation of eco-construction, green energy solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world. Recycled building materials that are viable options to asbestos include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene foam. These environmentally sustainable products can also reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. 

Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners. The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 include incentives for upgrading to more eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation.

With growing education and technology in green sustainable energy and building resources, Michigan has taken actions to ensure safety and health is a top priority in this great state.  Non-profit organizations such as Michigan GREEN, consists of energy consultants and companies who have joined forces with schools, government agencies and conscious individuals to promote the cause of renewable and green efficiency throughout the U.S.

Its goals include increasing public awareness on energy efficiency, renewable energy and application of new green technologies to increase the youth’s awareness of energy conservation.

You never know where you will find "Green" technology.  My client and I have viewed a few homes 5-6.  We keep going back to the same home.  The more we look at the home the more we realize the "green" features.  Keep in mind; this is a previous owner occupied home, not "new" construction which makes this more interesting.

Rain barrels are used to fill the pool.  Rain barrels collect the water from eves.  The collected then fills the pool by a hose running from the barrel to the pool.  Rain barrels can also assist in preventing water in the basement and flooding yards.  For more information please visit:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/DEPARTMENTS/EnvironmentalServices/epo/EnvironmentalServicesEpoRainBarrel.aspx

  The construction of the pool room was constructed SIP style, structural insulated panels.  SIPS are made in the factory.  Constructed inside, weather is not a factor with materials.  Insulation is foam or Styrofoam that expands between to pieces of OSB, Oriented Strand Board.  SIPS can be used to construct all exterior parts of a home or building.  The SIPS come in sections and provide easy installation, energy efficiency and cost savings.  For more information please visit:   http://www.epsmolders.org/3-sips.html  Exterior Cedarwood siding provides for low future maintenance.  The material doesn't rot.

Insulation with a high R factor is needed in northern climates.  The higher the R factor the more efficient.

Solar panels were installed to heat the pool.  For more information please visit:  http://www.poolcenter.com/heater_solar_poolstor.htm

Angie Ridley, MI RE Broker, Notary,EcoBroker Certified^®
www.CompleteRealtyLLC.com
mailto:  Angie@AngieRidley.com
Flint:  810 744 4600 Fax: 810 936 4395

Angie's Real Estate Corner, a little of this and that blog.  

2009 Michigan Women's Council of Realtors® President -Elect  

Paperless with Instanet Transaction Management, e-signatures and much more...

Energy Star  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL):  These bulbs use 75% less energy and heat than regular bulbs.  These bulbs can save you approximately $30.00 per bulb over the lifetime of each light.  Remember, these bulbs last 10 times longer too.
     These bulbs contain mercury.  CFL's should not be thrown in garbage.  CFL's should be dropped at a recycle location designed for these bulbs.     

Tubular Lighting, Natural Lighting:  Nice size for smaller areas.  Light starts from the sky and ends in your home.  This is done with reflective material.  Personally I have a hall that the light stays on all day.  I frequently turn the switch off, when I install this product, my Consumers bill should go down tremendously from this one act.
      Installation is key.  Professional installation is recommended due to the sealing.  This unit must be sealed right to prevent heat loss and cool air loss in summer. 

Do you leave your charging devices plugged in when not in use?  Every glowing red light is costing you $$.  Idea:  simply put all charging plugs on one electrical strip, when in use, turn strip on, then off.  Every penny counts!

Fireplace:  is the opening totally covered?

Do you have electrical covers on all your outlets?  Air can escape and enter through the any opening.

Water:  Put a 2 liter plastic soda bottle filled with water in toilet water holding tank.  This will save water and well pump use which equals $$.  Have a water bill, imagine the savings.  Test this, you may not need less than 2 liters, most tanks need 3 gallons to flush properly.

           Test your tank with food coloring; if the food coloring leaks in the bowl, you have a leak.

           For more water saving ideas:  click here...

More hints to come...

Angie Ridley

Feeling ill lately?  Passing the bug back and forth?

Remember, your air quality is only as good as you allow it to be.  Indoor air pollution can be cause by unsealed ducts, gas appliances, uncared for HEPA systems and more...

There are simple ways to assist your home or business building with air quality.  Cleaning and sealing the air ducts to keep dust and pollen down in your home or business is a start.  All filters (furnace, stove, air and water systems) should be cleaned and / or replaced regularly through out the year.  If items are not properly maintained, you will get sick and throw money away on equipment that isn't running as efficiently as it could.

Proper insulation will assist with climate control, mold causing moisture and noise issues.

Just a few helpful hints to keep you from sneezing and coughing

Angie Ridley

If you would like to purchase existing or build a new "Green" home there are special mortgage financing options.  Sometimes you will receive a lower interest rate, less expensive closing cost and / or the qualifying ratios will vary.  The theory for varying the ratios is, you will spend less on average utility bills therefore can afford more payment.  These mortgages are call "Energy Efficient Mortgages" (EEM)

Lenders include and are not limited to: Aspen Creek Financial, LLC
Mortgage Marketplace, Inc
Countrywide Home Loans Western Regional Green Mtg Services
Bank of America
ICON Mortgage Lending

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

If you would like to  find out how energy efficient the home is that you are purchasing, you may order a "Home Energy Rating Score".  This test is done by accredited individuals or companies.  http://www.resnet.us/directory/raters.aspx  defined:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_HERS   This test usually be rolled into the loan if needed.

Angie Ridley, EcoBroker Certified^®
Genesee County, MI