Updated California Building Codes

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from noon to 1:30p.m. the City of Sacramento will provide a forum to present an overview of the new 2007 California Codes for Residential and Commercial Developers, Architects and Contractors, changes which became effective January 1, 2008.  Following a presentation of the changes to the Code by City of Sacramento Engineering Superior Ed Short there will be a forum to ask questions from him and staff of the City's Development Services Department.

The presentation will be held on the second floor in the Historic City Hall Building located at 915 I Street.  The presentation is part of an ongoing series of an informal "Lunch and Learn" program series provided as a public service by the Development Services Department of the City of Sacramento. 

Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog often said, "It isn't easy being green."  But times are changing and green is "in."  For a variety of reasons from altruism to good old self-interest Americans are becoming more "green" in their habits and lifestyles, including the homes they purchase.

Defining "green" is sometimes a challenge.  For some it is concerns over indoor air quality that motivates them.  For others it may using sustainable wood products such as bamboo which are highly renewable.  For still others it may mean photovoltaic panels on their roof to utilize the suns incredible energy.  And so on.

But for purposes of today's topic I am going to give you a quick overview of some "green" vocabulary.  No, there will not be a test later, but you may want to bookmark this because these terms quickly will become part of the real estate lexicon. 

Sustainable - Involves the use or re-use of natural resources with the express purpose of preserving these resources for use by future generations.  By using or reusing resources without harming the our natural environment. 

Native Landscaping - Refers to using local, native plants in landscaping.  Indigenous plants are naturally better suited to the climate, water needs, pests and provide a natural food source for the native wildlife.

Runoff - Runoff is the excess water from watering lawns, gardens, car washing, rinsing sidewalks and driveway that ends up in our storm drains and ultimately in our waterways and oceans.  Not only is runoff wasteful it puts pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in the streams, lakes and aquafers which can cause problems for humans and animals downstream.  Reducing runoff is fairly simple.  Don't overwater lawns, use a broom rather than the hose to clean driveway and sidewalks.  In addition, the use of stone pavers rather than poured concrete for driveways allows excess water to seep into the ground rather than runoff into gutters and storm drains.

FSC Certified Wood - The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) developed and maintains standards for certifying woods for sustainability.  Using sustainable wood products is a cornerstone of green building.  When selecting hardwoods it is important to look for woods that are grown and harvested using sustainable practices.  Woods such as bamboo are strong, renewable and very sustainable.

LEED - The U.S. Green Building Council has developed standards for design, construction and the operation of "green" buildings.  The USGBC created a rating system called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED for short.  LEED was initially used in the commercial construction and a similar rating is under development for the residential construction market.  Architects and builders who have taken specific educational steps and passed the LEED exam are said to be a LEED Accredited Professional.

Photovoltaic - PV is the abbreviation for photovoltaic which is a series of panels usually on a roof that generate electricity from the sun.  These systems take the sun's natural energy and convert it to usuable electrical energy which can be used for the residence or sold back to the grid (local power provider).

Solar Water Heater - Different from solar photovoltaic, solar water heating is done by heating water through a simple system of panels installed on a roof.  The sun heats the panels and the heat is "collected".  Then the water is run through a series of pipes in the collector where the water is heated and stored for use by the home.  Solar heating have been around for a long time and are much less expensive than the newer technologies of the photovoltaic systems. 

EcoBroker - This is a newer certification available for REALTORS®.  EcoBrokers have met a standard of education in environmental and green building education from EcoBroker International.  EcoBroker's education program is designed to instill REALTORS® with knowledge about green features for clients interested in energy efficiency, air quality, orientation, and other areas related to the green housing market. 

So, while Kermit may have been correct and it isn't easy being green, it is becoming easier to be green! 

CA HOUSING PRICES STILL GOING UP

But Increases Are Not At the Heated Pace Seen In Recent Years

View of California's most expense real estate - the Santa Barbara Pier and Coastline

Affordability continues to present a challenge for buyers (and REALTORS®) in California.  Recent statistics provided by the California Association of REALTORS® bear this out.  In spite of the increasing in prices paid for homes sellers (and REALTORS®) are feeling a slowdown in sales due to the more than doubling of homes on the market year over year in most areas of the state. 

While this should bode well for buyers they appear to be holding back despite the fact interest rates are extremely favorable the choice of homes is so much greater.  Makes me think that too much choice may simply make it too difficult for some buyers to decide to act.  When the supply was limited buyers were gobbling up homes like relatives fighting for the last piece of pie at Thanksgiving dinner.  But that is not the case today.

The CAR survey  determined the median home price in California during September 2006 rose to $553,050.  The median is the point at which half of the homes sold for more than a specific amount and the remaining half sold for less than the amount.

The highest median home price during the same period was found in Santa Barbara County's South Coast where the median home was selling for $1,025,000.  The High Desert region was once again the lowest median home price in the statewide survey.  In that area the median price increased to $329,040 from $321,500 in January 2006.

Sacramento REALTORS® Are First In The Nation

BROKER TRAINING INSTITUTE DEBUT IS A SUCCESS!

Left to right: Judy Wegener, SAR Director of Education; Corey Wilkerson, SAR Education Committee Chair; and yours truly. 

The Broker Training Institute was enthusiastically championed by SAR Education Committee Chair Corey Wilkerson and his entire committee.  The BTI brought together brokers interested in elevating their knowledge and skills to improve ways to help their agents and clients achieve greater success.  What made the program a success was the tremendous support of a variety of brokers and other real estate industry professionals who put time and energy into developing the curriculum and presentations for the BTI.

Each of the participating brokers attended six half day sessions devoted to a range of topics critical to running a successful real estate brokerage.  Topics included:

• A panel discussion with local brokers and Q & A from BTI participants
• Insurance Concerns
• Running a Brokerage from a legal perspective
• Creating a vision and office logistics
• Marketing your Office and broker responsibilities
• Creating a manageable filing system
• How to run a stimulating office meeting
• Training and retaining high producing, ethical agents

Another significant aspect of the SAR Broker Training Institute is that it will serve as a model for the National Association of REALTORS® and other state and local association around the country.  The NAR and other association have already been in contact with Judy seeking information for the benefit of their members.  Proving once again that the really cool trends start in California!