Dream Green...Buy Green...Live Green

Rebates for the purchase of Energy Efficient Appliances

2010-01-04T11:34:00.002-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! In the coming months you may be eligible to receive rebates from your state or territory for the purchase of new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.

These rebates are being funded with $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under this program, eligible consumers can receive rebates to purchase new energy-efficient appliances when they replace used appliances.

Each state and U.S. territory was allowed to design its own rebate program, and all 56 have submitted plans to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some of those plans have now been approved. Learn when those statewide programs are projected to start.

More than 70% of the energy used in our homes is for appliances, refrigeration, space heating, cooling, and water heating. Replacing old appliances and equipment with those that are ENERGY STAR® labeled can help American families save significantly on their utility bills. Each state and territory may select its own set of ENERGY STAR qualified products to rebate. DOE has recommended that states select from among the following appliances:

Boilers
Central air conditioners
Clothes washers
Dishwashers
Freezers
Furnaces (oil and gas)
Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)
Refrigerators
Room air conditioners
Water heaters

More information about the rebates offered in each state will be available on this site once programs have been approved by DOE.

Find out the specifics about the program for TEXAS.

HOUSE THAT FLOATS!

2009-10-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Those of you who reside in Dallas know that we've been experiencing heavy rains over the last few weeks! This article in yesterday's Dallas Morning News caught my eye. What do you think?

A house capable of floating atop rising floodwaters made its debut this week in New Orleans alongside more than a dozen other homes built through actor Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation.

Find out more about the House That Floats!

JUST LISTED! rare opportunity to BUILD GREEN!

2009-06-13T20:04:00.013-05:00

LOCATION

LAKE VIEW

DALLAS SKYLINE

NATIVE GRASSLANDS

SPECTACULAR SUNSETS

Must-see rare 17,185 Sq Ft Lot on the White Rock Peninsula
Overlooks White Rock Lake with an unobstructed view of downtown Dallas skyline
174 Ft of protected frontage on White Rock Lake
Borders on native Black Lands Prairie of White Rock Lake Park
North-South lot orientation is ideal for PASSIVE SOLAR CONSTRUCTION
Walk to jogging and biking trails, Corinthian Sailing Club, Bath House, and Cultural Center
Original 2 Bedroom/2 Bath 1947 Ranch Style home (1540 sq ft) on private cul-de-sac

For additional information visit 9302Waterview.com!

"Easy Being Green" (Wall Street Journal 5/29/09)

2009-05-30T16:18:00.005-05:00

22 Vanguard Way (Urban Reserve)

It was so exciting earlier this week to be contacted by The Wall Street Journal about one of my listings at Urban Reserve! 22 Vanguard Way was one of 3 green homes featured in the Relative Values column of Friday's Wall Street Journal. "Easy Being Green" took a look at homes in Dallas, Chicago, and Julian, CA, designed "with the environment in mind".

Of course, there was not enough space to share all the details about this fabulous property. To learn more, visit www.22vanguard.com and/or www.urbanreserve.net.

My listings at Urban Reserve also include 19 Vanguard Way (www.19vanguard.com) and 18 beautiful lots. Call me at 214.528.5888 for a personal tour of Urban Reserve!

it's back....ENERGY STAR tax holiday

2009-05-22T19:51:00.004-05:00

This Memorial Day weekend ENERGY STAR appliances can be purchased from Texas retailers tax-free. The 2009 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day).

Eligible items include: air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, light bulbs, clothes washers and dishwashers. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday, and an exemption certificate is not required.

Click here to find out more.

another improvement to the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

2009-05-16T23:26:00.002-05:00

The following article appeared in the latest issue of REALTOR Magazine. jc

Daily Real Estate News :: May 12, 2009

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C.. He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.Other Solutions for Today's MarketDuring his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” Donovan says. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort. “Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.

Source: NAR

going modern in Texas

2009-05-04T17:41:00.005-05:00

There was an interesting article in the Real Estate Section of the Wall Street Journal on Friday, May 1st by Nancy Keates. The focus of the article was........you guessed it.........Urban Reserve! Whether or not you favor modernist/contemporary or traditional homes, you've got to admit that Urban Reserve has been getting alot of press. Of course, you already know how much I love the feeling of living in the country while being only minutes from downtown Dallas!

I was talking with one of the Urban Reserve owners last week and asked if he liked his geothermal heating & cooling system. The response was an unequivocal YES! In addition to the geothermal system they insulated with soy-based foam insulation. Their average utility bills for a 1600 sq ft house are $90/month! Now THAT is cool!

Click here to read the WSJ article.

I JUST LISTED two of the new construction homes at Urban Reserve. If you want to read about all their awesome energy-efficient features and see interior and exterior photos check out these links! Let me know what you think!

http://www.19vanguard.com/

http://www.22vanguard.com/

Dallas and North Texas - best places for jobs

2009-04-23T10:39:00.004-05:00

As reported in today's Dallas Morning News, Texas cities dominate a new list of the best places for jobs, with the top five large metropolitan areas for job growth all located in the Lone Star State, according to Forbes magazine.

Nine of the top 20 cities on Forbes' overall list are in Texas, with Odessa ranked No. 1.
Dallas-Plano-Irving ranked No. 5 in the magazine's list of the best large-size cities and 32nd overall.

click here to read the entire article

good housekeeping GREEN seal

2009-04-20T14:46:00.004-05:00

One hundred years ago the Good Housekeeping Seal was introduced to protect consumers against fraudulent products. This year, in the April issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, a green version of the seal is being launched to “help consumers make the wisest and healthiest choice for themselves and their families," said Rosemary Ellis, editor in chief of Good Housekeeping.

Click here to find out how products earn the seal.

EPA introduces Indoor airPLUS program

2009-04-09T17:55:00.006-05:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently introduced its Indoor airPLUS program in response to growing consumer concern over indoor air quality (IAQ). The Indoor airPLUS new home label is only available to ENERGY STAR® qualified homes. ENERGY STAR for New Homes requires builders to adhere to stringent EPA specifications. The goal of the EPA, builders, raters, utilities and public health and indoor environmental organizations is to help address issues such as mold, radon, carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, and other poor air quality issues linked to a host of health problems.

Indoor airPLUS-labeled homes will include more than 30 verifiable additional home design and construction features (click here to view the list) compared to homes built to minimum code.

View a consumer brochure or visit the EPA Indoor airPLUS Program website for additional information.

Cole residence

2009-03-16T10:48:00.004-05:00

This is exciting! Our architects, Specht-Harpman, made recent changes to their website. You can now view the "Cole Residence" on their site. Check it out at this link:

the cole residence

hazards of timing the market

2009-03-09T14:04:00.002-05:00

According to the January issue of REALTOR Magazine, some buyers are holding out because they are gambling that home prices will come down and interest rates will hold steady or drop. The impact of changing interest rates on the actual monthly costs of home ownership is truly amazing! Even a 10% drop in home prices is immediately nullified by a mere 1% increase in interest rates on a 30-year mortgage loan.

And the timing gets even better if you are a first-time homebuyer who qualifies for the $8000 tax credit. Buyers who are holding out for the perfect time when both home prices and loan rates are at optimum levels could find themselves holding an empty bag!

a must - visit the Trinity River Audobon Center

2009-03-04T14:22:00.011-06:00

Yesterday I had the incredible opportunity to accompany David Rodriguez, LEED AP and Vice President of Ware Architecture, on an interview at the Trinity River Audobon Center. The Trinity River Audobon Center is the Winner of the Dallas Business Journal's Best Real Estate Deals 2008 - Best Green Project. It's so exciting to have this world-class project just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown Dallas!

David and I met for a conversation with Anne Hildenbrand and Gary DeVries with BRW Architects and Chris Culak, Audobon Center Director. The interview was preparation for an article that David is writing about sustainable, high performance architecture.

Both the building and the 120-acre site exemplify the City of Dallas commitment to sustainability. The project began with the restoration of the Deepwood Landfill site comprised of 1.5 million tons of illegally-dumped construction debris. The 21,000 sq ft building is in the process of obtaining LEED certification and the project will be the first LEED-certified Dallas Park and Recreation project.

Sustainable features of the project include:

Remediation of the Brownfield (landfill) site.

The creation of a series of wetland marshes and ponds to capture, filter, and cleanse water runoff prior to returning the cleansed water to the river.

Planting native trees, prairie grasses, and plants to be irrigated through the use of rainwater harvesting.

The usage of light-colored permeable paving materials.

A "green" roof on the administration wing and a light-reflecting roof on the remainder of the building to minimize heat absorption.

Installation of low-flow and waterless fixtures to reduce water consumption by at least 20%.

High efficiency heating, cooling, and electrical systems.

Low-e windows, natural lighting, and cross ventilation.

Utilization of locally-produced, recycled, and low-to-no maintenance construction materials.

If you want to learn more about the site's sustainable features pick up a copy of Builder Insider and look for the article by David Rodriguez.

You will want to experience this site in person! Take a day-trip to visit the exhibits and see the diverse plant and animal species as you hike one of a number of nature trails. Don't forget your picnic lunch and be sure to pack your sneakers!

Click on this link to find out about directions, hours of operations, etc. Happy hiking!

http://tx.audubon.org/Trinity.html

first time homebuyer credit - revised

2009-02-23T12:10:00.004-06:00

When President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last week the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit ended up with some major modifications. Here is a summary of the program as it now stands:

The maximum amount of the credit has increased from $7500 to $8000. The amount is now the lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $8000.
All single family principal residences, including condos, co-ops, and townhomes, are eligible.
The amount is credited directly toward your income tax liability. Purchasers will received a refund for any unused amount of the credit.
Income limits do apply. The full amount of the credit is available if your adjusted gross income is no more than $75,000 ($150,000 jointly). Above the $75,000 income cap the credit phases out up to $95,000 ($170,000 jointly).
The credit applies only to first-time home buyers or purchasers who have not owned a principal residence in 3 years.
Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can still use the credit (this is a change to the old bill).
No repayment is required for purchases between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2009. This is also a revision to the previous bill.
If you sell your home within 3 years of purchase the entire amount of the credit is recaptured on sale of the property.

In addition to the first-time homebuyer credit, the bill reinstates the 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. It provides $2 billion in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides grants to states and localities to address problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures.
Commercial real estate will be primarily affected through provisions of the bill which focus on green building, energy efficiency, and business tax incentives. HR 1 provides significant funds for state energy programs, which could be used to support commercial property owners' investment in energy-efficiency upgrades.

The White House has launched a new Web site, Recovery.gov, dedicated entirely to the 1,100-page American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Click on the link to find out everything you wanted to know about the new bill!

http://www.recovery.gov/

townhome for sale!

2009-02-17T09:56:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to our future neighbors at Urban Reserve who recently moved into their new home! Now that they're settled on Vangard Way, they have listed their Oak Lawn townhome. This is a fabulous location close to downtown, nightlife, and restaurants. It will be a wonderful home for a young professional who wants to step up from renting to property ownership. And there couldn't be a better time to buy - interest rates are at all-time lows and Congress has included the $8,000 tax credit (no longer a loan) for new home buyers! Here's the link. Call me to find out more!

Click here for details!

how does your credit score affect your loan rate?

2009-02-17T09:52:00.002-06:00

MyFico.com is an interesting site which allows you to see the effects of a strong credit rating on your loan rates. Check it out!

http://www.myfico.com

the pro's and con's of tankless hot water heaters?

2009-01-24T16:12:00.003-06:00

The jury's still out for me on tankless hot water heaters. I was catching up on my reading today and saw an article in Friday's Dallas Morning News Home Center that did a good job of explaining the pro's and con's of going tankless.

PROS:
1. Tankless hot water heaters are 50-70% smaller than traditional water heaters.
2. They generally provide an endless supply of hot water.
3. Tankless hot water heaters use less energy because they don't reheat large capacities of water over time.

CONS:
1. Tankless heaters generally use 15-30% more water and since they require extra warm-up time before they generate hot water.
2. They squeeze water through constricted coil pipes to heat a smaller volume of water which means a reduction in water pressure.
3. The up-front cost of a tankless, on-demand system averages 2-4 times higher than a traditional water heater.

Seems to me like there will be situations where tankless is the way to go and other situations where it would be best to stick with an energy-efficient traditional water heater. There are other options: a solar water heating system or the production of hot water as a by-product of a geothermal HVAC system. Looks like each situation requires a look at all the options to find what is best for you!

NAR's Green Designation

2009-01-21T10:12:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I received notification from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that I had successfully completed requirements and have been awarded NAR's Green Designation. NAR's Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings.

I'm proud to be a member of the first group of NAR's Green Designees and continue to help my clients realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

For more information about NAR's newest designation, visit their website at:http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/

what to do with our old tv's?

2009-01-15T17:02:00.006-06:00

The switch to digital is upon us and environmentalists have concerns about the potential waste problem when people throw away their old TVs as they make the switch to digital. Some feel the manufacturers should take the lead on the issue. This morning I heard a report by Shia Levitt on public radio about this issue.

Here's a link to Shia's report, followed by a link to the EPA with tips about how and where to donate your old electronic products.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/www_publicradio/tools/media_player/popup.php?name=marketplace/morning_report/2009/01/15/marketplace_morning_report0450_20090115_64&starttime=00:04:23.0&endtime=00:06:51.23

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

the greener side

2009-01-11T08:00:00.003-06:00

I guess you could call me a "news junkie." Every morning our alarm goes off to the sound of the news on KRLD News Radio. What a pleasant surprise this morning to wake up to this delightful story about the sustainable development at Urban Reserve by Barbara Schwarz. The links below will take you to Barbara's news story, tell you a bit about Barbara, and finally take you to AlexColeRealEstate.com where you can see view the floorplans for several spec homes at Urban Reserve.

http://www.krld.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3288760

http://www.krld.com/pages/2859.php?contentType=4&contentId=93753

http://www.alexcolerealestate.com/lots_new_homes.htm

I'd love to hear from you! Please email me: joan@AlexColeRealEstate.com.

recent news about our architects

2009-01-02T13:55:00.002-06:00

The zeroHouse was designed by our architects, Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, and is being featured in the February 09 issue of Dwell magazine.

"We’re heading into an uncertain future, but two things are clear: Technology is getting better and the environment is getting worse. Fortunately, the former offers solutions for the latter, as zeroHouse sets out to prove. This prefab concept uses the tools of today to paint a digital picture of the house of tomorrow...."

Pick up a copy of the February issue or click on the link to read the article in it's entirety.

http://www.dwell.com/homes/prefab/36198509.html

happy new year!

2009-01-01T10:53:00.002-06:00

The first major city to mark the start of 2009 was Auckland, New Zealand, with a spectacular display of fireworks from its Sky Tower. (Photo courtesy of BBC).

plant a tree for Humanity

2008-12-23T10:12:00.006-06:00

I recently enjoyed an interesting lunch with Dr. Jonathan Hochberg. Jonathan is Associate Director for the Executive MBA Program at the University of Texas at Dallas. Jonathan and his 6-year old son have established a non-profit called Trees for Humanity.

The mission of Trees for Humanity is to teach children the importance of planting trees as a way to help the environment. But Jonathan's vision goes beyond that......he is interested not only in planting trees but anything that will make our planet a better place for our children and children's children. Right now they are focusing on elementary schools in Texas but plans are in place to expand their program nationally as well as globally.

Trees for Humanity is currently sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Microsoft, Deloitte, Starwood Hotels, and Renner Tree Farms. They are interested in grants, donations, and/or corporate partnerships to acquire trees (saplings), soil, and shovels, as well as suggestions for contacting/organizing the Governors of states to get them on-board to support this intiative in their public schools.

It was a delight to visit with Jonathan. I am looking forward to meeting his son, Gabriel, and hope to be able to contribute my time to Trees for Humanity. If you want to help, please contact Jonathan at drjhoch@yahoo.com.

I took the photo (above) at Custer State Park, South Dakota, August 2008.

Dallas green building standard

2008-12-03T11:51:00.002-06:00

In April 2008 the City of Dallas adopted a green building standard and established the long-term goal for Dallas to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. A more short-term goal is to achieve a 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2012.

The city council established mandatory measures to take place in two phases:

Phase One - Mandatory Measures effective October 1, 2009

Projects less than 50,000 (residential & commercial) must use 15% less energy and 20% less water than current Dallas code standards.

Builders must prove that the 15% requirement has been met, using the following standards for compliance:

Energy Star
Green Built North Texas
LEED for Homes, or
Approved equivalent standard

Builders must also meet at least 4 of six water reduction requirements to meet the water reduction requirements. Roofs must also become more energy-efficient on buildings less than 50,000 sq ft.

Phase Two - Mandatory Measures effective October 1, 2011

All new Dallas construction must be certifiable under LEED for Homes standards established by the USGBC (US Green Building Council), or similar standards i.e. Green Built North Texas.

Further details available at http://www.greendallas.net/green_standard.html.

happy thanksgiving!

2008-11-23T19:30:00.003-06:00

Enjoy a bountiful holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Product Recall - GE Wall Ovens

2008-11-23T19:27:00.001-06:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the General Electric Company (GE) have announced a recall to inspect and repair certain GE®, GE Profile™, Monogram® and Kenmore wall ovens. This recall includes 244,000 wall ovens manufactured from October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003.

Here's the direct link to learn more:

http://www.geappliances.com/products/recall/wall_oven_08/

homebuyers seeing green

2008-11-16T08:42:00.005-06:00

Nine out of 10 homebuyers say they want environmentally friendly homes and are willing to pay more for green features, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Features homebuyers find important are:

90% Reduced heating and cooling costs

73% Energy-efficient appliances

70% Energy-efficient lighting

51% Environmentally friendly community

49% Green landscaping

The National Association of Realtors has responded with the establishment of a local green designation to train residential agents in green home sales. I'll be expanding on my EcoBroker training by participating in this course next week.

To find out more here is the link to Sales Trends: The Green House Effect, Friday's feature article on the front page of the Dallas Morning News Business Section:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/111408dnbusgoinggreen.3a2c77f.html?nl

trick or treat!

2008-10-31T08:13:00.006-05:00

HAPPY
HALLOWEEN!

something special for you!

2008-10-30T11:47:00.003-05:00

As a special favor to my former and future clients, I've partnered with TexEnergy Solutions to SAVE 20% OFF your HOME ENERGY AUDIT and reduce energy consumption by GREEN-O-VATING your current home.

Taking steps to save money on monthly utility bills can lead to improving your home’s marketability. A Home Energy Audit is a step in the right direction! A home energy audit will:

1. locate and quantify energy waste and comfort issues in your home,
2. propose and prioritize reasonable, affordable solutions,
3. provide an evaluation of the proposed alternatives, and
4. calculate your payback timeframes and return on investment.

A reputable certified energy auditor will provide documentation every step of the way. Your energy audit will establish a benchmark by considering the current condition of your home and utilizing your recent utility bills. You will learn how your home stacks up against the Energy Star requirements before you perform the improvements and you will be able to quantify which improvements or repairs will have the greatest impact and attach a price-tag to each improvement individually.

Your energy auditor’s diagnostic inspection will probably include, but may not be limited to:

Your attic, insulation, and ductwork. In the heat of the summer, attic temperatures can reach 130 degrees. Leaking and improperly insulated duct systems cause an average loss of 30% of conditioned air in a typical home.

Testing of your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Nearly half of an average home’s total energy bill is for space heating and cooling. Not only should your HVAC system be in optimum operating condition, it should also be properly sized. Believe it or not, an over-sized system can use energy inefficiently, resulting in unnecessarily high utility bills and high temperature swings during mild weather.

Thermostats. A common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to bring a space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, by maintaining the highest or lowest required temperatures for four or five hours a day instead of 24 hours, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in energy saved within four years.

Windows and doors. Audits will expose air penetration and leakage. A blower door test for air and duct leakage. It’s important to determine the air infiltration rate of a building for several reasons: reduced energy consumption, avoidance of moisture condensation problems and uncomfortable drafts, and analysis of indoor air quality. Airborne contaminants impact allergies, asthma and other illnesses.

Appliances.

Hot water system.

Lighting system and bulbs.

Shower heads and toilets.

Irrigation system and swimming pool/spa, if applicable.

The inspection will help you make an informed decision once you know the cost and the effectiveness of each of the recommended improvements. The payback calculation will give you a reliable estimate of the timeframe for you to recover your costs and begin to achieve a positive return on your investment.

If you would like to take advantage of this offer, call me at 214.528.5888 or send an email to joan@AlexColeRealEstate.com. I'll send you a card to present to TexEnergy Solutions so you can take advantage of this opportunity between now and March 30, 2009.

what's in your tap water?

2008-10-14T17:13:00.003-05:00

Well, I did it! I bought my SIGG bottles (two of them) at Whole Earth Provisions where both Klean Kanteen and SIGG are available. I chose SIGG because I loved their design choices!

No more plastic bottles for us! We have a water filter in our kitchen so we always have easy access to clear, clean-tasting filtered water. I will never live without a water filter again! But in the event you decide to drink tap water you may want to know in advance what's in your water. The Environmental Working Group has established a Tap Water Database using the water quality reports available through the Environmental Protection Agency. You can plug in your zip code and find out whether your local water is up to par.

Want to try it? Here's the link:

http://www.ewg.org/tapwater/yourwater/index.php

the environmental impact of plastic bottles

2008-10-11T13:38:00.013-05:00

"More than 90 percent of the environmental impacts from a disposable plastic bottle happen before the consumer opens it," said Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, a senior scientist at the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council. "Oil for plastic, oil for shipping, oil for refrigeration and, in a small % of bottles, oil for recycling – sadly most PET bottles go to landfills." As a rule of thumb, scientists say that you can fill a PET bottle ¼ of the way with oil to symbolize how much energy goes into every bottle.
Worldwide, over 60 billion tons of plastic waste is produced every year. Plastic is particularly damaging because it is not biodegradable and plastic particles eventually become part of the food chain - as they have for example in our oceans. In some parts of the sea, there is five times more plastic than plankton. Neil Seldman, a waste recycling expert, has labeled our plastic problem as "potentially more dangerous than global warming." (SOURCE: http://www.sigg.com/)

Want to FREE YOURSELF from the plastic bottle? Both Klean Kanteen and SIGG provide a great alternative. To find out more visit their websites and check them out. Wouldn't they make fabulous Christmas gifts?!

http://www.kleankanteen.com/index.html

http://www.sigg.ch/

Dallas/Ft Worth tops major metro areas for job growth

2008-10-06T12:47:00.004-05:00

The Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that total employment in July 2008 for the Dallas region stood at just over three million, an increase of 68,000 jobs over the year, while nationwide jobs declined by 0.1%. Find out more...

http://www.dallaschamber.org/NewsLetter/october_2008/jobs.html

Urban Reserve...in the news again

2008-10-06T12:18:00.006-05:00

If you haven't already seen it, be sure to pick up a copy of the October FD Insert to the Dallas Morning News. The By Design Section features the Urban Oasis at Urban Reserve. And if you haven't yet taken a drive down Vanguard Way you are in for a real treat! Be sure to check out Lot #7 and Lot #12. Lot # 7 will be Jay's and my future home and Lot # 12 can be yours!

Here's a link for a preview to the FD/By Design article:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/homecenter/realestate/stories/DN-fdluxe_urbanreserve_1002fas.ART.State.Edition1.47e34e6.html

texas state fair

2008-10-02T13:58:00.007-05:00

Have you visited the Texas State Fair yet? The weather couldn't be better! I took these photos with my cell phone so they're not quite as distinct as one would like to see....but you get the idea. Mother nature is alive and well at the Fair!

Don't miss the bird show. It's fabulous - as always! The white bird is an albino red-tailed hawk......and of course the owl is one of many others that fly unrestricted at the bird show.

And be sure to check out Skies of Butterflies at Texas Discovery Gardens. The chart we received at Skies of Butterflies indicates this was a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. In addition to a number of varieties of butterflies they are also featuring garden plants that attract butterflies.

fresh, local foods

2008-09-30T10:46:00.012-05:00

Austin Farmers Market

Scott Arbor, Seguin, Texas

Dewberry Farm, Brookshire, Texas

People seem to be rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. Fresh from the ground means richer taste and more nutritious. It is also good for our local economy--buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business. Check out Local Harvest to find out where you can find locally produced foods.

http://www.localharvest.org/

EcoBroker Update - how GREEN is your presidential candidate?

2008-09-29T16:40:00.004-05:00

With just about a month to go before one of the most anticipated presidential elections in U.S. history, EcoBroker International thought that you might appreciate a non-partisan snapshot on where the candidates stand on climate and energy issues.

Here's the link:

http://www.ecobroker.com/userdef/EBUpdates/EBUpdate9.08.htm#Election_2008_–_How_Green_is_Your_Presidential_Candidate

This is not an endorsement of either candidate. The important thing is simply to remember to VOTE! The last day to register to vote in Texas is Monday October 6th!

IRS issues guidance on tax credit

2008-09-24T16:18:00.002-05:00

The IRS has issued additional guidance regarding the $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Click on the link below to find out more:

http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/pages/wk09222008?OpenDocument&WT.mc_id=LS092408&CAT=Gov#report_4_09_22_2008

GREEN links added

2008-09-23T13:19:00.004-05:00

It IS easy bein' green! To access recently-added GREEN links, just scroll down. The links appear to the right.

Watch for more links to be added soon!

just listed

2008-09-09T09:24:00.004-05:00

green homes sell

2008-09-08T22:40:00.008-05:00

One segment of the market remains strong—energy-efficient homes built with green, nontoxic materials.

This article in living green online magazine by Richard Kujawski is very informative and includes several good, green websites. It's definitely worth reading.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program is discussed near the end of the article. Last week I had the opportunity to complete the LEED for Homes Program Review Workshop hosted by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) in Arlington, TX. This was only the 2nd national presentation of this workshop - the first was held in Houston.

http://www.livinggreenmag.com/green_building.html

how the first time homebuyer tax credit works

2008-08-28T18:08:00.002-05:00

Under the new housing bill, home buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the property up to a maximum of $7,500. Here’s how it works:

The credit is $3,750 for married couples filing separately. Unmarried people who jointly purchase a home will be able to divide the $7,500 credit.

This program is actually a loan, which home buyers must repay over 15 years at zero percent interest beginning in the second year after they purchase the home. A home buyer who qualified for the whole credit would pay $500 for 15 years or about $41.67 per month.

The credit applies only to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.

High-income home buyers don’t qualify: Eligibility begins phasing out for single filers with adjusted income of more than $75,000 and $150,000 for joint filers. It completely phases out at $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Source: Realtor Magazine, August 4, 2008

what is hazardous and how do we recycle it? let's keep America beautiful!

2008-08-28T15:39:00.004-05:00

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans generate approximately 1.6 million tons of hazardous waste each year. The EPA groups all waste into categories then places items on lists based on the ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity of each material. Most people suspect that gasoline, pesticides and herbicides make the list, but what about motor oil? Thermostats? Car batteries? Old prescriptions from the medicine cabinet? The EPA website Household Recycling pages provide lots of disposal information and relevant links. Go to http://www.epa.gov/Region4/recycle/householdrecycling.htm

A good, user-friendly place to start is http://earth911.org/. At the top of their homepage is a banner to enter what type of trash homeowners/buyers have (or just type “household hazardous waste”), along with their ZIP code or City, State. Press GO and a list appears of all HHW disposal sites within 25 miles of that area.

how many miles to the gallon does that home get?

2008-08-28T15:21:00.006-05:00

The Ft Worth Star Telegram had an interesting article a couple of weeks ago related to a miles per gallon rating for homes. There are a number of interesting variables to consider when deciding WHERE to rent, buy, or build your next home. Here's the link:

http://www.star-telegram.com/118/story/816523.html

have I mentioned energy-efficient windows?

2008-08-25T10:36:00.007-05:00

An energy-efficient home is truly a "system". One of the components of this system is energy-efficient windows. If you're planning to add or replace windows you may find the labels to be a bit confusing.

The NFRC label (National Fenestration Rating Council) appears on ENERGYStar rated products and allows for reliable comparisons. Energy Star requirements for windows vary by climate zone and are based only on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

U-Factor measures the window’s rate of heat loss. In Texas, ENERGY Star requires a U-Factor ≤ .40.

Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. In Texas, the ENERGY Star requirement is ≤ .40.

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through the window in the range between 0 and 1. To maximize daylight and view, select windows with a higher VT. ENERGY Star has no required VT rating.

Air Leakage (AL) rating is expressed as cubic ft of air passing through a square foot of window area. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly. Windows ≤ .30 or less are recommended. ENERGY Star has no required rating.

Condensation Resistance is scored on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the resistance factor, the less condensation build-up the window allows. Again, there is no ENERGY Star requirement.

Here are a couple of links if you want to do more research:

http://www.efficientwindows.org/factsheets/Texas.pdf

http://www.ecobroker.com/misc/articleview.aspx?ArticleID=2

an environmentally-friendly fireplace

2008-08-12T17:45:00.005-05:00

In July I participated in the EcoBroker International Green Real Estate Conference in Denver, Colorado. Eco-Flame fireplaces were getting alot of attention from the attendees. The EcoSmart Fire burns clean and is fueled by denatured alcohol instead of wood. This totally new concept developed in Australia is an open fireplace which does not require a chimney. It was amazing how effectively this fireplace projected the heat! Here's the link if you're interested in finding out more:

http://www.ecoflameco.com/

what's the plan?

2008-08-08T22:53:00.002-05:00

There's been alot of news coverage about the Pickens Plan for the development of alternative energy. Click here to find out more.....

View my page on PickensPlan

home energy audits

2008-08-06T14:43:00.005-05:00

Today's Dallas Morning News Business Section referred to the increasing demand for Home Energy Audits. Here's the link to the article, followed by excerpts from my article related to Home Energy Audits published in April 08 edition of The Dallas Peace Times.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/industries/energy/stories/080608dnbusefficiency.40f4d3e.html

..."Contrary to the way it may sometimes feel, individual homeowners are empowered to reduce energy usage, save money, and make a viable contribution to the greening of our planet at the grass roots level. But where do we start?

Taking steps to save money on monthly utility bills can lead to improving your home’s marketability. A Home Energy Audit is a step in the right direction! A home energy audit will:

* locate and quantify energy waste and comfort issues in your home,
* propose and prioritize reasonable, affordable solutions,
* provide an evaluation of the proposed alternatives, and
* calculate your payback timeframes and return on investment.

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is a not for profit corporation recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a national standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating systems. Find a certified energy auditor through the RESNET website at

http://www.natresnet.org/directory/raters.aspx

A reputable certified energy auditor will provide documentation every step of the way. Your energy audit will establish a benchmark by considering the current condition of your home and utilizing your recent utility bills. Your home energy audit will also show how your home stacks up against the Energy Star requirements before you make any improvements - vs - how it can be expected to stack up after the completion of the improvements. The report should include a priority list to quantify which improvements or repairs will have the greatest impact and attach a price-tag to each improvement individually....

The inspection will allow you to obtain maximum efficiency relative to your budget. You’ll be able to make an informed decision once you know the cost and the effectiveness of each of the recommended improvements. The payback calculation will give you a reliable estimate of the timeframe for you to recover your costs and begin to achieve a positive return on your investment.

Ask your energy auditor if they will apply the cost of the audit toward future repairs or improvements if you decide to hire them to do the work.

A home energy rating is now a recognized tool in the mortgage industry. Energy mortgages are available which credit a home’s energy efficiency in the home loan. Lenders are increasingly using energy mortgages to make homes more affordable and poising their companies to capture this new market trend. There are two types of energy mortgages:
Energy Improvement Mortgages finance the energy upgrades of an existing home in the mortgage loan using monthly energy savings.

Energy Efficient Mortgages use 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. The RESNET website includes additional information about energy loans. Find out more at

http://www.resnet.us/ratings/mortgages/

What about tax breaks? Congress passed and President Bush signed legislation that extends the tax incentives related to increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Learn more at

http://www.natresnet.org/taxcredits/

To summarize, a home energy audit will give you the edge when choosing the green features most important to you and your family...."

energy-efficient cars

2008-08-05T12:30:00.006-05:00

Last week my friend, Tully, let me test drive his SMART car. What a surprise to learn how large the interior of the car feels - and there's plenty of room for luggage or groceries behind the seats! Did you know you can reserve a SMART car for only $99?

There is alot of interest brewing in energy-efficient cars. A Dallas man is opening Dallas' first business devoted exclusively to selling all-electric vehicles. It includes a comparison of 3 all-electric vehicles: the GEM, the ZENN, and the EGA-2. Check out the links:

http://www.kvue.com/projectgreen/greenarticles/stories/073008kvueelectriccars-cb.19255139.html

http://www.gemcar.com/

http://www.zenncars.com/

http://www.smartusa.com/

waterpower

2008-07-28T15:54:00.003-05:00

This is a very interesting video! With the high prices on gasoline it is an even MORE interesting concept!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF__Qlhtnws

green-o-vate your existing home

2008-07-23T18:48:00.006-05:00

LIVING GREEN doesn't mean you have to build a new HUT!

Click on the link below to access 45 tips to GREEN the not-so-new house.

http://www.greenhomeguide.org/features/45_ways_to_green_the_not_so_new_house.html

a gift from our architects

2008-07-21T11:25:00.002-05:00

We have completed Phase One of the design process and now have a floorplan with exterior elevations. The other day we received a gift from Brett Wolfe at Specht Harpman - Brett superimposed our photos onto the front yard of our new home! It looks like we already live there! What do you think?

Wallpaper* magazine's best young architects

2008-07-14T22:51:00.008-05:00

Our architects, Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, are currently featured in the Wallpaper* magazine

"best young architects" directory for 2008. The print version of Wallpaper* magazine is now hitting the newsstands. Check out Specht Harpman's zeroHouse and their Modern Barn at this link to the online version.

http://www.wallpaper.com/directory/862

independence day in dallas

2008-07-11T17:48:00.005-05:00

We enjoyed the 4th of July from the 19th floor of One Arts Plaza in downtown Dallas. We could see fireworks exploding across the entire Metroplex area. What a fabulous view! We hope to make this an annual affair!

investigating the geothermal option

2008-07-08T14:58:00.010-05:00

We're planning to install a geothermal heating and cooling unit in our new energy-efficient home. Geothermal technology uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home or office using less energy than conventional systems. According to the California Energy Commission, studies show that approximately 70 percent of the energy used in a geothermal heat pump system is renewable. Geothermal heating and cooling technology is efficient, comfortable, and quiet. The units are generally more costly to install initially than traditional HVAC units, but can produce markedly lower energy bills - 30 percent to 40 percent lower, according to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who now includes geothermal heat pumps in the types of products rated in the EnergyStar® program.

Because they are mechanically simple and outside parts of the system are below ground and protected from the weather, maintenance costs are often lower as well. The underground piping used in the system is often guaranteed to last 25 to 50 years and is virtually worry-free. The components inside the house are small and easily accessible for maintenance. Warm and cool air is distributed through ductwork, just as in a regular forced-air system.

Take a look at this video from Water Furnace which does a fabulous job of explaining how a geothermal heat pump system works for both heating and cooling. Of course Water Furnace is just one of a number of very functional units.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybfVoiN14HE

If you are interested in learning more about geothermal technology, here are some links to get you started.

http://www.geoexchange.org/

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.html

http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re_geothermal.htm

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal

EcoCab

2008-07-08T14:31:00.004-05:00

My friend and client, Andrzej Kaminski, recently returned from a trip to Toronto, Canada. He sent me this photo of an EcoCab. Andrzej said "this is not a tourist attraction, it is a real cab..."

With a few adjustments would they work in Texas?

Thanks Andrzej!

power to choose

2008-07-08T10:29:00.006-05:00

Jay and I feel it's important to select an electrical provider that uses 100% renewable sources. For this reason we currently use Green Mountain Energy and plan to continue service with them when we move to our new home. To initiate service call Green Mountain at 866.785.4668.

We've been very happy with Green Mountain & their rates are competitive. If you are inclined to compare rates and/or the level of renewable energy sources for all available providers for your area, click on the link below to see what is available in your zip code.

http://www.powertochoose.com/_content/_compare/

site visit

2008-06-20T12:46:00.008-05:00

We had our first "official" site visit with our architects on 6/13/08. Louise Harpman, Scott Specht, and Brett Wolfe began by presenting us with 3 massing diagrams, 3 exterior elevation schemes, and 3 alternative floorplans. They were seeking our feedback re: the pros and cons of each of the alternatives to provide direction as they design the final plan. It was very exciting to see things beginning to take shape. We loved what we saw - Specht Harpman exceeded our expectations!

Here's a shot of us reviewing the LEED for Homes project checklist. That's me on the left, Scott Specht in the middle, and Brett Wolfe on the right. Photo courtesy of Louise Harpman.

After going over all the drawings we drove to the site and took another look at the drawings from the perspective of how the 3 elevations would look on our lot and the proximity to the trees and to our neighbors. We looked at our lot first and then walked through the entire project to get a general feel for everything from an overall perspective. It was fun and interesting to hear Louise and Scott share their insights. Photo courtesy of Brett Wolfe.

Now we wait.....they are back at the drawing board and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

price of gasoline getting to you?

2008-06-11T22:43:00.007-05:00

Gas is now over $4.00/gallon! A friend just returned from a trip to Norway and has reported that gas in Norway is now the equivalent of $12/gallon! It's difficult to consider ourselves lucky, but maybe we really are?

One of the criteria for a home's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is proximity to mass transit. Urban Reserve is only a short walk from the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail station. At the current price of gasoline, DART is looking more and more inviting! Here's the link to DART in case you want to check your local schedule.

http://www.dart.org/

a great place to start

2008-06-03T16:19:00.005-05:00

Austin Energy Green Building holds a Green by Design workshop four times a year - I attended in February and I loved it! If you're thinking about building green this workshop is a great place to start.

When I attended the workshop I learned about Eco-Wise. Recently I had a friend ask me about a source for environmentally friendly kitchen & bath countertops. Eco-Wise instantly came to mind!

Here are both links:

http://www.austinenergy.com/energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/Resources/GreenByDesign/index.htm

http://www.ecowise.com/

LEED for homes

2008-05-28T11:24:00.003-05:00

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home.

To find out more, check out this LEED for Homes link at the U.S. Green Building Council website. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=147#2008

just listed - seeking good neighbor

2008-05-21T12:47:00.009-05:00

JUST LISTED!

12 Vanguard Way, Urban Reserve

10,200 Sq Ft Lot - MLS# 11005517

Seeking fun-loving neighbor who enjoys good company and fine wines! This heavily treed, prime lot sits across the street from us! Please click on the link to find out more!

http://www.alexcolerealestate.com/featured_home.htm

energy star sales tax holiday

2008-05-14T22:34:00.003-05:00

During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers will get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2008 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day). Click on the link to find out more!

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_836/

the architects

2008-05-12T13:42:00.009-05:00

We are on our way! We are thrilled to have Specht Harpman as our architectural firm! Here is a shot of our first site visit with Louise Harpman of Specht Harpman and Diane Cheatham of Urban Edge Developers prior to finalizing our agreement.

This is a new experience for Jay and me since this will be our first opportunity to work with an architectural firm. We were both taken with Louise at our first meeting and our "connection" made our architectural decision an easy one. Our agreement is broken into 5 phases:

Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documentation
Bidding
Construction Observation

This means we will be working with Specht Harpman from the design phase through completion of the construction. Specht Harpman came highly recommended. They maintain offices in Austin, Texas, and New York City. In addition to being a partner in the firm, Louise Harpman is currently serving as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is also the Harwell Hamilton Professor of Architecture. You can find out more information about Specht Harpman at http://www.spechtharpman.com/.

trees glorious trees

2008-05-08T12:03:00.020-05:00

Trees are glorious, don't you agree? But whether you are buying a pre-owned home or building a new home it's always a good idea to consult a qualified arborist to determine in advance if existing trees will be an asset or a liability. In Texas, deciduous trees can be placed strategically to keep your home cool in the summer and allow the sun to warm your home in the winter. There are several qualified arborists in Texas. Kevin Bassett and Steve Houser of Arborilogical Services are the tree experts! Jay (my husband) and I have used Arborilogical Services for years and would recommend them without hesitation.

We met Kevin Bassett at our lot yesterday afternoon and Kevin's enthusiasm was infectious as we walked across the lot identifying multiple varieties and marking the trees we hope to include in our finished landscape plan:

Black Walnut
American Elm
Box Elder
Redbud
Pecan
Red Oak
Green Ash
Chinkapin Oak
Rough-Leaf Dogwood

It was so exciting to learn that there are so many glorious trees that we will be able to save! In the event we are forced to sacrifice one of these trees, Kevin offered to turn the wood into a beautiful piece of art for our new home. Kevin is a wood turning master!

Here are some links for you to explore and learn more.

Arborilogical Services http://www.arborilogical.com/

KB Wood Turnings http://www.kbwoodturnings.com/

EcoBroker.com - Shade Trees and Windbreaks http://www.ecobroker.com/misc/articleview.aspx?ArticleID=10

heidi likes it

2008-05-05T12:43:00.003-05:00

We adopted Heidi from the Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue Group about 5 1/2 years ago. She loves to swim in the rainwater retention ponds at Urban Reserve!

the lot

2008-05-04T12:43:00.007-05:00

Here's our lot...isn't this exciting?

I love the natural feel in an urban setting. We will be only a short walk from the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) rail station. This photo was taken May 4th, 2008.

the dream

2008-05-03T15:10:00.025-05:00

It started with our dream of owning a green home. We began by choosing our lot at Urban Reserve in Dallas, Texas. Urban Reserve is a 13-acre sustainable modernist community which, when complete, will house 50 environmentally-conscious custom-designed homes.

Here's what the entrance to Urban Reserve looked like in September 2005. Click on the link to find out more about Urban Reserve. http://www.alexcolerealestate.com/lots_new_homes.htm