Asheville ECO-GREEN Real Estate

 Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-On the Horizon, It's GREEN (Part 1) 

ASHEVILLE, N.C  , Winter to Spring, 2009 :: THE REAL ESTATE  MARKET OUTLOOK IS GREEN-   

If you're like me, (see photo) an avid real estate market watcher, real estate trends  and the market outlook capture my attention.... especially nowadays.

For many years now, I have been noting and advising on the real estate market  for our clients who are relocating to the Greater Asheville area.

As a member of a team of eco-oriented and savvy professionals and a "green" buyers' broker,  I am particularly focused on eco-friendly development and construction.

From that perspective then, here (and in Parts 2,  3 and 4) is  a rundown of the real estate market outlook in the Greater Asheville Area.

Asheville Market Outlook:

On the horizon  I  am pleased to see the continuing strength of "green", eco-friendly homes and land sales.  Also on the horizon:  "mountains" of opportunity and "Carolina Blue skies" with positive predictions for 2010 .

 Check out these stats:

Population:Greater Asheville Area 398,009   
Asheville, proper: about 80,000 

According to AOL Real Estate  the trend of average home values in Asheville, NC. The average estimated value of a home in Asheville, NC was $356,751 in January 2009, up 0.50% from December 2008.

Good...but even better is the "GREEN" property news where Green-built NEW HOMES attract eco-savvy buyers and investors and the news for resale is excellent due to the value-added factors HealthyBuilt ®certification means.

What is a HealthyBuilt® Home?  

It is a third-party certification system for energy efficient and green healthy homes. To be certified,  qualified professionals conduct on-site inspections to ensure they maintain very high standards requiring compliance for energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, non-toxic materials, and environmental performance.

(here is a photo showing a green-built home in Asheville--very charming and great for the 1st Time Home Buyer with special tax incentives now available!..this and/or other new GREEN homes can be seen when you go for one of our Green Arrow Tours)

Typical green home features include high efficiency heating and cooling systems and windows; nontoxic paints and adhesives; recycled and renewable building materials; and drought-resistant landscaping that does not require irrigation.

1^st Time and Eco-savvy buyers also can enjoy the possibility of Energy Efficient Mortgages with special and/or  low financing costs, government rebates and incentives, as well as lower insurance rates.

Check out WNC Green Building Council  and please note the following: Appreciation in the Asheville area:  Five(5) year change: 55.46%

 New Construction is a good indicator of economic stability/growth.

We cover Asheville's new "Green" construction  in Part 2 of this series.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 1).The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate Market Outlook-It's  GREEN (Part 2)... New "GREEN" Construction

We are lucky to report thecontinuing strength of "green", eco-friendly homes and land sales in the Asheville, NC real estate market.  In Part 1 of this series I looked at appreciation and eco-friendly properties. I mentioned that New Construction is a good indicator of economic stability/growth. Here in  Asheville new "Green" construction stats are strong. 

(This Asheville area couple is beginning to plan for an energy efficient home here in the mountains where the outlook, as you can see in this photo I took not long ago, is full of potential!)

According to the NC Healthy Built Homes Program 

 NC HealthyBuilt Home is moving the North Carolina market toward:

• Lower operating costs - Lower utility bills for heating and cooling
• Increased comfort - Improved indoor air quality
• Creating lasting value - Third party review
• Building with health in mind - Lowered Environmental Impact

And... good news in terms of financing...there is ..."  an emerging force moving the market towards energy efficient homes, driven in part by the Energy Star label and in part by consumers. Fannie Mae has taken the initiative to create several mortgage products that support this market force, understanding that ....  ‘Borrowers who choose energy-efficient homes can afford to spend more on their housing expenses because they will likely spend less on their energy costs.' " 

In Part 3 of this series, I'll review Energy Mortgages and Asheville area resources. 

In the meantime, here are the new GREEN construction stats in context:
Population: Asheville, proper: about 80,000 

New Construction: "GREEN" NC Healthy Built Homes... 2008: . . .                                   470.
New Construction: "GREEN" NC Healthy Built Homes... Expected in 2009: . . .        !!!   681 !!!!  . . .
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

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

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 2).The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

Asheville "GREEN" Real EstateMarket Outlook-It's  GREEN (Part 3) "GREEN" Financing and Tax Incentives (Part 3)

 There is a bright outlook for home and land buyers here in the Greater Asheville area.

Take for example the financing power in terms of energy efficient mortgages. ..and Tax Incentives.

(photo is one I took of the Asheville sky line...there is a bright outlook here)

According to the Residential Energy Services Network:   An energy mortgage is a mortgage that credits a home's energy efficiency in the home loan. 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  

An energy mortgage is credits a home's energy efficiency in the loan.

Not long ago one of our clients obtained such a loan through a lender who is on the Green Referral Team we enjoy working with here in Asheville.  The home they chose went through a HERS Rating process and was shown to be energy efficient. That meant that they could buy a higher quality home because of the lower monthly costs of heating and cooling the home.

On the "green upFit" side another client chose to purchase a home where the energy efficiency was just calling out to be improved. In that case, the loan concept allowed for money saved in monthly utility bills to finance energy improvements. 

2009 Obama Stimulus Package according to Earth2Tech means thisfor eco-friendly buyers and investors:

1. The stimulus package expands tax credits for more energy-efficient appliances and insulation improvements, for a value of $2 billion over 10 years.
2. It also provides $300 million in matching funds for state rebates on energy efficient appliances and increases government spending on weatherization for low- and middle-income homes (annual income of $32,000 or so for a family of four, depending on the state, according to CNNMoney) to $5 billion, up from the current $500 million per year.
3. Public housing projects get $250 million for energy-saving upgrades.

2009 Obama Plan according to Energy Star  offers credits for energy efficient home improvements

The highlights are: The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.  The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.    The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.  The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009-2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.    The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

 Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes: Tax Credits for Consumers                                   Home Improvements   Windows and Doors   Insulation       HVAC                                                 Geothermal Heat Pumps    Water Heaters  Biomass Stoves   Solar Energy Systems                                  Small Wind Energy Systems   Fuel Cells

 All commercial and private buildings are eligible for a 10% grant in lieu of tax credit for the total cost of installing geothermal systems

But how does it affect you?  Let me know....and look for Part 4 for more on this subject
____________________________________________________________________________________  

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

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

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: MARKET OUTLOOK-It's GREEN (Part 3).The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

As I mentioned in Part 1, 1^stTime Home Buyers, especially those relocating to the Greater Asheville, NC area want to know if the home (or land) they invest in  has a good chance of appreciating  over the years ... 

According to Home Smart Reports,  a research tool for 1^st Time Home buyers (and others) that  focuses  "not only on market value, but also the underlying trends that affect property value in both the short and long-term.... and market conditions you need to know when making your buy/sell decisions ..."

The Asheville area gets an "A" for Low Market Risk Conditions. 

Given this, now is the time for smart 1^st Time Home Buyers to exercise the option to invest in real property .

(Here I am talking about eco-freindly land purchases and green-built homes to be sited on the land...LAND , of course is ALWAYS a good value!)

 Local experts say that the in-demand "green" real estate market is strong.  One real estate adviser told me, " There are wonderful homes to be found if you know where to look and are ready to act when you spot what you desire..." As an Eco-Certified Real Estate Consultant and EcoBroker, I totally agree..especially when it comes to eco-friendly land and homes.

Add to that the recent economic stimulus packagerecently signed by President Obama which features, for 1st Time Home Buyers, an $8,000 (or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less) benefit on their 2008 or 2009 taxes, and we all are smiling!

DETAILS(as promised inPart 1of this series) according to CNN   this tax credit has the following pluses:

• Refundable: The credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of withholding they paid during the year- was less than that amount.
• Purchase Date: To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house as their primary residence  for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit.
• Paperwork: Applying for the credit will be easy - or at least as easy as doing your income taxes. Just claim it on your return. No other forms or papers have to be filed. Taxpayers who have already completed their returns can file amended returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
• Income Restrictions: To qualify, buyers must make less than $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples.

PS. Definition of a 1^st Time Home Buyer!  Buyers who have NOT owned a home for the past three years and who will also live in the house for at least three years...(otherwise they will have to pay back a special credit...keep reading...Part 3)

and let me know what YOU think...
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

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

Asheville Relocation, The Smart 1^st Time Home Buyer, and Tax Incentives They Love (Part 2) The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
______________________________________________________________________________________________

A Note to Buyers and Investors.

FOR OBJECTIVE REAL ESTATE COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants contact our Eco-Friendly Team via email links here, or at 828-255-1082 . ... design your dream , give us your checklist , or start by simply seeing   Asheville, North Carolina on one of our GREEN ARROW "Just Looking" "green" LIMO Tours .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind

I love it when 1^st Time Home Buyers, especially our eco-friendly clients in search of green-built homes and retrofits,  venture into the adventureof scouting out, investigating, and then bravely proceeding with their very first property purchase. HGTV has a show called Property Virgins that attempts to familiarize 1^st Time Home Buyers with the process.

But the 1^st Time Home Buyers' actual experience may be somewhat different. Certainly, for us, as "green" buyers' brokers it is. And there is nothing like being on the front row,  getting to be a part of  the flow, seeing the various emotions and expressions along the way. As my clients succeed- oh I LOVE it!  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, "green"  1^st Time Home Buyers today have a double advantage  because 1st Time Home Buyers can look into TAX INCENTIVES (see Part 2) and Energy Efficient Mortgages plus, they can consider using money in the form of grants.

Before moving in to this phase of the process, knowing a property's value is so important.

(Here is a photo I took of folks assessing a large acreage with a wee cabin as an opportunity for 1st Time Home Buyers here in the Greater Asheville Area....it was a great day for all concerned)

1^stTime Home Buyers usually have done online research. They have data, they have numbers. Yet, all the data in the world cannot replace the experience of the "local  expert"when it comes to what's happening on the ground. Here, is where the trusted adviser can be invaluable in looking at the combination of price, market strength (risk factors), and the market trend in  a neighborhood. 

1^st Time Home Buyers ask," Will my home in Asheville appreciate over the years as I raise my family there?" 

 Home Smart Reports,   a research tool for 1^st Time Home buyers (and others) that  focuses  "not only on market value, but also the underlying trends that affect property valuein both the short and long-term.... and market conditions you need to know when making your buy/sell decisions ..." reported on the Asheville , NC area.

The Asheville area gets an "A" for Low Market Risk Conditions.

Check out Part 2 of this Series for details on TAX INCENTIVES for 1st Time Home Buyers.
______________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

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

Asheville Relocation, The Smart 1^st Time Home Buyer, and Tax Incentives They Love (Part 1) .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

If ever you need  inspiration, you need go no further than my own back yard. Here the mountains curve to empowering skies, and softly point to possibility. The sense that anything is possible is in the air. Beyond the trees a muse may hide. Beyond the clouds there is light...and maybe hope...

and this is what quality of life is all about... AH! Asheville, North Carolina!

  It is really not that often that we get to have a visit from the bear cubs....( even though there were six (6) this year!.) ..But when they come to visit, we are ready with a camera, and quickly step inside. After all, the bears have been here for much longer than we have. In fact, our home was built not 100 yards from the bear path...  Here in Asheville, it is important to understand their habits and habitats...even our cat knows that! (see next post)

I met a horse-loving visitor not long ago. She was thinking of relocating to Asheville and was looking for  "...a  turnkey organic farm with a good horse barn where  like-minded people could share the acreage and facilities... " . 

I recommended she take on of the AshevilleGREEN RELOCATION TOURS specifically designed  for folks looking for horse farms and/or acreages.

Here in the Asheville area where sustainabilityis highly regarded and organic agriculture is on the rise, taking the time to get to know the area and topography, especially if you are into horses,  just makes sense to me. Rolling and  south-facing property is at a premium, so seeing a sampling of a few gems with southern exposure and good trails is a real plus.

The Equine Property Tour includes a south-facing farm on over 100 acres. This would be perfect for a family compound as there not only is a charming farmhouse, but  a separate guest house and so many good building sites near a number of streams and commanding mountain views. 

About a half an hour from Asheville, there's another special find.  It's has amazing trails and is bordered by a trout-filled river!  Asheville GREEN RELOCATION TOURS guides have told me this is a favorite destination on their scouting tours with horse lovers. The mountain farm has solar features and a unique artist's studio and wonderful land with organic farm status waterfalls. What a great place to take a ride with your partner and stop for a picnic. When it comes to Horse Farms and Equestrian Estates don't you agree that is is a good idea to -Scout What's For Sale Before You Buy?

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

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

Asheville GREEN RELOCATION TOURS: Horse Farms and Equestrian Estates-Scout What's For Sale Before You Buy. .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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If considering  Asheville NC Relocation is on your agenda don't  miss a tour of our area Eco Communities! 

Asheville is a "hub' of green and sustainable development, and therefore it is an attractive place for individuals and families looking for good investment in homes and land to relocate.

Whether it is in an urban environment, or in the rolling regions beyond Asheville's city limits, buyers and investors and sellers of real property will tell you-  "GREEN" is the word here in Western North Carolina's mountains.

 Numerous eco-communities are popping up in and around Asheville.  Take for example,   Hickory Nut Forest ( an evolving "green" community and conservation neighborhood  surrounded on three sides by over 800 acres of conservation land.

This is one community that seems to have earned a place of distinction on the Asheville Relocation Tour.  According to the tour guide, "Natural beauty inspires: You can stand by a any number of waterfalls -(see photo) 15 or more waterfalls grace Hickory Nut Forest's Conservation Partner's Lands that connect with this eco-community..."  No wonder folks choosse this tour !

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

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

Asheville NC Relocation Tour: Eco-.The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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On the recent Green-Builts of Asheville Tour  list,  one of the favorite stops is really just outside of Asheville, NC.  Still, it is a great place to settle down. You can relocate close to the town of Black Mountain and yet enjoy a feeling of the country (and on over an acre of land) .

 This favorite stop on the tour is a green-built home that has been featured in Asheville's Parade of Homes.  (see photo)

It is NC Healthy Built & Energy Star Certified. In a park-like setting, with handcrafted, cedar-shake allure,  it welcomes potential relocation buyers with its  light filled rooms, large deck & screen porch. 

"I loved the radiant floor heat system!" one person was heard to say. 

"I loved the reclaimed heart of pine floors!" said another.   

Certainly the low energy costs and careful  attention to the building envelope and insulation (see photo) are pluses .

And  ttouring ( without pressure) with one of Asheville's  Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants who  can point these features out as folks "just scout"  ... is also a benefit to those who are considering relocating to Asheville and the Greater Asheville area.

"You just need to make a reservation and, for a nominal fee, you can choose from one of eight tours, "  one of the tour guides told me.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Asheville GREEN RELOCATION TOURS: Scout What's For Sale Before You Buy..The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Hop on board for the  Asheville GREEN RELOCATION Urban Green: : Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour. Whether it is a home's environmental impact, its green features and/or place in the community many people relocating to Asheville look at this eco-friendly trend as THE important connection to what really matters...

 (photo is one I took of new green construction in Asheville)

And  when they explore Asheville, a desire for deeper look at  sustainable and historic neighborhoods, horse farms and eco-communities, urban lofts, and expansive acreages just seems to arise, naturally. 

That's where Asheville's  Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  can be of real assistance.

The "just scouting"  Urban Green: :Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour lets people look around the Greater Asheville area sans pressure.

"You just need to make a reservation and, for a nominal fee, you can choose from one of eight tours, "  one of the tour guides told me.

" One of the most sought after is  The Green Homes of Asheville Tour.

"You can spend a few hours in walkable communities or in nearby neighborhoods and have a better idea of what is available and how you can benefit from TAX CREDITS," one person told me."

GOOD TO KNOW: There are currently 248 certified HealthyBuilt Homes and 681 "in progress" in the Western North Carolina area. What a great idea.... tour the Greater Asheville area before you relocate here.  Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  are knowledgeable in land and green-built or eco-friendly properties in the Asheville area.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

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

Asheville GREEN RELOCATION TOURS: The Urban Green: : Green-Built Homes of Asheville Tour..The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Seems like almost every one who comes to the Happiest City in the USA (that's Asheville) wants to stake a claim here.

So wandering around taking in  Asheville's  landmarks, historic buildings, art galleries and shops soon seems to turn to a desire for deeper investigation of  sustainable and historic neighborhoods,horse farms and eco-communities, urban lofts, and expansive acreages. 

Recently, I talked with the Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  at a local firm. I had heard they offered a remedy for would-be property owners who just couldn't resist Asheville's allure and want to relocate......a particular kind of real estate tour.

 They told me...

"After numerous requests we decided to create what we now call  the Grand Green Tours."

"You just need to make a reservation and, for a nominal fee, you can choose from one of eight tours, " JT told me.

" Some of the favorites are: 1) The Green Homes of Asheville Tour, 2) The Horse-Lovers Foothills and Saluda/Tryon Tour, 3) The Land Legacies-and Hot Springs Tour,  and 4) The River Run Rural Madison County Tour."  (see photo)  

 What a great idea.... tour the Greater Asheville area before you relocate here. 

 Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants  are knowledgeable in land and green-built or eco-friendly properties in the Asheville area. So it sounds like a plan....order a picnic basket and set out with someone who knows his/her way around the "sustainable scene".  (I'm told the tours run about 4 hours.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

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

Asheville Grand GREEN Tours : Relocating Couldn't Be  Easier. . .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce

We are lucky  in Greater Asheville Area to enjoy the option of joining a number of amazing CSAs.

But then, that's no surprise. According to many local residents, "."...Asheville is rich with layer upon layer of the most exquisite quality of life just waiting to be discovered ..."

 Possibly that is why Asheville ranks high on the Relocation Lists as per :

Where to Retire Magazine (2008) : Honored Asheville as one of its "Eight Enriching Towns for Art and Music Lovers,"...touting the many wonderful art studios, seasonal art walks and Bele Chere, the largest free outdoor music festival in the Southeast.

Yahoo! Real Estate (2008):Asheville was named as one of the top ten places to live. (December 2008)

For those of you already living , visiting or planning on relocating to the Greater Asheville area....this ever-expanding list of web links leading to  great places to start

Appalachian Homestead Farm and Preserve
Cullowhee, NC
Cane Creek Asparagus & Company
Fairview, NC
Cane Creek Valley Farm
Fletcher, NC
Creeksong Farm
Zionville, NC
Flying Cloud Farm
Fairview, NC
Gladheart Farms
Asheville, NC
Jake's Farm
Candler, NC
Let it Grow Organic Gardens
Hot Springs, NC
Mountain Harvest Organics
Hot Springs, NC
Rose Mountain Farm
Lansing, NC
Sanders Ridge Organic Farm
Boonville, NC
Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery
Vilas, NC
Tumbling Shoals Farm
Millers Creek, NC
Yellowroot Farm
Black Mountain, NC

No matter where you live, you can enjoy farm-fresh produce.  Here is a link to  amazing farms and farmers that love what they do and can help you bring that special energy to your  table.   It leads to information and maps to CSA's across the USA from the Local Harvest  Site .

(photos taken by janeAnne on farms and at tailgate farmer's markets...)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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

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

Greater Asheville Area Relocation: Our Amazing CSAs. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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Applause for Asheville   

Young or Young-at-Heart , in search of  "green living' or a lifestyle just made for the Cultural Creatives,  there's a stand-up audience on the trail to Asheville and you can almost hear folks clapping approval.

Venture out on that "trail" and visitors soon discover the delights of local arts and artisans, nature adventures (for both spritely and not-so-nimble) sumptuous cuisine, (including organic and vegetarian) ...and the list goes on...

 I love to tell folks who are considering moving to the Greater Asheville area that the odds are that they will be "ecstatically happy" here . ...After all...(20/20, Jan'08) called Asheville  "The happiest place to live in America!"

No wonder so many people who come to visit tell me Asheville shines on their relocation radar. But you don't have to take my word for it.  Just check out the list that follows. There you will find numerous print and online resources singing Asheville's praises. 

Where to Retire Magazine (2008) : Honored Asheville as one of its "Eight Enriching Towns for Art and Music Lovers,"touting the many wonderful art studios, seasonal art walks and Bele Chere, the largest free outdoor music festival in the Southeast.

Forbes Traveler (2008): Included Asheville Green Cottage in its list of top GREEN hotels in America.

National Geographic Traveler (2008) : Asheville received honors in the magazine's Fifth Annual Places Rated Survey.Asheville ranked in the top 50 globally and top 10 nationally. The city placed first among North Carolina destinations.

American Style (2008) : Ranked Asheville number two in the small cities category (population under 100,000) in the annual "Top 25 Arts Destinations" reader's poll.

Southern Living Top 10s (2009):  "Best of the South Readers' Choice Awards"

• Best Breakfast or Brunch Restaurant - Moose Café (Placed #9 out of 10)
• Southern Favorite Restaurants - Moose Café (Placed #10 out of 10)
• Best Splurge Restaurants - The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Scenic View - Grandfather Mountain (Placed #2 out of 10) and Chimney Rock Park (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Public Gardens - Biltmore Gardens (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Southern City - Asheville (Placed #8 out of 10)
• Best Hotel - The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Placed #1 out of 10) and the Inn on Biltmore Estate (Placed #8 out of 10)
• Best Mountain Destination- Asheville

Yahoo! Real Estate (2008):Asheville was named as one of the top ten places to live. (December 2008)

Rolling Stone (2008) : The Orange Peel music club was named one of America's best rock music venues in its "Best of Rock" issue.

NuWire Investor (2008) : Named Asheville one of the top 10 places to buy vacation rental homes in the U.S.

Country Home Magazine: Asheville was recognized as one of the top 25 green cities in America for their "2007 Best GREEN  Places" rankings

Whether relocation plans begin around planning to invest in acreage for a land legacy or for  moving to a Healthy Builthome, my guess is you will be applauding, soon! ASK about our eco-friendly scouting tours and let me know...
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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

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

Young or Young- at-Heart- Asheville's on the Radar for Relocation .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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One of the most attractive things I get to do is visit green-built homes. I love seeing how the caring touches translate from exterior to interior and represent the spirit of the home owner. Here is an example...in "primary" color. I will leave the interpretation to you....and would love to know what YOU see and how YOU feel  ...

I was taking a photo of a permeable driveway for a "green" buyer in Asheville this week. She wants to install this type of sustainable feature as she retrofits her home. She knows that it will not only add value to her property, but will help with water conservation and quality.

I got the photo just fine...and something else...I just couldn't bear to crop that nifty something...
pointing the way, as it were, to comfort....for all concerned...

The stream rushing to meet a river. The river heading with all her might to the sea. The power of water.

 I stood by the banks of this stream on conservation land not long ago, and I felt that power. I could run with the water to new places. It is good to imagine what only the stream knows. . .No wonder I love the work I do

You could say that sustainability is the by-word here in Asheville.

 So it is not surprising that my intuition, based on down-to-Earth observations, tells me that there is a significant public interest and shift (at least in the Asheville area) toward environmentally-sensitive residential properties like the one I photographed seen here just recently.

 Could there be more evidence than this, for example, (see photo) a new urban, green-builthome in an eco-friendly neighborhood with neighborhood gardens (organic)  and congenial members of the community?  

:

Here are just a few of the the features this home and the urban community offer

 It's green.(Built Healthy)
It invites neighborliness.
It's walkable.... 

AND...this home is not only energy efficient...it uses renewable energy!

ay I say that these features benefit the green buyer? Of course!!! * And, one other things...my  intuition is  born out in client demand. (I'm smiling)

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

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

Sustainability is the By-Word in Asheville The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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As a land specialist here in the Greater Asheville, N.C. area,  I think about things like the quality of air and water and how that can impact our clients.

(Carolina Blue sky and mountains)

I think about the troposphere and stratosphere, and how each affects the quality of life on Earth differently.

As a former schoolteacher, I remember emphasizing to my students the importance of learning about such things.  Maybe you remember learning that the troposphere begins at the Earth's surface and extends for 6-10 miles.

It absolutely and directly affects the health of the people, animals, and plants living on the Earth.The stratosphere, which extends to 30-34 miles above the Earth's surface, preserves the Earth's climate and protects the Earth from the sun's radiation. But we have a challenge. And it's mostly related to human beings.

Carolina blue skies or not, ozone  formed in the troposphereby chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) on sunny days, and that industrial facility down the road, and that coal-fired power plant over the hill.... emit VOCs and NOX. It's a challenge. Even, gas-powered yard tools, boats, cars we appreciate so much can be a problem.  If you look at it as an opportunity to turn on the valve to your creative juices, you could get inspired by the challenge to remedy the problem. 

As real estate professionals,we are invested in quality of life issues for our clients. When I think that various pollutants impact the quality of daily life by making it difficult to work or play out-of-doors, I want to do something ....SO look for a list of tipsin upcoming posts....tips specific to real estate here in the Asheville Area....

AND I am inviting you to add your suggestions.

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

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

Land and Sky  and Mountains: Asheville, NC!The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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The State of North Carolina has dedicated more than a million acres to the National Forests-

Pisgah and Nantahala. State parks and forests also hold thousands of acres. In Western North Carolina large acreages are rare, (as I mentioned in the previous post) and this especially is true
in the Greater Asheville Area..

Still, it is wonderful to search for land. ...Maybe over a period of months or years! And who doesn't . and obviously inspired by what they see. . .

HERE are five (5) hikes recommended to me by the Carolina Mountain Club: 

Carolina Mountain Club  Hikes
Bald Knob Ridge Trail 
Big Ivy - Walker Ridge Loop
Blue Ridge Pinnacle 
Carolina Hemlock trail 
Colbert Ridge to Potato Hill  

Let me know how YOU like them!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Take a Hike...In the Beautiful Asheville Area. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved

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