Trends, "Green" Horizons, & Thanks, Active Rain IF you are like me, a fast-track to real estate news and views is a big "Plus"- one "Plus" I've appreciated since I joined Active Rain back when there were just a few thousand members. Another "Plus"- connecting. I love to "listen" to the authentic voices/opinions of our colleagues. Come to think of it, the various Groups at AR remind me of charrettes where conversations
can turn into action- particularly conversations about the red-hot and mighty "green scene".
There's a lot happening here at AR. Given this, when I was asked to write AR's 2007 (Green)Year in Review and highlight just 12 posts, I had to shake my head and exclaim, "This is going to be one major-challenging assignment!" I mean, how would you go about finding just 12 posts when there are hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing offerings here at Active Rain? Nevertheless, I scoped out who was writing what about the "green" real estate market, and thought about who was writing what about "green" trends on the horizon.
Who Knows What
In 2007, Active Rainers gave us myriads upon myriads of posts on eco-friendly topics-from the demand for green-built homes and how much clients wanted sustainable products, to how it "feels" to be/or not to be "green". Someone quoted REALTOR Magazine: "It's easy soundinggreen. . .the triple whammy of gas prices, global warming, and health concerns about chemicals has made green buildings red hot," our trade rag told us. But folks, we all know that "sounding green" and really being eco-savvy are two different things. And, whether buyers, sellers and investors are aware of it or not, they (and therefore WE) must know certain facts and obtain certain information regarding Environmental Laws. That means now we must to be able to:
- Point the way to reliable information,
- Shed light and perspective on the community including relevant environmentally-sensitive issues,
- Understand the relationship between eco-related topics and issues of disclosure and material fact,
- Inform clients as a resource for resources,
- Refer clients to information sources they need to keep them "out of trouble with the law."
With the aforementioned 5 "musts" at my fingertips, I "dug into" a year's worth of posts at the Eco-All-Stars Group. You can find Eco Certified ® Real Estate Consultants, LEED literate, and EcoBrokers® with advanced training in eco-related real estate matters there. And that's where I "unearthed" hundreds of eco-savvy treasures - information about sustainable innovation in land planning and design, "green" retrofits with energy efficient modifications, "green-built" new construction and eco-friendly features. . . and much more. Thanks to all of you who contribute so much!
It took awhile but, at last, I settled almost on the Green Dozen posts that follow. I know you will have fun reading, be inspired, possibly learn something intriguing as you review these posts from your colleagues at Active (Green) Rain.
AR 2007 Year in Review: The Green Dozen
As we begin . . . Ines asks a question many of us at Active Rain asked this year.. . ."As kids we get bombarded with information about helping the environment, recycling, caring for our earth, [but] what happens when we are no longer kids? Do we forget all those responsibilities? Do we forget we can make a difference? Do we go on with our day to day life and don't take a little time to think that no matter how small, at least we are doing something? The great thing about starting small is that you create awareness, influence others, and slowly become more and more "green conscious". Ines asks us what we can do as REALTORS® to make a difference, even if you are not "green". . .. . .read noteworthy suggestions here..
2) Kermit Had it Right - it ISN'T Easy Being Green! by Liz Foley
In this post, Liz makes a point. . . "I'll be honest" she writes, "I am not "green". Heck, I'm not even in the color spectrum of green, or olive, or pea soup. But I admit it - it is time. So this is a great chance to do a little research and see what simple steps I can take, without turning everyday life upside down. . . .Possibly clues you can use?.
3) A Green Building Conversation For Today's Changing Market by Jeff Geoghan
Here is a quick and painless immersion into the "eco-essentials" ...
Jeff opens up an on-going conversation about green building and resources ! AR members across the board Jeff invites you to discuss various financial impactsof "Green Building" - reduced insurance, up front costs, greater longevity, eco-friendly mortgages, affordability... the health benefits that come with a green building focus... the technology and physics behind the latest products for healthy-built homes, and to examine the prospects of an AR team-effort in 2008 to create a consulting network of resources for clients and professionals interested in high-performance buildings and eco-friendly land use." . . . Keep an eye out for more
4) How Does Your MLS Handle Energy Efficient, Sustainable, or Green Construction?
by Gary Smith
Practical matters . . . Real estate professionals, Gary wants to know how your MLS handles "green tags". . . energy efficient, sustainable, or green construction? Gary knows a lot about energy efficient homes, sustainable homes, energy star homes and green trends. He wants to know DETAILS like...Are you allowed to enter a specific type of construction or are there other ways? If not, what would you suggest? . . . Let him know your suggestions.
On "the other end" of practical matters (I'm smiling) . . . How about a peek or two at alternative energy sources? "YES," writes Gena, The California Cow is a Happy Cow! And now, the dairy farmers are happy, too! It seems that we can now call our ‘happy California Cows', ‘happy California Green Cows.' PG & E as well as SMUD due to Government regulations have been mandated to reduce their toxic admissions into the California environment and have come up with a marvelous plan that some ranchers have been accomplishing for awhile now. That is that these companies will use the manure to make electricity." . . .Hmmmm. could this be a Green Plan?? . . .
6) Green Is Not Just Smart, It's Really Common Sense by Stephanie Edwards-Musa
Here's a little deeper exploration into alternative energy.. . . "Let's consider Renewable Energy..." writes Stephanie. Many people around the World are starting to utilize Solar and Wind for Electricity and Geothermal for A/C and Heat along with other sources for both. How fantastic is it that we have found a way to use what is given to us freely for what has become our necessities?" And on the matter of Energy Efficient and Healthier Homes- "Why not reap the benefits of healthier and energy efficient homes. . . let's explain how changing and using new technology can benefit everyone." . . .I'm going back to re-read this post ...You can,too right here
Have you thought about sustainability and your city?. . .
Ann, who is famous for her wisdom,wit and common sense wants you to know about cities that are ranked as being among the most 'sustainable' in America. "To be considered 'sustainable'," she writes, " the group who did the ranking looked at public transportation, local food sources, energy usage, water and air quality, park space, walkability, and more. . . . .Yes! Another gem . . ..
8) The New GREEN STAGING CHECKLIST - Please add on! by Lisa Kaufman-Tharp
Active Rain is a great place to expand your knowledge...
Here, Lisa challenges us to "use this incredibly powerful forum to begin amassing a checklist for GREEN Staging. What are all the ways that the staging process can stay or become GREEN? Lisa offers a STARTER GREEN STAGING CHECKLISTAdd a couple items to her list here
9) Build Value with Energy Efficient Homes-Part 2 by Adam Bearup
Words to the Wise from an Active Rain Newbie... .
Adam writes, "According to Money Magazine(which I read cover to cover every month) the United States is in the worst housing slump since the Great Depression. This should concern all of us, but should also be used as a gut check to see if you are really ready to take part in this game. When I sold new Toyota's my General Manager insisted that I study and learn all I could about, not only Toyotas, but the competitors too. He told me to spend my slow times educating myself if I was not picking up the phone book and cold calling people to buy a car. If you are slow right now, research what homes are considered green. First and foremost, make sure the house is actually green, or else you will lose a sale to the market that is actually buying right now. . . .That's smokin', Adam. . .Right on!
10) Green Confessions of a "Gen Y" Mom. by Lola Audu
Food for thought from a Top Blogger. . .
Lola tells us that "Green goes beyond purchasing the right home and making sure we are not surrounded by toxins. Green is loving ourselves and our neighbor enough to limit our conspicuous consumption. "
Writes Lola. "Looking to the future and trends that real estate professionals will want to note, she points out, "Unlike me, Green for my Gen Y kids is a matter of principle, not theory."
11) Change Starts with Each of Us by Jo-Anne Smith
Jo-Anne advises. . . "Change starts with each of us and while we have a voice, heart, mind and soul, it is our paramount responsibility to be an agent for change. . . . it's up to each of us to take steps as intelligent and compassionate beings. . ."
Could this be the challenge for all of us in 2008?
After all. . .Pink is the New Green
Earlier this month, Dena Stevens spearheaded a challenge to all the Active Rain members to showcase choices and trends in the "green" residential market. In the "if money were no object...what would you incorporate in your own home . . .a fascinating conversation...and an invitation to all Active Rain Members. . .
. . . and this applies to commercial properties, too...
as Margaret Rome points out in
One Scary Ladder
12) Are YOU Being Fooled with GREEN? by Mary Bigelow
Read this one for sure so that you know about. . . "Green Washing". What is "Green Washing"? FIND OUT HERE! and then go out and CELEBRATE 2007
and the coming New Year!
Resources:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®' smart growth publication, On Common Ground.
NAR cosponsored exhibit The Green House at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Find it on the Web at www.nbm.org .
The Amazing Eco-All-Stars Group at Active Rain
" May All Enjoy a GREEN and prosperous New Year!"
Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place Greenolina
janeAnne, Excellent choices. Thank you for all the effort you put in to make this group a wonderful resource. Happy New year!
Ginger
Ginger~
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to bolster Localism.com and support the positive energy we have growing at Active Rain. May 2008 be ever GREEN for you =)
Hi janeAnne, Thanks for adding me to the list! :) You did a great job putting the list together. I can't imagine how difficult that would be.
This is my first New Year's Eve on AR and I look forward to another next year. With all of the amazing posts that your Eco All Stars put out this year, I can't wait to see what awaits us in '08. :)
Happy New Year!!
Wow...I have a lot of green reading to do. Thanks so much for an outstanding job.
Happy New Year!
JaneAnne,
Thanks for your contributions to this network! Happy 2008!
Thank you for putting this all together for me. I have a confession...I've missed almost all of these because it is something that I've been holding off learning about.
OK....I can't stall any longer. I need to learn more.
Again, thank you for putting this together.
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!
janeAnne - I was waiting for your review to pop up!
I have to tell you that first and foremost I commend you with the incredible job you are doing with Eco-All-Stars Group. The way that you get people psyched up and involved is truly amazing. When I think "GREEN", you are the first person that pops into my mind and I thank you for everything you have taught me. You are a true leader and I wish you the best in 2008!
JaneAnne - You did an excellent job. I think many of us really got exposed to green trends here at AR. I have read many of the postings and the ones you featured are worth a second read.
Thanks again for participating, this made the review complete.
JaneAnne.... what a great review and such an excellent tribute to all that you have done in the name of "green". Sorry that I haven't contributed much to this, but I have learned a lot... and I am going to incorporate this and mortgages relating to 'green' more so in 2008. Because of your group, I found out that HUD/FHA and some other programs gave incentives to home buyers if they incorporated "green" improvements into their home.
Thanks and to a happy, safe, and prosperous 2008.
Hi janeAnne - wow, a post of mine made the list of 12 in the GREEN group?!!?!? I'm so honored. I didn't know what the heck 'green' was until I began following posts in your group. I've learned far more about green, LEED, sustainability, and more from you and your group.....and I'm much more aware of the little things I can do on my own to make changes.
I loved Liz's Kermit post in your contest. And speaking of that contest, those posts in that contest were very educational for me - I learned a lot from those entries for sure. And I continue to learn from every new post.....
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this review. These are all very enjoyable to read.
Happy New Year!
Ann
janeAnne, Once again you have amazed us with, what seems like, your unlimited time and energy. Awesome year in review!!
Are you going to make time to sell some homes? Don't forget my friend who is planning to move to Asheville. Who else would I consider as her agent?
And thanks for the mention. I had fun writing that post and... climbing the ladder.
Patrick~
...Appreciate your comment...and hope to read more from you in 2008
Missy~
You commented that "green' is ...."an important topic for all of us in the industry to be on top of..." I agree, and am happy we have AR to help us get information to our colleagues.
Stephanie~
You mentioned..."the amazing posts that your Eco All Stars put out this year, I can't wait to see what awaits us in '08. :).." and I want to give YOU a big thumbs up...because at least 100 of those amazing posts are YOURS...THANKS for all you do...
Happy New Year!
Lola~
We know you write great stuff...and so I am excited when you tell us..."This year, the ECO Stars have taken my knowledge level up several notches. I will always be grateful to have met you through this unique forum. "...
Eloise~
I feel lucky to have connected with you and so many amazing people here at AR. I'm excited about keeping those connections fresh and GREEN =)
Happy New Year
Monika~
GREEN reading (as you call it) will bring you lots of interesting ideas and will translate to prosperity...at least that is my wish for you in the New Year
Neal~
Thanks for your contributions to AR! I hope you have a GREEN and Happy 2008!
Gary~
I love your comment..."May the Eco All-Stars reach 1000 members in 2008 "...and hereby issue invitations to all those interested in TRENDS to WATCH...to join the The Amazing Eco-All-Stars Group at Active Rain ...where we write great stuff ..as you can see from this Year in Review....
Joan~
I subscribe to your BLOG because I know when I visit you, I will find unique perspectives and a special outlook on our industry that inspires me. THANKS for all you bring to AR and for your posts at The Amazing Eco-All-Stars Group at Active Rain
Jessica~
I am smiling out loud as I read your comment..."OK....I can't stall any longer. I need to learn more. " Let me know what you think when you read the Review...and I look forward in 2008 to your posts at
The Amazing Eco-All-Stars Group at Active Rain
Ines~
Comments like yours keep me going. I REALLY appreciate your encouragement and send the same comment back to YOU. I know that 2008 will be GREEN in Florida...in more ways than one...and I know that we will be enjoying more of your posts that shine the light on pure possibility.
JaneAnne,why thank you. I think this is the first time I have ever been acknowledged in Active Rain during a review. So, I thank you for including me with all these spectacular blogging articles and bloggers.
I also have appreciated how you have steered the group to produce better and better material. You are a true group leader.
Happy 2008!
HI JaneAnne -
Thanks for the vote! I have bookmarked this to reread all these posts! What a tough decision you must have had, there were so very many good posts written! Thank YOU for creating such an awesome forum!
Eva~
Your environmental visions also have inspired me...thanks! Happy New Year and Many GREEN Blessings...
Midori~
It was very difficult to pick these posts...as you know...I hope you get a chance to read all of them,. Great information and all in good humor. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do to make AR sparkle.
Jennifer~
THANKS to you for suggesting the AR Year in Review. It was a tough and magical task reading and selecting the posts, don't you think? Happy New Year.
Jeff~
Coming from you, your comment is a great compliment.
You work hard to keep the quality THRIVING AT
AR...HAPPY NEW YEAR..ALL THE BEST IN 2008.
Ann~
You commented"...I didn't know what the heck 'green' was until I began following posts in your group. I've learned far more about green, LEED, sustainability, and more from you and your group.....and I'm much more aware of the little things I can do on my own to make changes...." That's such an important point and one I'm grateful you brought up. Look forward to more interesting news in 2008...I am proud that the Eco-All_stars write amazing material we can all benefit from reading.
Gregory~
Sure hope this AR Year in Review works for you. It is a well-rounded compilation to enjoy (I hope)..Best wishes to you in 2008.
Sally~
It takes a special focus to generate the energy that you do in your Group...and so when you say you appreciate this post, I am very complimented. Thanks and All the BEST in 2008.
Karl~
You commented, " ...I believe these are very important and we need to be headed in this direction. " I do too, and so the Year in Review post tried to bring out those points...and add in lots of interest and a dash of FUN. =)
Sharon~
Thanks. Like you, I will be spending some good hours of reading the AR Reviews...so much to learn! I am sending you all the BEST wishes for 2008.
Hi JaneAnne,
Wow! I'm totally surprised about being included in such an amazing and green saavy group of writers....and totally honoured!! thank you so much. I hadn't even remembered writing that post to be honest....
This year is going to start with me attaining my AGBA and being the agent for change that I speak about in my post....and it's all thanks to you, janeAnne...you're awesomely, amazingly a wonderful human being, mentor and leader for us all...
beautiful post and I know a LOT of work went into this...thanks so much.
warmest wishes to you for a most successful and happy year,
Jo
Hi again, Jane Anne....now I know why I didn't remember writing the post you quoted...
the link isn't working in your post above so I googled the title and it didn't come up, however the passage you quoted came up under my Mankind~Programmed to Self Destruct? post. So thanks again, and now I'm no longer confused.
((-:
Jo
Margaret~
Thanks for the referral and for the amazing post you wrote about "climbing the ladder"'...All the Best to you in 2008.
Diane~
You mentioned, " This is a great help to those of us who are overwhelmed with all there is to learn! ..." and that sure makes me smile. Thanks so much, and all the best to you in 2008....and come on over and take the ECO certification class in Asheville!
Randy~
...and in 2007 you brought not only your own wisdom to AR, but introduced us to Sally and others who continue to amaze us...All the Best to you i 2008.
Mohamed~ Hope you enjoy reading these posts...I bet ya' will!
Gena!~ Loved your post...It remains one of my all-time favorites!!!! Happy New Year...and all the best to you. THANKS for all the work you do to make AR shine.
Adam~
Yours is a post no one should miss. I hope that in 2008 you will continue to bring your experiences to us...and all those good stories you have to share. All the Best to you...and thanks for the energy you bring to our Group.
Mary~
You commented..." What a tough decision you must have had, there were so very many good posts written! Thank YOU for creating such an awesome forum!" and boy-oh-Boy are you ever right!!! I had to put your post last because your picture there feels to me like the perfect salute to 2007 and welcome to 2008...and I just thought, like your post, it would bring "good energy" to all who rad it...
THANKS so much for all you do...
Jo-Anne~
I am smiling as I read your comment....and am sending you 10,000 happy bows and a huge dark chocolate candy bar...you write great stuff and are much appreciated for this...By the way...I checked the link to your SUPERB post and it should be working OK now...Thanks for all you do to bring positive futures to those you touch...and all the best in 2008!!!
Bill~
Like you I can't wait to see what 2008 has in store, either...and if the posts that arrived here in 2007 are any indication...it is going to be one red-hot GREEN year =) THX for you comment.
Everyone~
Get ready for the January Challenge...this post can be used for background...