See our “Retractable Screens” article on Page 4 June 2012 www.AllThingsRealEstatePdx.com 503.317.5834 “Portland Metro‟s ONLY Local Real Estate Newspaper” FREE 504 SW Colony Dr. $476,000 4 bedrooms | 2 Baths Family Room 2627 SF Master Suite Pride of Ownership reigns in this gorgeous home. No Expense Spared. Custom Granite, Gourmet Kitchen, All new cabinets, Deck with Gas Pit, Hot Tub, Lush Gardens & so on and so on and so on... A PERFECT ONE LEVEL HOME. Chris Guinn III | 503.703.4462 [email protected]www.DwellRealtyPdx.com 311 NE Monroe $394,900 1026 NE Kno $584,900
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
See our “Retractable Screens” article on Page 4
June 2012 www.AllThingsRealEstatePdx.com 503.317.5834
“Portland Metro‟s ONLY Local Real Estate Newspaper”
business. Never catch yourself saying, “It‟s always
been done that way.” Improve the way you do
business by making one small change at a time.
Examples could be scheduling reminders on your
calendar so you don‟t forget an important task/
appointment, analyzing & updating your website‟s
title page names and descriptions to improve your
website‟s SEO, or transferring your paper to-do list to
your computer or handheld device so you can easily
update it. Try it today - you‟ll be surprised at how
much you can grow.
Ask for Recommendations
Many customers go online to read
recommendations before choosing a
company, product or service. Recommenda-
tions help create trust between customers
and businesses. Grow your business by asking
for recommendations, then publish them
everywhere - your website, Manta profile,
Facebook and Twitter. Making your
information available helps give you greater
visibility online and allows customers to make
an informed decision.
Don‟t Let Your Voicemail Get Stale
If you aren‟t able to answer the phone
when a customer calls, make it a point
to check your messages and call your
customer back by the end of every
business day. Your customer will
appreciate this quick turnaround and
will trust that you can take care of
them – and that‟s a good feeling.
M
A
N
T
A .
C
O
M
t o your listed home with a few accessories and techniques.
No matter what price your house is listed for, your home
will always show better, maybe even sell faster and for more
money if you put a little eye candy in your home. Buyers are
known to buy based on perception and then value. Using a
few accessories and staging techniques can go a long way in
emotionally connecting buyers to your home.
Home Builders, know the value staging can bring while
selling homes. Hence the model home. A staged home
makes a very positive impact. Most buyers have no ability to
envision living in a home that’s empty or over personalized;
they only know what they see! And of course adding the oh
my gosh I have to have this house now effect with beautiful
staging really pays off!
The statistics speak for themselves:
Staging can reduce a listing’s time on the market by 50% and
increase the selling price by up to 17%! An estimated 63% of
buyers are willing to pay more for a house that is move - in
ready. Elements that impact 72% of the first impressions are
within the control of the seller.
It always amazes me while staging a vacant or occupied
home how much of a difference a few staging techniques and
a pop of eye candy can make in adding value to the listing.
I always enjoy sharing a few tips in my articles, here a few to
get you going!
First impressions: Entryway’s are the buyer’s first impression.
You only have 10 seconds to capture the attention of your
buyer they will make their decision if they will like this
home within that 10 seconds.
Add a colorful piece of artwork a, stand or a fantastic piece of
pottery to welcome the potential buyer.
Living room:
Look at the single best feature of this room, what do you
want to highlight? Is it the fireplace mantel, the view,
perhaps some great built -ins?
Look at ways to draw the eye of the buyer to these features.
It could be that you need to re arrange the furniture in order
to draw attention to these features. Remember the way we
live and the way we sell are two different things.
Do you need to take away a few things so buyers are not
looking at your things instead of the best feature? Remember
the rule of thumb, Less is more.
In using color and accessories to draw attention, remember
one of my staging tips from a past article. Use high medium
and low in groups of three. Use accent color in three
different areas around the room to balance the color and to
draw the eye around the room.
Kitchen:
Ok. Maybe you cannot afford to replace those worn out
counter tops and cupboards, or maybe you have, either way,
one way to up the ante is to add some accessories to make
that kitchen stand out!
Add a colorful cookbook with a stand. Buy some new
canisters, and add some greenery or a bowl of fruit.
Eye candy for the kitchen is important for we all know
buyers will be making decisions based on the perception of
the kitchen.
Master bedroom:
If you cannot afford new furniture, a few accessories can go a
long way to add that sense of luxury and peace that buyers
are looking for in a new home. Buy a new bedspread
preferably in a solid color and add a few accent pillows. You
will be surprised at the difference. Adding a new piece of
artwork above the bed to tie it all in will even add that much
more of a wow!
Bathrooms:
New towels are a must! Buyers do not like seeing old used
towels hanging on the towel bar. New towels will go a long
way in adding a sense of newness to the bathroom as well as
adding that spa like look and feel that buyers respond to.
And while you are at it replace that tired moldy shower
curtain as well!
For just a few hundred dollars you can up the appeal of your
listed home with just a few pieces of eye candy and a few
staging techniques!
Imagine Home Staging is proud to be this year’s designer for
the 2012 Street of Dreams Home for Stonebridge Homes.
Look for us this July at the Oregon Dream Home.
EYE CANDY. How to add style and Equity...EYE CANDY. How to add style and Equity...EYE CANDY. How to add style and Equity...
After: New bedding in a solid color with accent pillows
new art work as well as an accent rug bring this room to
life! Notice the color triangle?
Before the eye candy touch from Imagine Home Staging.
Portland/Metro & Outlying Area
Family Friendly Hikes
Tryon Creek 2.0 to 8.0 Miles/1.0 to 4.0 Hours In Southwest Portland’s Tryon Creek State Park Directions: From Portland, drive south on I-5 to Exit 297/Terwilliger Blvd. Keep right at the fork in the ramp, and turn right onto SW Barbur Blvd, then take a slight right onto SW Terwilliger Blvd. Drive 2.3 miles to the park entrance and the large parking area.
Champoeg State Park Loop 3.0 Miles/1.5 Hours East of Newberg on the south banks of the Willamette River. Directions: From Portland, drive south on I-5 for 20 miles to exit 278 for Donald/Aurora. Turn right (west) and drive about six miles to the park entrance. Park in the Riverside Day Use Area.
Wildwood National Recreational Trail .5 to 30.2 Miles/.5 hours to 1 day In Portland’s Washington and Forest Parks Directions: There are many points of access to Wildwood Trail. To get to the southern trailhead from downtown Portland, drive west on US 26 to Exit 72/Canyon Road. Turn right to enter the Oregon Zoo entrance and the large parking lot. The trail starts to the right of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. To reach the northern trailhead, drive o US 30 or Skyline Blvd to Germantown Rd and the parking area, on the right.
For more information on these 6 family friendly hikes, GOOGLE the trail name or sign up for a FREE 14 day subscription at www.trails.com.
Lewis and Clark Nature Trail 4.0 Miles/2.0 Hours In Lewis & Clark State Park on the west side of the Columbia River Gorge Directions: From Portland, drive east on I-84 for 20 miles to Exit 18 and follow signs less than .1 mile to Lewis & Clark State Park and the parking lot. The trail starts on the SW side of the parking lot.
Latourell Falls 2.1 Miles/1.0 Hour East of Crown Point in the Columbia River Gorge Directions: From Portland, drive about 25 miles east on I-84 to Bridal Veil Falls/Exit 28. Continue down the historic Columbia River Scenic Hwy for 2.5 miles to the trailhead and parking area on the right.
Powell Butte 3.0 Miles/1.5 Hours Between Portland and Gresham south of US 26 Directions: From Portland, drive on I-205 south to exit 19. Follow SE Powell Blvd three miles south and turn right onto SW 162nd Avenue to the park entrance and the parking area. The trail starts on the west side of the parking area.
Compliments of: Rick Herz | Fidelity National Title | 503-453-5870 | 700 NE Multnomah, Portland OR 97232
Home Repairs, Oil Tanks and ClosingHome Repairs, Oil Tanks and ClosingHome Repairs, Oil Tanks and Closing
Dec Page 7 June Page 7
ML# Address Bdr Bth SF Price
NW & SW Homes
Sparkling Iced Tea with Lemon, Cucumber and Mint
Most drinks you find in the supermarket are sweetened with sugar, fructose or artificial sweeteners. Beverages that are less sweet can satisfy your thirst without adding a lot of calories. This iced tea can be made exactly how you like it and is a perfect sugar-free alternative to sugary drinks.
The following recipe will make two liters of sparkling iced tea.
• 1 liter water
• 2 tea bags (choose a green tea or an herbal tea that you like)
• 2 lemons
• 2 limes
• 1/4 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• 1 liter unsweetened seltzer
• Ice cubes
Boil water. Let it cool for 10 minutes. Add the tea bags and half of the mint leaves and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. This will make a less bitter tea infusion, which is perfect for iced tea. Squeeze the lemons and limes, reserving a few slices for decoration. Add the lemon and lime juice to the tea infusion. When the mixture has cooled down, add the cucumber slices and the rest of the mint leaves.
Mix 1 part of the tea infusion with 1 part of seltzer just before serving. Decorate with mint leaves, a lime or lemon slice and some cucumber slices.
www.hsph.harvard.edu
Win a $25 Gift Card to NEW SEASONS!! Email Kevin Weintz @ Fidelity Home Warranty, put “All Things Real Estate” in the Subject Line and we will draw the win-ner on June 30th!! [email protected]
This month: Improving Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a primary factor in determining your
mortgage rate. Do you know what is in your credit
history? When was the last time you reviewed the
information contained in your credit history file? It takes
time to correct information contained in your report, so
put this near the top of your to-do’s as you plan your
steps toward homeownership.
Get a Free Credit Report
Your credit score is only as good as your credit report,
and getting a copy is both easy and free – if you know
where to go. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
requires each of the three major credit reporting
companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, to provide
you an annual report at no cost. You can request it one
of three ways:
Online at www.annualcreditreport .com
By telephone at 877.322.8228
By mail at Annual Credit Report Service. PO Box
105283, Atlanta, GA 30348-5283
Other sites may offer a similar service but do so in an
attempt to sell you unnecessary services or collect
personal information. This official site will never solicit
you or sell your name or information.
Free reports are limited to once every twelve months
from each company, so one strategy many people use is
to request a free report of one of the three companies
every four months. Also, remember this is the report
only, not your credit score. If you want your credit
score, you will be given an opportunity to purchase a
credit score after you receive your free annual credit
report.
To dispute information in your credit report you must
contact each directly: www.equifax.com,
www.experian.com, www.transunion.com
Evaluate
Once you have your report, focus on the five main
components that comprise your credit history:
Personal information – current and former names,
addresses, and employment history. This information is
often incomplete or inaccurate.
Monthly account information – including information
from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and other
creditors you pay on a monthly basis.
Account information reported only when delinquent –
creditors such as utilities, insurance companies, doctors
and lawyers and some property management companies.
Public records – information from governmental
agencies: lawsuits, divorces, judgments, bankruptcies and
more recently – child support delinquencies.
Inquiries – requests you make of your own report,
unsolicited (preapproved) credit card offers and inquiries
made when you apply for credit of any sort.
Minimizing inquiries by not signing any forms that allow
a creditor to look at your credit report is a good way to
help improve your score.
Fix all errors and omissions
You have the right to dispute the accuracy or
completeness of any item in your report. The reporting
companies are required to update the status, or delete
unverifiable information within 30 days of receiving your
request. Use the Request for Reinvestigation form that’s
provided with your credit report. You also may obtain
this form from the individual company websites. Enclose
copies (not originals) of any documents that support your
claim. Always track your submissions by using certified
mail with return receipt requested or a similar service.
While you are allowed a brief statement (100 words)
explaining any disputed information on your report,
these statements are rarely effective. It is usually best to
explain the negative information directly to the potential
creditor.
Remember - creditors care most about demonstrated
payment responsibility. Account diversity also matters,
as does the extent of the credit history, so adding an old,
but solid credit card payment history is well worth the
effort. Don’t assume the information you’ve corrected or
added will be permanently changed on your report, you
must review your reports periodically. Don’t close all of
your old accounts. Closing unused credit accounts
decreases your utilization ratio: the ratio of total debt
outstanding to available debt. A low utilization is
generally preferred, but that doesn’t mean opening a
bunch of new accounts solely to improve this, either.
The mix of new and old accounts is important in
determining overall creditworthiness.
Now get to work! It is not hard, but it takes some
now), we have to highlight the red-flowering currant. It
has one of the earliest-opening flowers in spring, and
provides much-needed nectar for bees. Although these
aren’t domesticated currants, their fruits can be used in
preserves and wine.
Granted, there are some things that are edible (for you
and other creatures) that are NOT so good to have in the
garden. One prime example: Himalayan blackberries.
Chances are, if you have Himalayan blackberry, you
didn’t put it there and don’t want it to stay. But luckily,
here in the metro area, we have plenty of options here
for acquiring both edible and native plants and
vanquishing those invasives that we need to replace.
Karen Wolfgang
Independence Gardens
Edible GardensEdible GardensEdible Gardens
Purchase with Reverse Mortgage Class
2 credit hour class For Realtors
@ Options Financial
June 20th 10-2pm
Please RSVP to :
Diana Tolleson | eoptionsrm.com | 503.924.4617
June Page 10
South East Homes ML# Address Bdr Bth SF Price
12333557 8030 SE 68TH AVE 2 1 886 $64,900
12130540 4539 SE 97TH AVE 2 1 720 $90,000
12261069 6638 SE CLATSOP ST 4 1 1584 $95,000
12374096 2306 SE 176TH AVE 3 1.1 1018 $104,000
12533186 12708 SE GLADSTONE 3 1.1 936 $105,900
12419669 2918 SE 184TH PL 3 2 1500 $109,900
12669362 12034 SE SCHILLER ST 3 2 1316 $110,000
12062936 2306 SE 89TH AVE 2 1 2077 $113,000
12518617 11412 SE ASH CT 3 1.1 2016 $130,000
12566055 7425 SE 86TH AVE 3 1 850 $135,000
12434586 11753 SE BOISE ST 3 2 1233 $144,000
12371276 13817 SE GLADSTONE 3 3 1616 $145,600
12261347 17210 SE STEPHENS ST 3 1.1 1247 $149,950
12230230 6730 SE HAROLD ST 2 1 736 $159,000
12472019 3929 SE 71ST AVE 2 1 740 $168,000
12281626 15508 SE CLINTON CT 3 2 1522 $170,000
12089389 11830 SE WASHINGTON 3 2 1256 $174,900
12292431 6716 SE KNIGHT ST 3 1 980 $179,900
12362321 8025 SE RAMONA ST 2 1 838 $179,900
12319734 1020 SE 139TH AVE 3 2 1928 $182,000
12074434 6430 SE 66TH AVE 3 2 1970 $204,900
12611433 5520 SE KNAPP ST 3 2.1 1364 $209,200
12601794 3236 SE 12TH AVE 3 1 1088 $210,000
12356427 6018 SE 56TH AVE 3 2 2452 $214,900
12026359 3530 SE 70TH AVE 3 1 2240 $229,000
12432878 4018 SE OGDEN ST 3 1 1050 $229,900
12484730 14256 SE CENTER ST 3 2 1330 $235,000
12603055 5415 SE SCHILLER ST 3 2 2878 $239,500
12671616 7633 SE STEPHENS ST 2 1 868 $239,900
12497057 4024 SE 29TH AVE 3 1 1668 $249,900
12493372 3542 SE 70TH AVE 3 1 1672 $254,900
12351500 10924 SE MADISON DR 3 2 2040 $258,900
12479497 10137 SE STEPHENS ST 3 2.1 2675 $259,000
12642770 7735 SE CLAY ST 2 1.1 1800 $259,000
12090115 15 SE 74TH AVE 3 2 1100 $265,000
12513728 4310 SE 48TH AVE 3 1 2068 $265,000
12551828 8355 SE 141ST AVE 3 2.1 2177 $269,900
12587777 SE 85 AVE 4 2.1 1943 $269,900
12497475 2345 SE 43RD AVE 2 1 884 $289,900
12396654 3332 SE WOODWARD ST 2 1 1332 $292,000
12177617 2305 SE 41ST AVE 2 1 2653 $299,000
12372232 2804 SE 17TH AVE 2 1 1592 $299,900
12301117 7708 SE TIBBETTS ST 3 2 1987 $299,990
12419138 2928 SE 75TH AVE 3 1 2054 $314,900
12527992 3303 SE GLADSTONE 4 1 2520 $319,000
12697968 16707 SE BALDRY ST 4 2.1 2404 $324,900
12132547 7945 SE 108TH AVE 4 3 3916 $335,000
12170395 4026 SE BYBEE BLVD 3 2.1 1665 $339,900
12534428 5745 SE 21ST AVE 3 1 2010 $339,900
12001480 115 SE 62ND AVE 4 1.1 2020 $349,000
12229008 1629 SE HICKORY ST 2 1 1710 $349,900
12201732 605 SE 29TH AVE 4 2 1760 $359,000
12380607 3229 SE 57TH AVE 4 2 2105 $368,500
12430177 543 SE 70TH AVE 2 1 2400 $374,900
12414527 7231 SE CLAY ST 3 3 2580 $389,900
12478071 1223 SE 32ND PL 3 2 2040 $399,000
12612448 15023 SE STARK ST 3 1 2205 $399,000
12564462 4015 SE EVERGREEN 3 2 2910 $425,000
12461079 5205 SE 32ND AVE 3 3.1 3812 $455,000
12439047 2727 SE 43RD AVE 3 2 2965 $497,500
12037358 5034 SE 34TH AVE 4 3 3010 $499,000
12531403 2214 SE 54TH AVE 5 2 3009 $499,900
12097559 3406 SE 7TH AVE 5 5 4231 $539,000
12201652 7610 SE 30TH AVE 4 2 3130 $599,950
12589614 2036 SE TAYLOR ST 4 1.1 4548 $649,000
12694289 2766 SE BYBEE BLVD 3 3 2891 $795,000
12028466 6036 SE 34TH AVE 4 3.1 3540 $979,000
12223719 6206 SE 30TH AVE 4 3.1 4482 $999,000
I never thought of the construction businesses as
particularly elegant. Images of guys in levis, piles of
lumber and a pickup truck come to mind. But I didn’t
really consider the finesse it takes to run the finances of a
construction company. So in 2009 I was surprised when a
local banker called me and asked me to meet a contractors
named Dennis.
Dennis did renovations of larger expensive homes and
worked with gorgeous architectural style. He needed
working capital to buy materials but his bank had severely
cut back and frozen the business line of credit he had used
for years.
As so many experienced in 2009, business had been slow
for a year or so. With the decreased income, Dennis could
no longer income-qualify to the Bank’s satisfaction for
more capital. Although it seemed unlikely and
unconventional, the banker wondered if a Reverse
Mortgage could help.
Surprisingly, it could As turned out, Dennis had just
turned 62 and owned his personal home free & clear. We
looked at two line of credit options which could not be
frozen or capped in the future. The best fit was FHA
“Saver” option which could provide Dennis with a growing
Line of Credit of about $350,000 and kept costs low as to be
comparable to a traditional Line of Credit.
Dennis could draw on the line of credit when starting a job
and have no monthly payments due while working that
job. When he got paid, he could choose to use part of his
proceeds to repay the Line as a principal and interest
payments – but it is not required. Any interest payments
could be claimed on his tax returns as a deduction. Also,
the Line of Credit has a growth factor built in so the funds
available could increase over time.
The Reverse Mortgage features fit his needs perfectly.
Dennis continues to operate his renovation business for
clients with high-end homes. It is an elegant financial
solution to a business that bring elegance to our Portland
homes.
Kris Tent
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
NMLS #418781
503-892-1054
Building a Business Building a Business Building a Business ––– In ReverseIn ReverseIn Reverse
More than 2 million people in the United States have
earned real estate licenses. However, real estate is a
tough business with a steep dropout rate, and the result
is that only a small percentage of those with licenses
actively help buyers and sellers.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
includes 1 million brokers and salespeople, individuals
bound together with a strong Code of Ethics, extensive
training opportunities and a wealth of community
information. NAR members are routinely active in
PTAs, local government committees and a variety of
neighborhood organizations. Being actively involved in
community affairs provides REALTORS® with a better
understanding of the area in which they are selling.
Why?
Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At
first it might seem that by checking local picture books
or online sites you could quickly find the right home at
the right price.
But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are
unique. No two properties -- even two identical models
on the same street -- are precisely and exactly alike.
Homes differ and so do contract terms, financing
options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also,
no two transactions are alike.
In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing,
pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with
professionals who know the community and much
more. Those professionals are the local REALTORS®
who serve your area.
How do you choose?
In every community you're likely to find a number of
realty brokerages. Because there is heated competition,
local REALTORS® must fight hard to succeed in your
community.
The best place to find a local REALTOR® is from the
extensive list at REALTOR.com'® which includes
listings of community professionals and properties.
Other sources include open houses, local advertising,
Web sites, referrals from other REALTORS®,
recommendations from neighbors and suggestions from
lenders, attorneys, financial planners and CPAs. The
experiences and recommendations of past clients can be
invaluable. In many cases buyers will interview several
REALTORS® before selecting one professional with
whom to work. These interviews represent a good
opportunity to consider such issues as training,
experience, representation and professional
certifications.
What should you expect when you work with a
REALTOR®?
Once you select a REALTOR® you will want to
establish a proper business relationship. You likely
know that some REALTORS® represent sellers while
others represent buyers. Each REALTOR® will explain
the options available, describe how he or she typically
works with individuals and provide you with complete
agency disclosures (the ins and outs of your relationship
with the agent) as required in your state.
Once hired for the job, the REALTOR® will provide
you with information detailing current market
conditions, financing options and negotiating issues that
might apply to a given situation. Remember: Because
market conditions can change and the strategies that
apply in one negotiation may be inappropriate in
another, this information should not be set in stone.
During your time in the marketplace REALTORS® will
keep you updated and alert you to each step in the
transaction process.
I am proud to be a member of the Springfield Board of
REALTORS®, the Oregon Association of REALTORS®,
and the National Association of REALTORS® as well as
Lane County Chapter of the Women’s Council of
REALTORS®. Should you have any questions, don’t
hesitate to phone me at 541-579-5674. Best of luck to
you on your journey toward homeownership.
Lori Palermo
Palermo Real Estate
Get a REALTOR®Get a REALTOR®Get a REALTOR®
Its spring and we can
see change and transi-
tion all around us,
from gardens begin-
ning to bloom to kids
nearing the end of the
school year to folks
putting their homes
on the market.
Chances are you’ve got some sort of life
changing event happening in your life as
well. Maybe you're preparing to send a kid to
college next fall, adjusting to an empty nest,
relocating to another home, or just clearing
the cobwebs to make way for summer. I’ve
heard it said that the one thing we can count
on for sure in life is change… and with any
change, minor or significant, there must be a
transition to the new. Transitioning through
change is a phased process and its curve is
more predictable and manageable than it may
seem.
Phase 1 - At this stage, you may be in shock
or in denial. Even if the change has been well
planned and you understand what is happen-
ing, this is when reality hits, and you need to
take time to adjust. Initially, many people
want to cling to the past. This is normal!
Phase 2 - As you start to react to the change,
you may start to feel concern, anger,
resentment or fear. You may resist the
change actively or passively. You may feel
the need to express feelings and concerns,
and vent pent up anger. This can be a danger
zone if not recognized for what it is.
Phase 3 - This is the turning point. As you
start to come out of the danger zone, you are
on your way to making a success of the
changes. You’ll begin to test and explore
what the change means. Like every phase of
transition, this takes time… so be kind to
yourself.
Phase 4 - This stage is the one you have been
waiting for, where the changes start to
become second nature, and you can embrace
your new way of living! You become
productive and efficient, and the positive
effects of change become apparent.
Change is inevitable. So why not embrace it?
Wherever you are in the process, finding the
right resources can help to assure a smooth
transition. Don’t be afraid to call on
professionals to assist you.
At Rubbish Works of Portland, we specialize
in minimizing the stress associated with
change and transition, offering the right kind
of support to clear away the clutter of the
past and create a space that is a reflection of
who you are today. We would love to help
you clear the decks so you can transition with
ease, regain the balance in your life and
GROW forward with confidence.
Change? You can count on it. And you can
also count on Rubbish Works of Portland to
help.
Cal l Rubbish Works today at
503-349-1190 or go on-l ine to
www.rubbishworks.com/portland
Let’s Talk Rubbish By Betty Benson, Rubbish Works of Portland
Change – Transition – GROW!
Consumers Associate Green Building With High QualityConsumers Associate Green Building With High QualityConsumers Associate Green Building With High Quality
McGraw-Hill’s SmartMarket Report reveals consumer
perceptions and economic vitality of residential green
building market
McGraw-Hill recently released their long-awaited
version of the SmartMarket Report on May 1, 2012.
Titled, “New and Remodeled Green Homes:
Transforming the Residential Marketplace,” the
report focuses on the health and future of the
residential green building market as well as consumer
perceptions of the value of residential green building,
among other aspects of new and remodeled green
homes.
A truncated version of GreenBuildingAdvisor.com’s
report summary follows:
McGraw-Hill’s SmartMarket Report affirms the importance of energy savings and clients’ perceptions of durability and value
American consumers are increasingly aware of green
construction programs. This increasing awareness is
being driven by rising energy costs as well as
marketing by builders and building material
manufacturers. Moreover, consumers perceive green
buildings to be of higher quality than buildings that
barely meet code.
One highlight from the report that has been
emphasized in countless recaps is the expected 29%
to 38% rise in green construction’s market share by
2016. Another oft-reported projection from the
report: during the same period, the green
construction industry's annual revenue is expected to
increase by $114 billion, from the current level of
only $17 billion.
The SmartMarket Report contains more interesting
findings, including detailed explanations of the
market forces at work. (The study can be downloaded
for free here, www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/)
For many people, green building is becoming an
expectation – a de facto standard that makes barely-to
-code construction and remodeling seem inadequate.
The appraisal issue, and a shift among big builders
The struggling housing market has prompted a
significant number of large builders – those who
construct 25 or more homes a year – to invest in
green building strategies. In 2009, the study shows,
green building factored into less than 16% of projects
by 67% of builders surveyed. In 2011, that contingent
of builders dropped to 49%, and by 2016 it is
expected to drop to 18%.
Predictably, overall economic conditions and
continued (albeit diminishing) customer resistance to
paying premiums for green construction and
remodeling ranked as the top two obstacles to green
building activity. Next is the failure of appraisers to
adequately assign value to green features and
improvements – a longstanding issue that ranked a
close third on the obstacles list. Seventy-five percent
of builders and 67% of remodelers said lenders and
appraisers don’t understand, or fail to properly assess,
the long-term value of green construction and
improvements.
Energy use dominates customer concerns
Customers of companies focused mainly on green
projects tend to cite a relatively wide range of reasons
for investing in new construction or upgrades,
including the desire for a healthier indoor
environment (37%), better comfort (30%), and better
overall investment (29%). But lowering energy use
(cited by 64% of builders’ customers and 71% of
remodelers’ customers) is by far the biggest
motivator, as is saving money, which ranked about
the same in the survey.
Improving energy efficiency topped the list of key
green practices: it was cited as the top priority by
97% of builders and 96% of remodelers. No other
practice came even close to that priority level. The
use of durable materials, which placed second on the
list, was cited by 49% or builders and 58% of
remodelers.
One point made near the end of the report is that
government incentive programs have helped make
the installation of energy-efficient appliances and
properly sized and more-efficient HVAC systems top
priorities when addressing overall building
performance. Installing extra insulation and high-
performance windows ranked fourth and fifth on the
list, respectively, although both were cited by at least
70% of remodelers and builders as being among their
top products and practices. Those priorities could
shift, of course, as subsidy programs expire.
By Richard Defendorf
(From GreenBuildingAdvisor.com) May 15, 2012
Next S.T.A.R. Earth Advantage Broker®
certification course is June 20-21
Earn 12 CEUs (continuing education units) through the state of
Oregon Real Estate Agency and learn how to effectively
communicate and market the benefits of residential green
building techniques and materials. This two-day course held
at Earth Advantage‟s office in downtown Portland on
Wednesday & Thursday, June 20th & 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
Participants will leave the course with a comprehensive
understanding of:
Basic green home features and trends
Effectively communication of green building
concepts
The differences among leading third-party green
home certification programs
Tailoring your marketing message to clients who
have varying green values
Following completion of the S.T.A.R. course and certification,
students are eligible to attend Energy Trust of Oregon‟s Real
Estate Professional Trade Ally training and enroll to become
an Energy Trust Real Estate Professional Trade Ally, or REPTA.
Energy Trust‟s program includes cooperative marketing
incentives, along with other Trade Ally benefits.
More details and registration information can be found at
www.earthadvantage.org on the „Earth Advantage Broker
Certification (S.T.A.R.)‟ page under the Education tab.
These Homes are Small, Modern, and Green Newsletter title by/from Jetson Green