Just launched a new web-blog-idx site for Brevard Real Estate
New web site and blogging site from the Kaiser Team
For my long time visitors to this site and new comers I wanted you to be aware I just launched a new web site that has a 3 fold purpose. Not only will it be a blogging site with news about the Brevard NC area, Real Estate Updates, tips & Ticks on how to gain the most from home improvement but a comment area for your replies, and an IDX site where you can search for properties.
Building a new site is no easy task, but I felt it important that I reach out beyond www.HomeINBrevard.com with the addition where they become brother and sister to each other. The new site is http://BrevardNCRealEstateUpdate.com . Neither sites replace each other but when used in conjunction, you will find the best as a customer of both worlds. Oh I am always looking for what to write on so if you have any ideas of interest please email the Kaiser Team at Jay@HomeINBrevard.com
I encourage you to visit both regularly and once again if I can research and do a blog on a particular subject for Real Estate, Home Improvement, about BrevardNC, the PisgahNational Forest, Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, Hendersonville, Transylvvnania County, & on and on, so please let me know what interests you. I love a challenge and provide a service to my Real Estate Friends and Partners. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Jay@HomeInBrevard.com or Jewell@HomeInBrevard.com
newspost714-just-launched-a-new-web-blog-idx-site-for-brevard-.aspxPosted on 7/22/2010 11:52:47 AM
Clean or Dye Your Carpet and Preperation
Clean or Dye Your Carpet
and Preperation Carpet doesn't last forever and for a Realtor in property management with close to 70 rentals this is a well known fact and most of the time expensive. Carpet or any type of flooring is not an inexpensive project and needs to be well thought out. What about all the furniture that’s on the carpet, where do you put it, who's going to move the heavy couches, end tables, disassemble and reassemble TV’s and electronics.
Over time, stains pile up and the fabric itself wears out. At some point in time, all homeowners face the expense of replacing a carpet that's worn thin. Often, however, a carpet still looks lush; it just isn't the right shade that the homeowner wants or it sports an unsightly stain. In those cases, you have a number of options to freshen the look without emptying your savings account.
Whether you want a different color or to remove a stain, the first step is to give your carpets a good cleaning. Vacuuming helps, yes. But it doesn't give the same deep cleaning that carpet shampooing offers. So hire a professional carpet cleaner or rent or borrow a carpet shampooer. If the carpet cleaning solves your problem, congratulations! You just saved a bundle. If not, proceed to the next step. Sometimes there's a stubborn stain from, say, red juice or even bleach. If that's the case, don't worry. There are two ways to solve your problem. First, you can purchase small carpet dying kits – often with easy-to-use dye sticks that you can blend to achieve the shade you want. This type of kit may be the perfect solution for covering up the occasional stain. A second option may be to simply replace part of the carpet. This option, obviously, depends on the type of carpet you have and how much it's worn.
But if your carpet is relatively new, a professional carpet installer may be able to remove a small square of stained carpet and replace it with a new patch of carpet. Done right, the new patch is seamless and hard (if not impossible) to spot. Contact a professional for advice on whether this option will work for your situation. Of course, there are times when a carpet is simply the wrong color or has faded over time. In those cases, a cost-effective way to solve your problem is to dye the entire carpet.
There are some stipulations, however. For instance, nylon and wool carpets are best suited for dying, while polyester or acrylic carpets typically cannot be dyed successfully. If you're not sure, you can consult a professional to discuss your options. Or, if you plan on dying the carpet yourself, you can test a small (preferably hidden) spot of carpet to see if it is capable of absorbing and retaining the dye. Here is a link to How to Dye Carpet When it comes to choosing a dye color, you'll also want to explore your options carefully. If you have a lighter color carpet (such as a cream carpet), you'll probably be able to choose from a number of different color options that will take. Other shades won't have as many options, since you typically need to choose a darker dye color than the current shade.
One final word of wisdom: Dying a carpet can be a do-it-yourself project, but it's not really recommended. There are different types of dyes and different methods for applying the dye. In addition, matching the color you want can be tough. So you should consider consulting and hiring a professional with experience (if not a specialty) in dying carpets. You Magazine offers some fantastic tips and be sure to visit for the latest in inovative ideas and tips.
newspost708-clean-or-dye-your-carpet-and-preperation.aspxPosted on 7/12/2010 8:23:53 AM
Mans Best Friend the Dog. Watch the power point and enjoy!
Why dogs are mans best friend and a great powerpoint
by Jay Kaiser on July 7, 2010[edit]
As a dog lover and at one time Jewell and I had as many as 3 inside and 2 outside and not all of our own. But not only do you grow to love them, but they learn to love you back in ways I cannot express, and even a sloppy kiss cant hurt you all that bad every now and then.
Sure there is the occasional Uh OH’s inside the house, or as puppy training them to live inside, sometimes the there toys we buy them just aren’t as interesting as the furniture cough pillows or table legs. But in time the love we receive back cannot be measured and the pillow’s fixed and well the table leg or chair if you know what I mean just has a story to tell as you pass it down to the kids as they start out there lives..
I have one dog Baylee that we trained to give hugs and even though it’s overweight, as the dog will eat absolutely everything, but the hugs and his desire to want to please you all I have to say is there is nothing like it. Oh yea the high fives he gives with his paws are always fun too!
Our other inside dog was my daughters Karlee Rhae, and couldn’t keep it so now it’s mine and rarely leaves my side, but she wants to rule the roost so to speak. Oh by the way they are both Shi Tzu and I could not recommend a finer bread for inside the house. They don’t shed, mind well and since we have doggy door to the exterior of a large fenced lot they have it made.
I received this email a short while ago with some great quotes and wanted to share it with everyone with great pictures of dogs. All I ask is if you ever consider a dog is to be sure you seek advice so you are a match for each other. There are wonderful volunteer groups to help with sheltered dogs that can match for your lifestyle. When you find that perfect match all I can say is your life will be fuller and you no longer have to talk to yourselves, but now you have a companion that will be as faithful as a God sent wife or husband. Well I still talk to myself and my computers too…are you guilty too?
I hope you enjoy the power point and if you are ever in the need of a dog or a cat be sure and call me so I can forward you information on who to contact for advice and I guarantee your life too be full and loved beyond what you imagined.
Here is the Power Point link to the video and I hope you enjoy it. Dogs And People
If you’re ever in the need for Real Estate in the Brevard, Hendersonville, Sapphire-Lake Toxaway areas and parts of the Asheville are be sure and let us assist you. Having been in the business over half my life I am sure we will find you your next dream just like finding your next dream pet.
newspost706-mans-best-friend-the-dog-watch-the-power-point-and.aspxPosted on 7/7/2010 5:22:51 PM
Looking For Cheap Plasma TV?
If you're looking for a great television to buy, you should check out what you can get from plasma televisions. It's a good idea to get something that is worth your money and time. This is something you may want to look into.
With so many different brands and models of plasma televisions out there in the market, it is not easy to determine which one is best for you. You need to consider several factors before you can decide on which brand and model is the one you want to buy.
You'll definitely need to shop around for the best deals available. With so many different options available to you, you can afford to be fussy about which one you want to choose.
Imagine the kind of things you want your plasma television to have. Look at all the different features that you can choose from that's available in the market. You'll have a great time arranging your options as you look at the many creative options available to you.
It is most important to get the best deal available for your money. Be careful when you're looking for a cheap plasma TV, just like shopping for any other things. Look for great deals that will work within whatever budget you may have.
Be sure that you're doing whatever you can to carefully check out what's available to you in the market. Find a product that you're comfortable with that meets your budget. You must get something that's worth the money you're going to spend. You must ensure that you'll spend the time necessary to look at all your available options. Something that looks good on paper may not necessary be that great after all.
Be a little cautious when you're selecting the television set you're going to buy. Check out on the brand to see if any current problems have been reported or any recall have been issued that you may need to know about. Different televisions offer somewhat different features. You may want to get all the newest features that's offered.
Set your budget and then take your time searching around for the right type of television for you. You can look online and in the different stores that are out there. You will want to take the time to see what is on clearance. You may never know what you will get out there on sale. You may just get the deal of a lifetime if you shop around at the right places.
Author Hovan Newton is a Flat Panel TV enthusiast. Grab a free report on Flat Panel TV Set Up Tips from his website. www.lcd-plasmatv.com
newspost705-looking-for-cheap-plasma-tv.aspxPosted on 7/3/2010 8:54:39 AM
Is now a good time to buy a foreclosure?
Is now a good time to buy a foreclosure?
This is a very common question from both real estate professionals and prospective buyers. Obviously, because local market conditions vary, the answer is different from market to market. But there are questions that buyers in any market should be asking before they make an offer on a property in foreclosure.
What’s the first step buyers need to take? Require buyers you work with to be preapproved for a loan before you help them shop for a foreclosure. If they’re thinking of buying a foreclosure as an investment or second home, they need to understand that financing the home will be more difficult and more expensive than financing a primary residence. Lenders typically charge higher interest rates and require a larger down payment for investment or second homes.
How can you tell a bad foreclosure from a good one? Certainly there are great deals in many markets for both investors and buyers looking for a primary residence. But making a sound deal can be tricky. Buyers need to be wary of unpaid liens, including mortgage debt, taxes, construction loans, home equity lines of credit, and possibly a second or third mortgage. Any or all of these financial obligations could become your clients’ responsibility when they purchase a property in foreclosure. Unless the property goes through a foreclosure auction and becomes a bank-owned REO, the outstanding foreclosure liens and fees could be simply transferred to the new owner—your clients. Don’t let them fall into the same financial trap as the previous owner.
If I’m a qualifying borrower, can I appeal to banks for better loan terms? Lenders are drowning in defaults—particularly in hard-hit real estate markets such as Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Ohio—so they may be motivated to cut a deal. If your clients have a good credit score, many banks will offer them a below-market-rate loan on a bank-owned home. Unlike paying down with points, this doesn’t cost anything in fees, and it gives them the ability to spend more for the home.
What are the costs of buying a foreclosure? It takes money to make money. The best opportunities are for buyers with cash. If your clients are planning to rent out the property or even resell it for a quick profit, make sure they consider the carrying costs, including sales commissions, marketing costs, vacancies, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Once you’ve calculated all the expenses, add on another 10 percent to 15 percent. If they don’t build in a "surprise fund," your clients might be the next foreclosure statistic.
How does choice of neighborhood affect foreclosure investments? Clients looking for a good investment should generally avoid neighborhoods overrun with foreclosures, particularly newer subdivisions in overbuilt exurban areas. Investors will be tempted to buy foreclosures in these areas because they offer the steepest discounts—but they also carry the most risk of further depreciation. Look in well established neighborhoods with good schools and transportation. If you’re in a market where prices are still falling, encourage your clients to factor falling prices into any offer they submit on a foreclosed property.
newspost704-is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-foreclosure.aspxPosted on 7/3/2010 8:36:07 AM
If the oil leak was in your area how much land would it cover? Here is a link to see your area.
If the gulf oil spill was centered over Brevard NC right now, or Hendersonville, Asheville, Weaverville etc, how much land would it cover. Here is a map and if you know the area you too would be shocked. I have attached the link where you can check out your area where you live and see how devastating it really is.
Link to the oil devastation area you can overlay to your own town http://www.ifitwasmyhome.com/
Here is a picture of what it would be like if Brevard NC was the center of the spill and its rally not a spill but a devastating leak. For more nformaiton on Bevard NC visit the Kaiser Team Web Site
-
- Oild Spill area if it originated in Brevard NC
newspost695-if-the-oil-leak-was-in-your-area-how-much-land-wou.aspxPosted on 6/29/2010 3:45:19 PM
Top ten credit DON"TS
THE TOP 10 CREDIT DON’TS DURING THE LOAN PROCESS
1.
DON’T
DO ANYTHING THAT WILL CAUSE A RED FLAG TO BE RAISED BY THE SCORING SYSTEM. This would include adding new accounts, co-signing on a loan, changing your name or address with the bureaus. The less activity on your reports during the loan process, the better.
2. DON’T APPLY FOR NEW CREDIT OF ANY KIND. Including those “You have been pre-approved” credit card invitations that you receive in the mail or online. Every time that you have your credit pulled by a potential creditor or lender, you lose points from your credit score immediately. Depending on the elements in your current credit report, you could lose anywhere from one to 20 points for one hard inquiry.
3. DON’T PAY OFF COLLECTIONS OR CHARGE OFFS during the loan process. Unless you can negotiate a delete letter, paying collections will decrease the credit score immediately due to the date of last activity becoming recent. If you want to pay off old accounts, do it through escrow – at closing.
4. DON’T MAX OUT OR OVER CHARGE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS. This is the fastest way to bring your scores down 50-100 points immediately. Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of their available limit at ALL times during the loan process. If you decide to pay down balances, do it across the board. Meaning, pay balances to bring your balance to limit ratio to the same level on each card (i.e. all to 30% of the limit, or all to 40% etc.)
5. DON’T CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT ONTO 1 OR 2 CREDIT CARDS. It seems like it would be the smart thing to do, however, when you consolidate all of your debt onto one card, it appears that you are maxed out on that card, and the system will penalize you as mentioned above in 4. If you want to save money on credit card interest rates, wait until after closing.
6. DON’T CLOSE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS. If you close a credit card account, you will lose available credit, and it will appear to the FICO that your debt ratio has gone up. Also, closing a card will affect other factors in the score such as length of credit history. If you HAVE to close a credit card account, do it after closing.
7. DON’T PAY LATE. Stay current on existing accounts. Under the new FICO scoring model, one 30-day late can cost you anywhere from 50-100 points, and points lost for late pays take several months if not years to recover.
8. DON’T ALLOW ANY ACCOUNTS TO RUN PAST DUE --EVEN 1 DAY! Most cards offer a grace period, however, what they don’t tell you is that once the due date passes, that account will show a past due amount on your credit report. Past due balances can also drop scores by 50+ points.
9. DON’T DISPUTE ANYTHING ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT once the loan process has started. When you send a letter of dispute to the credit reporting agencies, a note is put onto your credit report, and when the underwriter notices items in dispute, in many instances, they will not process the loan until the note is removed and new credit scores are pulled. Why? Because in some instances
10. DON’T LOSE CONTACT WITH YOUR MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS. If you have a question about whether or not you should take a specific action that you believe may affect your credit reports or scores during the loan process, your mortgage or real estate professional may be able to supply you with the resources you need to avoid mistakes that could drop your credit scores, or worse possibly loose your loan.
For more information visit the site below and thanks to Lam V. Nguyen [Lam.Nguyen@alphamortgage.com] for continued fine articles in the lending process. The above tips come from the President of and Linda Ferrari a nationwide expert in credit reporting and scoring industry. Credit Resource Corporation,
newspost693-top-ten-credit-donts.aspxPosted on 6/28/2010 7:39:22 AM
Mini-Apartments Catching on Among Renters Who Can't Pay Retail for Choice Neighborhoods
Mini-Apartments Catching on Among Renters Who Can't Pay Retail for Choice Neighborhoods
By Roger Vincent
RISMEDIA, June 11, 2010--(MCT)--Timm Freeman's Santa Monica apartment has 17-foot ceilings, granite countertops and collector guitars hanging on the wall. He's got a built-in microwave, dishwasher and central air conditioning.
All in 350 square feet.
Freeman's coffee table is also his dining table. His desk is three steps from his sitting room. And three paces from his stove.
"Everything is within three steps of the next thing," said Freeman, 40, a graphic designer.
Southern California, meet the Manhattan-sized mini-apartment. In a region known for its sprawl, diminutive dwellings are finding a toehold among renters who couldn't otherwise afford to live in choice neighborhoods.
Freeman's apartment may be smaller than many suburban master bedrooms, but rents in his Olympic Studios complex are comparatively small too: $1,110 a month at the low end, and the beach is just a mile away.
Prospective tenants need to sign up for a waiting list: The 165-unit Olympic Studios has been filled since it opened in late 2008. The developers are now building a similar complex nearby, and a pint-sized apartment project is also planned for the Palms neighborhood of West Los Angeles.
The units are about the same size as a large recreational vehicle and have the same design imperative: Fit as many features as possible into a small space, but don't make it claustrophobic.
"It's like a Rubik's Cube," said Jim Andersen of NMS Properties, which built Olympic Studios. "It's a geometry problem."
To Read the rest of the article click on this link
newspost684-mini-apartments-catching-on-among-renters-who-cant.aspxPosted on 6/11/2010 5:24:58 PM
Keeping Your Children Safe & Tips for Summer Safety
With summer right around the corner, we thought it would be prudent to revisit the theme of safety with a few seasonal reminders.
Pool Safety
Once the weather warms, many folks head for the swimming pool or beach. The unfortunate truth is these excursions pose the potential danger of accidental drowning. Before you dismiss this claim, you need to know that two thirds of childhood drowning occurs between the months of May and August, making it the greatest summertime risk.
Visit Pool Safety Tips and the story in YOU Magazine contributing editor who nearly lost his 13-month old son to a near-drowning that occurred at his home pool. Here is a list of pool safety tips from that article:
Install a self-closing pool gate. This is first and foremost for any pool owner. It can act as a final barrier between a little one who gets out of the house and your pool. Considering its modest price, this may be the single best investment a family with a pool can make. A rigid pool cover is also a great tool, but they should always be used in conjunction with the self-closing gate.
To read the full article click here: Keeping Your Children Safe & Tips for Summer Safety
newspost680-keeping-your-children-safe-tips-for-summer-safety.aspxPosted on 6/10/2010 12:20:25 PM
Great Deals i houeing like .70cents on a dollar
by Jay Kaiser on June 9, 2010[edit]
If you were offered the chance to buy dollars for $0.70 a piece, how many would you buy? When you compare today’s home loan rates to the average in effect for the last 10 years, that is approximately what you are paying. And given lower home prices, there has never been a better opportunity to buy a home than today.
This month, YOU Magazine turns to contributing editor and national mortgage expert Jim Sahnger to learn why buying now is still a great decision and what you need to look at in your market to gain confidence. Sahnger will also share with you a new potential pitfall to the mortgage process to prevent your mortgage application from blowing up just prior to closing.
Home Affordability: The Key to Your Market
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist for Moody’s Analytics stated recently in an audio interview with MarketWatch Radio that he has never seen a better time to buy a home, with low interest rates and affordability being one key component.
When people decide to buy a home, the monthly payment is a crucial factor. Affordability is a function of home price, interest rate and down payment. Read the rest of the article at www.BrevardNCRealEstateupdates.com
newspost677-great-deals-i-houeing-like-70cents-on-a-dollar.aspxPosted on 6/9/2010 4:21:20 PM
The last cell phone call
The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately
85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she
Pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the
Motorcycle. The riders reaction time was not sufficient
Enough to avoid this accident.
The car had two passengers
And the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them.
The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact
And landed 20 feet from where the collision took place.
All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were
Killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at
The Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety Department..
Pass this on to car drivers or soon to be
New drivers, or new motorcycle owners
AND ESPECIALLY EVERYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS A CELL PHONE!!!!!
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Save a life…
Stop talking on Cell phones and Texting while trying to drive.
The life you save may be your own..... Or mine...
newspost676-the-last-cell-phone-call.aspxPosted on 6/9/2010 8:31:20 AM
June Insurance Tips
• Make a list of each of your insurance policy numbers and the insurance company name, and keep the information in your wallet, purse, or on your mobile device. For example, nearly all states use some form of a wallet-size auto ID card, which is required to be kept on your person, or in the vehicle. It's a good idea to do have similar information with you on all your other insurance coverages.
• Make a record of your insurance agent's web site address, and keep this information in your wallet, purse or mobile device. After a widespread catastrophe, more and more agencies post information about claims procedures on their web site. This is especially important in cases where the agency itself has been affected, and has set up temporary operations at another location. In addition, agency web sites will usually post emergency insurance claim phone numbers, etc.
• Use social media to contact your insurance agent. Many agencies use some form of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., and these information outlets can provide vital, timely information about claims procedures and other necessary information for policyholders.
• Find out how you and your neighbors would be informed about an imminent disaster.
• Ask if evacuation routes have been established.
• Contact your city's or town's planning and emergency assistance organizations. Ask them for information about disaster planning.
• Contact your children's school(s) or day care center to learn about the emergency plans they have in place.
• If a family member is in an elder care facility, check to see what emergency procedures they will follow.
• Take a First Aid/CPR class from the American Red Cross.
• If you have pets, have a contingency plan in place. Many emergency shelters won't accept them.
PREPARE A HOME INVENTORYIf you were the victim of a major natural disaster and suddenly found yourself with nothing left, would you remember everything you lost? When is the last time you counted the number of CDs you own or took stock of the current value of your TV and video equipment, not to mention your clothing, jewelry and other personal belongings? Too often, we forget about personal valuables that are stored in closets or drawers. An inventory will help you remember what you have so you can accurately document your losses to your insurance company. For example, your insurance company will be less likely to dispute the value of your antique teapot collection if you have photographs, sales receipts and other documentation to prove it.
• Make a detailed written or videotaped inventory of your property and house-hold possessions. Take a video camera and go through every room, taping and describing what you see. For valuable items, note when and where you purchased them and how much you paid for them. Include the serial numbers of major appliances.
• Don't forget to inventory the garage, attic, basement and the exterior of your house, including landscaping and fencing.
• Update the inventory yearly.
• Keep your inventory, insurance policies and other important documents in a safe-deposit box and keep a duplicate set in a fire- and water-proof container at home. Include important documents such as wills, deeds, titles, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, passports, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, income tax returns, birth certificates and so on.
STORM-PROOF YOUR HOME• Keep your home in tip-top shape to protect it against the damage of heavy winds, snow, ice or rain. Make sure your roof, windows and doors are not in need of major repair.
• Position cribs/beds away from windows or tall furniture that could slide or topple.
• If you live in a hurricane-prone area, purchase sheets of plywood to cover your home's windows and store them in your garage or shed. If you wait until a storm is imminent, your local hardware store may be sold out.
• Bolt bookcases and other tall pieces of furniture to the wall.
• Power generators are often used during power outages. If you own one, make sure it is well maintained and that all family members know how to operate it properly.
• If you live in a mobile home, make sure it is securely anchored down.
• If you own a boat, make sure it is securely moored.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home, make sure it is clear of debris and can easily be located by the fire department.
• Remove low branches and dead trees from around your house.
• Clear debris from the chimney, gutters and vents.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Thank you,
Priscilla Tinsley, CIC, CISR
Account Representative
Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc.
Posted on 6/2/2010 3:52:44 PM
146 Bruce Circle Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 in Glen Cannon Huge Price Reduction
by Jay Kaiser on June 2, 2010
Reduced at total of $56,000 for a new house with long range views! 
Wow what a view from this private new Donald Gardner modified plan, this all one level living home was built by one of or our areas best builders, that knows what the buyers are looking for in the fine craftsmanship and finishes.
Custom features you normally find in homes far more expensive, beautiful oak hardwood floors in all rooms but the bedrooms, baths feature full tile as well as a tiled shower and jet tub in master. Soak in the tub while looking out at the sunset from the large windows, yet private where window treatments not required.
Tom and Nan know how to do a fully equipped custom upscale kitchen, as they are cooks themselves as seen with the gas stove, granite tops in all wet areas, high end appliances are all included as well as washer and dryer. The floor to ceiling wood burning rock F/P & gas starter sets off the great room with knock out views.
The spectacular year round long range views can be enjoyed not only from the inside of the important living areas but as well as spacious covered deck overlooking the joining Glen Cannon Country Clubs green space and on a large 2.24 acres lot. Naturally a must today is the 2 car garage, level front covered entrance with bolder walls, and plenty of floral landscaping already in place.
There are so many custom features I could go on and on. Glen Cannon offers optional golf, swimming, tennis & more. Best yet only 10 minutes to Historic downtown Brevard!
Virtual Tour http://www.visualtour.com/showvt.asp?t=1303868
newspost669-146-bruce-circle-pisgah-forest-nc-28768-in-glen-ca.aspxPosted on 6/2/2010 1:56:36 PM
The International Code Council announced the release of Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code
The International Code Council announced the release of Public Version 1.0 of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) to regulate construction of new and existing commercial buildings. The IGCC aims to significantly reduce energy usage and greenhouse gasses. It addresses site development and land use, including preservation of natural and material resources. Enforcement of the code will improve indoor air quality and support the use of energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, water resource conservation, rainwater collection and distribution systems, and the recovery of used water (graywater). Principals from the ICC, AIA and ASTM pointed out how the IGCC helps further the mission of their organizations and members.
-
- Syvan Habitat Breavrd Nc waterfall
"We talked to communities who indicate that their voluntary green building programs reach only, but an important, 30 percent of the built environment," said Code Council CEO Richard P.
Weiland. "This means that there is a clear need for a regulatory tool to establish a baseline to help jurisdictions meet their sustainability goals." The IGCC emphasizes building performance, including features such as a requirement for building system performance verification and building owner education to ensure the best energy-efficient practices. A key feature of the new code is a section devoted to "jurisdictional electives" that will allow customization of the code beyond its baseline provisions to address local priorities and conditions.
"The IGCC reinforces the role of the architect as a key leader in shaping the set of decisions that result in a truly green building and underlines the fact that good design matters," said AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee. "The AIA committed its resources to providing a strong presence at the drafting sessions to ensure that this code would truly be useful to our members and other stakeholders, and to ensure that the regulatory landscape was structured to facilitate the advancement beyond the AIA’s 2030 energy reduction goals for carbon neutral buildings. We are very pleased with the release of this initial public version and are committed to working with the ICC as the code moves forward through the review and adoption process." The IGCC initiative was launched in 2009 with Cooperating Sponsors the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM International. The support of the AIA underscores its long-time leadership in the sustainability movement, including its 2030 Carbon Neutrality challenge, and its emphasis on the critical role of architects and designers in the life cycle of sustainable construction.
The engagement of ASTM ensures the IGCC will make use of certain voluntary consensus standards recognized by industry (Read More at) www.brevardncpropertyupdate.com/
newspost664-the-international-code-council-announced-the-relea.aspxPosted on 5/30/2010 12:05:50 PM
Nar Reports April Existing House Sales Improve in Aproil
Existing-home sales rose again in April 2010 with buyers motivated by the tax credit, improving consumer confidence and favorable affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 7.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million units in April from an upwardly revised 5.36 million in March, and are 22.8% higher than the 4.70 million-unit pace in April 2009. Monthly sales rose 7.0% in March.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the gain was widely anticipated. “The upswing in April existing-home sales was expected because of the tax credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback in the months immediately after it expires, but other factors also are supporting the market,” he said. “For people who were on the sidelines, there’s been a return of buyer confidence with stabilizing home prices, an improving economy and mortgage interest rates that remain historically low.”
According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.10% in April from 4.97% in March; the rate was 4.91% in April 2009.
Total housing inventory at the end of April rose 11.5% to 4.04 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 8.4-month supply at the current sales pace, up from an 8.1-month supply in March. Raw unsold inventory is 2.7% above a year ago, but remains 11.6% below the record of 4.58 million in July 2008.
“Although inventory levels remain above normal and much of the gain last month was seasonal, the housing price correction appears essentially over,” Yun said. “In fact, a majority of the markets have seen price gains recently. A return to old-fashioned responsible lending and buying will help the housing market avoid disruptive and painful bubble-bust cycles.”
The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $173,100 in April, up 4.0% from April 2009. Distressed homes accounted for 33% of sales last month, compared with 35% in March.
NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said buyer traffic is mixed. “It looks like the level of home sales that close in May and June will stay elevated, but many buyers remain in the market even without the tax credit,” she said. “Some Realtors tell us they are very busy with clients who are entering the market now as a result of improved conditions, while others are welcoming a slowdown from frantic market conditions in recent months.
“Buyers are focused on finding the right house and taking advantage of favorable affordability conditions. For many buyers, owning a home is a lifestyle choice. They want a place of their own to raise a family, build memories, and be part of a larger community,” Golder said.
A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 49% of homes in April, up from 44% in March. Investors accounted for 15% of transactions in April, down from 19% in March; the remaining sales were to repeat buyers. All-cash sales stood at 26% in April; they were 27% in March.
Single-family home sales rose 7.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.05 million in April from a pace of 4.70 million in March, and are 20.5% above the 4.19 million level in April 2009. The median existing single-family home price was $173,400 in April, up 4.5% from a year ago.
Single-family median prices rose in 18 out of 20 metropolitan statistical areas reported in April from a year ago; six of the areas experienced double-digit increases. In data recently reported for the first quarter, 91 out of 152 metros saw price gains.
Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 9.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 720,000 in April from 660,000 in March, and are 42.3% above the 506,000-unit pace in April 2009. The median existing condo price was $171,000 in April, which is 0.6% below a year ago.
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast surged 21.1% to an annual level of 1.09 million in April and are 41.6% higher than a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $243,000, up 2.1% from April 2009.
Existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 9.9% in April to a pace of 1.33 million and are 29.1% above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $146,400, up 5.8% from April 2009.
In the South, existing-home sales increased 8.6% to an annual level of 2.14 million in April and are 23.0% higher than April 2009. The median price in the South was $150,000, up 1.2% from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West fell 6.2% to an annual rate of 1.21 million in April but are 5.2% above a year ago. The median price in the West was $212,400, up 3.8% from April 2009. RISMEDIA, May 26, 2010—
newspost662-nar-reports-april-existing-house-sales-improve-in-.aspxPosted on 5/26/2010 6:52:16 AM
See more of What's New
