Real Estate Information Center

Resting in the shadow of Seattle, Bellevue redefines what it means to be environmentally friendly. From establishing green policies and regulations surpassing that of most American cities to adopting a green approach toward community expansion, Bellevue is an ideal location for environmentally-sound development projects.

Bellevue is home to more than 145 Fortune 500 companies, with Microsoft and Expedia headquartered in the city. Many of the region’s high powered executives live in the community and have invested in the civic, cultural, and political infrastructure to enhance Bellevue’s quality of life.

Recently named by Fortune Small Business magazine as the “best place in the nation to live and launch a business”, there is a passion for the growth and a deep community dedication to environmental action and upkeep.

Continue reading ‘Bellevue Builds it Green’ »

By now it’s no secret that uncertainty is the only certain thing left in the real estate market. And with virtually all traditional forms of development remaining stagnant, finding opportunity in a more specialized discipline, such as brownfield development, is no easy task.

But even amidst the direst of circumstances, there are opportunities surrounding the redevelopment of contaminated land. However, opportunity for development needs to be highly strategic and is location sensitive.

The trend today and likely into the foreseeable future is “smart growth” and transportation-orientated development. The majority of these proposed developments are located near employment centers and transportation hubs. Municipalities encourage such developments because they do not put a strain on capital resources and use existing infrastructure at no additional cost with the benefit of an increased tax base. The need for infill properties to fulfill this objective provides a unique opportunity for brownfield development, particularly in major cities.

Continue reading ‘Brownfield Development Opportunity in Uncertainty’ »

There is a lot of alternative energy hype these days, but you have to be careful with solar installation sales people. Often, they make claims that you will have the unit, installation and equipment all paid off within 5-10-years with all the money you save on energy, the ROI or return on your investment. If the company’s salesman takes an overly optimistic approach to such promises to get you to buy, you may find yourself underwhelmed with the results and later determine that you didn’t save any money after all.

Not long ago this exact issue occurred and the homeowner being a lawyer asked for the ROI in writing. He lived in a very sunny city with only 6-9 rain days a year on average, so he accepted the salesman on his word, but got it in writing just in case, because he’d heard of problems that other consumers had encountered. Turns out that in 2.5 years of the 10 year so-called ROI, he had not saved more than 10% on his energy bill. Worried that the company wouldn’t be around in 7 and a half years, he took them to court for the entire cost of the unit.

Continue reading ‘Thinking of Green Real Estate Concepts – Get Your Solar ROI Promises in Writing’ »

Modern technology has certainly served us well in our homes. Today we have natural gas lines, electricity, air conditioning, microwaves, hot water, hot running water, refrigeration, and all the modern amenities. But we also use a lot of energy. Now engineers are working on high tech appliances that are ultra-super efficient. It is truly amazing the quality of life we can live for such low costs.

Still, I’ve always thought that the ancient cultures who dug tunnels underground and allowed wind blowing into one end of the tunnel with outlets into the living area for air-cooling were wise, and that was a form of air-conditioning and it didn’t take any energy once the tunnels for ventilation were created. No it wasn’t perfect, but it worked. Even the American Indians built Kivas to stay cool in the hot summers and many of them had devised various rudimentary forms of air cooling vent systems.

Continue reading ‘Green Homes and Alternative Energy Issues’ »

In my previous articles, my focus has been on increasing profit margins for individual property investors. I appreciate that this is a somewhat materialistic focus and wanted to discuss how Environmental Charities or Campaign Groups could utilize the same information. Environmental charities and organizations have two main aims. The first is to spread the eco-friendly message by encouraging the public to change their practices by informing the public of what they can do to better protect the environment. Their second aim is to generate the revenue necessary to spread that message. Employing the principles I have discussed in my previous articles, could help them to do both. Two birds, one stone!

Spreading The Eco-Friendly Message

While there are many ways to reach out to the public about environmental issues, leading by example is certainly among the most effective. Most members of environmental charities and groups are honest, hardworking people who practice what they preach. They educate, encourage and inform people about the impact their actions have on the world and lead the way in showing them alternative practices. In parts of the US, 30% of the waste that goes into landfill sites comes from the demolition and construction of property. What better way to tackle our landfill problems than to promote house recycling to the public and keep that waste out of our landfill sites?

Continue reading ‘Recycling Houses – A Potential Fundraiser For Environmental Charities Or Groups?’ »

Building a house is certainly not an easy task. A huge amount of money, resource and time is involved in building a house. With rising cost of living and price of goods, things have become all the more difficult for an average citizen. A basic necessity like shelter has become a dream for many. However, constructing a house that is cost effective is not a difficult task. It is indeed not difficult to build affordable green homes. These homes will tackle the issue of environmental pollution.

The best thing about these houses is they are easily affordable by all. Constantly declining fossil fuels, global climate changes, have made it imperative on our part to look for alternative means of energy. Going green is the way. There are many beautiful houses that are built on these lines. The materials used in the construction of green products use very little energy. This has a direct impact on the reduction of carbon emission. Eco friendly design methodology can also reduce energy consumption by minimising energy inputs for heating, cooling and light, and incorporating energy efficient appliances. This will help you save energy and money as well. It is a smart way to build house that is eco friendly too. Such houses can withstand all kind of weather.

Continue reading ‘Affordable Green Homes For All!’ »

Climatic changes that are taking place are affecting nature adversely. There is an urgent need to tackle this problem lest it gets out of hand. Melting ice glaciers and monsoon delay is affecting everyone. Environmental pollution has caused immense damage to the nature. It has created an imbalance and also affected the climate. The only way to dealing with the problem is by using environmental friendly products for the construction of house. Eco friendly construction is not a difficult thing. With little guidance and direction, this can be made a possibility.

There are many environmental construction companies that use environmental friendly products. They can give suggestions on eco friendly construction, energy conservation & innovative ideas. Eco friendly construction methods and materials that are used can prove to be beneficial for the cause of nature.

Continue reading ‘Opt For Eco Friendly Houses For a Greener Environment!’ »

After the recent meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Harper it became apparent that the environment is now a high priority for the governments of both Canada and the United States. This probably means that suddenly everyone has to start thinking ‘green’ both at the office and in their homes. Energy conservation, renewable energy, recycling and many other environmental issues will be front and center in the very near future.

However, for the past decade one company in Calgary—Kanas Corporation—has been developing energy efficient and smart technology for Green Buildings and at the same time providing affordable housing. Their experiences to date, plus their research into new technology, ensures that we have a leader for the greening of our lifestyles right here in our own backyard.

Continue reading ‘Greener Homes Built and Under Construction’ »

Insulating concrete forms (ICF) is a relatively new method of construction that is finding a strong following with home owners and businesses alike that are interested in energy efficient structures. ICF construction can be utilized throughout a structure, from foundation walls through to concrete ceilings.

The basic premise with ICF construction is the use of heavy-duty foam blocks that interlock to form a wall. These blocks are then secured with continuous rows of rebar. The forms are then situated in place and filled with a continuous pour of concrete. The resulting wall is typically 12 inches thick consisting of a core of 6 inches of reinforced concrete and 2-3 inches of the insulating rigid foam on both the interior and exterior of the finished wall. As you might guess, this wall is incredibly strong, and resilient to high winds and extreme temperatures.

The finished structure is able to be finished using traditional finishing materials. On the exterior walls stucco, siding, or bricks can be installed, and on the interior drywall or plaster can be utilized. The interior plumbing and wiring are put in place by the plumber and electrician cutting channels in the interior foam and running their wires and pipes.

Continue reading ‘Insulating Concrete Forms – An Innovative, Energy Efficient Construction Solution’ »

5 Cheap and 5 Not so Cheap Ways to Green a Client’s Home for Sale:

The Not So Cheap:

5) Install new energy efficient appliances. A typical home’s electricity bill is $100 per month. The EPA estimates that approximately 18% of a home’s energy usage comes from appliances. Installing new energy efficient appliances use 25% less energy then a 10 year old appliance. In more real terms that means a home can save at least $5 a month from installing new energy efficient appliances. For Realtors, you won’t be able to sell your clients on replacing appliances based solely on monthly energy savings, but it can certainly be part of your sales strategy…..in addition to adding to the aesthetic value of the home.

4) If installing new hardwood floors, opt for Bamboo. Why do you ask…..simply put Bamboo grows to its full size in about 4 years while other woods used for flooring take approximately 75 years.

3) Insulate your home again(especially good for homes built before 1960)….although an initial cost outlay it can save you 20% on your monthly gas/electric bills. Check to see if your home has attic insulation as most do not-this is a great place to start!

Continue reading ‘5 Inexpensive Ways to Green Your Home – 5 Expensive Ones As Well!’ »