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Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends

The following are links to useful information from government agencies and content on the National Association of Home Builders web site that will enable you to monitor the housing market.

Note, access to some of this information requires a login to NAHB.org.

U.S. Census Bureau Construction Price Indexes
http://www.census.gov/const/www/constpriceindex.html

NAHB's Housing Forecast
Housing starts, sales and interest rate projections through 2009.
www.nahb.com

Latest Home Mortgage Interest Rates
Contains current and historical data on fixed and adjustable mortgage rates. Updated weekly.
www.nahb.com

Characteristics of New Housing
Highlights the latest data on new-home characteristics released by the U.S. Census Department. Includes links to the complete Census report and other trends researched by NAHB.
http://www.census.gov/const/www/charindex.html

Additional breakouts of this data and other trends researched by NAHB are available at www.nahb.org/constructionstats under Selected Characteristics of New Housing.

Housing Starts
Updated monthly and based on a seasonally adjusted annual rate.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=819&genericContentID=45409

New and Existing Home Sales
Updated monthly and based on a seasonally adjusted annual rate.


New and Existing Single-Family Median Home Prices
Updated monthly.
http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=55761

Home Price Index
The index measures average home appreciation in more than 250 metropolitan markets. Updated quarterly.
http://www.fhfa.gov/webfiles/14801/FINAL2q09hpi.pdf


Metro Home Building Permits
Local and state data on housing construction rates. Updated monthly.
http://www.nahb.org

Employment Trends for Metro/State Markets
Provides metro and state employment data nationwide. Updated monthly.
http://www.nahb.org

Local Economic Impact of Housing
Shows how building 100 homes benefits a typical metropolitan area.
http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentTypeID=3&contentID=35601&subContentID=28002

Home Building's Direct Impact on the Economy
http://www.nahb.org/default.aspx

Housing's Contribution to Gross State Product
Measures how much housing contributes to the economic output of each state.
http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=49791

Housing Market Statistics from HousingEconomics.com
Full array of statistical categories available to NAHB members, a limited number available to non-members.
http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?pageNumber=1&pageSize=0§ionID=819

In-Depth Analysis from HousingEconomics.com
Full array of analysis of factors affecting housing and the impact on the industry available to NAHB members, a limited number available to non-members.
http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=734

U.S. Census New Residential Sales Info
http://www.census.gov/const/www/newressalesindex.html

FHA Single-Family Update Pages
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hsgsingle.cfm

Making Home Affordable
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

HUD's Housing Recovery Programs
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/recovery

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Atlanta Development Authority
http://www.atlantada.com/

Atlanta Regional Commission
http://www.atlantaregional.com/

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
http://www.frbatlanta.org/

Georgia Department of Labor
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm

U.S. Census Bureau
http://www.census.gov/

Wells Fargo Research
https://www.wellsfargo.com/com/research/

4th of July - 2010

10 WATER-SAVING TIPS

1) Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. Doing
so can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

2) Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. Doing so can save up to
1,000 gallons a month.

3) If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace
it with a water-efficient shower head.

4) Keep a container of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap,
reducing water that may go down the drain.

5) Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water
instead of running water from the tap.

6) Use a glass for rinse water when brushing teeth instead of letting the
faucet run. Shave the same way. An electric razor also saves water.

7) Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons
every time.

8) Check for leaks. Here’s one way: Put a few drops of food coloring in your
toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Repairing that
leak can save more than 600 gallons a month.

9) Since we use lots of water to generate electricity, remember to
continue your energy conservation practices. Turn off the lights when
leaving a room and adjust your thermostat when you are not home.

10) Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.

For more information about ways to conserve water, visit
www.ConserveWaterGeorgia.net.

Globo News - Cidades e Solucoes

Green Modular

Just Makes Sense: Blu Homes

A Small Osprey Eco-Cottage Has Landed

A Small Osprey Eco-Cottage Has Landed

Architecture Coach: Small-Home Living

Small-Home+Living%3A+Architecture+Coach%3A+REALTOR%C2%AE+Magazine

CARL SEVILLE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaz2d-0Rq2E

Modular Homes Are Really Green

There are several misconceptions about the design and green qualities of the modular home. In this installment of Best House Floor Plans, we’re evaluating five common fallacies associated with the home built off-site:

Fallacy #1: Modular homes require almost a year to build.On the contrary and depending on the size of the modular home, the factory built domicile has an assembly time of three to five days. Once the modular home is transported to the construction site, it requires only two to three months of construction time, compared to the conventional home, which requires nine months to a year for completion.

Fallacy#2: Modular homes are more expensive to build.According to national averages reported by architects, modular homes are 10 to 20 percent more cost effective than the standard built home.

Fallacy #3: Since, modular homes have to be transported from point “A” to its final site location, the factory built home is not green.Actually, many factory built homes are developed in accordance to a rating system, mandated by the U.S. Green Building Council. An example is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These pre-constructed homes are by far more energy efficient to live in.


Fallacy#4: The home built by module has only one insipid home style.Contrary to popular belief, modular homes are architected into a myriad of style options:

Colonial
Contemporary
Contemporary
Dutch colonial
Georgian
Mediterranean
Victorian

Fallacy #5: The building green concept is a marketing ploy used to promote the modular home building industry.Several years before going green or being eco-friendly was popularized, modular manufactures analyzed the amount of waste and its effect on the environment. The findings showed that significantly more building materials end up in landfills during standard home builds than the pre-fabricated home.

Moreover, the home floor plan, erected by module is green because it offers three redeeming qualities:

- It is environmentally conducive for the occupant, as well as the planet
- Decreases homeowner’s operational costs on energy
- Has a substantially smaller carbon footprint

In summation, modular homes are not only eco-friendly, but exude highly stylized characteristics, often indistinguishable to the traditional constructed home.

Benefits of Today's Green Modular Homes - 3 CE Class/Credits

Benefits of Today's Green Modular Homes - 3 CE Class/Credits

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Modular Home Dealers Are Not Hard To Find | Real Estate Blog

Modular Home Dealers Are Not Hard To Find | Real Estate Blog

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Modular Homes For Sale New And Old | Real Estate Articles

Modular Homes For Sale New And Old | Real Estate Articles

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Big Thanks!

I just read a few new and old notes left by co-workers and past clients at linked in...I confess to be a little late...but nevertheless, I just finished reading them all!!!!

I have been really fortunate for the opportunities I've had in the past and I feel really thankful to have met such a wonderful array of people!

Thanks Y'all!!!!

Andrew Gardner(client)

Carolina's Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative

“Carolina was half of the best selling condo sales team in Atlanta in 2007-2008. Her style and integrity gave our condo project a unique identity in a market that was highly competitive. The execution of our marketing efforts and insight into changing trends by Carolina and her team kept this project on top when the rest of the market was disappearing. The results speak for themselves and Carolina would be a great addition to any sales and marketing venture.”


Bill Donges, CEO, Lane Company (colleague)

“Carolina is one of the most dedicated, passionate person's that I have worked with over the years...she did an outstanding job closing sales and marketing my property in Atlanta. Carolina is professional and enthusiastic about making positive things happen. Potential residents bought from Carolina because she imbued trust and an authentic caring personality. I highly recommend Carolina.”


Scott Leonard, VP, Sales and Business Development, Evolv Real Estate (colleague)

“Carolina possesses a unique breadth and depth of real estate acumen, as well as competencies in other verticals she has developed both in timeshare and as an owner/operator. Her people skills, ability to lead as well as function on teams in any role, and keen insight into buyer predilections make Carolina the consummate real estate professional at the field or management level. I have great respect for Carolina and would happily hire/work for her in the future. Should you wish to know more about Carolina, please don't hesitate to contact me.”

David Sergile 404.290.6486, Partner, The Intersect Group (business partner)

“Carolina (Nina) is an extremely sharp, detailed oriented professional that is truly an asset to any organization. She has great presentation and communication skills and always maintains a positive attitude in all that she does. Nina not only drives results, but will ultimately add value to the bottom line as well. Any company would be lucky to have her on their team. - David Sergile 404.290.6486

Scott Melhus, VP, Evolv (colleague)

“Carolina is awesome! Combining her positive personality and the manner in which she treats people makes her an all-around great person to know and work with. If you have just met her - she will be a great friend. If you are looking to hire her - hire her now!”
Irene Hall, Vice President Marketing, evolv (colleague)

“Carolina is a great colleague, offering great expertise in sustainable real estate and eco-friendly products. She lives and breathes her craft and helps her clients to understand what "green" living really means in the residential arena. She works very closely with her team and is pleasant to deal with -- even in difficult situations, she was able to bring great results.”

Matt Baker, Sales/Management, Lane Company (colleague)

“I had the pleasure of working with Carolina at Evolv Real Estate Solutions. During that time she was an excellent model for professionalism. She worked very well with both clients and co workers alike.”

Thought of the day...

Energy-Efficient Mortgages

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Energy-efficient mortgages are one of the most beneficial and under-utilized programs the consumer can find and capitalize upon in today's real estate market. An energy-efficient mortgage can add an additional 15% of a home's appraised value to the principal of a new loan or a refinance, often at no additional cost, no compromise in the loan-to-value ratio for the borrower, and sometimes at a better rate. Yes, one pays a bit more in principal and interest, at today's rates, roughly $30-50 dollars per month, over the course of the loan. However, when this extra principal is used to install energy efficiency measures, it is not uncommon for the property owner to realize $75-100 per month in energy cost savings. When working with a lender who offers and understands the energy-efficient mortgage programs available, the steps for the borrower are very straightforward.

Estimated Cost Savings:
There are no additional costs associated with many energy efficient mortgage options, other than the cost of the additional $15,000 in amortized principal and interest (PI). By definition, the savings created by the energy efficiency measures are greater than the additional PI. This provides the assurance lenders need to conclude loans of this nature are good business.

In fact, the attractiveness of the energy efficient mortgage options also extends to lenders. What happens is that as the borrowers make the stated energy efficiency improvements and create monthly utility bill and other savings, their monthly cash-flow improves. This improvement in monthly cash-flow makes the borrower an even more stable and reliable customer, less likely to present the prospect of default.

Issues:
Most energy-efficient financing programs require that the borrower has an energy rating on their existing or new home. A rating typically involves an inspection by a professional energy rater who is certified under a nationally or state accredited home energy rating system (HERS). The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) provides a database of Certified Home Energy Raters by state.

Regional Issues:
Energy-efficient mortgages and other financing options for energy efficiency improvements are available throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Installation (Getting it Done):
The first easy step is to talk to a few lenders, such as the affiliates here on the site, and then prepare to have a certified energy rater come and conduct the analysis of your property. Your lender will also have suggestions as to energy raters who work with them on energy efficient mortgages, just as your lender has an appraiser with whom he/she works to conduct appraisals.

For more information on energy efficient mortgages, see the links below and the Web sites of our ECOBROKER Affiliates in the lending industry.

More Information On This Topic:

U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse: Financing an Energy-Efficient Home

U.S. Department of Energy's Consumer Energy Information: Elements of an Energy-Efficient House

U.S. Department of Energy's Consumer Energy Information: Professional Home Energy Audits

RESNET'S Home Energy Rating System Information

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Best Place to Age Is at Home

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Best Place to Age Is at Home

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Geothermal Heating Systems

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Geothermal heating systems, also known as geo-exchange, ground source pumps, or earth-coupled pumps, take advantage of the earth's nearly constant temperature (45-75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on latitude) to heat and cool buildings. They work by pumping water and antifreeze or a refrigerant under the ground to be heated or cooled by the earth and then pumped back through piping in the house. In the winter, the earth is used as a heat source, and in the summer as a heat sink. These systems are effective in any climate. The systems pollute less than traditional fuel-burning systems and are about three times more efficient. They are also more efficient than air-to-air exchange heating/cooling systems because water can transfer a greater amount of heat than air. They also have a longer lifetime than either system because almost all system components are indoors or underground. The average lifetime is 25 years for outdoor components and 50 years for parts that are installed indoors or underground.

Geothermal systems reduce the probability of a fire or carbon monoxide leak in a home because they do not require any combustion. Another huge benefit is the reduction of pollution. According to the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, geothermal systems reduce CO2 emissions by about 1.1 million metric tons over 20 years, which is "the equivalent of converting about 58,700 cars to zero-emission vehicles, or planting more than 120,000 acres of trees." Geothermal systems have the EPA ENERGY STAR® label, which not only indicates that using these systems benefits the health of our planet, but also that there may be incentives associated with installing the system, such as tax benefits or lower mortgages. Geothermal systems are also better at controlling relative humidity in buildings compared with other systems.

There are two different types of geothermal heating and cooling systems: open-loop and closed-loop. Open-loops systems require a body of water, and work by pumping water from this source through the house and then back into the body of water. In closed-loop systems, closed-loop piping through which water flows is buried under the ground. The piping for closed-loop systems may be installed vertically or horizontally, with vertical piping requiring a deep but thin trench and horizontal piping requiring a wide but shallow trench.

Geothermal systems are very popular among people who have used them. In fact, the California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center reports that 95 percent of people who have installed these systems would recommend them to others.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Geothermal heating systems can save between 30 and 70 percent on heating and cooling costs compared to traditional fuel-burning systems, and are estimated to use an average of 25 to 50 percent less electricity. These systems are often able to generate excess heat in the summer or even the winter, and a device called a desuperheater can use this excess heat from the system's compressor to heat water at no additional cost. These systems are expensive to install, costing about $2,500 per metric ton of unit, which works out to about $7,500 for the average-sized American home. This is nearly double the price of installing a traditional air conditioning unit. Closed-loop systems require an additional cost for drilling the trench in which the piping is laid, which can cost $10,000 to $30,000, although the costs of installation have decreased in recent years and are expected to continue falling. Overall, the long-term monetary benefits of transitioning to a geothermal system outweigh the initial cost. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the installation costs will pay for themselves in five to ten years, and then building owners will actually profit from the system for the remainder of the system's life. Schools and businesses, which will probably be using the system for a long time, could take special advantage of this profit to purchase new school or business necessities.

Besides saving money on monthly energy bills, geothermal heating systems are usually more durable and require fewer maintenance and repair costs compared with other units. Having a geothermal system adds value to a property proportional to how much monthly energy bills are reduced. Some states also offer monetary incentives for installing these systems.

Property owners who want some of the benefits of a geothermal system but simply cannot afford installation can consider an air-geothermal hybrid system, called a dual-source system. These systems are less efficient than a pure geothermal heating and cooling system, but more efficient than a pure air-based or fuel-based system. Also, dual-source systems are cheaper to install than pure geothermal ones.

Issues:
It is very important to get a qualified contractor to look at the building and land around the building to determine the best kind of geothermal system to maximize comfort, efficiency, and savings. All systems should be customized to a particular situation. It is very important to make sure the contractor is knowledgeable and qualified.

Open-loop systems are initially cheaper to install because they do not usually require drilling; however, it is important to note that these systems work only where there is a sufficient amount of fresh, relatively clean water available. If this is the case and an open-loop system may be used, you must research local regulations on discharging water and make sure these regulations are met.

Regional Issues:
Geothermal heating systems work in all climates, even extreme ones. Good contractors should be able to give advice on specific regional issues that affect drilling and installation, for example, very hard ground.

Installation:
Installation and installation costs of geothermal systems vary, depending on the type of system installed and the availability of a water source. All installations, however, involve installing some type of piping and units for converting and distributing heat. The ductwork used in these systems is the same as that used for traditional systems, so no change is required during installation. The most important thing about installation is finding a good contractor.

More Information On This Topic:

"Geothermal Heating/Cooling Systems" - Residential Environmental Design

"Geothermal Heat Pumps" - U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium

"Geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pumps" - California Energy Commission, Consumer Energy Center