Archive for December, 2007
Want to Be Green? Start Smart With Energy Star, Lighting Solutions
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 31Builders and New York residents are proving to the country that going ‘green’ is sensible, environmentally helpful and cost-effective. A plan engineered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has significantly reduced the state’s overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over the last six years simply by offering consumers the choice to purchase a New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home that uses approximately 30 percent less energy than conventionally built new homes.
“The typical home adds more greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere each year than the average car,” said Paul Tonko, President and CEO of NYSERDA. “The New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes Program is committed to providing customers with dependable, affordable power while lessening the impact of electric generation on the environment.”
Since 2001, more than 10,800 New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes have been built in New York, saving nearly 14 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 603 billion BTUs of fossil fuel to date. The collective energy savings from these homes means that more than 44,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide is kept out of the atmosphere every year; the same as taking nearly 9,000 cars off the road for a year.
“Purchasing a New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Home was one of the best decisions we made with our new house. We take comfort in knowing that we live in a quality built and energy-efficient home,” said Jim Stewart of Wilton.
With New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes making up nearly 14 percent of the state’s new construction market, builders cite them as a symbol of quality building and say that offering energy efficient features to customers is a significant differentiator in the increasingly competitive home building industry. More than 430 builders statewide participate in the program.
“We’ve seen a shift in our customers’ attitudes over the past three years,” says Anne Rockwood, production manager for DeGraff Bloom Builders, who have been part of the program since 2002 and who will now build 100 percent of their homes to ENERGY STAR standards. “When gas prices started to skyrocket, people became much more interested in the program. In the past year or so, concerns about global warming have become a motivating factor as well.”
New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes pass a stringent evaluation that involves a computer-based energy analysis, inspections of systems and the way they work together as a whole, and certification testing. This advanced whole-house performance testing helps ensure that the home is properly insulated, doors and windows are installed correctly, cracks and gaps in a home are sealed, and carbon monoxide gases from appliances and heating and cooling systems are vented properly.
The ‘green’ wave is catching on. Deltec Homes recently launched one of the largest solar panel installations in North Carolina, investing nearly half a million dollars toward sustainable renovations in their Asheville-based offices and manufacturing facility. In 2008, Deltec, like DeGraff Bloom Builders, will be using 100% renewable power to produce its homes.
“Deltec is committed to creating a sustainable business model through the use of renewable energy,” said David Hall, President/CEO of Deltec Homes.
“Our intent is to make the shift toward low-impact, energy-efficient manufacturing in a way that conveys our values to our customers,” added Deltec’s Green Building Coordinator, Steve Linton.
Commercial builders looking for an energy-saving solution to set them apart from competitors are looking at induction lighting, a new wireless technology that produces light with an unprecedented rated life of 10 years, five times longer than common, high intensity discharge (HID) lighting that use electrodes. US Lighting Tech, a manufacturer of commercial lighting products, calls marketing induction lighting ‘the most environmentally friendly lighting solution.”
“Rising energy prices and climate change concerns are driving demand for more energy efficient technologies. We are revolutionizing the lighting industry by providing an eco-friendly solution for one of society’s most fundamental needs,” said Richard Ham, president of US Lighting Tech.
Induction lighting is ideal for hard-to-reach, hazardous places where reliability and functionality is key and maintenance is labor intensive. US Lighting Tech estimates that by replacing 10,000 70W High Pressure Sodium lights with 10,000 40W induction lights, a customer can save approximately $3.5M over 10 years in energy and maintenance costs. That translates into reductions totaling 20 million pounds of carbon emissions or taking 2,700 cars off the road annually.
Source: Want to Be Green? Start Smart With Energy Star, Lighting Solutions
10 Reasons for Walkable Communities
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 31Why all the buzz about “walkability?” “Pedestrian-friendly” communities are in high demand, and for good reason. Safe, comfortable places to walk improve our quality of life. PEDS, metro Atlanta’s pedestrian advocacy organization, provides this top-ten list of benefits.
- Less traffic congestion
One-fourth of all car trips are less than a mile. Sidewalks and safe crossings enable you to reach destinations on foot, which reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. - Higher property values
Homes in pedestrian-friendly communities make good investments. Sidewalks and quiet, tree-lined streets boost the value of your home. - Lower transportation costs
Fewer car trips=lower gasoline costs. Each time you walk instead of drive, you save money on gas and maintenance. The savings add up. - More places to have fun
A walkable downtown attracts more stores and creates a thriving place to shop, eat, and find entertainment. Meanwhile, reduced demand for parking leaves more open space for parks and playgrounds. - Stronger communities
Where pleasant walking conditions exist, residents are more likely to know their neighbors and feel connected to their community, which leads to increased civic involvement. - Reduced crime
Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods have more eyes on the street. People look out for each other, which deters crime. - Better access for non-drivers
Sidewalks enable children, seniors, and others who do not drive to get around on foot. - Less stress
Chauffering children and driving in commuter traffic can be a hassle. Being outdoors and walking at your own pace can be enjoyable quality time with your family. - Less pollution
Walkable trips cause no harmful emissions. Also, walkers inhale less poisonous fumes than people inside a slow moving car, reducing their risk of asthma. - Better health
People who live in walkable communities are more active, enjoy cleaner air, and experience fewer car crashes. Walking helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.
Four things you can do to make your community walkable:
- Request sidewalks for existing and proposed developments.
- Participate in public meetings and other community planning events.
- Ask your elected officials to establish funding goals for pedestrian facilities.
- Support advocates promoting pedestrian-friendly policy change by joining PEDS (www.peds.org).
Source: 10 Reasons for Walkable Communities
What To Fix Before Your Sell
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 31
It’s time to start thinking about how to make your home stand shoulders above the rest if you are planning to sell in 2008. However, don’t make unneeded repairs for which you won’t be able to recoup the improvement costs. The most important concepts of making your home salable are to give the appearance of being neat, clean and spacious.
Remodeling magazine found that homeowners could recover 83% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel at resale compared with 78% of a major kitchen remodeling. Therefore, logic suggests that you replace a countertop if it’s crumbling but not if its only fault is having an outdated appearance. And, there’s no need to update to granite unless the competition has granite countertops as well.
Remodeling
Source: What To Fix Before Your Sell
Happy New Year!
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30
Blog Tour USA - INMAN Real Estate Connect from rudy bachraty on Vimeo.
The countdown is on……till the new year and the Inman Real Estate Connect in NYC. Here is a taste of what we experienced behind the scenes at our last Inman Real Estate Connect in San Francisco during Blog Tour USA.
We wish you a happy and healthy New Year!
See you in 2008…
Source: Happy New Year!
BFH opens The Preserve at Johns Creek
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30
Bowen Family Homes announces the opening of its new Johns Creek community, The Preserve at Johns Creek in the new city of Johns Creek. Priority Interest List registration will secure a homesite before the official grand opening of the community. These Johns Creek new homes are priced from the $400,000s.
The two-story, all brick homes range from 2,900 to 4,500 square feet with up to six bedrooms. These homes have tons of options like three-car garages, two-story family rooms, his and her walk-in closets in the master bedrooms, sunrooms and basements.
For more informtion, call 1 -877 MY BOWEN or visit www.bowenfamilyhomes.com.
Source: BFH opens The Preserve at Johns Creek
Let Skyline WOW You
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30
Skyline at Lindbergh is WOWing people with the unique, eye-catching ads that can be seen throughout the Atlanta area. The huge eye with the Atlanta skyline in the pupil is the perfect marketing tactic for the new luxurious condominium highrise in the bustling Lindbergh area as it will offer phenomenal views from every SkyHome from the eighth floor and up. Skyline at Lindbergh is located in the bustling Lindbergh area and will feature 220 SkyHomes priced from the low $200,000s to $600,000s upon completion. 
In addition to the exceptional views the all-glass building will offer, homeowers will enjoy superb convenience to the new Lindbergh Plaza and City Center where an array of shopping, dining and entertainment may be found. Let Skyline WOW you - visit www.skyline-atl.com or call 404-467-4447 for more information.
Source: Let Skyline WOW You
Free Online Credit Card Debt Elimination
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30If your finances are in trouble due to excessive credit card debt, you can benefit from a free online debt consolidation quote. Requesting a free quote is the first step in regaining control of your money, and will allow you to see, with no obligation, how much you could potentially save you each month.
Consolidation is a process which works by eliminating all of your current high interest credit card balances, and replaces them with one lower interest loan, with one lower monthly payment. Lower interest equals lower monthly payments. You will pay much less every month, allowing you use that extra money to pay off your balances or avoid falling any deeper into debt.
Some programs will not even require that you receive a loan. Instead, they will work with your current credit card companies to lower interest rates, and even reduce your balances. The best way to find out which type of program is right for your needs is to request and compare a few free online quotes from several different companies, and discuss your options.
If you are stressed out by several high interest bills, odds are you’ll benefit from a consolidation service! It is a great way to ease the stress that comes as a result of carrying multiple high interest credit card balances. The most efficient way to determine if a consolidation loan is right for you, and to compare lenders, is to request several free quotes online By doing so, you’ll be able to see exactly how much you can potentially save each month, and which company will save you the most.
There are hundreds of websites offering a free online debt consolidation quote to you. These sites will allow you to compare several major lenders side-by-side. Be sure to compare all aspects of your free online quotes, such as, the company’s reputation, success rate, loan terms, and interest rate.
Now that you are more familiar with how debt consolidation works and the importance of requesting free quotes, you probably want to see just how much you can save with a debt consolidation loan. A great place to learn more about debt consolidation, and get free quotes, is http://debtconsolidationsource.googlepages.com/, an excellent online resource with lots of valuable information on debt consolidation.
To Compare Free Debt Consolidation Quotes and Find the Best Consolidation Loan Click Here!
Original here
Source: Free Online Credit Card Debt Elimination
Compare For Get The Best Loan Deal
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30Choices should not be left to chances. Decision making is a vital factor to make life smooth. Good decisions make tough things easier and on the contrary, one wrong decision can make all your efforts going in vein. Decision making is a process. There are many things like availability, requirement and information involved in the decision making process. All these aspects should be mixed judiciously to make a good decision.
Availability means one should be aware of the options available that fits his purpose. Before this he should know what his purpose is all about. He must inform himself about all the options available. After it the decision making process becomes smooth. Same is the case of opting for loans. There are different varieties of loans available for one purpose. The number of lenders is also at all time high. Hence, the borrower should have complete knowledge about the terms and conditions of different loan plans before applying for them.
are the loan options designed to cater all legally correct purpose of the borrower. There are two types of personal loans available in the UK financial market. They are secured and unsecured personal loans. Both these varieties have their own pros and cons. It is upto the borrower to choose his loan plan according to the requirement. He should understand the need for the loan. The monetary requirement will be higher in case of a large scale home renovation compared to that of holidaying. As these loans are available for all purposes, you should compare loans to have your matching loan option.
Secured personal loans are available against residential property security. The borrower gets a higher loan amount at lower interest rate by pledging his home. The rate of interest is low due to the security. However, the borrower needs to handle these loans carefully. In case of a default, the lender can repossess the security. The repayment period of these loans has the maximum time limit of 25 years. Between this time periods, the borrower repays the loan amount with interest in easy monthly installments. Hence, the payback pattern is borrower friendly. There are certain loan plans under this category, which start repayment after some months of loan sanction. When you compare personal loans you have complete information about these loan plans.
You have to compare personal loans of unsecured category to have the best deal. Unsecured loans for personal monetary requirement do not need a residential property security. They charge higher rate of interest compared to their secured counter part, but they have quick processing and risk-free loan options. These loans are open to all types of borrowers like students, tenants and bad credit borrowers.
: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting ask4loan.co.uk as a finance specialist.
For more information related to personal loans: http://www.ask4loan.co.uk
Original here
Source: Compare For Get The Best Loan Deal
Emergency Payday Loans Online - Access The Help The Same Day
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 30If you are a salaried person who is desperately looking for a urgent monetary help, then surely you must apply for a loan that is instantly available. It would be appropriate there to go for emergency payday loans online as these are especial loans for urgency.
The main feature of these loans is that the lenders approve it instantly within hours without going much into your details, if you have met certain basic requirements. The loan amount is electronically deposited in your bank account the same day. This obviously enables in paying emergency medical bills or any expense without delay.
Lenders only see that you are an employee for past few months at least and that you are drawing fixed monthly salary of at least $1000. Some other requirements are that you must be living at the current home for past six months.
Emergency payday loans online are provided by online lenders on their simple to fill application that is available with lenders’ websites. The advantage is the because of fast online medium the loan gets instantly approved without any papers involved.
These loans provide money in the range of $100 or less to $1000 or if you’re monthly salary allows you can borrow up to $1500. These loans are approved for two weeks and you are supposed to return the loan through next paycheqe. You have the option of extending the loan for couple of weeks as well.
But there is lenders’ high fee involved in these loans making the borrowings highly costly for salaried class of people. You should therefore go for these loans only for urgency.
One advantage is that people with blemished credit history can avail emergency payday loans online without any credit checks. Shortly the borrower improves credit rating on timely repaying the loan. Compare different lenders before signing the deal.
Victor Stephens writes article on many topics including Payday loans. You will find more information on Emergency Payday Loans Online, Bad Credit Payday Loans, Payday Loans Online at http://www.emergencypaydayloans.net/
Original here
Source: Emergency Payday Loans Online - Access The Help The Same Day
Spiders And Politics
Posted by admin under: Main Dec 29This one bugs me in a funny way.
After seeing what Hillary said about don’t vote for Obama because he wet the bed as a kid I had to post a wet spider, a poem, and the story.
The wet spider
The Poem:
Spiders under my sheet.
“Are there spiders under my sheet?”
Thought a little girl so soft and sweet
“Yes” was the answer she didn’t want to hear,
as she thought to herself and shuddered with fear.
“Maybe one or two wouldn’t be so bad”
and laughed at herself for the thought she just had
“Why I could share my bed with even three or fore.”
Looking at the size of her bed she even thought more.
“Why even five or six spiders would be just fine!”
“They could play over there and this side would be mine.”
“Ten or twenty spiders would be way too many.”
as she lifted her cover hoping not to see any.
As she thought and she thought the spiders did grow.
First the size teeny weeny then bigger than her toe.
She got down to her knees then curled up on the floor
There she fell asleep and thought of spiders no more.
No spiders under her sheet but hiding under her bed.
As she slept on the floor spiders covered her head.
The Story from Yahoo: for the full web article.The increasingly contentious race for the Democratic presidential nomination got a little bit nastier today as Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) charged that her chief rival, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), wet his bed when he was a toddler.
At a campaign appearance in Davenport, Sen. Obama brushed off his alleged bed-wetting as an “isolated incident,” and added an apparent jab at Sen. Clinton: “I’m not the one who’s so scared about this race that I’m peeing myself now.”
Source: Spiders And Politics