GREEN BUILDING MEDIA FACT SHEET Past, Present & FutureWritten by Neda Dabestani-Ryba
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Lower operating costs—homes are equipped with more efficient heating and cooling systems and use less water, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. Improved construction methods better protect homes from rain and ground water and reduce upkeep and replacement costs, while use of recycled materials helps conserve natural resources. Reduce maintenance issues—landscaping uses native or drought-resistant plants and grasses, and decks made of pressure-treated lumber or synthetic materials need no sealing or staining. Increase home value—homeowners with documented lower monthly utility bills are reporting higher re-sale values. Improve environmental quality—moisture-control products and low VOC paints contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment, and efficient use of materials helps conserve natural resources. NAHB’s guidelines were developed in a consensus process by a group of more than 60 stakeholders representing key players in green home building industry. Future Green building is a growing trend among home builders nationwide, with more than 30 successful green building programs now in existence. Eleven green building programs are owned or operated by members or affiliates of National Association of Home Builders in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Missouri, New York, Ohio and Washington. More than 15 more will be organized with support from Green Building Initiative, an organization created to help implement NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines in markets across country.
Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the President's Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800) 536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/ Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity
| | Strategies for Selling a Vacant HomeWritten by Neda Dabestani-Ryba
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Review your homeowner's insurance policy with your insurance agent to find out what stipulations and coverage are for your vacant home. If available in your area, consider employing a home manager or house sitter. At little or no cost to homeowners, house is furnished and decorated for show-to-sell condition. Most companies require home managers to mow lawn, shovel snow, even pay pool maintenance and utilities. Having someone living on site discourages vandalism, protects against deterioration and weather hazards and may even reduce insurance costs. (Check with your insurance carrier.) Using a service of this kind may help you sell house faster and at a better price, while relieving you of property management duties. Search Internet for professional house sitters in your area. Find a real estate professional with experience selling vacant houses. Very often, these sales professionals specialize in relocation. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your lines of communication. If you will be residing in another town, come up with an agreement on how often your representative will check on home and what should be done if a problem develops. Although a vacant house presents certain challenges, it does not need to be difficult to sell. Just keep it spotless and in show-to-sell condition, inside and out.
Neda Dabestani-Ryba is a licensed Realtor in Maryland. She is a member of the President's Circle of Top Real Estate Professionals. She can be reached at (800) 536-3806 or visit her website for more information: http://neda.dabestani.pcragent.com/ Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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