In a nutshell, the Homestar Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program is jobs bill that is designed to encourage the average American family to invest in energy saving home improvements.

The bill is designed to help combat the high unemployment currently found in the construction sector of the economy and help to jumpstart the demand for energy efficiency products and installation services.  The bill passed the House of Representatives in May by a wide margin and was introduced to the Senate on May 27th. The bill has broad support on both sides of the aisle and why wouldn’t it? It will create jobs, its benefits are immediate and the money goes right back into consumers pockets. The program is designed to save energy, money, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Penned with the nickname “Cash for Caulkers” the program is divided into two sections: Silver Star and Gold Star. We will outline the benefits of each level below.

Silver Star has rebates up to $1,000 – $1,500. Consumers looking to have simple upgrades performed in their homes would be eligible for 50% rebates up to $1,000 – $1,500 for doing any of a straightforward set of upgrades. These upgrades could include: insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors.

Gold Star has rebates up to $3,000. Consumers intersted in more comprehensive retrofits would be eligible for a $3,000 rebate for a whole home energy audit and subsequent retrofit tailored to achieve a 20% energy savings in their homes. Additional rebates could be achieved for energy savings in excess of 20%, and the Gold Star program would build on the existing home retrofit programs like the EPA’s ‘Home Performance with Energy Star’.

Consumers would be eligible for direct HOME STAR rebates at the point of sale. As the White House explains, “A broad array of vendors, from small independent building material dealers, large national home improvement chains, energy efficiency installation professionals and utility energy efficiency programs (including rural utilities) would market the rebates, provide them directly to consumers and then be reimbursed by the federal government.” Rebates will apply to materials, labor, and other installation-related costs.

Oversight would include certified installers and field auditors to go back and check after work is completed. Financing will be coming from State and local governments to provide options to those families looking to make energy investments in their homes.

For now, we wait for final passage and next steps…

If you would like to read more, stop by Efficiency First.  If you would like some ideas on how to make your home more efficient stop by the About Us page of our site and contact one of our Certified Ecobrokers®.

Have you thought about what’s in that paint and some of the chemicals used to make it? Ever heard of the term ‘VOC’? Well let’s start there…according to the EPA, the definition of a “VOC-(Volatile organic compounds) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.”

There are a wide range of health effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, and  nausea. More serious concerns include damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous systems.  Whoa…some potentially scary side effects.  We are certainly not chemists and we will defer to the experts to become more educated.  For more information on some of the potential dangers and ways to reduce exposure please visit the EPA’s website.

Some studies have shown that some of the VOC’s found in paint can continue to be released up to a year after application!  Yuck!

The good news is there are alternatives.  Many paint manufacturers, if not about all, offer a low-VOC or no-VOC option.  For example: Sherwin Willliams offers Duration and Harmony latex paints, Benjamin Moore offers a no-VOC option in its Natura line, and Mythic Paint also offers no-VOC paints.  All of these companies have taken a stance on the products they offer to consumers and their commitment to the environment.

We have used Mythic paint in home and at our Winston-Salem office and have used Sherwin Williams Duration in our home.  You can easily tell an odor difference. We didn’t notice a difference in coverage and so far it is just as durable as any other paint on the market.  The real benefit to us and our agents is knowing that we are increasing the indoor air quality in our home and office.  This will not only help our allergies but it will to the resale value of our home and provide a better working environment.

If you have questions regarding any of the information found in this post, please give us a call and we would be glad to share our thoughts and contacts!

So we met in our garage, a little embarrassing since it was a disaster, but we were reassured that we weren’t the only ones!

John Anderson from Insulation Solutions and Danny Gough from Energy Solutions were on hand to discuss the benefits of energy efficiency, why we chose to foam insulate our house, and what happens at an energy audit.  We also had six neighbors in attendance that had some really great questions like:

What happens if there is a leak in my roof?

How does foam impact the life of my roof if there is no air circulation?

After insulation, does the foam shrink and create openings for air to penetrate?

All are very valid questions and concerns to consider before making the decision to use foam insulation.  Because once it is up…it isn’t coming down!  But also it is a significant investment, one that you want to be certain is not going to cost more in the long run…which is completely understandable.  But once questions like these are answered and you see an installation, it is easy to become a believer.

We  eventually migrated to the upstairs, where Danny  spoke about energy audits.  He also gave a demonstration of a blower door and talked about duct-blasters and infrared guns.  All high-tech, really cool toys that help to determine how much air is leaking in your house.  More information on energy audits can be found on the Energy Star website.

After that we moved on to the attic…and if it is anything like yours…it is not very exciting.  But there we were, ten of us sitting in my attic, surrounded by foam…87 degrees outside…and a cool 75-76 degrees in the attic.  After all the discussion and questions, it is easy to see how effective this type of insulation is in an environment such as your attic.  Not only has it made our house more comfortable, we have also saved about 25-30% on our energy bills.  And our payback is estimated at 6-7 years…at today’s energy prices.

So at the end of our time, I think we made a couple of believers in the group and if nothing else fueled a fire to try to do some things to improve their homes indoor environment.

If you would like to learn more on energy efficiency for your own home.  Please don’t hesitate to call John or Danny…and certainly Sarah or I (336-245-4294).

Well…it has been quite the year so far.  We have been feverishly busy  helping our clients to find the homes of their dreams.  In the midst of the hustle and bustle, we have found the time meet some great friends at Four Branches Green Building Center.  As a result, we decided to rent some space upstairs to give our Greensboro Ecobrokers a place to conduct business.  It is a great building to meet clients, discuss the details of thier particular transaction and see some great envirnonmentally friendly products that can be used to make their homes more comfortable. 

The office was barely put together when an opportunity arose in Winston-Salem.  We were fortunate to find a small office in the middle of downtown, in a building amongst friends like Brew Nerds, RiverRun, and Mike Foley Art.  The traffic is great and we were able to spruce up the office with new paint and flooring.  This is also a place that our Winston-Salem Ecobrokers can call home, meet with clients and help them with their individual needs.

Sarah and I feel very blessed, lucky, excited to have a great cast of agents Sandee, Katie Jo, Gretchen, and Patricia that work really hard!  Our company is also glad to be out in the communities in which we serve and we are looking forward to and increased presence in the Triad.  Thank you to all of our clients – buyers and sellers, the builder community throughout the Triad and everyone who just appreciates that we are here.  The ability for us to take the next step would not have been possible without your support.

Attached is a copy of our press release with directions to our offices, please make sure you stop by and say hello!

New Office Release

So…how can we help you differentiate your home from the rest?

Single Family Homes from the $300,000′’s

Spring Lake Farm, tucked away and masterfully developed with you in mind, is a refuge of natural beauty. The new community is serenity personified! Picture a sun-dappled spring fed lake surrounded by elegant homes and cooled by towering trees, truly an oasis. The recreational lake presents an exciting variety of activities for you and your family. Centrally located between Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Walkertown on fifty gently rolling acres surrounding two lakes, Spring Lake Farm offers an ideal lifestyle with homes from the $300,000′’s to over the $550,000′’s. All brick neighborhood includes special features like energy star certified, lake front, and lake view homes; Kernersville school district, and much more. They are built by a select and accomplished team offering bothe speculative and custom homes.

Click here for All Available Properties

OPEN SUN 1 – 4 PM

Sandee Hamrick336-813-6775 (cell)800-831-6715 (fax)sandeesangels.com

Directions:

From Winston-Salem: Bus 40 East to Reidsville Road (Hwy 158), Right on 2nd Stanley Avenue, behind Morris Farms. From Greensboro: Take Bus 40 W to Left onto Linville Rd. Right ontoHwy 158 (Reidsville Rd) right on 2nd Stanley Avenue, behind Morris Farms

Additional Information

Spring Lake Farms Phase 1: Plat MapAvailabilty: Current Lots for SaleHome Design: Building SpecificationsCommunity Size: Approximately 76 lots (42 lots in Phase One)Schools: Elementary – Cash, Middle – East Forsyth Middle, High School – East ForsythUtilities: Public water and sewer, natural gas, electric, cable tv2008 Taxes: .776 per $100 valuationAssociation Dues: $400 per year initially (for entrance and common areas) prorated to new homeowners

‘, ‘

Single Family Homes from the $300,000’s

Spring Lake Farm, tucked away and masterfully developed with you in mind, is a refuge of natural beauty. The new community is serenity personified!

Picture a sun-dappled spring fed lake surrounded by elegant homes and cooled by towering trees, truly an oasis. The recreational lake presents an exciting variety of activities for you and your family.

Centrally located between Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Walkertown on fifty gently rolling acres surrounding two lakes, Spring Lake Farm offers an ideal lifestyle with homes from the $300,000’s to over the $550,000’s. All brick neighborhood includes special features like energy star certified, lake front, and lake view homes; Kernersville school district, and much more. They are built by a select and accomplished team offering bothe speculative and custom homes.

Click here for All Available Properties

OPEN SUN 1 – 4 PM

Sandee Hamrick
336-813-6775 (cell)
800-831-6715 (fax)
sandeesangels.com

Directions:

From Winston-Salem: Bus 40 East to Reidsville Road (Hwy 158), Right on 2nd Stanley Avenue, behind Morris Farms.
From Greensboro: Take Bus 40 W to Left onto Linville Rd. Right onto
Hwy 158 (Reidsville Rd) right on 2nd Stanley Avenue, behind Morris Farms

Additional Information

Spring Lake Farms Phase 1: Plat Map
Availabilty: Current Lots for Sale
Home Design: Building Specifications
Community Size: Approximately 76 lots (42 lots in Phase One)
Schools: Elementary – Cash, Middle – East Forsyth Middle, High School – East Forsyth
Utilities: Public water and sewer, natural gas, electric, cable tv
2008 Taxes: .776 per $100 valuation
Association Dues: $400 per year initially (for entrance and common areas) prorated to new homeowners

About the Community:

The Living Well Community is a mixed use development with a focus on healthy living. The project focuses on environmentally conscious development, and will feature energy efficient, green buildings and homes.

Located on the Deep River, the 124-acre property is bordered by a mile of the Deep River on one side and a mile of Sandy Creek on the other side.

Several greenways and walking trails are on the property that go through the woods and down to both the creek and river. There is also a one mile long Greenway trail along the Deep River on the old railway bed.

The landscape is full of beautiful scenery; high bluffs for future homes and small business, and gentle slopes with trails down to the Deep River and Sandy Creek.

The tract features hardwood forests, running cedar, rock outcroppings, woods and many peaceful picturesque views. There are many natural open areas along the riverside for peaceful sitting, reading, and picnics. There is even a spot for a canoe or kayak boat launch.

We welcome you to visit the links on this page for more information on this
unique property.

To schedule a personal tour please contact:

Katie Jo Icenhower
Office: (336) 245-4292, x.5
Cell: (336) 253-6506
katiejo@leaprealty.net

Directions:

From the Triangle and points East: Take 64W to Ramseur. On the western side of Ramseur turn North (right) on Highway 22. Go 2 miles. Pass the “Franklinville City Limit” sign on the right. Turn left on Rising Sun Way. Go 1/2 mile to the end of the road and park.

From the Triad and points West: Take 220S to Asheboro. Get on Highway 64E to Ramseur. Go all the way to Ramseur and not turning earlier at signs pointing to Franklinville. Cross the Deep River and enter Ramseur. Turn left on Highway 22N. Go 2 miles. Pass the “Franklinville City Limit” sign on the right. Turn left on Rising Sun Way. Go 1/2 mile to the end of the road and park.

About Walk Softly, LLC

We specialize in sustainable land development, renewable local economics and green building practices.

At Walk Softly, LLC, we strive to minimize environmental impacts, conserve natural resources, and build ecologically friendly neighborhoods. Preserving the diversity in plant, animal and bird species are an integral part of the process.

Walk Softly Communities also:
- Promote independent food production,
- Have a sense of neighborhood – connecting with others
and with nature,
- And are Communities that are pleasant, enjoyable and healthy places to live.

Additional Information:

NEW! – Capital Bank Loan Program – designed for The Living Well Community, to read about this special program please click here.

Slide show on The Living Well Community: Living Well Slide Show

Living Well Community: Background Information

Full color site rendering: Site Map

Information on the town of Franklinville.

These homes are part of the effort to revitalize the 100 year old, Ole Asheboro neighborhood in Greensboro, and they were developed by the Self-Help Community Development Corporation. Self-Help is a community development lender and real estate developer that works with individuals, organizations and communities traditionally underserved by conventional markets. The funds that support their work come from deposits, grants, and other investments made by individuals and institutions across the U.S. More information on their mission can be found here www.self-help.org.

Built by Macadamia Construction (206 Gilbert) and OU Chavis Contracting Company (400E. McCulloch, 911 & 913 Bellevue), these homes are designed to fit with the history of the neighborhood, while incorporating the quality design and energy efficient features that mark Self-Help’s commitment to building for the future.

For detailed information on Self-Help’s story and each home’s features and benefits click here, The Self-Help Story.

Current Homes Available for Sale

206 Gilbert Street Flyer	400 E. McCulloch Street Flyer

911 Bellevue Street Flyer	913 Bellevue Street Flyer

Patricia Whitaker, Certified Home Marketing Specialist
336-430-0253 cell
patriciaw@leaprealty.net

Please Contact, Patricia 336-430-0253, to schedule a showing today! (MLS Info)

These homes are part of the a effort to revitalize the 100 year old, Ole Asheboro neighborhood in Greensboro and they were developed by the Self-Help Community Development Corporation. Self-Help is a community development lender and real estate developer that works with individuals, organizations and communities traditionally underserved by conventional markets. The funds that support our work come from deposits, grants, and other investments made by individuals and institutions across the U.S. More information on their mission can be found here www.self-help.org.

Built by OU Chavis Contracting Company, these homes are designed to fit with the history of the neighborhood, while incorporating the quality design and energy efficient features that mark our commitment to building for the future.

For directions, please open Patricia’s flyer by clicking here,King Holiday Open House flyer

For detailed information on Self-Help’s story and each home’s features and benefits click here, The Self-Help Story.

See you there!

Leap Realty is proud to announce the addition of our newest Broker and Certified New Home Specialist in Greensboro, NC, Patricia Whitaker.

“I believe thereís a home for everyone who wants to be a homeowner”, says Whitaker. “Whether a buyer is looking for a fixer-upper or new construction I believe they deserve a home that can be cost efficient, healthy, and aesthetically appealing. Becoming an EcoBroker is the next step in my love for homes and desire to better serve my clients.”

“Patricia’s 10 years experience in engineering and construction, as well as her local real estate knowledge are a valuable asset to our firm”, says Sarah Olson, Broker-in-Charge of Leap Realty. “We are excited and honored to have her become an essential part of Leap.”

Patricia is enrolled in the Ecobroker program and looks forward to becoming certified. So if you need a resource, or you are looking to buy or sell a home, call (336-430-0253) or email (patriciaw@leaprealty.net) Patricia today!

Winston-Salem, N.C. (October 15, 2009) Leap Realty, LLC today announced it has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 NCTA 21 Awards in the category of Leading Environmental Steward Company. Winners will be recognized at the annual awards gala on Thursday, November 12 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Cary, N.C., presented in conjunction with title sponsor Grant Thornton. The theme for this yearís event is ìSurvivor: Outtech, Outdevelop, Outleadî and is expected to be attended by more than 500 business and technology leaders from across the state.

The NCTA 21 Awards are recognized as North Carolinaís most prestigious awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in North Carolina. This annual showcase honors companies and individuals in 21 categories who represent the best and brightest in technology and business.

Leap Realty is the first and only green-minded, full-service real estate firm in the Triad. A locally owned and independent firm, Leap Realty is committed to using earth-friendly products and services, including eco-friendly business supplies and promotional materials, solar-powered Web hosting, contributing to CarbonFund.org to reduce environmental footprint, reducing paper use and working with other like-minded businesses and organizations. Leap Realty is a 100% Certified EcoBrokerÆ firm. EcoBrokerÆ is an education and certification program for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to promote energy-efficient and ìgreenî features in homes and buildings.

ìWe are honored to be included as a finalist for the North Carolina Technology Associationís 21 Awards for 2009,î said Sarah Olson, co-owner of Leap Realty. ìWe want to thank the NCTA for recognizing both large and small companies for their efforts in environmental stewardship and their efforts to make North Carolina #1 in Technology.î

ìThe finalists for this yearís 21 Awards truly represent the best that North Carolinaís technology industry has to offer,î said Brooks Raiford, president and chief executive officer of NCTA. ìLeap Realty has distinguished itself as a company leading the way in innovation, and we are proud to recognize them as a finalist for the Leading Environmental Steward Company Award.î

About NCTA
The North Carolina Technology Associationís mission is ìMaking North Carolina #1 in Technology and Technology #1 in North Carolina.î The organization does this through three main focus areas: executive engagement, public affairs, and enabling member transition to a technology-enabled workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nctechnology.org.

About Leap Realty, LLC
Leap Realty is a green-minded, full service real estate firm. As a locally owned and independent firm we strive for excellence in providing you the best service possible.

For more information, please visit Leap Realty on the Web at www.leaprealty.net, email , or call (336) 245-4292.

NCTA Media Contact:
Michelle Perkins
DPR Group, Inc.
mperkins@dprgroup.com
919-678-9200