With a bleak national economy, many investors are looking for alternatives to maximizing their earnings and retirement savings. A novel way is to use your IRA or 401(k) to purchase a property. Ideally, you can use some of your retirement funds to purchase real estate and earn tax-deferred income from those properties. However, using retirement funds to invest in real estate isn’t necessarily a total goldmine—with the benefits come several caveats.
Who can use IRA’s or 401(k)’s to buy real estate?
Most people who are full-time employees and can prove firm financial standing are eligible to purchase real estate with retirement funds from their 401(k)’s or IRA’s.
What types of properties can I purchase with my retirement accounts?
It is important to realize that this feature of IRA and 401(k) accounts is purely a tool for investment—not home-buying. That is, you can purchase rental homes, condominiums, raw land, and commercial real estate. But you cannot use your retirement accounts to purchase your home or even any other home that you intend to spend time in (that includes vacation beach condos and ski lodges). And you cannot get around this stipulation by putting the homes in a relative’s name: purchases for relatives are also prohibited.
Nevertheless, you can “invest” in a home that you intend to use upon retirement, so long as you prove it is for investment purposes by renting or leasing it out to an outside party for the meantime.
How can you begin to buy real estate with your retirement accounts?
In order to set out independently as a real estate entrepreneur, you must set up a self-directed IRA, which allows you to direct your own retirement funds. You will need consultation from an approved IRA custodian.
What are the drawbacks of purchasing property with an IRA or 401(k)?
First, you do not have unlimited access to your retirement accounts (this is a government safeguard for your own good!) You may be limited to a $10,000 withdrawal, and you may be subject to tax penalties if you withdraw before you are 59½.
Another important caveat is that that you do not borrow from your IRA or 401(k), you withdraw. That is, once you take the money out, you can never get it back. If you are like most people, you want to be extremely conservative with your retirement piggy bank, because there is nothing after that money, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Therefore, you should really only purchase property with your IRA or 401(k) if you will be very financially comfortable upon retirement and if you are absolutely confident that your real estate venture can earn you at least a marginally higher return on your investment account.
You should also keep in mind that once you open a self-directed IRA, you will basically be out on your own. Although you will have an IRA custodian, your money will be in your hands. Only take on this venture if you really feel the entrepreneurial spirit and only if you really want to handle your retirement funds.
Yes, investing in real estate may be a more active and lucrative way to maximize your retirement funds. But you will also be tossing around a very delicate nest egg that can easily fall on the ground in a tough real estate market like this. No matter what, you should consult an independent financial advisor before taking any action.
**Sources: marketwatch.com, activerain.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Connie's TV Update
Connie is appearing on local and national media all over America! There has never been a better time to work with this broker who gets her clients real exposure!
Here's a brief recap of where Connie has been and will be in these weeks:
*Connie recently appeared on the Fox News Business segment "Real Deal on Housing." As part of an expert panel, she talked about the potential of an upswing in home sale prices in Southern California (Original Air Date: June 24, 2008).
*Connie spoke on Martha Stewart Living on SIRIUS. (Original Air Date: June 25, 2008)
*Connie will appear on CNN "Open House". The program will appear on CNN Headline News on Saturday, June 28 at 12:30 PM.
*Connie will show her skills for selling a house on "Real Estate Confidential" featuring her most current listing, 1625 Clear View Drive. The feature will be a part of ABC's "Eye on LA" and will air on Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 PM.
To view all of Connie's appearances, click here: http://www.conniedegroot.com/tv.htm
Here's a brief recap of where Connie has been and will be in these weeks:
*Connie recently appeared on the Fox News Business segment "Real Deal on Housing." As part of an expert panel, she talked about the potential of an upswing in home sale prices in Southern California (Original Air Date: June 24, 2008).
*Connie spoke on Martha Stewart Living on SIRIUS. (Original Air Date: June 25, 2008)
*Connie will appear on CNN "Open House". The program will appear on CNN Headline News on Saturday, June 28 at 12:30 PM.
*Connie will show her skills for selling a house on "Real Estate Confidential" featuring her most current listing, 1625 Clear View Drive. The feature will be a part of ABC's "Eye on LA" and will air on Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 PM.
To view all of Connie's appearances, click here: http://www.conniedegroot.com/tv.htm
Owner Financing--A Great Strategy for the Right Situation
In today’s difficult market, sellers are looking for any way to sell their homes at a reasonable price. Some sellers are turning to owner financing, an option that bears risks and benefits to both the buyers and sellers. Owner financing is not for everyone, but it could help you greatly if you want to sell your home now or if you want to buy without the hassle of bank mortgages.
What is Owner Financing?
To simplify it as much as possible, owner financing is when the seller of the house provides the loan to the buyer. The loan may be in conjunction with or in place of a mortgage taken from the bank.
Of course, when the seller is the lender, the typical circumstances surrounding closing change. Usually, both sides save time and money from avoiding standard closing costs. First, the owner doesn’t get all of his money up front, but instead receives payments plus interest over a period of time, just as a bank would receive from the borrower. Usually, the lender offers a better rate—or at least a better total package—than the bank can offer. Hence, owner financing is really only viable for sellers who have some extra cash on hand.
The buyer, in turn, does not have to deal with securing a loan from the bank. Because the transaction is with another individual, the deal is much more flexible to negotiation from both sides.
How Does the Seller Benefit?
How Does the Buyer Benefit?
How is the Seller at Risk?
How is the Buyer at Risk?
**Sources: michaelbluejay.com, financialweb.com, Century 21
What is Owner Financing?
To simplify it as much as possible, owner financing is when the seller of the house provides the loan to the buyer. The loan may be in conjunction with or in place of a mortgage taken from the bank.
Of course, when the seller is the lender, the typical circumstances surrounding closing change. Usually, both sides save time and money from avoiding standard closing costs. First, the owner doesn’t get all of his money up front, but instead receives payments plus interest over a period of time, just as a bank would receive from the borrower. Usually, the lender offers a better rate—or at least a better total package—than the bank can offer. Hence, owner financing is really only viable for sellers who have some extra cash on hand.
The buyer, in turn, does not have to deal with securing a loan from the bank. Because the transaction is with another individual, the deal is much more flexible to negotiation from both sides.
How Does the Seller Benefit?
- The seller may earn a higher selling price in return for offering the buyer a lower interest rate and allowing the buyer to avoid the bank.
- Assuming the buyer can make all the payments, financing may be a safer option than other forms of investment. For example, if the owner can be assured of a 6% return, he may choose to finance the buyer rather than get his money in a lump sum at closing. The steady 6% may be safer than investing that money in a riskier option, such as the stock market, which may not make him that high of a return.
- Because a third party will not be involved, the seller may be able to forego the inspections, appraisals, and insurance terms.
How Does the Buyer Benefit?
- The buyer has more bargaining power with an individual owner than with the stubborn bank.
- The buyer does not necessarily have to endure a tedious mortgage approval process.
- If the loan itself slightly favors the seller, the buyer can leverage the deal to get the seller to do some home improvements as exchange. The seller may also throw in other goodies, such as providing homeowners’ membership fees or installing high-speed wireless internet prior to vacating.
How is the Seller at Risk?
- The seller won’t get all the money upfront as he would in a typical bank mortgage. Hence, he will be unable to gain interest on or to invest the large lump sum that he would ordinarily receive.
- If the seller doesn’t own the home, he has to pay off the existing mortgage before selling it.
- The seller is at risk of the buyer defaulting. Whereas banks expect people to default and can still manage to turn profit when borrowers fail to pay, the individual seller is likely to be greatly affected by non-payment.
- If an emergency arises and the seller needs cash quick, he will have to sell the loan contract. Because the loan likely has a lower interest rate than the bank would provide, the buyer of the contract will discount the price he offers the seller.
- If the seller does not hire a lawyer to properly document the loan, he is at risk of the buyer taking advantage of a loophole.
How is the Buyer at Risk?
- Because a third party will not be involved, unless the buyer demands a home inspection, mortgage insurance, or an appraisal as part of the deal, these buyer safeguards will not be necessary to closing. The buyer would be at higher risk of getting a lemon.
* * *
Owner financing really isn’t a complicated process. But it is only appropriate for certain situations. If the conditions are right for the buyer and seller, then owner financing can be mutually beneficial and profitable to both parties. **Sources: michaelbluejay.com, financialweb.com, Century 21
Monday, June 23, 2008
Add value to your home with minimal effort
As you know, sometimes the most minor factors make a difference. The same is true when it comes to selling your home. By investing a little time and a minimal amount of money, you can greatly enhance the marketability of your home. I have five suggestions for changes you can make that will increase your home’s value.
Remove personal items
As painful as it may be, in order to attract the most offers and to demand a premium for your home, you should remove personal items from the most visible areas of the home. You cherish your family photographs, trophies, and other memorabilia, but potential buyers will have little connection to these items. The key to selling is having a buyer build an emotional connection to your home. You want the buyers to feel like this home can be their own from the day they walk in the door.
Removing personal items is an easy change that doesn’t cost anything but that will earn you a higher offer. As an added benefit, it will make your home seem cleaner and more open, allowing the buyers to picture how they can add their own personal touches to each room.
Think about what may be too specific
I have sold some of the finest properties in the Beverly Hills area, and many of the owners that I have dealt with have been brilliantly artistic people with magnificently unique homes. But because not everyone has the same tastes or styles, it is important to consider which of your homes features may be wonderful, yet too specific to you.
A few weeks before your first open house, look around the house and try to take an objective view of what rooms may require personal tastes to like. Invite a few friends or neighbors to come by to lend you an honest outsider’s opinion.
Consider painting rooms that are done in non-neutral colors (bright colors like candy-apple red or bright yellow, etc) or rooms that are wallpapered (as quaint as it may be).
Artwork can be another touchy item. Even the most beautiful Renoir—not to mention a bold Rauschenberg—can give just a hint of doubt to the buyer. Again, if the buyers cannot envision themselves in the house on the day of the open house, then they will be more reluctant to make a high offer—or one at all.
My most memorable example of something “too specific” was the home with the large fiberglass tree built in the middle of the living room (go to the Real Estate Confidential Episode 1 video by clicking the “Connie on TV” link above). The owners couldn’t sell the home until I convinced them to remove the tree. The tree, of course, is an extreme example. But are you sure that a majority of people will feel completely at home in each room or with each item? If not, then change those features.
Spruce up with paint
You know how a new coat of paint can completely revive a room or the outside of a house. Use neutral solid colors, which will attract a wider swath of potential buyers. Even if a room is already in a neutral color, consider repainting it in order to give it a fresh look. Your house may be eighty years old, but fresh paint makes it look just built.
Brighten up with light
Nature is your cheapest and best tool. Bringing natural light into your home makes every room warmer, fresher, cleaner, and more inviting. This step is as easy as opening up the blinds or curtains of every window. Even if it is gray outside, buyers will feel more comfortable in an open and light house.
Consider the sense of smell
My previous suggestions have been mainly about how your house looks—but few people really think about the buyers’ other senses, such as how the house smells.
Before the open houses, avoid cooking with fish, garlic, onion, cabbage, or other potentially smelly foods. Also avoid spraying household cleaners around the house, as many people are very sensitive to such smells. Of course, however cliché it may be, the smell of baking pie or cookies seems to always make buyers instantly fall in love with the house.
* * *
All these suggestions are quick, easy, and cheap—the most expensive change is the paint. Taking a little time to neutralize your home will not only allow buyers to envision themselves in the house but will also show them how you went through the extra effort to present your home. And I guarantee that the cost of the minor changes will be far outmatched by the higher asking prices.
Remove personal items
As painful as it may be, in order to attract the most offers and to demand a premium for your home, you should remove personal items from the most visible areas of the home. You cherish your family photographs, trophies, and other memorabilia, but potential buyers will have little connection to these items. The key to selling is having a buyer build an emotional connection to your home. You want the buyers to feel like this home can be their own from the day they walk in the door.
Removing personal items is an easy change that doesn’t cost anything but that will earn you a higher offer. As an added benefit, it will make your home seem cleaner and more open, allowing the buyers to picture how they can add their own personal touches to each room.
Think about what may be too specific
I have sold some of the finest properties in the Beverly Hills area, and many of the owners that I have dealt with have been brilliantly artistic people with magnificently unique homes. But because not everyone has the same tastes or styles, it is important to consider which of your homes features may be wonderful, yet too specific to you.
A few weeks before your first open house, look around the house and try to take an objective view of what rooms may require personal tastes to like. Invite a few friends or neighbors to come by to lend you an honest outsider’s opinion.
Consider painting rooms that are done in non-neutral colors (bright colors like candy-apple red or bright yellow, etc) or rooms that are wallpapered (as quaint as it may be).
Artwork can be another touchy item. Even the most beautiful Renoir—not to mention a bold Rauschenberg—can give just a hint of doubt to the buyer. Again, if the buyers cannot envision themselves in the house on the day of the open house, then they will be more reluctant to make a high offer—or one at all.
My most memorable example of something “too specific” was the home with the large fiberglass tree built in the middle of the living room (go to the Real Estate Confidential Episode 1 video by clicking the “Connie on TV” link above). The owners couldn’t sell the home until I convinced them to remove the tree. The tree, of course, is an extreme example. But are you sure that a majority of people will feel completely at home in each room or with each item? If not, then change those features.
Spruce up with paint
You know how a new coat of paint can completely revive a room or the outside of a house. Use neutral solid colors, which will attract a wider swath of potential buyers. Even if a room is already in a neutral color, consider repainting it in order to give it a fresh look. Your house may be eighty years old, but fresh paint makes it look just built.
Brighten up with light
Nature is your cheapest and best tool. Bringing natural light into your home makes every room warmer, fresher, cleaner, and more inviting. This step is as easy as opening up the blinds or curtains of every window. Even if it is gray outside, buyers will feel more comfortable in an open and light house.
Consider the sense of smell
My previous suggestions have been mainly about how your house looks—but few people really think about the buyers’ other senses, such as how the house smells.
Before the open houses, avoid cooking with fish, garlic, onion, cabbage, or other potentially smelly foods. Also avoid spraying household cleaners around the house, as many people are very sensitive to such smells. Of course, however cliché it may be, the smell of baking pie or cookies seems to always make buyers instantly fall in love with the house.
* * *
All these suggestions are quick, easy, and cheap—the most expensive change is the paint. Taking a little time to neutralize your home will not only allow buyers to envision themselves in the house but will also show them how you went through the extra effort to present your home. And I guarantee that the cost of the minor changes will be far outmatched by the higher asking prices.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Reviving the Forlorn Front Yard
When home prices reach upwards of $600 per square foot, you want to make every inch count. Maybe that’s why the front of the house has become an area of focus for many upscale homeowners.
It is interesting to consider why homeowners often ignore the front of their homes. Think about how many beautiful homes you have seen with stellar interiors, majestic backyards…and forlorn front yards.
Yet all realtors know about the studies that say that home buyers make up their minds within the first five seconds of looking at the house and only spend the rest of the time trying to justify their original impressions of the exterior. Finally, homeowners are catching on by giving the front areas the same respect as the rest of the property.
I have thought of some ways by which you can cultivate a fantastic front yard and add tremendous value to your property without breaking the bank.
The first reason why homeowners only tend to be in their front yards when they are walking from the driveway to the front door is because of privacy. Even on sultry summer days, homeowners will stay away from eating in the front yard because they do not want to be seen by strangers.
You can actually add to both the sanctity as well as the aesthetic value of your front in several ways:
It is interesting to consider why homeowners often ignore the front of their homes. Think about how many beautiful homes you have seen with stellar interiors, majestic backyards…and forlorn front yards.
Yet all realtors know about the studies that say that home buyers make up their minds within the first five seconds of looking at the house and only spend the rest of the time trying to justify their original impressions of the exterior. Finally, homeowners are catching on by giving the front areas the same respect as the rest of the property.
I have thought of some ways by which you can cultivate a fantastic front yard and add tremendous value to your property without breaking the bank.
The first reason why homeowners only tend to be in their front yards when they are walking from the driveway to the front door is because of privacy. Even on sultry summer days, homeowners will stay away from eating in the front yard because they do not want to be seen by strangers.
You can actually add to both the sanctity as well as the aesthetic value of your front in several ways:
- Elegant gates. Granted, picket-white fences may be lost in the suburbia of the 1950’s, but adding a taller rod-iron gate will lend your home an image of grandeur while allowing you to feel removed from the street.
- Landscape. Flowers, plants, trees, and other vegetation add color and refinement to your front yard. You may even use trees as natural fences that provide both shade and privacy.
- Hardscape. Choosing the right type of material for your driveway and walkways can instantly change your home from a Los Angeles residence to a Tuscan estate. Lose the brick and concrete, and opt for a choice that can add both color and texture. Rustic-colored cobblestone is especially popular nowadays. Stone is another option, which can make your home resemble a French chateau.
- Waterfalls or sculptures. I’m not suggesting that you go buy a dozen pieces and try to recreate the Getty Villa, but a simple three-tiered waterfall or a non-ostentatious stone sculpture by the front entrance can be another tactful and international touch. Stores like Z Gallerie offer some very nice options for very good values.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Connie's Back on TV...and now Sirius!
Next week, I will not only return to the silver screen, but I will be making my debut on satellite radio!
You can catch me on the following programs:
- CNN “Open House” (check soon for airing date)
- Fox Business News with Liz Clayman and Dave Asman (June 24, LIVE! at 1:00 PM in Los Angeles)
- Martha Stewart’s Sirius radio show (Channel 112, June 25, 12:00 PM in Los Angeles)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
It's hot time to go solar!
What if I told you that there was a simple, relatively inexpensive change that you could make to your house that could help you cut down your bills, do a public good, and increase the value of your home? There is indeed a solution, and it comes in the form of solar panels.
Solar panels are hot! Due to California and federal subsidies, solar panels are no longer reserved for mega-wealthy eco-friendly celebrities. Now, even the common urban Angeleno can enjoy the benefits of saving the environment, paying less for electricity, and earning a premium when it comes time to selling.
I searched the Go Solar California website (http:///www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov) to provide you with information about your burning questions about solar panels.
What’s the news?
The “California Solar Initiative” will provide over $2 billion in incentives over the next decade to subsidize the installment of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on commercial, industrial, and residential properties. The program is intended to increase the solar electricity market; it is not directed toward solar hot water systems.
What’s the deal?
The CSI will offer you up to $2.50 per watt that your solar panels generate. The more solar panels you have and the more energy from the sun they create in substitute of standard electricity, the more you will receive in return.
For systems that generate over 100 kilowatts, incentives are paid monthly. For systems under 100 kilowatts, you will receive a one-time incentive upfront. The incentives will decline seven percent per year—starting from 2007—over ten years.
The amount of incentive that you receive is based on how much electricity your panels produce. But having more panels does not necessarily mean more electricity generated. The orientation of your panels—where they are located and how much sunlight they receive—is a major factor. I discuss how to optimize your orientation below.
Am I eligible?
If you are a customer of Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, or San Diego Gas & Electric, you are eligible for the incentive program.
What is the best environment for solar panels?
The orientation of your solar panels is critical to optimizing the most value. The following bullets detail the best conditions for solar panels:
- Your roof should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day and should not be under large amounts of shade (from buildings, trees, pipes).
- It is best if you have your solar panels facing south, which gets the most sunlight.
Do not expect to meet all these standards—few people do. But regardless of where your roof is, we do live in sunny Southern California, which receives more sunshine than almost anywhere in the country. You are sure to reap rewards on your electric bills. You should definitely contact a local provider to inspect your location.
How much space do I need?
You will need 100 square feet for each kilowatt of the common panel. Other types of panels may need more space.
How much do PV systems cost?
The costs of PV panels will vary based on the exact size, add-ons, and installation costs. Currently, systems average about $7.00 per watt.
Are PV systems reliable?
Although they may look delicate, PV panels are incredibly durable. They do not wear out. They can withstand brutal heat and other harsh weather conditions. They last upwards of twenty years.
Why spend money to get electricity I already have?
Solar panels have numerous public and private benefits:
- By using natural energy instead of conventional carbon-based electricity, solar panels keep the air cleaner and reduce the causes of global warming
- Panels save you money over time
- Panels reduce our dependence on that $140 per barrel oil—remember, oil doesn’t only go into your cars!
- Panels increase the value of your home (more on this later)
In addition to the incentives, the federal government also provides incentives. You can get an income tax reduction of 30% of equipment, and higher-income households can reap even more benefits.
How can solar panels increase the value of my home?
This may be the most critical question of all. You may argue that installing solar panels would be futile, because you are not sure if you still may be in your house in ten years. But consider the tremendous financial and psychological value that solar panels add.
Financially, you will offer the buyer a stable, environmentally friendly, and money-saving addition to the house. The buyer will be willing to spend more when he considers that he will be saving money on his utility bills for years to come. Looking ahead to the not too distant future, as solar panels become more of a commodity, legislative measures will make it even easier for households to buy and maintain solar panels—and more difficult to buy and maintain conventional electrical systems.
Finally, the psychological impact is even more profound. Not only are solar panels somewhat visually pleasing even on traditional homes, but they are fast becoming a social sign. The solar-paneled home gains respect and admiration from neighbors. The solar-paneled home declares that its owner is modern, proactive, and economically wise.
Yes, it may be difficult to think about laying down the money for a fancy system on your roof, but once you factor in the benefits of energy saved, reduced bills, and higher home value, the investment becomes quite worthwhile.
**Technical information and statistics gleaned from www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov
Monday, June 9, 2008
Green your house without a greenhouse, Part II
This is the second installment of how to make your house eco-friendly in simple and effective ways. Last time, we discussed measures that will help you save water dollars in the laundry room and in the bathroom. Today, we will discuss eco-friendly bedroom furniture and decor options.
Bedroom
Although you may not be awake for many of the hours, you spend far more time in your bedroom than you do anywhere else in the home. Therefore, you should really invest into making your bedroom eco-friendly. Although many green products for the bedroom are slightly more expensive, the benefits are more than worthwhile.
Our beds, where we spend a third of our lives, can be harbingers of chemicals, germs, and eco-unfriendly materials. How can we reduce the environmental impact of our beds?
We have all seen how organic cotton has made its way into clothes, so why not buy sheets and blankets made of organic cotton? We usually associate pesticides with food, but few of us realize that “conventional cotton accounts for up to twenty-five percent of the insecticides used worldwide." In addition, the conventional process of making bedding involves many synthetic chemicals and dyes. Purchasing organic cotton may cost more, but it will make a tremendous contribution to the environment.
The Green Guide provides many companies where you can find great natural products:
Bedroom
Although you may not be awake for many of the hours, you spend far more time in your bedroom than you do anywhere else in the home. Therefore, you should really invest into making your bedroom eco-friendly. Although many green products for the bedroom are slightly more expensive, the benefits are more than worthwhile.
Our beds, where we spend a third of our lives, can be harbingers of chemicals, germs, and eco-unfriendly materials. How can we reduce the environmental impact of our beds?
We have all seen how organic cotton has made its way into clothes, so why not buy sheets and blankets made of organic cotton? We usually associate pesticides with food, but few of us realize that “conventional cotton accounts for up to twenty-five percent of the insecticides used worldwide." In addition, the conventional process of making bedding involves many synthetic chemicals and dyes. Purchasing organic cotton may cost more, but it will make a tremendous contribution to the environment.
Décor
As people become more aware of conservation, having more natural items you have in the house will help you get a premium for your property, and you don’t need a fiberglass tree in the living room! Wood shutters and simple fabrics will make your property look fresher and more modern. Not only will potential buyers feel more grateful and friendly towards you—great assets to have when you are trying to get higher bids—but the general look and feel of the natural items will make your home into a much warmer environment. Natural products may be the answer to the aroma of oven-baked cookies.
* * *
Many people, especially during these harder economic times, are becoming hesitant to spend on slightly more expensive eco-friendly items. But when you consider the hidden costs of conventional products, you will realize that the eco-friendly goods pay for themselves. And just wait until you see the higher bids you will get for your green house!
As people become more aware of conservation, having more natural items you have in the house will help you get a premium for your property, and you don’t need a fiberglass tree in the living room! Wood shutters and simple fabrics will make your property look fresher and more modern. Not only will potential buyers feel more grateful and friendly towards you—great assets to have when you are trying to get higher bids—but the general look and feel of the natural items will make your home into a much warmer environment. Natural products may be the answer to the aroma of oven-baked cookies.
* * *
Many people, especially during these harder economic times, are becoming hesitant to spend on slightly more expensive eco-friendly items. But when you consider the hidden costs of conventional products, you will realize that the eco-friendly goods pay for themselves. And just wait until you see the higher bids you will get for your green house!
* * *
The Green Guide provides many companies where you can find great natural products:
A Natural Home (http://www.anaturalhome.com/, 866-239-4142)
Abundant Earth (http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1408393-1156456, 888-51-EARTH)
FLOR (http://www.florcatalog.com/, 866-281-FLOR)
Greenfeet (http://shop.greenfeet.net/z/6/CD29/, 888-562-8873)
Ikea (http://www.ikea.com/; 800-434-IKEA)
Savvy Rest (http://www.savvyrest.com/, 866-540-6444)
Sealy (http://www.sealy.com/, 800-MY-SEALY)Spiegel (http://www.spiegel.com/)
Tilonia (http://www.tilonia.com/, 888-759-8175)
Under the Canopy (http://www.underthecanopy.com/, 888-226-6799)
White Lotus (http://www.whitelotus.net/, 877-HANDMADE)
Whole Foods ECO Lifestyle Stores (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/)
*Thanks to Emily Main and The Green Guide
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Green your house without a greenhouse, Part I
How can the common homeowner make her house green without investing in lucrative technology?
The current green movement largely focuses on saving the public environment, but many people can take advantage of the trend for their own personal benefit. Going green can keep extra dollars in your wallet and will keep you and your family safe and healthy.
The green movement is becoming popular among all homeowners. However, many of my clients tell me that they have heard so many different opinions about how exactly to go green at home. In response, I have done some research and will present some of the best—and easiest—ways to green your house. I will tell you quick and easy ways to make your bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and general household décor into areas that are friendly to the environment and to your family’s health.
Bathroom
Green is usually not a term that we like to associate with bathrooms, but in this case, going green can save the environment and can save you a surprising amount of money. Tap water is the cheapest necessity that we buy, but this fact has only made us into profligate spenders. As cheap as water is, you would be “flushed” to know how much we can save by being smart about how we use our water.
Showers and faucets
Many homeowners adjust the level of water pressure so that their showerheads spray far more water than is needed. Increasing pressure by even an unnoticeable amount will end up using an astonishing amount of more water. Even the most economical showerheads spray over 1.5 gallons per minute; many common showers spray over ten gallons per minute! Water may be cheap, but pennies add up. Look for showerheads that use under four gallons per minute. You may find such products for under $55.
Toilets
Considering how much water we can use in our showers, it is scary to know that the shower isn’t even the least water-friendly appliance in the bathroom. According to The Green Guide, “guzzling twenty-seven percent of your household supply each year, your toilet is by far your home’s largest water user” (The Green Guide). Most toilets use at least 1.5 gallons for each flush. Although we must all flush, we can cut down our water usage by not throwing trash in the toilet. Also, you can now offer high-powered toilets which actually use less water.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is another place where you can save yourself from unnecessary spending and from harmful chemicals.
At first unseen anywhere but in commercial laundries, front-load washers are now the norm. Why? Because for something as long-lived as a washer, the machines pay for themselves. The Energy Star approved machines not only use less water, but they also require far less soap—a double saver! You can find Energy Star approved machines at any home appliance store, and they are coming so far down in price that they have become a staple of every house.
We also use a large amount of chemicals in the laundry room. Conventional soaps and bleaches contain a “laundry list” of chemicals you’ve never heard of. Look for low-chemical detergents and chlorine-free bleaches, which you can easily find in Whole Foods.
Coming soon...
Part II: Going green in your bedroom and with your decor.
**Source: Emily Main and The Green Guide for providing the little details.**
The current green movement largely focuses on saving the public environment, but many people can take advantage of the trend for their own personal benefit. Going green can keep extra dollars in your wallet and will keep you and your family safe and healthy.
The green movement is becoming popular among all homeowners. However, many of my clients tell me that they have heard so many different opinions about how exactly to go green at home. In response, I have done some research and will present some of the best—and easiest—ways to green your house. I will tell you quick and easy ways to make your bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and general household décor into areas that are friendly to the environment and to your family’s health.
Bathroom
Green is usually not a term that we like to associate with bathrooms, but in this case, going green can save the environment and can save you a surprising amount of money. Tap water is the cheapest necessity that we buy, but this fact has only made us into profligate spenders. As cheap as water is, you would be “flushed” to know how much we can save by being smart about how we use our water.
Showers and faucets
Many homeowners adjust the level of water pressure so that their showerheads spray far more water than is needed. Increasing pressure by even an unnoticeable amount will end up using an astonishing amount of more water. Even the most economical showerheads spray over 1.5 gallons per minute; many common showers spray over ten gallons per minute! Water may be cheap, but pennies add up. Look for showerheads that use under four gallons per minute. You may find such products for under $55.
Toilets
Considering how much water we can use in our showers, it is scary to know that the shower isn’t even the least water-friendly appliance in the bathroom. According to The Green Guide, “guzzling twenty-seven percent of your household supply each year, your toilet is by far your home’s largest water user” (The Green Guide). Most toilets use at least 1.5 gallons for each flush. Although we must all flush, we can cut down our water usage by not throwing trash in the toilet. Also, you can now offer high-powered toilets which actually use less water.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is another place where you can save yourself from unnecessary spending and from harmful chemicals.
At first unseen anywhere but in commercial laundries, front-load washers are now the norm. Why? Because for something as long-lived as a washer, the machines pay for themselves. The Energy Star approved machines not only use less water, but they also require far less soap—a double saver! You can find Energy Star approved machines at any home appliance store, and they are coming so far down in price that they have become a staple of every house.
We also use a large amount of chemicals in the laundry room. Conventional soaps and bleaches contain a “laundry list” of chemicals you’ve never heard of. Look for low-chemical detergents and chlorine-free bleaches, which you can easily find in Whole Foods.
Coming soon...
Part II: Going green in your bedroom and with your decor.
**Source: Emily Main and The Green Guide for providing the little details.**
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