Buyers Ready to Spend on Green?

Buyers Ready to Spend on Green?

More and more Americans are seriously considering green construction and adding new ­energy-­efficient upgrades—and determining that the cost is worth it.

JULY 2011 | BY MELISSA DITTMAN TRACEY

Heating and cooling a home today is not cheap. But neither is purchasing a solar heating system, installing new double-pane windows, or replacing old appliances. For a long time, the high expense associated with "going green" has kept many home owners from embracing energy-efficient features; instead, they’ve focused on the little things like weather-stripping and using compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

But there are indications that more and more Americans are seriously considering green construction and adding new ­energy-­efficient upgrades—and determining that the cost is worth it.

Green Products Buyers Really Want

"Energy efficiency is not on the wish list for home buyers in 2011—it is on the ‘must’ list," writes Paul Cardis, CEO of Madison, Wis.–based AVID Ratings, which conducts research on home design preferences. Which eco-friendly amenities are grabbing buyers’ attention?

• High-efficiency insulation
• High-efficiency windows
• Double- and triple-glazed windows
• Tankless water heaters
• Water-conserving devices
• Products aimed at improving indoor air quality
• Renewable flooring products, such as bamboo and cork

Sources: American Institute of Architect’s Home Design Trends Survey (second quarter 2010) and 2010 AVID Home Design Drivers study.

"Expenditures on energy-efficient home improvements, which have been essentially flat over the last few years, will see a period of strong growth through 2014, reaching $50.2 billion in that year," says the new Energy Efficient Homes report by Pike Research, a Boulder, Colo., market research and consulting firm focusing on clean technology.

In response to demand, some home builders such as KB Homes and PulteGroup Inc. are rolling out energy labels for new homes, which provide estimates of monthly energy costs, triggering a different approach to home-shopping for energy-conscious buyers.

Consumers are "motivated to do the right thing about the environment, but they’re also finding they can save money in the long run," says Bob McCranie, green, GRI, broker-owner of Texas Pride Realty in Carrollton, Texas, and a recipient of the 2010 NAR EverGreen Awards.

McCranie says he’s seen his own utility costs fall by 40 percent since outfitting his 1983 home with features including a solar water heater, Energy Star appliances, a solar oven, R50 insulation in the attic, and a water reclamation system. McCranie details his savings on his DallasGreenStreets.com blog and gives consumers tips on how they can do the same.

Connie Morelle, GREEN, GRI, with Keller Williams Realty First Atlanta, says many of her buyers over the past year have expressed concerns about ­increasing utility costs and some are rejecting homes with two-story great rooms and walls of windows—often costly to heat or cool.

Yes, the cost of going green is still an issue for buyers, practitioners say—especially because the upgrades that can cut utility bills by the greatest amount are also the priciest. Solar water heating systems can cost between $1,500 to $3,500 and ­solar panels can cost $15,000, but when used together, they can drop electricity bills to practically nil.

And that’s one reason the price hurdle is getting easier to overcome. With consumer education, more buyers understand the benefit. A recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that home owners who install solar panels on their home likely will recoup that investment, and maybe even more, at resale.

Federal tax credits also are helping sway the buyer mind-set, and energy-efficient mortgages are another option to help home owners pay for costly "green" upgrades.

"It’s easy for [home owners] to get overwhelmed with green ideas because there’s so much they can do," McCranie says. "But you don’t have to do every­thing. Just pick one or two things, such as solar cooking or composting, give it a try, and then add something again later."

Proposed Mill Levy Increase for Overland Park

This information was passed along to us about the Proposed Mill Levy Increase for Overland Park. Hopefully it answers any questions you may have!

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I’ve been getting calls and emails from some of you regarding a possible mill levy increase under a 2012 budget proposed last month by Overland Park City Manager, Bill Ebel. Because this issue is getting a lot of press, I wanted to provide you all with the following information.

The 2012 budget contains two proposals for a mill levy increase: Either a 3.6 or 4.1 mill rate increase.

When the proposed rate increase is applied to the current mill rate of 8.876 mills, Overland Park's mill rate would increase to either 12.476 or 12.976, about half of the five largest cities in Johnson County. In comparison, Leawood’s mill rate is 24.382; Shawnee, 24.717; Olathe, 24.840; Lenexa, 26.626; and Prairie Village, 28.951. This excludes the other taxing jurisdictions including schools. Overland Park has the lowest mill rate of any first class city in Kansas.

The impact to Overland Park homeowners is as follows: A home with a market value of $250,000 would see an annual increase of $104 with a 3.6 mill rate increase or a $118 for the 4.1 mill rate proposal. Currently the same home pays $255.19 in city taxes for the 2011 budget. Less than $22 of that goes to the Police Department; $134 to the Fire Department and $38 to public works.

The City’s budget has been reduced $48.1 million or 18.1 % since 2008. The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget has been reduced by over half since 2009, from $225 million to $103 million in 2012. The CIP is a 5 year working plan for capital improvements including streets, bridges, traffic and street lights, sidewalks and more. The city has also deferred maintenance on streets, eliminating $1.7 million annually. Other factors in the budget reduction include a 6% decrease in revenues from all sales and use taxes for 2010 and refunds of more than $28 million over three years that the city had to make as part of the compensating use tax. The refunds have depleted reserves and eliminated the city’s financial flexibility.

Each City Council committee will review the specific proposals within the proposed 2012 budget. These meetings are open to the public. The next public hearing is tentatively set for August 1^st. For more information on the proposed budget visit www.opkansas.org. The website also has a tax calculator that residents can go in and see a breakdown of their taxes among the varying taxing jurisdictions.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments regarding this information and the proposed 2012 budget. I will have more information available at the next KSGAC meeting scheduled for August 5^th.

Thank you.

Jeff Carson

Governmental Affairs Director

Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®

QR Codes

RISMEDIA, July 20, 2011—(EMC)—There is no doubt that you see QR codes everywhere these days—in ads, magazines, posters, etc. They offer exciting opportunities for delivering information quickly to people that are mobile. They also provide a quick and easy way to do more with a single marketing channel.

But before jumping in, it’s important to consider this: QR codes are no different than other direct marketing tools in that you must build a strategy, tactics and plan for testing, tracking and measuring results. Start with a strategy that answers the question, “What do I want to accomplish and how do I get there?”

Audience
Who do you wish to target with a QR code application? Is the audience you’re targeting more or less likely to have access to a smartphone with a QR code reader? If they’re more likely, are they likely to respond? What’s the best way to reach your audience and what potential issues might they have with QR codes? Survey your audience to understand how they want to receive information.

Purpose
What’s the intended purpose of your QR code application? There are many possibilities; the only way to ensure success is to start with a solid plan. Where do you want to take your customer or prospect? What’s the action you want to be taken? Do you intend to use QR codes to enhance your company’s customer service? Provide new or time-sensitive information? Are you trying to engage your customers or prospects with a video or some other media? Are you looking to build social media interaction?

Production
As with other direct marketing tools, there are many behind-the-scenes considerations for QR codes. Is the barcode large enough? QR codes can be various sizes and used in a number of places, but keep in mind that some older mobile phones don’t focus as well on smaller objects.

Is there enough white space? There are specific requirements regarding white space that must be followed. Specifically, QR codes have three positioning elements and an alignment element. This is where an expert will be able to help ensure your QR code is up to par.

Is the QR code low density? QR codes hold thousands of alphanumeric characters. The less dense the code, the more visually appealing it is. It also will fit into smaller spaces and is more easily scanable.

Is the website that the QR code links to formatted for mobile display? Can you ensure proper security for data collection? Do you know what platforms to use and which to avoid? Consult with an expert who’s experienced or if you want to go it alone, research and use reputable online tools.

Measurement
Some excited marketers mistakenly begin implementing QR codes without regard to tracking and measuring results. As with other direct marketing programs, the only way to know if your goals are being met is to track everything. There are tools related to QR codes that can be used to determine if the program is working or needs to be refined.

QR codes are exciting and the possibilities endless. Do the proper planning to ensure that you can realize return on marketing investment each time you use them.

Karen Keenan is director of marketing at Associates International, an integrated marketing services provider. Reach Karen at kkeenan@associatesinternational.com.

Single Women a Rising Force in the Housing Market

Unmarried women continue to make up a growing segment of home buyers and are buying homes in record numbers: Last year, they composed 20 percent of all buyers last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Single men accounted for 12 percent.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies says the three main reasons single women are purchasing homes are:

▪ They have a strong desire to nest (the top-ranked reason).
▪ They want to relocate closer to a job or family.
▪ They need more space.

In capturing this growing segment of female buyers, builders are reflecting more female tastes in the design of homes. For example, in new houses, builders are adding security features, gourmet kitchens, and maintenance-free yards to appeal more to the single woman buyer.

Housing experts say that single women are purchasing homes at various stages in their lives —some are new college grads and plan to one day get married while others may be divorced or just want to set up roots in their own place.

Source: “Singles Dive Into the Real Estate Market,” SecondAct/MSN (July 12, 2011)

Article Courtesy of REALTOR(R) Magazine

Storing Solvents Safely

Great article courtesy of Premier Inspection Services:

Choosing Window Replacements

Choosing Window Replacements courtesy of Lowe's Inside Out & Inman News

If you're replacing your windows solely to lower your utility bills, for example, forget it. Energy loss through windows comprises only a small fraction of overall energy loss throughout the house, and you'll be far better off investing your money in additional attic insulation or even, in many cases, a more efficient furnace.

Even if you think your current windows are in terrible shape, you may wish to get an estimate on repairing rather than replacing them. This is especially advisable if you're lucky enough to have a prewar home with original wood windows -- in this case, replacement windows will almost certainly detract from its market value. Bear in mind that window replacement is generally an iffy investment, since it has a very long payback period. It's also one that can radically change your home's appearance -- often for the worse.

If you've determined that replacement is for you, however, here's a rundown of the different window materials commonly available. Remember, we're not talking about the window type -- double-hung, slider and so forth -- but actual material.

Vinyl (polyvinyl chloride plastic, to be specific) is currently the ubiquitous material for replacement windows, but that alone doesn't make it an obvious choice. The moderate price can be attractive, but the jury is still out on vinyl's durability over the long haul. What's more, the thick, doughy frames typical of these windows are inappropriate to many home styles, and the slim choice of colors makes them easy to spot as replacements.

Aluminum windows are still available, but no longer carry the bargain price you may remember from years past. There's a good reason for this, however: They're now better built and far more efficient than the cheapie units of the 1960s. If your house was originally built with aluminum windows -- most postwar houses from the mid-1950s through the 1980s were -- there's no question that new-generation aluminum windows will be your best aesthetic choice for replacement.

Wood windows, whether standard or clad, remain the premium choice for replacement. Clad windows, which variously have an external shell of aluminum or fiber glass to protect the wood elements from weathering, are represented as doing away with maintenance headaches. However, unlike plain wood windows, they can't be easily repaired or refinished if they're damaged. You're also permanently stuck with the color of cladding you choose. Hence, you should weigh the premium you'll pay for clad windows against the occasional headache of repainting the standard wood version. Be prepared for sticker shock with either product, however -- these windows are truly a lifetime investment.

As long as your budget allows it, the simplest rule of thumb for choosing window material is to replace like for like -- aluminum with aluminum, wood with wood. In 10 years, after the latest window fad has come and gone, you'll be glad you did.

Read Arrol Gellner's blog at arrolgellner.blogspot.com, or follow him on Twitter: @ArrolGellner.

Free Summer Concerts in Kansas City

Free Summer Concerts

Great information courtesy of Her City Guide.


Park Place Leawood
Join Park Place for their third year of fantastic LIVE, FREE Music every Thursday night all summer-long from 6-8PM! Bring your lawnchairs and blankets and spread out in the grass at Barkley Square! Get there early to claim your spot! Enjoy a great meal from any one of the fabulous restaurants, or a sweet treat from Paciugo Gelato! Be sure to come out July 15th from 6-9PM for the first ever Summer Street Party, with the KC All-Stars, a bounce house, free face painting and balloon art for the kids, plus food and drink tents lining the street! That's right, the street is closing down for a good old-fashioned Street Party!!!
Upcoming Performances
6/30: Billy Ebeling
7/7: The Creighton Organization
7/14: The Doo-Dads FOR KIDS!
7/15: FIRST ANNUAL SUMMER STREET PARTY WITH THE KC ALL-STARS 6-9PM!
7/21: Separated at Birth
7/28: On the Record
8/4: The Cheap Dates
8/11: Funky Mama FOR KIDS!

Downtown Lees Summit
Enjoy FREE Friday night concerts Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend!
Concerts typcially begin at 6:30 p.m. at Howard Station Park and end at 10:00 p.m. The park is located in Downtown Lees Summit at the corner of Third and SE Main Street. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
Upcoming Performances
6/24: Downward Spiral (Rock Covers), Scott Moyer Band (Blues / Rock)
7/1: The Paradise Affliction (Alternative Rock), Burning Symmetry (Alternative Rock)
7/8: Scott Devouton & Friends (Rhythm & Blues), Western Automatic (Blues / Jamgrass)
7/15: KC Cafe Radio (Singers/Songwriters)
7/22: LSPR's JAMAICAN JAM at City Hall Plaza
7/29: The Billy Bats (Blues / Alternative) Kan Eyed (Classic Rock)
8/5: LSPR's BLUES & JAZZ FEST at City Hall Plaza
8/12: Ruskinquartet (Jazz / Indie), Begin Anyway (Pop / Folk)
8/19: Bill Morris (Folk / Celtic), Lezlie Revelle (Folk / Celtic)
8/26: Wheelhouse (American Pop Rock), Gary Putthoff (American Blues/Rock)
9/2: Songwriter's Showcase (Singers/Songwriters)

Olathe Thursday Night Concert
Thursday, June 30, 6-9pm
Join the Olathe Civic Band for a concert followed by 19th century fireworks by the Olathe Fire Department. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and picnic dinner to enjoy this patriotic celebration. After the concert, enjoy a special 19th Century Base Ball presentation. Fireworks will begin at dark. Free admission; special activities like stagecoach rides are $2/person.