Category Archives: Uncategorized

Home Sellers Market; Tight Supply and Low Mortgage Rates Causing Bidding Wars

Bidding wars have broken out in hot real-estate markets like Denver and Los Angeles, where there aren’t enough houses to meet demand. The lack of supply is a key reason home sales nationwide have yet to return to healthy levels following the housing collapse in 2008.

“Inventory is still fairly low in a lot of markets across the country,” said Skylar Olsen, senior economist at real estate data firm Zillow. “Buyers are not going to have the easiest time out there.”

Further tilting the market in favor of sellers are low mortgage rates, which have ratcheted up pressure on buyers to wrap up deals before borrowing becomes more expensive.

Then there’s the matter of price. While the overall rise in home prices has slowed this year, fierce competition in many cities and markets will make the cost of buying much harder this spring. Prices are peaking or coming close in roughly half the country. Seven states set highs in March, including Colorado, New York, Tennessee and Texas, according to real estate data provider CoreLogic.

Read more at: http://www.startribune.com/why-homebuyers-face-a-tough-spring/303257481/

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Need a New Roof? Green Roof Options for Your Home

When considering how to make your home greener, while also saving money and the environment, you may have missed out on one potential area of improvement: your roof.

A “green roof” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes green roofs are actually green; otherwise, they just have a lower environmental impact than traditional roofing options.

If you prefer the look and feel of standard shingles, or, are limited by local zoning or HOA community guidelines, you may be limited as far as making your roof green. This doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Ways to decrease your home’s environmental footprint include:

Recycled rubber roofing shingles. These are made of recycled materials, offer similar lifetimes as asphalt shingles and are more cost effective.
Thermal shingles. These reduce the sun’s heating impact on homes to save on cooling costs during the summer.
Steel shingles. Steel is one of the most recycled products in the world, and it holds up well under the elements, making it a reasonable alternative material.

Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

Because going from a standard roof to a greener option is a large undertaking, you’ll likely work with a contractor to accomplish it. Here are a few questions to ask to get started:

• How experienced are you in installing green roofs?
• Do you have photos of completed projects, and may I contact those homeowners?
• How long will this project take from start to completion?
• How should I prepare for how it will impact my daily routine?
• Do I need to pull any permits?
• What – if any – industrial machinery will be used, and how long will it stay on my property?
• How firm is the estimate – or quote – for my project?

Being prepared is the best way to ensure you’re satisfied with your final product.

read more at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/guide-to-green-roof-options-zbcz1505.aspx,

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Eco-Friendly Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space this Summer

patio

Now that the warmer months are on their way, your outdoor space is about to be the center of attention. Entertaining family and friends on your patio is one of the season’s greatest pleasures, and your eco-friendly lifestyle should be reflected in your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re trying to find ways to update your outdated furniture or you’re just looking to add color and texture, here are a few ways to stay Earth-friendly while giving your patio a makeover.

Embrace natural fibers in vibrant shades.

One of the easiest and most versatile ways to bring color to your outdoor garden furniture is by swapping out old cushions for new ones. Skip the synthetic fabrics and reach for organic cotton and durable hemp; both are naturally grown without the use of harsh chemicals and dyes. You can also find cushions that are filled with organically grown soy, corn, or cotton for a natural alternative to synthetic fiber-filled cushions. Try to keep your cushions out of the harsh sun and rainy weather to extend their life and to prevent colors from fading. Many outdoor furniture manufacturers offer eco-friendly cushions with natural dyes made from fruit and vegetable extracts to bring vibrant colors to your space.

read more at: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/eco-friendly-ways-to-update-your-outdoor-space-zbcz1505.aspx

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only