Green Real Estate Appraiser

Slow Season May Be a Good Time to Buy

Posted on December 24, 2013 | Leave a comment

Entertain out-of-town guests. Shop for Christmas gifts. Cook a big meal.

That’s one example of a to-do list for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. How will you accomplish it all — much less squeeze in the substantial amount of time it takes to list or buy a home. That’s why so many folks don’t try to sell or buy a house near the end of the year.

But several local real estate experts strongly advise you to take advantage of the typically slower winter season to try to find a buyer for your house or to purchase one.

For sellers, you’re getting serious buyers and competing against a much smaller pool of for-sale properties. For buyers, you may get a better price and terms because you’re likely negotiating with a motivated seller.

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Still Need A XMAS Gift For Your Green Friend

Posted on December 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

Solar Christmas Tree

Oakland-based Mosaic, a crowd-sourcing company for investments in solar energy projects, began offering $25 credits Monday to anyone who opens an account.

The company is distributing the credit as a wallet-sized gift card that can be downloaded and printed for use — perhaps as a Christmas stocking stuffer.

“Solar is a new asset class, and a lot of people are wary to jump in,” said Katie Ullmann, a Mosaic spokeswoman. “This is really a great gift for younger people who are passionate about solar projects, or who also are just getting started investing or learning about investment portfolios.”

Launched in 2001, Mosaic has financed $5.6 million in commercial-scale solar projects atop military and university housing complexes, a federal food distribution center and agricultural facilities. https://joinmosaic.com/how-it-works

Mosaic online account holders — there are about 2,100 — can shop among projects by prospectus. Average annual returns are advertised at 4.5 percent to 7 percent. Investments typically come to maturity for withdrawal after five and 10 years.

California allows any individual 18 or older to invest through Mosaic, while some states limit participation to accredited investors with significant income or assets. Ullmann said Mosaic keeps 1 percent of payments it receives from solar installations.

disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Water won’t be getting cheaper

Posted on December 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

As San Diego County labors to squeeze water from its arid landscape and secure enough supply through its far-flung pipelines, one thing is clear: Water won’t be getting cheaper.

The region imports three-quarters of its water from the Colorado River and Northern California, and has seen those supplies grow scarcer and pricier. On Thursday, the San Diego City Council approved a nearly 15 percent water rate hike over two years to cover expected water price increases and recoup past expenses.

Water officials acknowledge there’s no easy fix, but point to a suite of improvements and investments aimed at securing enough water in years to come. Those projects, ranging from desalination to water recycling, come at a cost.

Slow Season May Be a Good Time to Buy

Still Need A XMAS Gift For Your Green Friend

Water won’t be getting cheaper

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