How do You Know the Products you are Buying are Really GREEN

It seems that many companies are claiming they are green but how does the consumer know for sure that the products that are labeled sustainable are true. 

Recently the Federal Trade commission (FTC) has begun to create guidelines and have released Green Guides to help marketers avoid making environmental claims that are false.

The Green Guide breaks down guidelines in this manner: biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, recycled content and ozone safe. 

Read more about the new Green Guides at: http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201108#pg16 

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Experts Offer Tips on Cutting Back On Energy Usage During Heat Wave

With most of the country experiencing warm weather and some parts having temps in the triple digits how can a homeowner cut back on energy usage and still be comfortable? It could be as easy as
buying an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat for as little as $25.

Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy in Washington said “When the house is empty, the thermostat could be turned up and set to have the temperature drop to more comfortable levels by the time you arrive home.” Just doing that can cut energy expenses by 10 percent.

Other fairly easy ways to cool include replacing air-conditioning filters regularly (watch a video on how to change your home air filter at: http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Change-a-Home-Air-Filter-33284690 )as recommended by the manufacturer; closing blinds, curtains and shades on the sunny side of the house, and using energy-efficient lights that don’t produce a lot of heat — or just shutting off the lights when you leave a room.

To get more tips read the full article at: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/26/2282886/save-energy-and-stay-cool-this.html

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Architects Give Barbie a Real Dream-Green House

Many of us remember seeing the endless commercials for the Barbie Dream House.

Well now grown-up Barbies and Kens no longer have to wonder what it would be like to live in that Dream house.

A national architectural trade group threw out that question to its members and this week the American Institute of Architects (AIA) chose a winning design: a 4,881 square-foot oceanfront home in, where else, Malibu.

The Winner

Their winning entry’s roof allows for a green house, a landscaped garden, solar panels, and an eco-friendly irrigation system. The home features operable shading devices, bamboo flooring, and low flow bathroom fixtures. To exist harmoniously in its intended Malibu setting with as little disturbance to the bluff, the home is terraced. All materials and furnishings are meant to be locally sourced and manufactured. Of course the most envy-inducing gadget part of the home is the wardrobe display, a computerized moving double helix rack circling her central stair. Even Architect Barbie needs to wear more than just black (or pink.) . You can read more about it at: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/design-architecture/imagining-a-green-american-dream-for-barbie/270

How much would this property be worth if it were built? Well a lot of factors would have to be considered especially it being a green property. Appraisers do not have to wait until the property is built to determine value. An appraiser can do a “hypothetical” appraisal on the property and they can determine value on a proposed home. The appraisers at www.socalappraisalservices.com can assist you with any proposed construction value questions and can complete appraisals that may help you with securing funding for your Dream house.

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