Unique Homes & Land

What is an Energy Star home?

Vivian Gunnerengen — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:56:18 +0000

Energy Star recently celebrated reaching over one million Energy Star certified homes in the U.S. Homeowners of these green homes can expect lower utility bills, greater durability, and comfort. Not to mention taking a great step in reducing carbon-emissions caused by thier home and helping to slowing global warming.

Opt-out of Junk Mail

Vivian Gunnerengen — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:54:34 +0000

Sick of throwing your pre-approved credit and insurance mail directly into the recycling bin? What about the phone book that magically shows up on your porch? Well, is it time for you to green your mailbox and save some trees!

2011 Green Tax Savings

Vivian Gunnerengen — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:52:27 +0000

Non-business energy credits are still available with a few changes. For 2011, the credit amounts have been reduced, allowing you to claim 10% of cost, with certain restrictions, for things like new energy-efficient windows, furnaces, etc.

Finishing Touches – Series 2 Green Lighting

Vivian Gunnerengen — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:51:40 +0000

“What is being Green” in terms of lighting

The following is a list of ideas for energy efficient lighting and controls you can easily do:

1. Add dimmers, occupancy sensors in rooms

2.Change lamps (industry term for bulb) to compact fluorescent. Please note to handle burn out lamps carefully as they do contain Mercury!

[...]

Tips for Greener Holidays

Vivian Gunnerengen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:37:47 +0000

Cards that give-- Still having trouble breaking with the greeting card tradition? At the very least, be sure the cards are printed in an eco-friendly manner. And consider further off-setting their impact by helping a cause and buying cards that benefit charities.

Green Roof Improvements

Vivian Gunnerengen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:23:35 +0000

In this economy, you may feel grateful to have a roof over your head. But how much do you really think about your roof? It is one of the most important elements of your home, one that helps protect all the other parts and people - under it.

If I short sale my house, how long will it prevent me from getting a new loan?

Bryan Myers — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:52:18 +0000

Generally, A short sale does two things to your credit. First, all credit accounts show how the account was closed and for a short sale it will say something like "paid, less than agreed". When you go to get a new mortgage and the lender checks your credit they will see this. Next they will look at how long ago this happened and compare that to their rules and if not enough time has passed they will not give you a loan. The second thing that hurts your credit are if there are any late or missed payments.

Recyling While Remodeling

Vivian Gunnerengen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:56:49 +0000

•Many sorted materials are directed into products that are recycled multiple times, producing the conservation benefits and savings many times over. This is true "diversion" — materials moving many steps away from the landfill by being able to be repeatedly recycled.

Why is Green or Greener Homes important?

Vivian Gunnerengen — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:43:07 +0000

Creating a Greener Future

Rising energy prices, consumers feeling pinched at the gas pump, and an aging, inefficient housing stock all create a compelling case for making sustainable housing choices a priority.

Federal, state, and local governments have taken notice of the cultural shift toward sustainability and have spread incentives to improve buildings’ efficiency [...]

CO Alarms Save Lives – Now Mandatory In CA

Bryan Myers — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:54:17 +0000

California Senate Bill 183 known as the “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act” went into effect July 1, 2011. It requires single-family homes with an attached garage or appliances that burn fuels like gas, coal or wood to have a CO (carbon monoxide) alarm.