The New Sacramento Trend- Green Homes

Green Sacramento is the current trend with all builders and real estate agents in town. Sacramento survived all the trials and tribulations through 2009 and opportunities and partnerships for Green Sacramento are getting better.

The Green builders of Sacramento feature homes that annually save thousands of kilowatts of energy, thousands of gallons of water and acres of trees! The home buyers benefit from lower energy costs and while their homes make less harmful impact on the environment.

Then what are some features of an ideal green home that make it so attractive and increase its demand?

The materials used to build an environmental friendly green home are often recycled from other buildings. These materials last longer than traditional materials and reduce the electric and heating bills through the life of the residents. The quantity of surplus building material discarded in landfills is considerably lower than the quantity generated by conventional methods.

Green homes integrate efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought tolerant landscapes and water conserving irrigation systems that uses less water than traditional homes. Homes also have floor tiles and carpets recycled from bottles and tires. Some homes use sustainable and renewable products like bamboo, soybean and hemp. Paints used are made of organic compounds that are less volatile and are toxin free. Formaldehyde insulation ensures that less hazardous chemical substances are released to the environment.

The green home designs contain wider doorways, flat entries, no stairs and easily reachable bathrooms, showers and sinks that assure inhabitants with varying ability and all ages to live and mature in these homes.

A green home uses 15% less energy than standard homes. High performance windows keep air warmer in winters and cooler in summers and reduce fabric fade by 95%. Improved installation of insulation can comfortably reduce costs of heating and cooling. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems are designed to mean more comfort, less maintenance and quieter homes.

Water conservation is the most cost effective and environmentally sound way to reduce the increasing demand for water. Green homes use 20,000 gallons less water per year than their counterparts. Weather based irrigation controllers track rainfall, temperature, wind feed and other factors to match the water needs of your landscape according to the current weather conditions. Re-circulating hot water systems provide hot water in matter of seconds by saving those buckets of water lost before receiving hot water.

Engineered wood products are recycled or reconstituted for exterior window or door headers, roof sheathing, shear wall and sub floors.

The quality of indoor air is improved in green homes by properly sized and tested air conditioners and furnaces that provide better air quality and save on electricity and heating bills.

Green homes reduce construction wastes by 50% including wood, drywall, concrete, metal and cardboard. Reusing clean wood and recycling products will help in reducing construction waste.

Air flow tests, blower door tests, duct tests and refrigerant tests ensure a perfectly healthy living in green homes.

The opportunity to update your home into a green home is the current most attractive option to home builders, local governments and homeowners alike.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Recession Proof Career

The recent economic conditions had unemployment rates higher than what they had been in more than a quarter of a century. Ironically the housing sector had created incredible opportunities as the interest rates in buying and selling were on the rise. During such times the country saw a gradual rise in the demand for real estate agents.

To become a real estate agent you can be educated in any of the business schools through diploma and course programs or you could have attained skills through online courses. What matters most to become a real estate agent is that you must posses a license. You have to check with the state agency to understand what’s required in ordered to acquire a license.

The 2007 survey showed the existence of one realtor for every 9 Americans. Then what is it that takes to become a successful realtor? Here are the crucial parameters to be a successful realtor:

• If you are a people person: Being a realtor is more about people and less about selling properties. The better you are equipped to deal with individuals; the easier it becomes to win their confidence and endow them with their dream homes.
• If you are hard working: There is a lot of money involved, provided you put in long hours, at odd hours and work really hard!
• If you have an eye for detail: Selling houses alone don’t constitute Real estate business. It is very closely related to law and finance. You have to be meticulous enough to manage all the paper work and all other work that is involved in buying and selling.
• If you are ambitious: Ambition is very critical as in the long run things may not seem as easy as they were at the beginning. When market is at its low and your hands are tight you may even consider giving it up. But remember the successful realtors are flexible and determined.
• If you are ready to learn more: Once you understand whether you in fact want to be a realtor and you have the persona for it, you will have to spend 30 to 90 hours in classrooms and give an examination.

Once successful with all the above parameters you can apply for a license.

In the recent times colleges and universities have been producing graduates who are well trained to step foot in the real estate business. Real estate companies are hiring such graduates into their firm and giving them a strong stand in this business. Recruitment is carried out through techno savvy and expert strategies by people who are experts in using the internet and the human resource.

The internet provides a wide platform for young and fresh realtors to get in touch with customers and know their needs. Networking has helped realtors and clients look out for information through social media and honest opinions shared makes them more aware.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Roseville Real Estate: One bedroom homes in Roseville/Rocklin corridor have a rent of $820 per month and $813 per month is paid by Section 8 to property management organizations in Sacramento. Roseville/Rocklin’s homes with one bedroom have an average area of 750 sq. ft and there exists about 700 rentals.

Two bedroom rentals in Roseville/Rocklin corridor possess a rent of $1010 per month and property management organizations in Sacramento are being paid $992 per month by Section 8. The average two bedroom rentals possess an area of 1001 sq. ft. There are over eleven hundred (1100) such rentals.

Elk Grove real estate: Median rent in this corridor for one bedroom rentals is $738 per month and $813 per month is what is being paid by Section 8 to all the property management organizations in Sacramento. There are more than 50 one bedroom rentals in Elk Grove having an average area of 1090 sq. ft.

Two bedroom rental homes in Elk Grove corridor have an average rent of $895 per month. Section 8 pays $992 per month to Sacramento property management organizations. The average area for two bedroom rentals is 1115sq.ft and there are more than 250 rentals.
Placerville real estate: Placerville real estate can be confusing. There are a considerable number of houses that carry the same style as per the listings on MLS.

Community Services in these areas

The community services at Sacramento are available throughout the year offering services in employment and training, housing information, financial assistance, children's services, food programs, senior services, health care services and more.

The community services at Roseville offer complete assistance ranging from a vehicle abandoned case to zoning violations. Elk Grove provides services to its citizens in the form of employment, self help, information and referral, emergency assistance to name a few.

Yuba City services range from finance, animal control, fire, police, recreation and public works. Placerville provides business, recreational, transportation and special services for seniors.

All these cities as well provide community videos and pictures in their websites for a better understanding of the services.

Want to become a Sacramento Real Estate Professional?

The GreatWest real estate school is one of the esteemed institutions that offer services in mortgage, insurance and real estate training. Courses are offered on sales, lead generation, negotiation, and time management. One has an option of either to take up live classroom training or Distance Learning through the GMAC Real Estate Online University.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com
Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com
ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens
ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac
Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com
Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com
Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Real Estate Scenario Today

Real estate events have been quite closely watched in these fluctuating times and there has been considerable improvement in the market conditions that is favoring the buyer this quarter.

While searching for the right place to settle in, do make a thorough search on the Homes for sale section of real estate websites. Community information of the various counties in CA including Sacramento, Roseville, Elk grove, Placerville, Yuba city through the various community pictures provide the needed information on the events that take place there which are displayed in various dedicated websites. You have a good chance of knowing the local information through the real estate consultant’s website. Get in touch with professionals to know more about the real estate events that happen in the neighborhood of the selected community so as to have complete information. For the buyers it’s the ideal time to settle in the futuristically designed green homes where energy efficiency is the maximum. Energy efficiency finds its way to new homes as well as resale units.

If you would like to indulge in Selling, it’s important to be guided with a market analysis of the current scenario. This will provide the needed information on the current trend and the constraints that you could foresee with the analysis. Maximum exposure with proper marketing techniques can assuredly give you the edge in the troubled times. Since the California Association of Realtors has forecast a slower home sales by 2.3% in the following year (2010), it’s time to ponder how best to capitalize on the positives. There is a downward trend predicted - thanks to the unemployment and the tax incentive loss.

As a wary customer it’s important to realize that the sops been a blessing from the government. President Obama has made an extension on the Home Buyer tax credit bill till April 30, 2010. The only precaution that one needs to undertake is to have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 so could buy time till July 1, 2010 to close and be entitled for the tax credit. In the previous scenario, many home buyers who are working couples were not eligible to qualify for the tax credit due to their income. Now, that has been set to $225,000 and for a single income its $125,000 to be eligible for the tax credit. However, this comes with a cap of $800,000 for a condo buyer. Certainly its good times for the buyer!

Are There Problems With HVCC?

At the NAR these past few days, there was a seminar bearing the title, “Managing the Risks and Opportunities of the New Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC).”

A panel was seated for this seminar that included folks from FHFA, FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AMC. Two Realtors sat on the panel to provide the other side of the story.

The panel consisted of:

· Alfred Pollard, General Counsel
Federal Housing Finance Agency

· Mark Johnson
COOLSI an Appraisal Management Company

· Jacqueline Doty, Director
Collateral Policy for Freddy Mac

These panelists began with short comments on the purpose of HVCC and their perception of how it was working out. The main purpose of HVCC was to combat fraud.Mr. Pollard stated – “We have experienced a systemic event for the financial markets, primary and secondary lenders, Realtors, institutional lenders and appraisers – all of those industries are on the table as we determine what comes next.”

Realtors were represented on the panel by:

· Steve White
Los Angeles Real Estate Office Owner

· Penny Triplet
Ohio Realtor and appraiser


White and Triplet presented a litany of complaints that many Realtors and real estate professionals are familiar with. Bad appraisers, out of area appraisers, delays, incompetence, failed transactions, lack of portability and higher costs to customers – were all covered by them.The panelists representing the more government stance often quoted certain passages from the 6 page HVCC document, stating how HVCC is supposed to operate, and attempted to present guidelines for working through various aspects of it.HVCC is set to expire November 2010.

The Q & A portion of this seminar allowed an opportunity for Realtors to present questions. A long line stood quietly waiting for their turn at the microphones.

The seminar offered no clear answers to the problems Realtors are experiencing with HVCC. Advice to Realtors consisted of reporting bad appraisers. Realtors ARE ALLOWED to talk to appraisers and provide comps. You can request a do-over on an appraisal. Buyers who switch to another lender, should find the appraisal is portable, as long as the new lender will accept it.

So are there Problems with HVCC? – It likely depends on WHOM you ask!

Written for GreatWest GMAC
by: Myrl Jeffcoat

Another Green Article- Solar

This is a great article about a huge solar project in Sacramento. Enjoy.

By Jim Downing
jdowning@sacbee.com

Published: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 8B

The roof of a North Sacramento plastics factory will host the biggest West Coast installation of a new type of solar panel.

The technology, built by Fremont's Solyndra Inc., uses racks of solar cells roughly the size and shape of long fluorescent light tubes. The shape allows the panels to harvest sunlight from any angle, including what's reflected from the white rooftops common on large commercial buildings.

The technology promises to cut the cost of solar power.

In March, Solyndra gained a $535 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to greatly increase its Fremont-based manufacturing operations. According to news reports, the company has contracts for orders worth more than $2 billion.

The 208-kilowatt system atop Sacramento's Plastic Package Inc. will supply about one-third of the factory's annual electricity needs, according to company Chairman Jim Kaye.

Plastic Package has been in Sacramento since 1984 and makes mostly food containers and trays. About a quarter of the raw material used in the plant is post-consumer recycled plastic, Kaye said.

The $1.3 million system was supported by a 30 percent subsidy from a federal renewable-energy program.

In addition, for five years SMUD will pay 30 cents for every kilowatt-hour of energy the project produces. That subsidy rate is set to decrease for future solar projects.

The SMUD subsidy is drawn from a fund created under a 2006 state law that promotes solar power. SMUD customers now pay 2 cents into the fund for every 100 kilowatt-hours billed.

Starting Jan. 1, ratepayers' contribution will rise to 9 cents per 100 kilowatt-hours, according to Jim Barnett, who oversees some of SMUD's solar programs.

Plastic Package's Kaye said he expects his solar system to pay for itself in five to six years. After that, power generated by the panels is virtually free.

A ribbon-cutting for the installation with Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, is scheduled for today.

Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

GMAC Real Estate Merges with Real Living

Date: November 11, 2009

To: GMAC Real Estate Sales Associates

From: Graham Badun, Managing Partner & CEO, Brookfield Residential Property Services

Re: GMAC Real Estate to be Re-branded ‘Real Living’

I am very pleased to let you know that Brookfield Residential Property Services has acquired Real Living Network Services, and as a result will now rebrand GMAC Real Estate as Real Living.

Real Living is a national, award winning company known for its innovation, customer service and track record of attracting results-driven brokers and sales professionals, along with a culture of partnership and collaboration. It brings a suite of innovative marketing tools, relevant training and a technology platform that when brought together with key GMAC Real Estate services like Premier Service, will position us for success for many years to come.

I am also excited to let you know that as a result of this acquisition, we are welcoming an additional 2,000 Real Living brokers and sales associates into our North American real estate network of almost 30,000 real estate professionals. By merging GMAC Real Estate and Real Living, under the Real Living brand, we are creating a very solid real estate brand that will become the foundation for future growth opportunities across the U.S. and into new markets internationally.

The Real Living acquisition is the culmination of several months work and satisfies all that we were looking for through the rebranding process. We considered many options including developing a brand from scratch and the Brand and Transition Councils were instrumental in guiding our thinking and reflecting the broad interests of our entire company. As well, our research pointed us toward creating a company that has great services to help you be more successful and a differentiated culture and brand promise that positions us to stand out from, and above, the competition. With this acquisition, we can take the best from what we have in our existing business, such as Premier Service, and combine it with the best that Real Living has to offer; allowing us to take advantage of the opportunity identified in our research and deliver a brand that meets your needs.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Real Living’s Harley Rouda, Jr., a long-time real estate industry broker, owner, operator and franchisor, as President of the newly combined operations. We believe that under Harley’s leadership, and with our solid, combined management team, the guidance of our Advisory Board which is chaired by Dick Schlott, and strong, successful brokers and sales professionals on the frontlines delivering exceptional customer service, we have a winning team with a proven track record for success.

We realize that you may have a number of questions about the new brand and transition, and we want to make it easy for you to get the answers you need. Accordingly, we are making available in the News > Transition News section of gmacmembers.com, a number of informational pieces including the Press Release, Sales Associate Q&A, Talking Points, Real Living Fact Sheet and a biography on Harley Rouda. Also included will be materials, such as a new video, and client and vendor letter templates, that will help you to communicate this great news to your clients, prospects and vendors. If this information does not provide answers to all of your questions, please speak to your broker or manager, or alternatively, contact the Real Living Help Desk at 866-208-6050. And, as always, we will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis.

Kindly direct all media enquiries to Hugh Siler, Siler & Company PR at 949-646-6966 or hugh@silerpr.com.

On a final note, it has been my pleasure to serve you as Interim President of GMAC Real Estate over the last few months, and to get to know many of you personally. I will return to my role as CEO of Brookfield Residential Property Services (the parent company to our real estate and relocation operations) and will remain closely involved throughout the transition and integration of Real Living. Thank you all for your commitment to GMAC Real Estate and your untiring service to our industry and clients. I hope you join in my excitement about our future, as we begin this great, new chapter for our company.

Graham Badun,

Managing Partner & CEO

Brookfield Residential Property Services

Articles above have been provided by the listed author immediately following the article. For additional resources and information to the authors, please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com