Environmentally Conscious Real Estate of Cincinnati

Check out the latest from our friends at CincyChic:

Home, Green Home!

And be sure to get out and enjoy all the local offerings on Earth Day, like the Eco Go Go Fashion Show on Fountain Square at noon through the flower carpet, among other great events!

Jami and I advocate renovation and redevelopment of existing buildings when possible -  the vast majority of our business is residential re-sale, close to the urban core.  A great number of our buyers are looking for impressive, older homes with period details and loaded with charm.  These Victorians, Neo-Colonials, Italianate, Second Empire and other 100+ year old homes that we are so fortunate to have lining our city streets tend to have “space issues” – not the old concern of the past that a family would outgrow a starter home, but rather “It’s too big!  How on earth am I going to pay for the energy costs of this beast?”  

Cincinnati has managed to foster a stable housing market in comparison to national fluctuations, and housing prices have stayed very accessible for many families, allowing modest home buyers to afford these grand old homes in neighborhoods all across the city.  A modest price tag makes that original charm even more appealing… until you bring in the thermal imaging camera.

Those of you that know how we work are familiar with our prescription:  You are in love with that large, drafty old house?  You don’t have to give up your dreams – begin with an energy audit!  Let the experts tell you where energy is being lost, and we can help you with the resources to begin the green retrofits and upgrades for all budgets.  Anyone catch this Op-Ed in the New York Times last Sunday?    Read on…

This Wasteful Old House, Richard Moe

I can’t seem to say two sentences about the environment, sustainability or eco-friendly without using  the word “green.”  I am so tired of “green” that I nearly choke on it as it passes my lips… and I’m about as “green” as they come!  Be a responsible consumer, think about your choices in the marketplace, the companies you support and their impact on the environment. 

This just in from The Center for Media Research, thanks to our friend Ann Keeling of Christofoli/Keeling:

Thursday, April 9, 2009 

Consumers Want Proof It’s Green 

According to the new BBMG Conscious Consumer Report: Redefining Value in a New Economy, 23% of U.S. consumers say they have “no way of knowing” if a product is green or actually does what it claims. But, 77% agree that they “can make a positive difference by purchasing products from socially or environmentally responsible companies,” and they are actively seeking information to verify green claims.

To find the necessary information, consumers are:

• most likely to turn to consumer reports …..29%
• most likely to look at certification seals or labels on products …..28%
• most likely to consider the list of ingredients on products …..27%
• least likely to look to statements on product packaging …..11%
• least likely to believe company advertising …..5%

Raphael Bemporad, co-founder of BBMG, says “… consumers are redefining what truly matters and evaluating purchases based on both value and values…  by delivering… price, performance and purpose… brands will be able to close the green trust gap… “

Key findings from the Conscious Consumer Report (2009):

• 67% Americans agree that “even in tough economic times, it is important to purchase products with social and environmental benefits”
• 51% say they are “willing to pay more” for them
• 66% say price very important in purchase decision
• 64% look for quality  
• 55% want “good for your health”
• 49% look for “made in the USA”

Green benefits have increased in importance since last year, says the report:

• Energy efficiency (47% very important in 2008, 41% in 2007)
• Locally grown or made nearby (32% in 2008, 26% in 2007)
• All natural (31% in 2008, 24% in 2007)
• Made from recycled materials (29% in 2008, 22% in 2007)
• USDA organic (22% in 2008, 17% in 2007)

When asked unaided which companies come to mind as the most socially or environmentally responsible companies:

• 7% of Americans named Wal-Mart
• 6% said Johnson & Johnson
• 4% Procter & Gamble
• 4% GE
• 3% Whole Foods

Asked to name the least responsible companies:

• 9% named Wal-Mart
• 9% said Exxon Mobile
• 3% GM  
• 3% Ford
• 2% Shell
• 2% McDonald’s

41% of Americans could not name a single company that they consider the most socially and environmentally responsible. And:

• 71% of consumers agree that they “avoid purchasing from companies whose practices they disagree with”
• 55% tell others to shop products based on a company’s social and environmental practices
• 48% tell others to drop products based on a company’s social and environmental practices

Mitch Baranowski, co-founder of BBMG, concludes that “At a time of… growing demand for accountability, … consumers are rewarding brands that align with their values… punishing those that don’t… and spreading the word with their family, friends and peers… “

For more information, and access to purchase report from BBMG, please visit here.

(Jami and I welcome you to do your due diligence and look into our business practices, speak to references… or call us directly and we’d be happy to talk to you about our commitment to “green” – that oft-abused word – in person.  Thanks!)

Our sincerest thanks go out to the Northside Urban Redevelopment Corporation and their dedication to not only eradicating blighted housing in their backyard, but to doing it in the most environmentally responsible way.  The latest green project house, 4154 Mad Anthony, had a spectacular grand opening last night with about 100 visitors in attendence.  To top it all off, we have buyers for  the home!  It will be “pending” on the MLS as of today.  Congratulations to the new buyers and all who worked so hard to make this happen.  Viva Northside!

Hey – the house made it on the news as well!  Check out the link:

Green Housing Boom in Northside

CNCURC's Latest Green Success!

Come and join us in applauding the Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation in their latest success, the completion of their first renovated home at 4154 Mad Anthony St.  We are celebrating with a grand opening for the community on Thursday, March 19th from 5-7 p.m. 

Many of you are familiar with CNCURC’s first two projects, the LEED Silver certified homes at the corner of Chase and Fergus.  4154 Mad Anthony is the next in what promises to be a long, productive career for CNCURC, a tremendous gut rehab project offering energy efficient upgrades, low-VOC fixtures and finishes, a double lot and that elusive off-street parking so rare in Northside. 

Tour this fantastic example of Northside’s urban renaissance, hear more about CNCURC’s other projects underway and stick around for beer, wine, food and great company.  Bring your friends and colleagues and help us spread the word!   For more information, call Libby, 513.260.9632 or Jami, 513.515.0689. 

So much is changing on the green energy front that it seems impossible to keep up at times.   Jami and I are fortunate to have friends in green places… we’ll stay on top of the eco wave as best we can and keep passing it along.   In response to strong client interest as well as our own instatiable curiosity, we have recently spent time with John Fanselow of Third Sun Solar and Wind as well as Gerald Checco, Cincinnati Park Board Superintendent, discussing solar applications for private residences.

We speak with homeowners on a weekly basis who are interested in learning more about solar energy, and those that have already done their homework understand that the costs are not insignificant.   When considering alternative energy for our Cincinnati homes,  there are several key factors to understand.   Wind doesn’t work here, sad but true.  Geothermal is always our top recommendation for HVAC.  For your best electric alternative, go solar.  The investment is not as scary as you think given the Renewable Energy Credits available - AND your solar installation can have an average return on investment of just over 8 years.

Thanks to both Gerald and John, here’s a quick example of the cost-benefit analysis:

Installation of 5 kw system:                         $40,000

State Grant:                                                     -$17,500

Net:                                                                     $22,500

Federal Tax Rebate (30%)                              -$6,750 

 Your cost:                                                      $15,750

But wait!  It gets better:

Annual Production of Electricity:               6,000 kwh

Distribution and Generation Charges:        $.07/kwh

Renewable Energy Credit (REC):                 $.25/kwh

Total Value:                                                 $.32/kwh

Return/Year:                                                    $1,920

Return on Investment:                                 8.2 years

(kw – kilowatt; kwh – kilowatt hours)

According to John, a 5 kilowatt system will supply approximately half the electricity needed for an average-size home in our area.  In order to be eligible for the REC program, there are some requirements, such as a minimum 2kw system.  As he is quick to point out, a national study showed a $20 increase in property value for every $1 in energy upgrades from renewable sources, making it a true benefit when it comes time to sell.   For more details on the tax incentives, call us. 

Duke Energy does not want to build any more coal-burning power plants, but energy consumption continues to grow and supply must meet demand.   As consumers, it’s in our hands to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and make the most responsible choices possible.   We understand that a $15,000 investment is not within reach for most homeowners today, but it will become more and more attainable.  Let us know your thoughts…

Jami and I find ourselves troubled by something.  Many of our dear buyers are still on the fence, waiting for the deals to get even juicier…  so listen up.  Tempted to take the Market-Hasn’t-Yet-Hit-Bottom skeptics (gently) by the (proverbial) throat and throttle them, yelling:  “Interest rates are at an all-time low!  You could get an $8,000 tax credit!  Average sale prices are down 12%!”, we instead choose to say: “We know you just love working with us so much that you don’t want to buy yet and put an end to these fabulous all-day house-hunting parties we have…”  And buyers, we luv you too.  No, seriously, we mean it.  But we want you to understand something.  This could very well be the most opportune time to buy for a long, long time:  Carpe Diem!  Oops, I mean Carpe Domus!

 On to the exciting home buyer tax credit.  We are getting lots of calls this week about details, so we’d like to pass along some quick highlights from our good pal and in-house loan officer extrordinaire, Ann Lafferty:

• For first time homebuyers only (defined as people who have not owned a home before or have not owned a home within the last three years)
• Does not have to be repaid
• Is equal to 10% of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000
• Available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit
• Participating in the program is easy!  Buyers claim the tax credit on their federal income tax return – there isn’t an “application” process
• Unlike the previous program, buyers who used bond money programs to finance their home can claim the tax credit

And, if you are still on the fence about who to call when you do finally decide to put your house on the market or look to buy that first home, chew on this:  58% of Cincinnati realtors did 3 or less transactions in 2008.  We did 46, even in this crazy market.  Call now!  Operators are standing by…

Let’s get something cleared away first.  The Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation, more effortlessly referred to as “CNCURC, ” is pronounced – how?  ”Kirk,” “Churk,” or “Cin-kirk” – take your pick, the jury is still out on that one. Whatever you may call them, this dynamic group continues to improve upon their extraordinary demonstration of civic capacity.  Founded in 2006 to eradicate blight in targeted Northside neighborhoods, this CDC (Community Development Corporation) continues to make a huge impact with their latest success story, 4154 Mad Anthony.

CNCURC purchased the home in early 2008 and, securing the combination of public and private and funding needed for the proposed redevelopment, architect Tim Jeckering’s plans were set in motion.  Under the direction of Project Manager Michael Berry and the board of directors headed by President and long-time neighborhood activist, Stefanie Sunderland, 4154 Mad Anthony has unfolded into a prime example of sustainable reclaimation.  Working with the solid, double-brick exterior, the interior has undergone a total overhaul:  new drywall, oak flooring, all new HVAC system, elctrical wiring, PEX plumbing, roof, gutters and downspouts, windows, spray foam insulation, fixtures, lighting and cabinetry.  

Having made a firm commitment to greening the housing stock they control, CNCURC made the most energy efficient choices that the budget would allow, paying attention to indoor air quality as well.  The icynene (foam) insulation will reduce air infiltration dramatically, to about 1/6th of fiberglass batting.  Insulated windows and a high-efficiency heating and cooling system will significantly improve the building’s thermal envelope.  Mature trees on this beautiful double lot will help  keep the home cool in the summer.

 The home’s modern updates,  two generous bedrooms, 2 baths, large open living area on the first floor, second floor laundry, modern kitchen with conrete countertops, stainless steel appliances and ample lighting, blend well with the original charm of the house, preserved in features such as the two original mirrored oak and tile fireplaces and restored banister.   The large front porch and rear deck provide plenty of room for outdoor entertaining, with off-street parking in the back and plenty of yard for children, dogs, or gardening.  Located just two blocks from CNCURC’s first two LEED-certified projects at the corner of Chase and Fergus, 4154 Mad Anthony is within easy walking distance to Northside’s Entertainment District, local greenspace and is just steps from Bloomfield + Schon’s proposed Factory Square project. 

The home is represented by Libby Hunter and Jami Stutzman of Comey and Shepherd Realtors, listed at $154,900.  (513) 260-9632 or (513) 515-0689.   Stay tuned for details of the grand opening event in early March!