Arlington, MA

Every EcoBroker or NAR Green designee will have a different answer, but here are my favorite top three:

1. Installation of Energy Star appliances - lighting and appliances account for 27% of all energy used in a residence and account for more than 45% of total energy costs. You can actually show how much is saved in a home by comparing the old utility bills to the new, estimated costs by using the Energy Star ratings and your local utility rates. This shows an ACTUAL value increase in the home.
2. Installation of new, energy efficient windows. Current windows are even more efficient than those manufactured 10 years ago, so it would behove a homeowner to consider replacing the windows even if they're 10 years old. Studies show that the new, improved windows can lower home energy costs by up to 15%. So see #1 above and this adds even MORE value to the home!
3. Easiest of all - install a programmable thermostat! By regulating the temperature and lowering the heat or air conditioning by at least 8 hours at a time (while you're at work or at night while you're asleep), you can save up to $150 per year in utility costs alone.

I hope some of these ideas help someone, somewhere! I can't wait to hear what others have to say! Post away!

--TMC

Banks are increasingly recognizing the fact that a homeowner who spends money to improve the energy efficiency of their home ends up have extra money in their pocket at the end of the month - and this can help tip the balance in your favor of getting a higher mortgage amount with an Energy Efficient Mortgage.

Fannie Mae has published the following comparison of a standard home mortgage to an energy efficient home mortgage. Keep in mind this was published a while ago and mortgage rates are even LOWER right now, so your savings could be higher.

Note this example also assumes a builder will charge more for an energy efficient home, but as competition increases and technology improves this is becoming less of a factor. Again, this means your savings could be even higher!

For more information, see CyberGreenRealty's blog.

From my blog on 06/23/09:

"The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Arlington Department of Public Works have released their annual Water Quality report for 2008, as mandated by the EPA. The results are excellent – we’ve got some of the best drinking water in the nation! For the 120 contaminants that are tested for, utilizing thousands of samples every week, every EPA standard was met and the lead test results show that MWRA has exceeded the federal Lead Action Level standards."

For more information, read my blog at CyberGreenRealty's Blog on Wordpress.

-TMC

From my blog post on 6/24/09:

"If you live in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you may be eligible for a MassSAVE HEAT Loan, providing you with the opportunity to get a 0% loan for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in your home. The loan amount can not exceed $15,000 and the term of the loan can not exceed 7 years. To apply for the loan, you must OWN and OCCUPY a one-to-four family residence and obtain a Home Energy Assessment through the MassSAVE program."

For more information, read my blog at CyberGreenRealty's Blog on Wordpress.

-TMC

If you would like pictures or listing sheets of the properties below please e-mail me at TucciRealEstate@gmail.com or call my cell (617) 816-7603.

	x9	MLS #: 70906269	Status: ACT	DOM: 64	Rent Price: $1,000	List Date: 4/21/2009
2 Arizona Terrace U:3 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 3	Bedrooms: 1	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Condominium	Living Area: 586	Deposit/Reqd: $600/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Commuters dream with tons of extras!! Immaculate 1 bedroom condo in complex with pool, laundry room and parking! Conveniently located directly off Rt. 16, minutes to Routes 2 & 93....Unit was extremely well maintained with new wall to wall carpet, hardwood floor in kitchen and eating area, new paint throughout and wall A/C. Owner will leave ...	Heat: Electric	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Heat, Hot Water, Water, Refuse Removal, Snow Removal, Grounds Maintenance, Swimming Pool
Orig. Price: $1,100
	x4	MLS #: 70935486	Status: ACT	DOM: 12	Rent Price: $1,300	List Date: 6/12/2009
68 Brooks Ave U:1 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 5	Bedrooms: 2	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Apartment	Living Area: 1200	Deposit/Reqd: $1300/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Available September 01, 2009. - Fab. Location near Bike Path and Red Line Unit features Hardwood floors, CA, storage in basement. Newer Stove and Refrig. Parking for one car.	Heat: Gas	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Hot Water, Water
Orig. Price: $1,300
	x12	MLS #: 70920624	Status: ACT	DOM: 37	Rent Price: $1,350	List Date: 5/18/2009
155 Madison Ave U:155 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 5	Bedrooms: 3	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Apartment	Living Area: 1152	Deposit/Reqd: $1350/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Lead certified 5 room 3 bedroom apartment on the Arlington/Lexington line. Steps to the new McClennan Park. Peirce School District. Walk to Res.	Heat: Electric	AC: No
Rnt Includes: Water, Sewerage Disposal, Refuse Removal
Orig. Price: $1,375
	x6	MLS #: 70898047	Status: ACT	DOM: 82	Rent Price: $1,450	List Date: 4/3/2009
78 Highland Ave U:78 Arlington, MA 02476	Rooms: 5	Bedrooms: 2	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Apartment	Living Area: 1236	Deposit/Reqd: $1450/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Beautiful 5 room 2 bedroom apartment on the first floor of a 2 family house. Newer windows throughout. Built-inb hutch in dining room. Harwood floors. Limited storage in basement. 1st floor washer hookup, dryer hookup in basement.	Heat: Gas	AC: No
Rnt Includes: Water, Sewerage Disposal, Refuse Removal
Orig. Price: $1,450
	x16	MLS #: 70915991	Status: ACT	DOM: 46	Rent Price: $1,600	List Date: 5/9/2009
975 Massachusetts Ave. U:305 Arlington, MA 02476	Rooms: 4	Bedrooms: 2	Baths: 2 / 0
Style: Condominium	Living Area: 963	Deposit/Reqd: $1600/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease, Tenant at Will, Short Term
Remarks: Quiet, end unit at the Rembrandt overlooking foliage and brook. Freshly painted, cleaned and ready for occupancy. Two bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 parking spaces. Lots of closets. In-unit washer/dryer is included. Relax in the fitness room, recreation/function room, roof top deck or garden area. Close to Arlington Heights and Center. Secure, ele...	Heat: Electric	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Water, Recreational Facilities, Extra Storage
Orig. Price: $1,800
	x15	MLS #: 70881134	Status: ACT	DOM: 117	Rent Price: $1,750	List Date: 2/27/2009
264 Massachusetts Ave U:307 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 4	Bedrooms: 1	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Condominium	Living Area: 777	Deposit/Reqd: $1750/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Best in quality, size, parking and ammenities. In unit laundry, secure building, parking spot guarenteed! New hardwood floors, black granite counters and light maple (solid wood) cabinets. Beautiful, stainless steel on black appliances, all top quality. 1 bedroom plus a true study. Great light! Spacious bath and closet area. Full A/C and forced...	Heat: Gas	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Water, Sewerage Disposal, Refuse Removal, Snow Removal, Grounds Maintenance, Garden Area
Orig. Price: $1,750
	x14	MLS #: 70899609	Status: ACT	DOM: 78	Rent Price: $2,100	List Date: 4/7/2009
305 Summer St U:305 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 6	Bedrooms: 3	Baths: 1 / 1
Style: Single Family	Living Area: 1600	Deposit/Reqd: $2100/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: 2 story Cape with large back deck, small side yard, and tandem parking for 2 to 3 cars. Located on busy street (Summer St) in Stratton District , 1 Bedroom & full bath on first floor, 2 Bedrooms & half bath on top floor. Newly sanded & finished oak floors throughout. Full laundry and partially finished basement space for ample storag...	Heat: Oil	AC:
Rnt Includes: Refuse Removal
Orig. Price: $2,200
	x10	MLS #: 70924645	Status: ACT	DOM: 28	Rent Price: $2,100	List Date: 5/27/2009
25 Sagamore Road U:1 Arlington, MA 02476	Rooms: 6	Bedrooms: 3	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Apartment	Living Area: 1344	Deposit/Reqd: $2200/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: House for rent. Located in quiet area, yet easy access to Route 2. Good size yard with a large deck to enjoy your summer evenings. No smokers or pets.	Heat: Oil	AC:
Rnt Includes: Sewerage Disposal
Orig. Price: $2,200
	x18	MLS #: 70920912	Status: ACT	DOM: 37	Rent Price: $2,500	List Date: 5/18/2009
23 Oxford St U:2 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 4	Bedrooms: 2	Baths: 1 / 0
Style: Apartment	Living Area: 1100	Deposit/Reqd: $2500/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: LOCATION, ..EVERYTHING INCLUDED..Fabulous, Best in quality, 2 bedrooms apartment in the heart of East Arlington, steeps away from Mass Ave, Capitol theater and all the wonderful shops. Second froor of a two family, owner accupied. New construction, hardwood floors, granite counter top. Beautiful, stainless steel appliances, all top quality. Grea...	Heat: Gas	AC: No
Rnt Includes: Heat, Hot Water, Electric, Water, Sewerage Disposal, Snow Removal, Grounds Maintenance, Extra Storage, Garden Area
Orig. Price: $2,500
	x22	MLS #: 70880772	Status: ACT	DOM: 118	Rent Price: $2,900	List Date: 2/26/2009
29 Cheswick Road U:29 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 9	Bedrooms: 3	Baths: 2 / 0
Style: Single Family	Living Area: 1979	Deposit/Reqd: $2900/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: FOR RENT...Gracious, Spacious & Sunny - Two full baths & 3 bedrooms - 9 room beautiful Colonial on a desirable corner lot in Kelwyn Manor area of Arlington. Great flow. Updated kitchen, hardwood floors, fireplace, sunroom, patio, decks, & a fenced in yard. Nice home for entertaining. SUPERB LOCATION! Walk everywhere! Near center, par...	Heat: Gas	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Sewerage Disposal, Occupancy Only
Orig. Price: $2,900
	x6	MLS #: 70918201	Status: ACT	DOM: 42	Rent Price: $3,500	List Date: 5/13/2009
315 Lake St U:0 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 9	Bedrooms: 4	Baths: 2 / 1
Style: Single Family	Living Area: 2101	Deposit/Reqd: $3500/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Home has a detached 2 car garage, all hardwoo floors, new windows, newer furnace and seperate hot water tank. Master bedroom has it own master bath. Fireplace in formal living room and fireplace in family room in walk out basement. Easy access to major highways Home also has a library with built-in shelves and a cedar closet. Home also has alot ...	Heat: Oil	AC:
Rnt Includes: Refuse Removal
Orig. Price: $3,500
	x7	MLS #: 70919564	Status: ACT	DOM: 40	Rent Price: $4,500	List Date: 5/15/2009
30 Lake Shore Drive U:30 Arlington, MA 02474	Rooms: 7	Bedrooms: 3	Baths: 2 / 0
Style: Single Family	Living Area: 1962	Deposit/Reqd: $4500/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: Waterfront Magical English cottage between the banks of the upper and lower Mystic lakes. Million dollar views from this piece of paradise. Renovated sunsplashed home with lots of character and charm. Possible furnished rental.	Heat: Gas	AC:
Rnt Includes: --
Orig. Price: $4,500
	x13	MLS #: 70931716	Status: ACT	DOM: 14	Rent Price: $6,000	List Date: 6/10/2009
1 OLDHAM RD. U:1 Arlington, MA 02476	Rooms: 10	Bedrooms: 4	Baths: 2 / 1
Style: Single Family	Living Area: 4170	Deposit/Reqd: $6000/Yes	Rnt Term: Lease
Remarks: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!MAGNIFICENT NEW COLONIAL WITH SWEEPING VIEWS OF GOLF COURSE.GRAND TWO STORY FOYER, DETAIL, ELEGANCE AND CHARM TYPICALLY FOUND IN OLDER HOMES.EVERY CONCEIVABLE MODERN AMENITY FOR TODAY'S LIFESTYLE.ULTRA CHEF'S KITCHEN OPEN TO F.P FAMILY ROOM WITH ARCHES AND COLUMNS.FUNCTIONING MUD ROOM WITH BACK STAIRS TO SECOND FLOOR...	Heat: Gas	AC: Yes
Rnt Includes: Refuse Removal, Occupancy Only
Orig. Price: $6,000