Asheville NC -Investors' LOTS and Land For Sale
I wrote a post not long ago about the Top 5 Eco-Friendly Trends for Investors to Watch in 2010 that gave investors lots to think about: Innovation - developing alternatives to technologies that have been demonstrated to damage your health and your environment."Cradle to Cradle" Design - fully reclaiming or re-using products end "cradle to grave" cycle of manufactured products. Sustainability - meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Source reduction - reducing waste and pollution by changing outmoded patterns of production and consumption. This decreases reliance on landfills and incinerators.Viability - creating economic growth around "green" technologies and products.
But all this got me thinking about LOTS! Eco-friendly LOTS , that is. There are lots of LOTS for sale by owner and/or on the MLS in the Asheville NC area. What can distinguish these lots? They are informed by the list above.
Such LOTS would take into account protection of the building site, solar orientation, wildlife preservation, erosion control, saving existing trees, and would incorporate plans for a "Cradle to Cradle" design. The LOT and the Investor would want sustainability to count. How many trips to the landfill, for example, could be avoided when the building process gets underway? (Source reduction.) And would bring green technologies into play. Would you consider reclaiming or re-using timber?(see video below.)
I know of a handful of lots (that is NOT a lot) that Investors looking for ROI might consider-LOTS where conservation based subdivision design, Low Impact Development (LID), walkability, and land development that minimizes adverse environmental impacts adds up to a wise choice-
Take a look at this one, for example. (see video) This LOT is NOT on the MLS. It's a FSBO. It belongs to a poet-author....and when you watch the video, you may understand why he chose to invest in it--hint (waterfall and trails.)
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND in Asheville. Going Green and Eco-Friendly Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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Captivated by Concrete:
Engrossed in research for a series of posts - - " An Expose of the Hottest Home Trends and Smart Renovations of 2010 , " I have been captivated with the function and versatility of concrete.
Previously unaware that " .... concrete countertops are quickly becoming the darling of architects and kitchen and bath designers across the country..." I simply was fascinated with the possibilities that emerged as I sifted through various trade rags and researched online.
"In the fashion world of residential countertops, where the purchasing process has rightly evolved into a 'countertop experience' concrete has the potential to become the ultimate personalized decorative surface... " read the text from an Article From Vol. 2, Issue 2, 2009 of Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Magazine that caught my eye. it seems that in 2010, architects are thinking about concrete for uses other than foundations and sidewalks.
"The rapid growth of green building and LEED-compliant programs are generating great interest in concrete as viable for architectural decorative surfacing... [and architects and home owners are ] beginning to have an appreciation for the possibilities of this versatile, sustainable materialfrom an aesthetic perspective," Steve Silberman of ABSOLUTE ConcreteWorks reported.
The article describes Silberman and co-owner of ABSOLUTE, Tommy Cook as the compelling combination of woodworker, artiste, structural engineer, chemist and environmentalist ... an interesting "mix" indeed.

The Art of Concrete: After looking at some of their amazing creations, ( two of their fireplace surrounds seen here)I am tempted to hop on the wings of a muse and head out to their Poulsbo, WA facility.
They will be offering a training in Technology, Technique, and Artistrywith ABSOLUTE's Tommy and his brother, Mike Cook. Tommy is recognized nationally as a leader in the art of concrete countertops, fireplace surrounds and his brother Mike of Concrete Approaches Inc., is a recognized leader in the science of GFRC countertop mix designs.
Will I see you there?? _______________________________________________________________________________________________
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND in Asheville. Going Green and Eco-Friendly Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." © 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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You can design your own kitchen, bathroom, patio...and, at the same time, stamp your signature into concrete. How exciting is that?? If you have been following this series, you will know that our eco-friendly colleagues here in Asheville, the Hub of Green, sure are. Solid and durable, it also is versatile and adaptable to both indoor and outdoor use. As one person put it, " Concrete is the soup du jour of current home trends.

Sellers are finding that including the "new concrete" is an economical and eco-savvy way in which they can update their home prior to putting it on the market.
Green builders (see photo) around town are using concrete in many different ways.
Neighbors doing renovation projects, as well, favor this material.
Buyers are so impressed with kitchen remodeling ideas that include counter tops with integral sinks and backsplashes, or a unique fireplace surround, or patio designs and walkways with that special creative allure . . ..
Artisans are thrilled with the possibilities.
Today's hottest trend adds color, fine-finishes that dazzle, and a chance to express your personal creative stamp.
Other posts in this series include topics such as : concrete flooring and home trends in concrete.HOW would YOU include concrete in your design plans and put YOUR stamp on it?
Heads-Up: The US Green Building Council recently picked concrete as their #1 Choice for Kitchen Counter Tops.
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND in Asheville. Going Green and Eco-Friendly Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." © Concrete (Series) - Put Your Stamp On It, 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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Ever since I participated in a site evaluation of a Green-Built home, where
I first experienced the luster of concrete flooring, I have been fascinated with the possibilities for concrete in residential properties.
Because the home that was being evaluated was complying with HealthyBuilt standards, the concrete used did not generate significant volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2.)
CO2 contributes significantly to greenhouse gas. In this application, the builder carefully had selected concrete the substitutes of fly ash and slag.
What else makes concrete a "green" product?
1.Concrete flooring provides high durability.
2. Concrete flooring is less subject to biological contamination problems.
(Photo taken at site evaluation of an Asheville NC Green Built home.
For buyers and sellers of properties who are thinking about smart residential renovations we are excited about the various types of flooring they may choose to install. Bamboo? Cork? Recycled Hardwood? In terms of environmentally responsible choices, particularly in our indoor environment, for our own home, we are leaning towards concrete as we discuss the topic around the kitchen table.
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Asheville NC Real Estate: Going Green Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog. Smart Renovations -Concrete .Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved. Asheville NC Real Estate
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Asheville NC Real Estate 2010-style means smart renovations.
Thoughtful updates, eco-friendly 'green-ups" and the choice of sustainable materials create interest where these features are in high demand. One of our clients is proof positive. Enthused about the value-added benefit of eco-friendly updates, she began research by creating a list of priority projects. After we talked about renovation ideas from the perspective of "The Buyer", she settled on putting her kitchen at the top of the list. .
"You can design your own kitchen," she told me. " Just begin by gathering kitchen remodeling ideas. Then, sit down at the kitchen table with a local artisan. Our client chose to work in concrete because of the "sustainability f
actor."
She began with concrete kitchen countertops, building in a drainboard and creating an attractive backsplash.
A gourmet vegetarian chef, she was thrilled to find what her design led to. "You can express creative preferences, you can even plan the flow of this material to fit your cooking style," she told me with a smile in her voice.
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(Photos of kitchen remodeling ideas and concrete countertops courtesy of Elite Crete Systems)
After seeing those glossy surfaces, we knew our Buyers would be thrilled with the results. Concrete is so versatile. It can be handcrafted into the shining, distinctive surface that both compliments and complements a meal.
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ Asheville NC Real Estate: Green Renovations and LAND in Asheville . Going Green Properties. Expert Tools for Sellers and Buyers of Mountain Homes and Land Legacies. "On the roll for sustainable innovation." See also our Mountain Homes and Land blog.
Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved. Asheville NC Real Estate __________________________
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