janeAnne, "Green-o-Lina" e-PRO, ECO, Owner/Broker

Living "Green" seems to be about the positive momentum for Baby Boomers with 1031s .

I asked one of my 1031 Baby Boomer clients, who is a Big Fan of sustainable develpoment, what "living green" given the current economic climate meant to him.

He smiled.

A 1031 investor who drives a car powered by biodiesel, (see photo) he has been into low-impact living for some time. In fact, over the years, he has built up his 1031 investment nest egg in conservation real estate.

Still smiling, he confided that it means many things. Given the economic situation as of October, 2008, his 1031 timetable may be bumped up a year! He explains:

"Seems to me this is a time to advance (as opposed to retreat) due to 'bargains' I may be able to acquire in acreage. "

"Well," I have to tell him, " As a LAND Specialist, I've been watching LAND prices in Western North Carolina over the past many years. There may be a few bargains, but I have not seen a substantial drop in the price of large acreages. After all, LAND is a finite commodity, and LAND in Western North Carolina, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, is a treasure. "

My 1031 Baby Boomer client may do better to look at the 1031 possibilities in terms of eco-development on smaller. close-in acreages. He might be able to acquire a 10 AC parcel, for example, where he could drop in a good number of wee green homes with tiny footprints while leaving 8 acres as green space for community gardens, edible landscaping and perhaps a greenhouse.

For the 1031 Baby Boomer investor who wants to make something "Green" happen from his 1031 Exchange venture, here's a list

1) Take eco-friendly and considered action.
2) Include compassion for all living things.
3) Reducie impact ..low impact living.
4) Engage in a sustainable lifestyle.
5) Make eco-wise 1031 choices.

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Read GREENOLINA'S newsabout mountain and valley neighborhoods, real estate, local day trips, picnics, and ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Curious aboutgreen building, remodeling and eco-communities ? ...Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov ....... We are in a sustainable world, so grab hold of your Muse... dream that world... and make it happen!. ......................... .............

1031s, Baby Boomers, and Living Green.The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently instituted a "GreenSteps" initiative with a series of instructive videos available for architects, other professionals and the public.

"There's been a lot of talk about changes in our climate lately. CO2 emissions, dwindling resources, and energy usage are growing concerns in every walk of life, " a spokesperson for the organization reported.

" AIA Architects, in particular, want to address those concerns. We strongly believe that the time for talk has passed, and now it is time to walk the walk. "

Photo courtesy of AIA

Living here in Asheville, NC, where real estate professionals and our clients more and more are in the know, and are demanding green-excellence in housing opportunities, I could guess that nowhere is that green-excellence more visible than right here in our fair city.

Certainly, the local Asheville, AIA Chapter actively is seeking to " work together to address issues of concern for our region such as historic preservation, smart growth, sustainability, green building, affordable housing and more."

** Here in Asheville, we have seen that sustainable design makes an impressive difference. We have also seen that it is important to feel knowledgeable and confident when exploring the Green issues including costs and design.

Many of the purveyors of green-excellence here in Asheville consider an historic effort by the American Institute of Architects, a boon. It comes in the form of a series of videos now available online called, " Green Architecture Resources for Clients." Researching these webpages I found information on

1) costs, including information about tax breaks and rebates, lower construction costs, reducing or eliminating the need for heating and air-conditioning equipment and the associated costs of purchase, maintenance and electricity, and on cutting energy and water bills by as much as half-

2) what actually makes a green building "Green" and

3) ROI tables where you can share the © GREENandSAVE RIO tables
with other people via the code provided.

...good info if you are interested in planning new buildings or the renovation of existing buildings-and have "green concerns". . .

GreenStepand the multipart video series on the benefits of green architecture are HERE> . Most of the series is already available and you can look for completion by the end of the year.

• Greenstep 1: Water Conservation - already posted.
• Greenstep 2: Smart Controls - already posted.
• Greenstep 3: Radiant Heating and Cooling - already posted.
• Greenstep 4: Vegetation for Sun Control - already posted.
• Greenstep 5: The Whole Building Approach - already posted.
• Greenstep 6: Green Tags - already posted.
• Greenstep 7: Energy Modeling - September 29
• Greenstep 8: Green Roofs - October 13
• Greenstep 9: Daylighting - October 27
• Greenstep 10: Choosing Green Materials - November 10
• Greenstep 11: Carbon Offsets - November 24
• Greenstep 12: Deconstruction - December 8

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Read GREENOLINA'S news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, real estate, local day trips, picnics, and ecotourist attractions you'll appreciate. Curious aboutgreen building, remodeling and eco-communities ? ...Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov ....... We are in a sustainable world, so grab hold of your Muse... dream that world... and make it happen!. ......................... .............

The American Institute of Architects "GreenStep" Initiative. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved.

For many years, I've been keeping a "Good-Eye" out for clients who are conservation real estate land buyers and investors.

Traditionally, landowners relocating and building in Western North Carolina have enjoyed the highlands and the many gifts of living here.

But since 1975, we have found it more and more challenging to find large acreages in the mountains. These days, partly because a good deal of the land is steep and rugged terrain, and too because eco-friendly developers know that it is mighty expensive and even imprudent to prepare such land for development, land values have appreciated significantly. (Map courtesy of Blue Ridge Forever.)

As a Land Specialist still attempting to keep that ‘good-eye" out for my conservation real estate buyers, I note with interest the steep slope ordinances recently approved. I recognize how neighbors, who watch carefully and voice opinions at city council meetings, are taking action to protect farmlands, land containing rare, unique species and ecosystems.I observe what is happening with our awesome and beautiful viewsheds.

Recently, Phyllis Stiles of Blue Ridge Forever stated, "With population and development growing at unprecedented rates in Western North Carolina, land trusts are having to take a broader look at where they invest their limited resources. The lands we lose or protect this decade will define the region for generations to come."

So what are the folks at Blue Ridge Forever, that coalition of 13 land conservation groups all about? They are energizing the effort to save much of the mountain lands that possess these special features:

1. significant ecological qualities
2. high quality waters or significant water supply
3. connectivity of the landscape - linking protected lands and habitats together
4. cultural and economic importance, including exceptional scenic views
5. significant tracts of working forests or farms

In a report entitled a Conservation Vision for Western North Carolina, land conservation organizations, leading conservation thinkers, biological experts, agricultural specialists and cultural researchers hope to communicate with land trusts as they decide where to commit resources.

As a real estate professional involved in conservation real estate, I am delighted to be a small part of this. I get to represent places like Three Creeks Eco-Community and Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community. Both of these conservation neighborhoodswere developed by private eco-developers. Each purchased over 200 acres of land and then surveyed off about 1/10 of the acreage on which to place an ecovillage and/or building sites. I also have the "feel-good" knowledge that in some small way, I am helping

•1. to preserve access to fresh, locally grown food
•2. to protect crucial water resources
•3. to safeguard the precious views and landscape
•4. to ensure that the resources and beauty are around for the next generation.

Here are links and (shown above) a numbered and labeled map from Blue Ridge Forever that locate some of the sustainable areas at risk

If you are an eco-frienldy person, you may also appreciate the following:

13 Top-Notch RESOURCES: Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust Boone, NC, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy Hendersonville, NC, Conservation Trust for North Carolina Raleigh, NC, Foothills Conservancy of North CarolinaMorganton, NC, High Country Conservancy Boone, NC, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Highlands, NC, Land Trust for the Little Tennessee Franklin, NC, National Committee for the New River West Jefferson, NC, Pacolet Area ConservancyTryon, NC, Southern Appalachian Highlands ConservancyAsheville, NC, The Conservation Fund Chapel Hill, NC, The North Carolina Chapter of The Nature Conservancy Saluda, NC, Trust for Public LandCarolinas Field Office - Charlotte, NC

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Read GREENOLINA'S newsabout mountain and valley neighborhoods, conservation real estate, local day trips, picnics, and ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Curious aboutgreen building, remodeling and eco-communities ? ...Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov ....... We are in a sustainable world, so grab hold of your Muse... dream that world... and make it happen!. ......................... .............

Keeping a "Good-Eye" Out for Conservation Real Estate Land Buyers. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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Mother was a member of the League of Women Voters. Even more than just being a member, she got involved...volunteered. Time and again over the years Mama was up at 4:00 AM and out of the house before "dawn's early light" to work at the polling place. She always came home after dusk, but with a smile of satisfaction on her face bringing with her amusing tales and a shared sense that she had participated in the democratic process at the "grass roots" level.

She also loved watching a good debate, and then opening up a discussion about it... in a special way... that "special way" took some discipline and thought because it was a kind of flag-raising experience that came from the notion that we can choose to have differing opinions and still get along beautifully with and even complement one another. (see photo)

This was Mama's legacy, non-violent discussion. To her, non-violent communication happened "when words came from the heart. Then they break through barriers and elicit compassion...."

Although it was in her nature to be thoughtful when making choices, she attributed much of her skill in leading discussions to good advice she gathered as a member of the League of Women Voters.

Remembering this, I ventured on over to the refresh my memory and I am quoting here:

" Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has been devoted to improving our systems of government and impacting public policies through citizen education and advocacy. Known for its passionate hands-on work and ability to mobilize instantaneously, the nonpartisan grassroots organization is 150,000 members strong with over 900 leagues at the local and state levels.

Though local and national issues and needs may change over time, the League's basic mission remains the same: to make democracy work for all citizens. SO.... In the spirit of participation she might have appreciated had she even known what the Internet is, I'm sending this along...for all of us, from Mama.

Debate Watching 101...by League of Women Voters.......debate watching resources from the League of Women Voters designed to help viewers understand the elements and nuances of debates, in addition to learning how to watch them with a scrutinizing eye.

:: Debate Watching 101
:: How to Judge A Candidate
:: Debate Discussion Guide
:: Debate Calendar
:: Related Links

How to Judge a Candidate

:: How to Judge a Candidate
:: Candidate Report Card

Also of interest from the League of Women Voters these offerings which may be of particular interest to real estate professionals and our clients, no matter whether GREEN ENERGY policies and sustainable innovations are on the table for you:. Comparing the Candidates on Foreign Policy, 10 Best Energy Policies.... I know where we will be found during the debates. We've invited the neighbors for a get together here in Asheville, and friendly discussion.

Here is the Debate Calendar

Friday, September 26: Presidential debate on domestic policy, University of Mississippi
Thursday, October 2: Vice presidential debate on domestic policy and foreign policy, Washington University, St. Louis
Tuesday, October 7: Presidential debate in a town hall format, Belmont University, Nashville
Wednesday, October 15:Presidential debate on foreign policy, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

All four debates will begin at 9pm ET, and last for 90 minutes. They will be broadcast on the major broadcast networks, including CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. They will also be aired on cable news channels such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and C-SPAN.

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Read Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that "when words come from the heart, they break through barriers and elicit compassion...."......................... .............

Debate Watching for Real Estate Professionals: Clues from the League of Women Voters. .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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An Energy Wise True or False Test was delivered with a smile to our client who purchased a wee rustic cabin in the mountains near Asheville with an energy-efficient mortgage.

Certainly, the place was in need of updating. The appliances were about as old as the structure itself, which is to say at least as old as your Great-Grandma, and so our buyer intended to replace them, immediately.

She wanted to know
1) what she could do to find out more about the various appliances on the market, and

2) for what she might be looking . . .

We had checked with the lender hoping that they would pay for an energy rating as part of the costs , but that didn't work out, so, as a closing gift, we gave her a gift certificate for services from a professional Home Energy Rater who could offer her the expert opinion she needed.

We pointed out that according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, "When buying an appliance, remember that it has two (2) price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses, and, that being said...just for fun, in her gift card we also placed an amusing
Energy Wise True or False Test. (see below)...

Here's the test....Let me know how you do. I'll come back in a bit and place the correct answers in the comment section.

True or False

1.Federal law requires EnergyGuide labeling of many home appliances
T ____ F _____

2 ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.
T ____ F _____

3. Top-freezer models can use as much as 10-25% less energy than side-by-side refrigerator/freezers.
. T ____ F _____

3. Self-cleaning ovens are more insulated than other models , but will NOT save on utility bills. . T ____ F _____

5. Front-loading washing machines use approximately one-third of the water that conventional machines use to wash the same size load of clothing.
. T ____ F _____

6. Gas ovens and ranges use less energy than comparable electric appliances.
. T ____ F _____

7. The EnergyGuide label gives two pieces of information you can use for comparison of different brands and models when shopping for a new appliances.
. T ____ F _____

8. Appliances consume a significant portion of energy in the home.
. T ____ F _____

9. Appliances account for over 80 % of a home's total energy costs.
. T ____ F _____

10. The Energy Star^® label indicates that an appliance exceeds federal minimum efficiency standards by a specific percentage (15-20% depending on the type of appliance) or consumption level.

T ____ F _____

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__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov ....... We are in a sustainable world, so grab hold of your Muse... dream that world... and make it happen!. ......................... .............

An Energy Wise True or False Test. The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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