Looking again at the photo I took this morning of an Asheville dawn (see below) reminded me how quickly the scene changed. You had to be ready with your camera to capture the vermillions and pinks and hints of blue. That got me philosophizing about change in general: CHANGE that is also Opportunity-
CHANGE is right here today- in our routines- in where we live-and possibly even in the way we live.
Change is one life-process with which we must deal and which we all share. Change -by the very fact that it is universally understood, is a common thread we share in the tapestry of sustainable living. It's just a fact of being in the world. And because of all this, it actually brings with it a strong sense of belonging.
A few thoughts on the SEASONS OF CHANGE in the practice of real estate
Whether that change involves moving from a family farm into the city, or relocating from another state to the Appalachians and the Greater Asheville area, our clients voluntarily are initiating four all-important "seasons"- the sweet spring of optimism, the summer of informed skepticism, the brilliant autumn of realistic expectations, and finally the clear winter of wise choices.
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janeAnne Narrin, M.A., C.S.W., poet, NAR GREEN®, ECO Certified, e-PRO, nature-lover is the founder of the ECO -Steward Real Estate Firm in Asheville, North Carolina. She loves a spirit of stewardship, and she is
__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............ on the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" OPPORTUNITY. Keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ....... Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Men Without Houses
Joe GI, retired,
rolls a smoke
from his nearly empty pouch.
He casts a very, very long shadow
on the wall,
companion to silhouettes,
too many too count,
belonging to men
without houses,
waiting for a door to open
at the local shelter.
Here is a link to Homeless Veteran's web pages where you can get information if you feel so inclined:
http://www1.va.gov/Homeless/
Asheville, YOU can help here: http://ashevillehomeless.org/
~^~jA Narrin, Wind-in-the-Feather
Asheville, 2009
Are you interested in Eco-Friendly Development ? One Asheville area eco-community may have some 
answers for you. Creating an eco-friendly development starts with planning how the site on acreage comes together and will unfold.
There are questions that come up before one home is built that beg to be answered:
How will this development work with natural resources by preserving topsoil and trees and reducing storm water runoff?
How energy efficient building and an increased use of alternative energy sources lead to sustainable development?
What is the plan for using green building materials?
And is there a plan for educating homeowners and building professionals on the features and benefits of deep-green construction?
When just yesterday I visited Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community near Asheville where 225+ AC surrounded by 800+ acres of conservation partners' land and how to carve out a net zero energy community on a small portion possibly these were questions under consideration by this group of thoughtful land owners.
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__~o
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..
On the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Not long ago, Tom Rioux came to talk with us about PAINT. No ordinary paint, mind you. This is elegant 
paint and no wonder. Tom is an elegant person.
I am not saying this because he dresses in Armani , which he does not. I am saying this because he is a class act. And I am saying he is a class act because Tom shows impressive and stylish excellence as he walks his talk.
I have the impression other people are a lot healthier because he has invested his time and energy for that purpose. Yes! You can have great paint without the poisons!
Beauty. Strength and Sustainability all wrapped up in his creation which is known as EARTH PAINT. According to Tom, who knows first-hand what the chemicals in everyday paint can do to the immune system,
Beauty is about
Strength is about
Sustainability encompasses
Our colleague Mary Bigelow will be excited to know that Earthpaint is the first paint company to use 140% Wind Energy offsets! And now you have the opportunity to be impressed with Tom ,too.Here he is on video. Let me know what you think....
__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) .......... ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable world you can create today and tomorrow!. ......................... .............with OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL &. ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Serving Asheville's Eco-Friendly-Home, Relocation LAND Clients..
On the GO 4 Sustainability: "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants! Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Let's Talk GREEN Asheville, NC & Foothills of S.C. LAND, & "Green" Homes, HORSE Farms. 1031s . Eco Certified Consultants. Lic. NC & SC- *Objective Fiduciary Counsel and Buyer Advocacy.*
North Carolina Homes and Real Estate,
Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants and Buyers' Brokers...
...your eco-friendly connection to LAND and HORSE properties, GREEN real estate, sustainable homes, and eco-communities by the forestlands, waterfalls and amenities of Asheville, NC, Tryon, and the Foothills of SC.
Objective fiduciary counsel and representation for eco-friendly clients seeking LAND and "green" homes .
(Photo of a superior, custom, green-built equestrian property in Asheville , North Carolina. A beautiful property like this could be your dream come true....)
BUYER ADVOCACY- helping eco-friendly 1stTime Home Buyers, 1031 investors, clients seeking large acreages for horse properties and family legacies... in Greater Asheville Western North Carolina and Foothills of S.C.
BUYER CHOICES COUNT
....TELL US WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU...
*
(waterfall on Asheville area conservation neighborhood land)
2009 - ECO-STEWARD'S - CONSULTANTS' CHOICE
Last few sites available. 278 acres surround 3+ AC Beautiful Building Sites.
Here is an eco-friendly site in park-like setting-deeded to owners. Take the trail to gorgeous waterfalls, a sweet swimming pond, or the community cabin and library. Or go trout fishing! A creek and forest trail border private, wooded homesites. This is an elegant mountain community within the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Expect custom homes, underground utilities, paved roads & serenity. PHOTOS HERE ( Scroll to "Featured" )
SPECIALISTS IN
... land legacies and family destinations... mountain retreats, horse farms in the rolling foothills, or a sustainable, comfortable, well designed, technologically-advanced, healthy-built places in which to make your dreams come true --
in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina and the Foothills of South Carolina, the "Green Team" at The Eco-Steward Firm canis ready to assist you.
* LAND/ Acreage -SALES - LAND SPECIALISTS * Experience Counts
.=.=.=.=.=.= (Photo shows HGTV camera crew taping at our offices for HGTV Green Week)
* 1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGE SPECIALISTS*
* NEW "GREEN" HOME SPECIALISTS *
* SUSTAINABLE-Green RETROFIT SPECIALISTS *
* 1st TIME HOME BUYERS SPECIALISTS * 
We know about value-added "green" features and how they affect properties. We know the local real estate market. We are ready to make valuable connections. . . and you can count on the lively ECO-Steward All-Star Team for friendly, responsible, and thoughtful representation and Buyer Advocacy.
Experience Counts: The Eco-Steward Real Estate Firm Brokers ALL are Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants with an entire network of contacts in the sustainable innovation community.
Advanced training, certification and experience means we are ready and able to offer clients objective, fiduciary counsel and put you in touch with other well-qualified professionals who can offer eco-development and planning services, legal advice, financial expertise, and consultation for 1031 like-kind exchanges, and private land trust design and set up. ..and more. (Ask for our checklist of 150+ buyer advocay services)
Click this link below to let us know your "MUST HAVES" 
. . . WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU
and, if your dream includes. . .
ACREAGE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
A PLACE IN A GREEN ECO-COMMUNITY
ECO-FRIENDLY LAND ON WHICH TO CONSTRUCT A GREEN-BUILT HOME
A HORSE FARM OR EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
AN URBAN RE-DEVELOPMENT OR GREEN REMODEL PROJECT
AND/OR MORE.... our GREEN Teamwork can assist you in making your dreams come true.
Consultative/Collaborative Client Service Counts
The"Green Team" at THE ECO-STEWARD REAL ESTATE works "in tandem" with our clients .We assemble the experts and can refer our clients to the other professsional consultants in Eco Design & Development for large and/or small, urban acreages.
Trained consultants in eco-real estate, we are uniquely qualified to interpret what data, green trends, and information about eco-friendly properties actually means- at the local level.
"Horse Properties and incredible rural acreages are one of our favorite specialties."
We not only over the Greater Asheville, N.C., but the Foothills of Tryon and south to Upstate South Carolina (Horse Country) Area.NOTE: We are Licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Choices for the Eco-Friendly Buyer Count Buyers have choices.They can gather data and information online. They can study a geographical real estate market from afar prior to relocating.-(87% of consumers go online prior to choosing a trained advisor ). They can select an advocate who can help them make wise buying choices based on knowledge, and professional interpretation. And, when it comes time to contract for real estate services, buyers can elect to compensate for services only when their desired outcome is achieved- (this fee reflects the risk taken by the broker) - They can choose a consultative approach based on understanding their needs and goals. ON-GOING SERVICE for BUYERS COUNTS If YOU are Buyer is on the lookout for objective, fiduciary counsel, advocacy, and representation targeting eco-friendly land and homes, the Eco-Steward Buyer Advocacy "Green Arrow" Program offers YOU an entire team of Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants who have the experience and advanced training to relate objective real estate counsel in the best interest of buyers. The ORIGI
...means in-depth knowledge that pays off for our clients. Green communities and sustainable development mean value-added features for our clients. We offer RESOURCES and consulting referrals for investors sellers and buyers, in the eco-friendly, green homes, land and horse properties conservation real estate market.
YOUR JOURNEY HOME COUNTS RELOCATING? We invite you to include the Greater Asheville area , Tryon (horse country) and the Foothills of South Carolina in your choices for places in which to dwell, happily. RELOCATING? We invite you to take a "First Look Around" Limo Tour. The Green Arrow Tour targets areas of interest. Ask about the 4-hour tours. Here, the real estate is rich in eco-friendly blessings, the developments, the views , the expansive conservation acreages, the equestrian amenities and horse properties, the pasturelands, woodlands, farmlands, mountainscapes, streams, all could mean possibilities for you. RELOCATING to the "green" Asheville/Tryon area? If you choose to make your home and acreage eco-wise and sustainable, we can help. Wherever you see yourself, we can take you - and help you make your dreams come to life, click this link to design your dreams today. It is all about "...the choices we make, the people we love, the magic in all of us. . .' ~ Dreamkeeper
ADVANCED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION & CONSULTATIVE APPROACH COUNT ECO Certified® Consultant Designation. If you desire objective, fiduciary counsel, advocacy and representation this North Carolina Real Estate Commission's designation for REALTORS® is evidence that you will receive it.
Brokers have undergone extensive --36+ hours --of field, hands-on, and actual classroom--training in environmental issues affecting real estate transactions.
Means that eco-friendly buyers looking for brokers with "GREEN" residential experience and market knowledge can find real estate professionals who can be the "resource for the resources" . The National Association of REALTORS' new GREEN Designation ASK FOR OUR CHECKLIST of 150+ SERVICES
Fiduciary counsel for Buyers is the "Green Arrow" team's pledge, a pledge that lets everyone win.
CLIENTS CAN COUNT ON OUR Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants have the knowledge , training, certifications and experience to interpret what data about a property actually means at the local level.
NAL & ONLY ALL Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants Brokerage...
As Eco Certified Real Estate Consultants we offer a valuable consultative approach to meeting buyers' needs and objectives.
EcoBroker Advanced Training
is on the way coming soon in response to the red hot Green Trend!
Buyer Advocacy Services
TARGET Wise Choices for Asheville Area Buyers
Buyers have choices. You gather data and information online. You can study a geographical real estate market from afar prior to relocating.-(87% of consumers go online prior to choosing a trained advisor ). You can select an advocate who can help make wise buying choices based on knowledge, and professional interpretation.
Buyers have choices when contracting for real estate services. Buyers can elect to compensate for services only when their desired outcome is achieved- (the fee will reflect the risk taken by the Broker) -
or Buyers can choose a targeted, consultative approach based on hourly rates, retainers and understanding your needs and goals. Below you will find a partial list of services based on the choice for objective real estate counsel in the BEST INTEREST of Buyer Clients at Asheville's Eco-Steward Real Estate Firm.
If YOU SEEK objective, fiduciary counsel, advocacy, and representation in terms of eco-friendly LAND and homes, look no further.
The Eco-Stewards' Buyer Advocacy focus puts an entire "green design team" of Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants at your service. All are experienced in sustainable innovation, and so can offer clients not only knowledge coming from advanced training, but objective real estate counsel in the best interest of buyers.
Fiduciary counsel for eco-friendly buyers is the "Green Teams'" strategy, a strategy that lets everyone win.
Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants know how
to interpret what data about a property
actually means
at the local level.
The Firm's Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants, trained consultants in eco-real estate, are uniquely qualified to interpret information and look out for the BEST INTEREST OF BUYERS. 
Advocacy Services for Buyer Clients
1. Assemble and Collaborate with Green Resource Professionals- who are ready to meet the needs of eco-friendly buyers. As advocates for Buyers, we engage to assist clients from 1st Time Home Byers to equestrian and private retreat buyers, from-community and green-built and remodeled homes buyers to 1031 investors. The Eco Steward "Green Team" also can work with conservation land investors interested in protecting property with significant natural resources, scenic or agricultural values through objective real estate counsel.
2. Hold an Approved Professional Resources List designed for clients interested in sustainable innovation, and maintains that list "live" and up-to-date with current eco-properties in the Greater Asheville, NC and Foothills of South Carolina areas . These are properties with particular land legacy, equestrian and/or conservation value.
3. Work cooperatively with other Eco-professional Colleagues in the real estate community, and are a "local expert" when it comes to sustainable neighborhoods and development.The Eco-Steward Real Estate Firm Brokers ALL are Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants with an entire network of contacts in the sustainable innovation community.
4. Offer Interpretion of Data and Information about conserving land in the region, and the opportunity to serve as an learning resource about properties ready for protection. LEARNING SERVICES from THE ECO-STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS
The "Just Starting to Look"
Eco-Friendly Property Tours
Previews FOR or WITH Individual Clients
and THE One and Only Amazing
"Just Starting to Look"
Group Biodiesel Mercedes Tour
(call or email us for pricing)
5 Offer Objective, fiduciary counsel, advocacy and representation via a) retainer, b) project, c) hourly fee, or d) commission.
Depending on the transaction, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some clients should know about may not be needed.
NOTE: Partial checklist of services below.
The checklist that follows reflects the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in a variety of real estate transactions. It underscores the value of professional advocacy from- an Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultant and REALTOR® experienced and trained in providing responsible, quality, transparent choices.
RETAINER of $1,000- $2,000 (applicable to Settlement/ Closing fees)
and/or Hourly Fee: $50-250
PARTIAL CHECKLIST OF BUYER ADVOCACY SERVICES
objective, fiduciary counsel, and representation
RESPONSIBLE, QUALITY, TRANSPARENT CHOICES OF VALUE TO ECO-FRIENLDY BUYERS
1. Explain Law of Agency, different agency relationships and determine client's preference
LISTEN carefully. Review the Design Your Dream Survey.
2. Research properties of interest and/or all comparable currently listed properties.
3. Set up Initial four-hour Green Arrow Target Tour to meet specific client interests (see limo tour brochure)
4. Take and Review "Eco Stewards' Learning Tour" - REVIEW in terms of Target Tour discoveries.
5. Discuss client's goals to invest in eco-friendly property effectively.
6. Present overview of current market conditions and projections.
7. Research five to ten (5-10) properties of interest and/or comparable properties.
8. Tour five to ten (5-10) properties of interest with an Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant and REALTOR®
9. Research all properties of interest and/or all comparable currently listed properties.
10. Research "SOLD" activity for past 180 days from both MLS database.
11. Research "Average Days on Market" for properties selected, their price range and in neighboring locations.
12. Review selected properties' tax roll information.
13. Prepare "Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value.
14. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay out.
15. Research property's ownership & deed type.
16. Research property's public record information for lot size & dimensions.
17. Research and verify legal description.
18. Research property's land use coding and deed restrictions.
19. Research property's current use and zoning.
20. Check recorded permits.
21. Check city assessments for utility expansion program.
22. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county's public property records.
23. Facilitate communication with all parties.
24. Present and discuss buying strategic plans.
25.Be Buyers' Advocate as Resource for the RESOURCES -SPECIAL & "GREEN" FINANCING RESOURCE INFORMATION FOR OUR CLIENTS
26. 100% Financing for rural home loans in North Carolina ( USDA Rural Development)
27. GRANTS (do not have to repay) for Qualified 1st Time Home Buyers in NC
FHA permits up to 6% closing paid by Seller.
28. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency helps make home ownership affordable for
1st Time Home Buyers
29. Real Estate Owned (REO) Properties for Sale
30. Income Limits: Down Payment Assistance, Sales Price Limits, and Participating Lenders
31. TAX CREDIT for 1st Time Home Buyers up to $8,000. ****
32. FREE CREDIT REVIEW and FREE Pre-qualification.
33. Be the RESOURCE FOR THE RESOURCES CONSULTING -ECO-FRIENDLY "GREEN" LAND -DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
34. Site Selection -Consulting and referral to professional resources for site analysis as well as assessment of demographic growth trends and demand
35. Creative Land Planning- Consulting and referral to professional resources for optimum use for sites and to develop a model plan. Consulting and referral in terms of ecologically sensitive site plans for residential subdivisions as well as working with and through governmental zoning and planning boards, eco-community and neighborhood groups where the positive impact of "sustainable design" could lead to profitability
36. Land and 1031 Investments Environmental Assessments
37. Biological Surveys and Conservation Real Estate
38. (Be the RESOURCE FOR THE RESOURCES CONSULTING -
ECO-FRIENDLY GREEN REMODELS, FINANCING & INCENTIVES
Discussion, resource referral, advocacy in terms of Green Building Products-
39. Prefinished Siding, Ventilation , Panelization, Sealed Crawlspace, Rainwater Harvesting, Grey Water, Radiant Flooring, Bamboo, Bioglass, Cork Eco-Resins, Grass and Sisal Icestone, Kirei, Marmoleum, Low or NO VOC Paints & Finishes, Non-Toxic Carpets
40. Energy and Minimizing Site Impacts - Water Audits, Indoor Air Quality Audits,
Home Energy Rating, Solar Energy, Solar Water Heating, Wind Energy,
LEED, NC Healthy Built, Green-Built, Alternative Fuels, and.... Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy
41. TAX INCENTIVES PROCESS advice and explanation of how it works
42. Marketability/Resale "Green" Consultation
43. RESEARCH for clients in pursuit of eco-friendly properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment
44. Professional digital color photography- interior and exterior
45. FOR HORSE LOVERS (Complimentary if under Offer to Purchase and Contract Due Diligence) BUYER ADVOCACY. DUE DILIGENCE- Walk the land
46. Check to see if there are rocks, holes, trees that are toxic to horses
47. Grab some dirt and consider the condition of the soil
48. Smell and feel the grass in the pasture, and note what kind of grasses are hanging out there in that pasture
49. Check the water source.
50. Note if the property is fenced, and what kind of fencing is there...the height, the condition
What our clients say about us...and some very good local INFO you can use...
~ "I am in the middle of my second transaction with janeAnne "Green-o-Lina" as my Broker. Without qualification, I will say she is the best REALTOR® I've ever worked with as well as one of the most intuitive people I've ever encountered. ~ “Thanks for always remembering us….” P.R. ~ "Thank you for all you are doing...this seems like an unending marathon with no finish line discernible!!!! You are the only bright spot on the horizon:) " S.S.
In late 2004, after an email exchange, janeAnne pretty much "knew" what I was looking for, assured me we'd find it, initiated and directed the search, which we did over several days, and then helped me identify, negotiate for a piece of land in a community which is perfect.
Now, two years later, I am about to close on yet another property she told me long ago I would be looking for! She's honest, diligent, smart, patient, funny, knowledgeable, and pleasant to drive around with in a car. I highly recommend janeAnne Broker-in-Charge at The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm. " ~ Don Silver
~ "You're the best! ... Thank you for the extra time you have spent to make us feel comfortable during our planning period. If you go this far out of your way to help us in the planning phase of our move, what must your service be like once we are actively engaged in the move itself...." A.S.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
100% Commission Plan for Real Estate Brokers
USEFUL LINKS:
Asheville's ECO-Steward Real Estate
Featured Properties
Asheville School Pages
Buncombe County School Pages
The Asheville Board of REALTORS ®
Asheville.com. (places to stay and eat )
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