Lisa Abrams

House flipping - it's the big trend in real estate. For those who are not risk-adverse and have a good eye for a home's potential, house flipping can be a lucrative money-making venture. However, it isn't for everyone, nor is it for every market. What is house flipping? House flipping involves buying a home, improving it, and then quickly selling it again, presumably for a profit. For example, say a house goes on the market that is a real eyesore. A house flipper buys it and makes some cosmetic changes before putting it back on the market at a much higher price. How do you make it work? Any old house won't do for house flipping. Just because a house is in dilapidated condition and priced low does not necessarily mean that it is prime for flipping. There are certain factors that increase the potential for a successful "flip."

· Location, location, location. The old adage of real estate holds true in house flipping, too. You can buy a house with the greatest potential at the cheapest price, but if its location is bad, it could be a recipe for disaster. For example, a house with train tracks running through the backyard is not going to sell no matter how nice you make it.

· Stick with cosmetic changes. If you have to gut a house, add rooms, blow out the kitchen, etc., it may be hard to get your money back, much less make a profit. Instead, focus on homes that require more cosmetic changes. Paint, flooring, updated appliances or fixtures - these are improvements that are relatively easy and don't cost a fortune.

· Be a DIY expert. The more improvements that you do yourself, the more you stand to make. If you have to hire professionals, obviously that cuts into your profits. If you are experienced doing home remodeling projects yourself, you can save some money on repair costs. You can also improve your skills by studying DIY books and enrolling in classes at the local home improvement store - whatever it takes to become an expert at DIY projects.

· Get educated. Not only do you want to learn all that you can about home improvements, but you also need to become an expert on the neighborhoods in your community. That way when a house goes on the market that looks like a good candidate to be flipped, you know if it is a bargain in an up and coming neighborhood or one that you should avoid.

· Be wary. In a slow real estate market, house flipping can be extremely risky. If housing prices are dropping in your area, be sure to do a careful assessment of how much the house you are thinking of buying could depreciate. Also consider what you'll do if the house ends up sitting on the market for longer than anticipated. There's a lot of money to be made in house flipping. But, don't make the mistake of thinking it is an easy gig to get-rich-quick. House flipping requires good instincts, lots of hard work, and a significant degree of risk. But, for the DIY junkie, it can also be an attractive way to make some money.

Foreclosure listings are at a peak right now. Most foreclosures are in need of rehab work, but banks are pricing the homes well below market value. Even in this slow economy, first time homebuyers are abound and most are looking for homes that they can move in to. This makes a great opportunity for the savvy investor to come in and spruce up the foreclosures and put them back on the market for a profit.

Sustainable Lifestyles

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling

• Recycling is important, but first and foremost: Use less.
• The things you do use can often be used over and over again - either for the same purpose or for something totally new. Be creative. Not only are you cutting back on your resource use; you'll also end up with some cool eye-catching conversation starters
• Set aside bins in your green home to separate and collect recyclable materials, including newspapers, white paper, clear and colored glass, plastic water and milk bottles, aluminum, cardboard, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs. Check with your local trash-collection company, municipal government or business directory to find out what recycling services are available.
• Packing peanuts and other loose fill will sit in a landfill for centuries, but there are lots of places you can bring them for recycling. Call the Peanut Hotline at 1-800-828-2214.
• Many computers, monitors, cell phones and other electronics include toxic materials that should not sit in landfills, and you'd be surprised how many retailers and other companies will take your old gadgets for recycling. The Environmental Protection Agency can help you find local electronics recyclers.
• And that's not all: Did you know you can recycle athletic shoes? Mattresses? Dry-cleaning hangers and plastic?
• Cleaning

• Use non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry products, which you can find at any natural grocery and even many mainstream stores. Just read the labels carefully.
• Don't pollute your indoor air or mask odors that could alert you to a problem. Choose fragrance-free products.

Transportation

• Buy a high-efficiency car if you can afford one. Check the U.S. Department of Energy's list of most fuel-efficient cars to find the one that's right for you.
• Rather than driving your car to work every day, try other ways, even if only one or two days a week. You can walk, ride your bike, take the bus or the train or join a car. You'll be cutting down on air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, oil consumption and your the costs of fueling and maintaining your vehicle. And mixing up your commuting routine helps you avoid falling into the workday rut.
• Urge your workplace to have a van-pool, environmentally responsible purchasing policies and an improved indoor environment. Rid your workplace of secret energy addicts. They are everywhere.

Personal practices

• Buy locally produced items, including produce and other goods. It reduces the amount of fossil fuels required to transport the things you buy from other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces the amount of plastic and paper products consumed in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying local reduces the consumption of valuable natural resources
• Instead of using grocery stores' disposable plastic or paper bags, bring your own reusable tote bags, which are available for sale at many grocers and other retailers. The bags are sturdier than disposable bags, making the trip home easier, and they don't waste resources or end up in landfills. If you must use disposable bags, ask your bagger to avoid double-bagging whenever possible.
• Use nontoxic gardening techniques. Many gardeners over-apply or improperly apply pesticides, putting themselves, their families and pets at increased health risk. Nearly half of all households have pesticides stored within reach of children. About 230,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to various lawn and garden tools. Our clean air and drinking water are affected by pesticides and garden equipment emissions.
• Urge your school district to construct new green schools and undertake green renovations of existing schools for your children.
• Advocate for green building codes and regulations in your community.
• Switch to socially responsible investing.

Energy

• Unplug the "secret energy addicts" in your home: TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cable TV boxes, computers and printers, video game consoles, microwave ovens and AC adapters for cell phones, digital cameras and other electronics. Most electronic equipment, including anything that uses a remote control, is designed to consume energy when it is turned off. That "off" setting is actually a "standby" or "idling" mode. Standby power in the average household consumes 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. That's enough energy to power an entire home for two months, or more. The solution? Unplug anything that isn't being used.
• More and more utility companies are offering their customers the option to purchase green power - electricity generated by rapidly renewable resources like solar power, wind turbines, geothermal systems and biomass - to power their homes. Generally, green power adds $2 to $3 a month to your utility bill while helping to combat global climate change and America's dependence on foreign oil.
• Use compact fluorescent lamps in your lights.
• Wash your clothes in cool rather than hot water.

Lisa Abrams Your Green Realtor

The Abrams Group/ReMax Realty Services

TheAbramsGroup@Gmail.com
301-437-6742

Licensed in Maryland, Virginia, The District of Columbia and Florida

Whether you own or rent, the following 45 simple ideas can help you save money (and the planet) today.

Youdon't have to build from scratch to turn your not-so-new house into a dwelling that's eco-friendly and more economical to run.

KEY

UPFRONT COST: $ Low or none | $$ Moderate ($50-$500) | $$$ High ($500-plus)
RELATIVE BENEFITS: Modest benefits | Moderate benefits | High benefits

1. Lint hint

Saving energy doesn't get any easier than this: Lower your energy bill by cleaning your clothes dryer's lint trap before every load to improve air circulation, therefore cutting down on energy-wasting drying time. $

2. Power to the people

Reduce your carbon footprint (and maybe even your waistline) by using human-powered appliances and equipment. Think reel mowers, good old-fashioned manual can openers, carpet sweepers, whisks and wooden spoons instead of electric mixers. $

3. Good day sunshine

On cold sunny days, open window coverings to let the sun warm your home. On hot days, close window coverings on the south and west sides to keep your home cooler. $

4. Washing day

Save $30 to $40 per year in water heating costs by washing and rinsing clothes in cold water. You can also save more than 3,400 gallons of water per year, according to Energy Star, by washing full loads instead of partial loads. $

5. Fridge smarts

Refrigerators blasted by the sun's rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible, relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close window coverings to keep the sun off. $

6. Rock-a-bye computer

Enabling your computer and monitor's power management features so they go into sleep mode when idle can save from $25 to $75 each year in energy costs, according to Energy Star. Also, turn off computers and peripherals at night. $

7. Wrap it up

In the winter, room air conditioners installed in windows can be a source of cold drafts. Remove
window units during cold months or insulate them with tight-fitting A/C covers, available from most local
home-improvement stores. $

8. Battery recycling

Recycle your old cell phones and used portable rechargeable batteries from cordless power tools, laptop computers, digital cameras and other devices. Find a drop-off site. $

9. Run the numbers

Use the U.S. EPA's online emissions calculator to find out how many greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for. Spend 10 minutes entering your data, and you'll get a rough estimate of your total CO2 emissions, plus action steps to go on a carbon diet. $

10. Think globally, buy locally

Choosing a product that's harvested or made locally reduces transportation energy use and helps sustain your community's economy. $

11. Nix the night lights

Install motion sensors, photocell controls or timers so outdoor lights are only on when needed. Reduce light pollution and keep the night sky darker by using light fixtures that direct light downward instead of toward the sky. $

12. Be a dim bulb

If you have incandescent light fixtures where you can't or don't want to use compact fluorescent bulbs, install dimmer switches. Dimming shaves a bit off an incandescent bulb's energy use and makes the bulb last longer (Note: Most compact fluorescent bulbs can't be used with dimmer switches). $

13. Hung out to dry

Many newer clothes dryers have moisture sensors that shut off the heat when they detect that the clothes are dry. If your dryer lacks this feature, try not to over dry your clothes. Operating the dryer for an extra 15 minutes per load can cost as much as $34 per year, according to Energy Star. $

14. Wipe your paws

Worried about toxins in the home? The Washington Toxics Coalition reports that using entryway mats can reduce the amount of pesticide residue on carpets by 25% and the amount of dust on carpets by 33%. And homes where shoes are removed at the door, according to the WTC, have 10 times less dust than homes where shoes are worn. $

15. Paint your home green

The air in our homes can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. One of the major culprits, Volatile organic compounds, or VOC's, that are released from paint, particleboard and other home-improvement products. Most major paint manufacturers now make low-VOC paints, and some offer zero-VOC paints. $

16. Compost happens

Food waste that winds up in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas that's 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Take charge of your greenhouse gas emissions by composting food scraps (except meat) in a backyard composting bin or even a worm bin. A bonus: Your plants will love the nutrient-laden finished compost. $

17. Prevent energy-wasting air leaks

To stop drafts, install weather-stripping around doors and caulk cracks around windows. Check the heating and cooling systems' ducts to make sure all joints are connected and well sealed. Use a mastic sealant or foil-backed tape to seal ducts. $

18. Keep it in the garage

If your garage is attached to the house, fumes from car exhaust and stored chemicals can enter living spaces through gaps around doors or cracks in the ceilings and wall. Make sure the door between the garage and house seals tightly, and caulk or seal any cracks or openings between the garage and house. $

19. Breathe easy

Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it's colorless and odorless. If you have a fuel-burning appliance inside the home, such as a gas stove, furnace, water heater, fireplace or clothes dryer, be safe and install a UL-listed carbon monoxide detector on each floor. $

20. One man's trash is another's treasure

When you're through with an item, sell or Free cycle it rather than throwing it away. $-$$

21. The M word

To keep mold at bay, use your bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans. To be effective, fans need to vent to the outdoors, and Energy Star products are more efficient, quieter and last longer. $-$$

22. Automate it

Reduce energy bills by as much as $150 a year with a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature when you leave the house or go to sleep. $-$$

23. Audit it

A home energy audit helps you assess how your home uses energy and prioritize actions you can take to make it more efficient and comfortable. To get started, try Energy Star's Home Energy Yardstick. $-$$$

24. Water is the new oil

Consider repurposing water for irrigation. Graywater systems typically recycle wash water from sinks, tubs, showers and clothes washers. Rainwater harvesting systems direct rainwater from the roof into barrels or above- or underground tanks. $-$$$

25. Cool-down upgrade

An old refrigerator or freezer in the basement that's just cooling its heels and a few cases of soda may be costing you as much as $100 each year. If it's more than 10 years old, recycle it and replace it with a new, high-efficiency model. $-$$$

26. Once is not enough

Choosing salvaged, secondhand or antique furnishings, doors, trim, fixtures and other items that have been around the block a few times is often a smarter use of natural resources than buying new products. One caveat: Steer clear of single-pane windows, old toilets and used appliances that waste energy or water compared with their newly manufactured counterparts. $-$$$

27. Be rid of radon

Radon in indoor air is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year, according to the U.S. EPA. To check for it, DIY tests are available from home improvement stores or from the National Safety Council for $20 or less. If unsafe levels are detected, the cost for reducing radon ranges from $800 to $2,500. $-$$$

28. Light at the end of the tunnel

Brighten up dark hallways, bathrooms and other spaces with tubular skylights. They let in daylight without the excess heat and are relatively easy and affordable to install. $$

29. Plant it again, Sam

Plants like bamboo that can be harvested and grown again within a short time ease demand for slower-growing trees and nonrenewable resources like petroleum. Check out great bamboo alternatives for floors, cabinets, built-ins and furniture. $$

30. Be an Energy Star

Sometimes to save a lot, you have to spend a little. Energy Star-qualified appliances may cost a bit more than standard models, but they incorporate features like high-efficiency compressors and motors and better insulation. And they use 10% to 50% less energy and water, which means more money in your pocket year after year. $$

31. A truly green landscape

Waterwise, landscaping doesn't have to resemble a desert scene, thanks to today's high-efficiency
irrigation products. Drip and bubbler irrigators and smart controllers determine when and how much to water based on moisture sensors, historic local weather data or a signal from a weather station.
$$

32. Made in the shade

Summer sun striking west- or south-facing windows and walls can make your home unbearably hot and drive air conditioning costs through the roof. Plant deciduous trees along them and get relief.
$$

33. Blow off some heat

Solar-powered attic fans exhaust hot air and help keep your home comfortable while reducing cooling costs. An added benefit: No need for electrical wiring, so installation is straightforward. $$

34. Got WaterSense?

If a family of four replaces their 3.5- gallon-per-flush toilets made before 1994 with a WaterSense-labeled toilet, they could save $90 a year and as much as $2,000 over the toilet's life. $$

35. Deconstruct, don't demolish

When remodeling, reuse as much as you can of the existing structure, trim, finishes and fixtures. If you hire a deconstruction outfit, ask if they're a charitable organization - if so, you may be eligible for a sizable tax deduction for the value of the salvaged goods. $$-$$$

36. Button up

Save energy and feel more comfortable by beefing up insulation in perimeter walls and ceilings. Check out eco-friendly options like recycled cotton or cellulose and fiberglass batts with no added formaldehyde. $-$$$

37. Foiled again

In hot summer climates, attic radiant barriers can help keep homes comfortable and reduce cooling bills. Made of a reflective foil, radiant barriers block the transfer of radiant heat from a hot roof into the
attic. In the Southeast, radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs by 8% to 12%, according to the Florida Solar Energy Center. $$-$$$

38. Consider the source

When choosing appliances and equipment, remember that not all energy sources are created equal. If you're in the market for a backup generator, natural gas and liquid propane (LP) engines burn cleaner than gasoline engines, which reduces air pollution and extends the engine's life. $$-$$$

39. Double up

To keep heat inside during winter and outside in the summer, choose double-pane windows with an appropriate low-e coating. For help choosing the right window for your climate, go to efficientwindows.org. $-$$$

40. Be radiant

Radiant floor heating systems are a boon to indoor air quality because unlike forced-air systems, they don't blow dust and other allergens around. Thanks to warm water circulating in flexible tubing installed under the floor, heat radiates evenly up through the floor, providing quiet, even warmth while using less energy. $$$

41. Grow a green roof

Also called living roofs or vegetated roofs, green roofs are specially engineered with a waterproof membrane topped by a lightweight planting medium. Typically planted with native grasses, wildflowers or other climate-appropriate groundcovers, they slow the flow of storm water off the roof, keep surrounding outside air temperatures cooler, insulate the home from noise, heat and cold, and may even extend the roof's life. $-$$$

42. Don't get burned

Wood-burning fireplaces are notorious polluters and energy wasters. Think about retrofitting yours with
an energy-efficient, clean-burning, EPA-certified fireplace insert. The inserts include glass or metal doors, vents to provide outside air for combustion, and blowers to circulate heated air into the room. $$$

43. Reroofing?

Cool roof products come in a variety of colors and materials (including ceramic or concrete tiles, metal and synthetic membranes) and reflect more of the sun's heat, lowering the roof's temperature by up to 100 degrees F. $$$

44. Harvest the sun

In regions with abundant sunshine and high energy costs, solar systems are gaining ground. Solar electric systems can offset some or all of your home's electricity use, while solar water-heating systems can heat water for sinks, showers, laundry, home heating, pools and spas. A variety of federal, state and local incentives are making renewable-energy systems more affordable. For a directory of incentives by state, go to dsireusa.org. $$$

45. Salvage style

Spare the precious forests by choosing salvaged wood harvested from dismantled buildings, old barrels, urban trees that would otherwise have been chipped for mulch or firewood, sinker logs from lake and river bottoms, and many other sources. $-$$$

Lisa Abrams Your Green Realtor

The Abrams Group/ReMax Realty Services

TheAbramsGroup@Gmail.com
301-437-6742

Ten Ways to Go Green and Save Green

Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone's "going green." We're glad you want to take action, too. Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let's start now.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

•1. Save energy to save money.

• Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.

• Unplug appliances when you're not using them. Or, use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use.

• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

• Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.

2 Save water to save money.

• Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.

• Install a low-flow showerhead. They don't cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.

• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.

3 Less gas = more money (and better health!).

• Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.

• Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.

• Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.

4. Eat smart.

• If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it's even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.

• Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.

• Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.

• Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.

5 Skip the bottled water.

• Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.

• Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.

• Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.

•6. Think before you buy.

Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you've just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.

• Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

• When making purchases, make sure you know what's "Good Stuff" and what isn't.

• Watch a video about what happens when you buy things. Your purchases have a real impact, for better or worse.

7 Borrow instead of buying.

• Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

• Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.

8 Buy smart.

• Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.

• Wear clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.

• Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you'll be happy when you don't have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).

9. Keep electronics out of the trash.

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

• Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.

• Recycle your cell phone.

• Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.

10 Make your own cleaning supplies.

• The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.

• Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.

Lisa Abrams
The Abrams Group
Re/Max Realty Services
301-437-6742 Direct
240-766-0625 fax
TheAbramsGroup@Gmail.com

Your Metro Washington DC "green" Realtor!

Licensed in Maryland, Virginia, The District of Columbia and Florida