Mark Hall Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Green Drinks November Events

Here is the latest event list from my firend, Laura Sauermilch, at Green Drinks:

Greetings all,

We had such a fantastic time at Friday's party. We wanted to quickly say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this tremendous party possible!

We're breaking our 2 email rule this month to bring you this special email about some great November events! (Including a couple this weekend)

November's Green Drinks 5 minute spiel will feature Ryan Ojerio from the Washington Trails Association (WTA.) The WTA promotes hiking and trails through advocacy, education and volunteer trail maintenance. As WTA's regional coordinator for SW Washington, Ryan supports a growing community of volunteers who help maintain trails from the Columbia River Gorge to Mt. Rainier. For information on WTA events, work parties and fresh trip reports visit www.wta.org or contact Ryan at ryan@wta.org (360) 722-2657 for more information.

We are still settling the venue, so stay tuned! We'll email out more details as well as post them to our new Facebook page!

Facebook Page update:

We've FINALLY taken the plunge and created a Facebook page. Laura and I will update this page as often as we can, but it would be great if you could stop by, become a fan of our page and add some insights, suggestions, comments and pictures, if you have them! (There's already some pretty awesome pictures up from last Friday's party and the One Year Anniversary party!) Go check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=191637759223

November events:

Friends of Trees planted over 300 large street trees in Vancouver last year and we want to plant more this year! Join our popular group of key volunteers! Sign up for our free training to learn how to lead volunteer planters at morning tree plantings. As a trained crew leader, you'll guide a crew of volunteers at four plantings during the fall and winter. It's a great way to make new friends and find out why volunteers love our crew leaders! Contact Greg at gregt@friendsoftrees.org or 503-282-8846 ext. 12 to reserve your space at the training. November 7th in Vancouver or November 21st in Portland, 9am til 4pm.

Join the team to save Salmon! The StreamTeam plants native trees, monitors local water quality and wildlife to save salmon. All of the training and equipment is provided for each event. No experience is needed. Upcoming StreamTeam events include November 7th, November 21st and December 5th. To join the team contact Lisa Beranek at StreamTeam@clarkpud.com or visit www.StreamTeam.net for more information!

November 12, 2009

How to Manage Invertebrates in Garden Soil

6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Columbia Springs (Swift Classroom), 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver, WA 98683. Invertebrates are an important part of soil and a healthy garden. Learn more about how to encourage and host the beneficial ones, and explore some chemical-free ways to deter the ones you'd rather not share your garden with. Cost: FREE. RSVP here.

November 14, 2009

Backyard Composting Workshop

10:00 - 12:00 p.m., CASSEE Center, 11104 NE 149th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606. Learn how you can turn those autumn leaves into compost. This two-hour class covers the how-to basics and science of home composting. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost: FREE. RSVP here.

The annual Clark Conservation District Plant Sale is now open. Order native plants for low maintenance landscaping, to use in a rain garden or to attract native wildlife. Prices start as low as $0.60 per plant. Need help finding native plants for your yard? Use this helpful site! Order your natives now and pick them up in February. Order deadline is February 12th. For more information, visit the CCD website or call 360-883-1987, extension 5.

Finally we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the various sponsors/partners that helped make the Costume Party such a huge success. Stop by their websites and show them a little love from the Green Drinks crew, won't you?

Clark County Habitat For Humanity ReStore http://www.pdxrestore.org/

Izze Sparkling Juice http://www.izze.com/

The River City Band http://www.rivercityband.net/

Applewood Northwest Bistro and Catering http://www.applewood.net/

Computer Reuse Education and Marketing (CREAM) http://upgradeyourcommunity.org/http://upgradeyourcommunity.org/

Greenly,

Terra Heilman and Laura Sauermilch

Photo courtesy of Jaime Olmo - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. Vancouver Washington Green Drinks

Vancouver Washington Homes For Sale Under $200,000

I wrote a post a few weeks back about Homes For Sale In Clark County For Under $200,000 and while researching that post I found an incredible piece of information.

Did you know that there are currently 121 Vancouver Washington Homes For Sale Under $200,000 that have been built since 2005?

These are virtually brand-new single family homes that are being sold at discounted prices. It is amazing to think that with a small (3.5%) down payment, most people can buy their own home and have payments that are pretty close to what they are paying in rent!

Guess what else I found! Over 60 of those homes were built in 2008 or 2009 and have never been lived in! There are new construction homes on the market for $179,000 and a few for less. We have rarely seen Vancouver Washington Homes For Sale Under $200,000 and I am not sure how long it will last.

Whether you are looking for your first home, your last home, or an investment property, now is an excellent time to buy. Give us a call and let us help you find one of these awesome deals.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. Vancouver Washington Homes For Sale Under $200,000

Have You Been Thinking About Moving To Vancouver Washington? An Open Letter

Dear Potential Vancouver WA Home Buyer,

Moving to a new city or state can be a bit overwhelming and I am sure that you are nervous about the whirlwind of activity that you are contemplating. Short moves can be difficult and a move out of your city or state doesn't make it easier!

Firstly, let me put your mind at ease about your choice of moving to Vancouver Washington!

Our beautiful greenery and waterways are the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. There is never a shortage of gorgeous scenery!

Are you moving with children? Our school systems are some of the highest ranked in the nation. Our business picks up each summer with families moving into the area to take advantage of the wonderful schools.

Did you know that there is no state income tax in Washington? That is a huge advantage for Washington residents. One of the primary reasons that our clients site for moving to Vancouver WA is the tax benefits.

Vancouver Washington has some of the best salmon fishing in the world!

Vancouver WA is just 10 minutes north of Portland Oregon. Portland offers great restaurants, theaters, concerts, tax free shopping and just a bit of weirdness.

Nextly, If you are considering moving to the Vancouver WA area, We would love to have the opportunity to help you find your new home. I don't normally write articles saying "look at us. We are the best!" but I realize that by not doing so, I may be doing a disservice to relocating buyers who are not familiar with Vancouver Washington.

We lead a dedicated team of real estate agents in the Vancouver Washington area. We are each passionate about providing the highest quality customer service for our clients. Each of us is focused on getting you into the home of your dreams. As a matter of fact, our slogan is "Fulfilling Dreams One Home At A Time!"

We have sold homes in almost every single MLS area that we have in our system and we are able to represent you on any type of purchase, single family home or multi family property that you interested in purchasing.

Janice and I are members of the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council which is reserved for the top 20% of agents in the office. We have been members since our fist year in the business.

We are known among our peers and our past clients as honest and caring agents. There are certainly agents in the area who have been doing real estate longer and have probably sold more than we have, but you will not be able to find agents who have more integrity than we do. Our clients' interest comes first, PERIOD!

Lastly, We want your business and we aren't afraid to ask for it. Give us a call right now and put us to work. We will work hard to earn your faith and we promise that you won't be disappointed.

You can reach us most any time at 360 816 9697 for email us at team@ernw.org

Photo credits - top arbron, bottom zappowbang.
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. What Is ICF Home Construction? Have You Been Thinking About Moving To Vancouver Washington? An Open Letter

What Is ICF Home Construction? Green Building in Vancouver Washington

Another building technique that is becoming more common in green building in Vancouver Washington, is the use of ICF's. ICF's are Insulated Concrete Forms. Insulated Concrete Forms are stay in place forms used to build a superior concrete home. ICFs can be made from a variety of materials: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) - most common, Extruded polystyrene, Polyurethane, Cement-bonded wood fiber, and Cement-bonded polystyrene beads.

The majority of forms are made of foam insulation, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), and are either separate panels connected with plastic connectors or ties; or pre-formed interlocking blocks connected with plastic or steel connectors or ties. Most forms have vertically oriented furring strips built into the forms on 6", 8", or 12" centers which are used to secure interior and exterior finishes. They are connected together forming the shell of the wall and then filled with concrete.

Local Contractors are increasingly taking advantage of ICF's for their green building in Vancouver Washington. Some of the benefits of building with ICF's are:

Minimal, if any, air leaks, which improves comfort and less heat loss compared with walls without an air barrier

Thermal resistance (R-value) typically above 3 K·m²/W (in American customary units: R-17); this results in saving energy compared with uninsulated masonry

High sound absorption, which helps produce peace and quiet compared with framed walls

Structural integrity for better resistance to forces of nature, compared with framed walls.
Higher resale value due to longevity of materials

More insect resistant than wood frame construction

When the building is constructed on a concrete slab, the walls and floors form one continuous surface; this keeps out insects.

Concrete does not rot when it gets wet

Reduces HVAC operating costs from 30%-70%

Construction methods are easy to learn, and manufacturers often have training available

ICF structures are much more comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient than those built with traditional construction methods.

Designing and Building with ICFs help your construction project attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building status.

Insulated Concrete Forms create a monolithic concrete wall that is 10 times stronger than wood framed structures. As one builder put it, " The difference in quality is similar to the difference between Three Little Pigs' brick house and the one that was made of sticks."

As green building in Vancouver Washington accelerates, I am certain that there will be more ICF constructed homes in the area.

If you are thinking about building green in Vancouver Washington, give us a call. We work closely with Vancouver's premier builders and can put you in touch with builders who are at the forefront of green building in Vancouver Washington.

Read more about green building in Vancouver by going here:
Green Building in Vancouver Washington

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. What Is ICF Home Construction? Green Building in Vancouver Washington

What is SIP Construction? Green Building In Vancouver Washington

Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs are one of the latest trends in green building technology. A SIP consists of a sandwich of two layers of structural board with a layer of foam in the center. Generally the structural boards are made of oriented strand board (OSB) and the foam is either polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or polyurethane foam. Although the concept of foam core panels was originally developed in the 1930's and gained public attention in the 70's, their use as a mainstream building techniques is just now catching on as part of the green building movement.

Local contractors are now taking advantage of SIPs for their green building in Vancouver Washington. The benefits of building with SIPs is as follows:

SIPs have high insulation properties

SIPs allow builders to create a tighter living envelope

SIPs are stronger than standard stick built walls and roofs

SIPs come precut and sized from the factory meaning less waste and faster assembly at the job site.

SIPs do not allow moisture into the walls, which is a huge advantage of green building in Vancouver Washington.

SIPs can be used for the construction of walls, roofs and floors.

As green building in Vancouver Washington accelerates, I am certain that there will be more SIP built homes in the area.

If you are thinking about building green in Vancouver Washington, give us a call. We work closely with Vancouver's premier builders and can put you in touch with builders who are at the forefront of green building in Vancouver Washington.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area. Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here. What is SIP Construction? Green Building In Vancouver Washington