Mark Hall Vancouver Washington Real Estate

I Have Seen Hybrid Cars, But Hybrid HOMES?

We have all seen hybrid cars. When discussing the subject, most Americans think of the ultra modern Toyota Prius. Most people understand that a hybrid car is one that uses the latest technology to be the most energy efficient and have the least negative impact on the environment. Pretty simple right?

What about hybrid homes?

Have you ever heard of a hybrid home? If so, what is the image that comes to mind? Is it some futuristic modular bungalow? Or is a cape cod style home that reminds you of the sea breezes of the east coast? A craftsman style home out of the Pacific Northwest?

If you pictured any of these you were right. Hybrid homes can take any shape or size. (Almost) New green building technology is allowing architects and builders to create most any style home in a hybrid version. Yes, its true. Check out these Vancouver Washington homes to see what I am talking about.

This gorgeous home is over 16000 square feet with an indoor/outdoor pool and has a monthly energy bill of just over $400 a month! Solar panels offset the electric bill while the geothermal AC/HV system uses less energy than a standard air conditioning system of 1/4 its size. ICF construction gives this home an insulation rating that is about 4 times more efficient than standard stick built techniques.

Although this awesome home still has a long way to go, this LEED platinum home will redefine the meaning of hybrid. This is a SIPs built home with solar and wind generated power systems. When finished, this home will be very close to a zero energy home.



This 7000 square foot masterpiece was built using the latest green technology. Advanced building techniques included sealed construction with Polar Blanket insulation, advanced air transfer technology , and a sophisticated multi-zone AC/HV system. Sierra Pacific windows are the latest high efficiency windows from the sustainable window company.

If you are looking for a high efficiency hybrid home in the Vancouver WA area, give us a call. No matter what your preference in style and design, we have a green builder that can build meet your needs and make your dreams come true.

photo by Miramb
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington 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 Washington 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.

Urban Farm School - A New Green Solution For Vancouver Washington

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Urban Farm School, Kendra Pearce, at last month's Vancouver Green Drinks meeting.

Urban Farm School is an awesome idea and Kendra has been doing a great job educating Vancouver WA residents in the areas of gardening and home canning. The list of topics that they cover is staggering.

Have you always wanted to can your own preserves but didn't know where to start? Call Urban Farm School. They can put together a class right in your own home!

Want to know how to build a raised garden and what to plant in it? Call Urban Farm School. They can put together a class at their campus or right in your own home!

photo by Miramb
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington 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 Washington 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.

New Green Drinks Vancouver Slogan - Read it here first!

Green Drinks is a casual networking group with members nation wide. The group in Vancouver WA meets monthly at a local restaurant for drinks and friendly discussion about local green topics. The conversation is always lively and informative. The attendees are always fun. Last night featured a presentation by Urban Farm School's Kendra Pearce about the benefits of home gardening.
There was an interesting surprise at last night's Green Drinks Vancouver meeting. We have a new slogan:

"Green Drinks Vancouver - Where Networking Isn't Lame!"

photo by Miramb
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington 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 Washington 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.

Storytree Farm CSA
Storytree Farm is a locally-owned and family operated CSA farm in the Pleasant Highlands neighborhood of Vancouver, Washington. Their mission is to grow fresh, tasty chemical-free vegetables, fruits & herbs using natural methods. They reject the use of GMO seed. All of their shares are sold out for the 2009 season but visit their site for information about their annual tour, classes, and other on-farm events.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Storytree Farm's owner, Anne Lawrence, after helping her daughter's family find a gorgeous new home in Vancouver Washington. I enjoyed chatting with her about gardening, farming and sustainable living. They have made a strong commitment to sustainable and chemicle free farming practices.

The Storytree Farm is more like something out of a storybook. If you find yourself in the Vancouver Washington, I would highly recommend that you stop by for a visit.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington 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 Washington 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.

Green Drinks is throwing a special Costume Party for October!

Host Vancouver Green Drinks
Location Clark County Habitat For Humanity ReStore
5000 E Fourth Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
When? Friday, October 30, 6:30PM
Contact 503-329-5590

We are partnering with the Clark County Habitat For Humanity ReStore to bring you this special October event.

This is your opportunity to bust out that reuse/recycle creativity and possibly win some fabulous prizes!* (Get a ticket for a drawing at the door just for coming in costume!)

Some of the members of River City Classic Rock and Soul Band will be providing live tunes.

Applewood Northwest Bistro and Catering will be serving beer, wine and light snacks. (cash only)

There will also be some fabulous non-alcoholic drinks provided by Izze and the ReStore.

Please feel free to invite your friends and co-workers. We would appreciate RSVPs for this special event, to give the caterer a rough estimate of how many people to expect.

Come on out and join us!

Vancouver Green Drinks would like to say a very special thank you to our sponsors for this event:

Clark County Habitat For Humanity ReStore

Izze Sparkling Juice

The River City Band

Applewood Northwest Bistro and Catering

Computer Reuse Education and Marketing (CREAM)

*If you would like to donate a small prize for the costume contest, please email Laura and Terra at vancouvergreendrinks@gmail.com to let us know.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington 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 Washington 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.