Patrick Canavan - Orange County Real Estate Voice

THEIR MISSION
Their mission is to promote awareness and respect for healthy
and conscious living by becoming a nexus for industry professionals.

WHY SHOULD YOU EXHIBIT AT THE MBB EXPO?
With the rapidly growing popularity of the natural health and conscious
living lifestyles, Mind Body & Beyond Expo is the premier natural health and
conscious living expo, sought out by high-end exhibitors and consumers. It
provides an exceptional opportunity for educated consumers that lead healthy
and conscious lifestyles to learn about the latest trends and products within
the conscious living marketplace. Our audience is passionate about living a life
of quality and significance.They are searching for premium products and
services that will enable them to attain this lifestyle. Mind Body & Beyond
Expo brings these products and services together in one place to create an
atmosphere that fosters learning, exploration and growth.

WHO ARE THEIR EXHIBITORS?
Mind Body & Beyond Expo attracts exhibitors from the natural health and
conscious living industries as well as companies that are making a difference by
developing environmentally safe products.They share the same philosophy as
we do: to take the natural health and conscious living lifestyle marketplace to
consumers.We expect more than 300 exhibitors to be a part of the 5th
Annual Mind Body & Beyond Expo.

FEATURED EVENTS
Mind Body & Beyond Expo includes lectures by acclaimed authors, renowned
innovators and pioneers from the fields of natural health and conscious living
lifestyles.We will also offer yoga classes throughout the weekend, fashion
shows, product demonstrations, live entertainment and other events. Join us
as we spread the message of health and well being.

NATURAL HEALTH & CONSCIOUS LIVING MARKET
The natural health and lifestyles demographic represents a $227 billion U.S.
marketplace for goods and services that appeal to consumers who value
health, the environment, social justice, personal development and sustainable
living.These consumers are variously referred to as "cultural creative's,"
"conscious consumers," and represent a sizable group in the United States:
32.3% of adults, or 68 million consumers (Understanding the LOHAS
Consumer,The Natural Marketing Institute, 2003).

TOP DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE
NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS & LIFESTYLES CONSUMER:

Choose environmentally friendly products
Protects the environment
Prefer products from recycled materials
Willing to pay 20% more for sustainably made products
Teach family / friends benefits of environmentally friendly products
Purchase decision based on effect on world
Renewable energy sources
Choose sustainable-source products over conventional ones
Are socially conscious
Prefer products manufactured in a sustainable manner
Sustainable agriculture products
Buy products from companies with like-minded values

Healthy Lifestyles
Natural, organics and nutritional products
Food and beverage
Dietary supplements
Personal care
- US Market: $27.81 billion

Ecological Lifestyles
Ecological home and office products
Organic / recycled fiber products
Environmentally friendly appliances
Eco-tourism and travel
- US Market: $81.19 billion

Alternative Healthcare
Health and wellness solutions
Acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy
Holistic disease prevention
Complementary medicine
- US Market: $30.7 billion

Sustainable Economy
Green building and industrial goods
Renewable energy
Resource-efficient products
Socially responsible investing
Alternative transportation
Environmental management
- US Market: $76.47 billion

TO BE PART OF THE 5TH ANNUAL MIND BODY BEYOND EXPO 2008
PLEASE CONTACT:

Baba Ji
CEO
Office: 323-939-9129 Cell: 310-801-9098
baba@mbbexpo.com

Dave Paul Dutt
Vice President
dave@mbbexpo.com
PO Box 480369 Los Angeles, California 90048

www.mbbexpo.com
PRESS INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
ROGERS & COWAN
Angelina Duran
Office: 310-854-8168
aduran@rogersandcowan.com
or
Marina Beck
Office: 310-854-8192
mbeck@rogersandcowan.com

Actual Post

Solarbuzz states that "solar energy demand has grown about 25 percent per annum over the last 15 years" and "the United States market showed a 33 percent growth in 2006". (Napa Valley Register, March 2008)

Research firm Clean Edge sites that "worldwidesales specializing in biofuels, wind farms, solar panels and fuel cells grew 40 percent in 2007." (San Francisco Chronicle, March 2008)

"5 to 10 percent of all housing starts by 2010 will be of green certified construction." (Napa Valley Register, March 2008)

Sales of existing single-family homes are on the rise, modestly. Sales rose by 0.5 percent in January, compared to the previous month. This would translate to an adjusted annual rate of 4.34 million homes in January - up from 4.32 million in December, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. (Ventura County Star, March 2008)

The value of green building construction starts was expected to exceed $12 billion in 2007, according to a national study by McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics. (Battle Creek Enquirer, April 2008)

In 2006, approximately 2 percent of U.S. homes were built using green components, according to the McGraw Hill Construction SmartMarket Residential Report 2006, accounting for $7.8 billion in housing spending. That statistic is expected to increase to 10 percent of the market by 2010. (Des Moines Register, March 2008)

Retail sales in green buildings are 20 percent higher, and their value is increased by 7.5 percent, according to Ashley Katz, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Green Building Council. (Ft. Collins Coloradoan, March 2008)

• 
• According to a 2007 National Association of Home Builders survey, 63 percent of buyers are motivated by the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy and resource-efficient homes. (Environment News Service, March 2007)
• Energy Star appliances use ten to fifty percent less energy and water than standard models. (Energy Star, 2008)
• A study prepared for the Massachusetts Technology Council found that buildings credited with "LEED" status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)--a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council based on how well a green building reduces its energy use and environmental impact--uses on average 25% to 30% less energy than conventional buildings and cost, on average, only 2% more to build. (Forbes April 20, 2007)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is an incredible nonprofit resource for architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, and others committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC's mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially

responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves quality of life. (Canvas Magazine, February 2008)

Overall costs for new green construction vary based on the type and amount of green features, but are typically about 2% higher than conventional buildings, according to cost-benefit studies by Capital E, a Washington-based energy -efficiency consultant. (Wall Street Journal, May 2007

Using an energy-efficient furnace or boiler could save you $570 annually, according to the Department of Energy. (Smart Money, January 2008)

While the average U.S. home lost 5.7% of its value in 2007, eco-friendly homes have held their value, even appreciating in price. Come sale time, a green property typically appraises for 10% to 15% higher than comparable conventional homes according to Jim Amorin, vice president for the Appraisal Institute, a professional trade organization. (Smart Money, January 2008)

Green homes are expected to account for 10% of new home construction in 2010, up from 5% in 2005, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a market researcher. (Smart Money, January 2008)

Almost 9 out of 10 consumers surveyed in 2004 by the National Association of Home Builders said they have some degree of concern about theenvironmental impact of building their home. Seventeen percent said they'd pay more for an environmentally friendly home, and 46 percent-up from 35 percent in 2003-want an environmentally friendly home but aren't willing to pay more. (Realtor Magazine, October 2005)

Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and 12 percent of water use. U.S. Green Building Council, September 2007 (Energy Star, Spring 2008)

Membership at the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals has also grown enormously according to John Stovall, vice president of business development for the nonprofit group. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

In 2005, the number of home builders focusing on green building in the U.S. rose 20% and those ranks are expected to swell by another 30% this year, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders an McGraw Hill Construction. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

The value of the residential green building market is estimated between $19 billion and $38 billion by 2010, up from $7.4 billion in 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (Money and Investing Magazine, August 2006)

More than 10 percent of new homes last year were labeled Energy Star, says Steve Baden, head of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). (Newsweek, December 2006)

The average U.S. household with four people generates between 30 and 40 tons of carbon dioxide a year, depending on elements such as its type of heating fuel, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's carbon calculator. (Denver Post, August 2007)

Producing homes that are 30 percent more "green" or energy-efficient than elsewhere in the nation, California's home builders are putting up homes that are also 70 percent more energy-efficient than homes built in the 1970s and 1980s, according to the California Building Industry Association. (Realty Times, September 2007)

Demand for green housing has been growing - 46 percent of buyers would like a green home, according to an August report by the National Association of Realtors on home buyers' preferences - but supplies are limited. (New York Times, November 2007)

In a nationwide survey of Certified EcoBrokers, 20% reported working with a client to complete a major cost-effective retrofit that significantly reduced energy bills. (Times Herald-Record, April 2008)

According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), there are more than 70 of these local or regional green home building programs in America. (EcoBroker International, Inc., February 2008)

An ENERGY STAR qualified light [bulb or fixture] prevents more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime, the equivalent of keeping nearly 200 pounds of coal from being burned. (Energy Star, 2008)

The market for green homes is expected to boom from $7.4 billion to $38 billion by 2010, according to the National Home Builders Association. (Times Herald-Record, April 2008)

Green friendly home improvements will likely yield a solid return on investment come selling time as almost three quarters of Canadians (72%) say they will look for a green-improved property in their next home purchase, and 63 per cent will be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home, according to the Royal LePage Eco Home Survey released today. The joint Royal LePage National Association of Green Agents and Brokers Eco Home Survey, which examines the attitudes and opinions of Canadians with respect to green living, found that Canadians are willing to pony up cash for greener home features. In fact, 62 per cent of respondents are willing to pay between $5,000 and $20,000, for green features, while eight per cent (8%) of respondents are willing to spend $20,000 or more on a home deemed green. (www.foodshedplanet.com, April 2008)

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry survey, 46 percent of American homeowners claim they would be eager to incorporate green principles into their homes, especially if it would save them money. Experts estimate one can generally save 20 to 30 percent on energy costs with $4,000 to $8,000 worth of improvements.

The average household spends some $1,500 each year on energy bills. By choosing ENERGY STAR certified products, consumers can cut this by 30%, saving about $400 each year. (Energy Star).

Energy cost increases is the number one trigger cited by home builders when considering building green homes. (McGraw Hill, 2006)

More than half a million U.S. families, 40% more than 2004, now live in Energy Star qualified homes and are saving about $110 million annually on their energy bills. (Energy Star, 2005)

According to the McGraw Hill SmartMarket Report 2006, 2% of homes built in the U.S. were built green. The value of this marketplace is approximately $7.8 billion. Given forecasts of the housing market and other trends, the green homes market is expected to increase to 10% by 2010. (McGraw Hill, 2006) McGraw Hill 2008 Press Release

Americans purchased more than 300 million ENERGY STAR qualified products in 2006 (Energy Star, 2007).

According to the National Association of Home Builders, when 800 registered voters were given a list of motives for either purchasing a new green home or remodeling their current home to make it greener, nearly two-thirds (64%) identified "reduced energy costs" as an important factor, followed by "because it would be healthier," and it's "the right thing to do for the environment." (http://www.nbnnews.com/, November 2007)

Green homes are gaining in popularity and can make a property more desirable in a slow housing market. According to a new report released from Carbon Free, "Stemming from growing concerns among the public, governments and businesses, there has been a steep increase in demand recently for knowledge about green building practices, and as more light is shed on the heavy impact buildings have on the climate, Carbon Free expects the green building to push forward and grow despite the cooling of the rest of the housing market."

Green home building products are gaining ground, according to a report produced jointly by McGraw-Hill Construction and the National Association of Home Builders.

The major findings of the report conclude:

1. The market for green homes is expected to rise from $2 billion to up to $20 billion over the next five years.
2. Standard homes are becoming increasingly green, with home owners using green products for 40 percent of their remodeling work.
3. Most Americans find out about green homes through word-of-mouth, followed by television and the Internet.
4. Green home owners are happy with their homes and are recommending them at rates significantly higher than recommendation levels of other industries.
5. Home owners are buying green homes because they are concerned about the health of their families, as well as to reduce energy and other home operating costs.
6. Education and awareness of green ranks as the most important obstacles, slightly higher even than the additional first costs associated with building green.

Lets Keep it Clean

Have a

GREAT Weekend

Original Post

The Market in Orange County is chaotic right now. Activity is huge, especially Foreclosed properties. The Banks are pricing properties to sell which is causing multiple offers. I previewed a Foreclosed property with a Client who loved it and wanted to put in an offer. Called the Listing agent and was informed that there were multiple offers on it. How many? I asked, "60 he says"

The property wasn't on the market a day and it had 60 offers on it. Of course I asked what the highest price was knowing theres no way he will give me the exact $$$ amount. Well over the asking "he replies".

Properties are being priced so well, by the end of the day the banks are getting pretty much what they are looking for.

" Sellers, Note to self

I Should Price My Home to SELL "

You never know you might even get more than you thought.

A Foreclosed property in Stanton, CA, the bank dropped it's price from $469,000 to $319,900. I caught it, phoned my client and we rushed over. They absolutely loved it, put in an offer that night, called the agent the next morning who sent it into the Bank, got back a counter offer a couple of hours later, signed the counter and bank Addendums (Bank Addendums override the original Purchase Offer).

Now, while all this is going on, offers were coming in all over the place on this property. In only one day the Listing agent had over 40 offers. From all cash offers to well well over asking price.

Rubbish you might say, but let me tell you how you can be ahead of the rest when in the Market for a Foreclosure. And let me tell you Why and How we got the best deal in Orange County.

1. Get a Realtor you are completely comfortable with and know he / she will have your best interests, if not call me - (714) 943-0444

2. Call me.

3. Shop around at least 3 Different Lenders. Pick one that meets your needs best. And make sure he / she works only within your comfort Zone. What I mean regarding your comfort zone, your monthly payments. Get that Pre-Approval letter.

4. (714) 943-0444

5. Photo copy of the Good Faith Deposit which is normally 1% of the asking price.

6. Photo Copy of your Credit Scores.

7. This one will help you to get your offers accepted that much quicker, " PROOF OF FUNDS " a copy of your account statement showing that you actually have funds to close Escrow. Ask your lender to estimate (approx) the closing costs to close Escrow. And show that in your bank account.

8. Not sure if I gave you my number (714) 943-0444

9. Get your Realtor (excuse me) me to write up an offer before you preview.

10. Be the first to preview that property, don't be the 3rd, 4th or 5th be the first.

Be Prepared, Below is the Receipy

A " Realtor " (714) 943-0444

Approval Letter

Photo copy of " Good Faith Deposit "

Photo copy of " Credit Scores "

MOST IMPORTANT " PROOF OF FUNDS " print out a copy of your account

Write up the OFFER before you get there

Be the FIRST to catch that deal, be the FIRST to preview the property

FORECLOSED PROPERTIES

Be Careful when buying Foreclosed properties. Always get advice from experienced Realtors who have represented the Buying side of a Transaction. (714) 943-0444

Buying Foreclosed properties is a completely different animal. It is normally one sided, Banks of course. Their Addendums override the Purchase Contract. They do not have to disclose anything to the buyer. Why you ask? Simply the Bank has never lived there. They are exempt from disclosing anything. They do not have to do any repairs, so if you think you might be getting a deal, think twice.

NEVER EVER EVER waive your rights to get a Home Inspection on a foreclosure it could be your ruin. When you do get a Home Inspection it will have to be IMMEDIATELY the day you go into Escrow. On a Foreclosure property your Request For Repairs have to be done within 7 Days and submitted of course to the Bank for review.

My Clients and I have been 100% successful on getting all repairs done and getting termite work done also. And getting Home warranties for one year.

If you have any questions regarding Foreclosures please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to help whether you need to buy or not.

Need more information regarding the buyers market in Orange County?

My original Post.

For all you GREAT Mothers out there

Have a wonderful Day!