Houseonality!

Market Highligths for February

2011-03-02T08:36:00.001-08:00

Listing Hightlights
The most popular active listing on your MLS Board(s) was:
- 1126 VIA TREVISO WAY, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

The most popular active listing on your site was:
- 522 EAST BROAD ST, Nevada City, CA 95959

These listings were active as of the day this report was sent. If they are no longer on the market - which can happen quickly with these "most popular" listings - detailed information on the listing is not available.

Market Conditions
There are 32204 listing(s) currently active on your MLS Board(s)
- This is HIGHER than it was previously

The average price of a Single Family Residential listing on your MLS Board(s) is $241,057

Lead Insights in your Area
The average site visitor conducted 3.9 search(es) and viewed 7.2 listing(s)

The average site visitor searched for 2.4 bedroom(s) and 0.7 bathroom(s)

Most site visitors searched in this price range:
- $135,616 - $11,279,101

Outdoors - Great home and garden makeover and remodel ideas - Photos - Sunset.com

2010-07-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Outdoors - Great home and garden makeover and remodel ideas - Photos - Sunset.com

Key strategies - Home decorating guide - Photos - Sunset.com

2010-06-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Key strategies - Home decorating guide - Photos - Sunset.com

Azevedo & Associates Commercial Contest

2010-03-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

The Sunset Western Home Awards for 2009-2010: The best home design in the West - Photos - Sunset.com

2010-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Sunset Western Home Awards for 2009-2010: The best home design in the West - Photos - Sunset.com
Photo by Thomas J. Story, story by Allison Arieff

Stairway to Heaven?!

2010-02-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Nice stairs in the middle of the floor - NOT. The great thing about houses - you can make them your own! Dream houses aren't found, they are created. These buyers knew how to take this unwanted house and create a home. They had the vision to relocate that stair hole to another part of the house. With their Houseonality in full swing, they took an eyesore and made it a show place. And, although the stairs may not lead to heaven, I think it is fair to say, they do lead to a haven. Nicely done.

For more photos of Stairway to Heaven?!, visit our website at www.Azevedo-Assoc.com Click on Houseonality. Click on Photo Gallery. (You may have to register - but don't worry, we won't bug you unless you ask us too :)!)

Single & Sassy

2010-01-24T14:19:00.001-08:00

After her divorce, this newly single female embraced her ability to have carte blanche on her Houseonality - and this client went for it! And, wow, what a difference. The whole property felt her hand and was the better for it. With an updated interior including flooring, windows, and paint to the swanky backyard with it's glass fire pit and spa to enjoy the water views. This home has an understated elite feel. Perfect for the owner and her new latin, artist boyfriend to relax and get to know each other. Ole!

For more photos of Single & Sassy, visit our website at www.Azevedo-Assoc.com Click on Houseonality. Click on Photo Gallery. (You may have to register - but don't worry, we won't bug you unless you ask us too :)!)

The Acquisition in Antelope

2010-01-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

This house was all about vision. And, the first time homebuyers that snatched it up used their vision to acquire and shine up this hidden gem. With concrete foundation floors, different colored walls in every room, including his and hers tv holes in the family room, these buyers were confident enough to tackle this cosmetic project head on. With several gallons of paint, carpet, baseboards, and new doors, they turned elbow grease into equity. This hidden gem in Antelope now shines. What an incredible transformation and display of these first time homebuyers Houseonality!

For more photos of The Acquisition in Antelope visit our website at www.Azevedo-Assoc.com Click on Houseonality. Click on Photo Gallery. (You may have to register - but don't worry, we won't bug you unless you ask us too :)!)

Cutest Little House in Roseville

2010-01-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

I always seem to marvel at the inexhaustable imagination of my clients. This first time homebuyer took this plain vanilla REO and made it her own impressive pad. With new paint on the walls she really added a modern charm to the house. Her use of blues and browns throughout, with touches of dark wood really create a comfortable contemporary. This really goes to show you her Houseonality, how vision truly works, and how a little time, paint, and personal touches create the perfect home for you.

For the entire photo montage please visit our website at www.Azevedo-Assoc.com Click on Houseonality. Click on Photo Gallery. (You may have to register - but don't worry, we wont bug you unless you ask us too :)!)

A Backyard Overhaul.

2010-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

I just love the whole process of remodeling, landscaping, redecorating, IMPROVING. Here is a backyard renovation for a client in Granite Bay. The house, originally built in 1964, has the advantage of a gorgeous oak tree that is well established. And, not much else going for it. With the addition of expansive decks, a balcony, pool and over 8,000 square feet of grass, this backyard has made this quaint farmhouse an estate. The decks and balcony add the impression of extra square footage and additional living space. The result, more space to enjoy and more bang for your buck. These improvements definitely add value to everyday living as well as the owner's pocketbook when it comes time to sell. For more photos visit:
For the entire photo montage please visit our website at www.Azevedo-Assoc.com Click on Houseonality. Click on Photo Gallery. (You may have to register - but don't worry, we wont bug you unless you ask us too :)!)

New Procedures Pay Borrowers to do a Short Sale

2009-12-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

Government Announces Short Sales Guidelines -
The U.S. Treasury Department announced new guidelines this week designed to make short sales go more smoothly.

To qualify under these new guidelines:

The property must be the home owner’s principal residence.
The home owner must be delinquent on the mortgage or close to defaulting.
The loan must have been made before Jan. 1, 2009, and be for less than $729,750.
The borrowers’ total monthly mortgage payment must exceed 31 percent of their before-tax income.

Under the plan, borrowers will receive $1,500 from the government for selling homes for less than the amount of their mortgages. Mortgage-servicing companies will get $1,000 for each completed short sale. Second-mortgage holders can receive up to $3,000 of the sales proceeds in exchange for releasing their liens. Investors who hold the first mortgage can collect up to $1,000 from the government for allowing the payments.

Borrowers who complete a short sale under the program must be "fully released" from future liability for the debt, according to the guidelines.

Source: Associated Press, J.W. Elphinstone (11/01/2009) and The Wall Street Journal, Ruth Simon (11/01/2009)

Tips for Lowering Homeowner’s Insurance Costs

2009-12-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you’re interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.

2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don’t want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.

3. Maintain good credit. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.

4. Buy your home owners and auto policies from the same company and you’ll usually qualify for savings. But make sure the discount really yields the lowest price.

5. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. Avoid making claims under $1,000.

6. Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who tend to be home more than full-time workers may qualify for a discount on theft insurance. You also may be able to obtain discounts for having smoke detectors, a burglar alarm, or dead-bolt locks.

7. Seek group discounts. If you belong to any groups, such as associations or alumni organizations, they may have deals on insurance coverage.

8. Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.

9. Investigate a government-backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, federal or state government may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.

10. Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.

2010 Market Forecast

2009-11-30T12:03:00.001-08:00

http://livingingranitebay.virtualnsn.com/uploads/downloads/10-07-09forecastexpo-final[1].pdf

Latest Market Data

2009-11-30T11:55:00.001-08:00

Below, please find the latest market data for Sacramento.

Median Price Oct'09: $188,110

Median Price Sep'09: $184,200

Median Price Oct'09: $196,920

Change in Price vs. Prior Month: $3,910,2.1%

Change in Price vs. Prior Year: $-8,810,-4.5%

Change in Sales Prior Month: 5.2%

Change in Sales Prior Year: -18.4%

Latest market data for Sacramento

2009-11-03T16:18:00.001-08:00

Median Price Sep '09: $184,200

Median Price Aug '09: $192,050

Median Price Sep '08: $195,900

Change in Price vs. Prior Month: -4.1%,$-7,850

Change in Price vs. Prior Year: -6.0%,$-11,700

Change in Sales Prior Month: -3.1%

Change in Sales Prior Year: -19.3%

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

2009-11-03T13:54:00.001-08:00

The tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here’s how it works.
Assume:
$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest)
$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)
______

$12,577 = Total deduction

Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.
For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56
$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)

Note: Mortgage interest may not be deductible on loans over $1.1 million. In addition, deductions are decreased when total income reaches a certain level.

Act fast: Clock ticking on buyer tax credit -- chicagotribune.com

2009-10-08T09:22:00.001-07:00

Act fast: Clock ticking on buyer tax credit -- chicagotribune.com

Posted using ShareThis

Latest Market Trends Released.

2009-09-28T13:57:00.001-07:00

Below, please find the latest market data for Sacramento.

Median Price Aug '09: $192,050

Median Price Jul '09: $183,840

Median Price Aug '08: $220,890

Change in Price vs. Prior Month: 4.5%,$8,210

Change in Price vs. Aug '08: -13.1%,$-28,840

Change in Sales Prior Month: -8.9%

Change in Sales Prior Year: -10.0%

Do Psychological Triggers Draw You to Certain Homes?

2009-09-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Determining which home to buy goes beyond the number of bedrooms, square footage, or even location, according to Azevedo & Associates, a real estate brokerage in Granite Bay, Calif. Instead, the real estate company is asking its buyers to weigh the emotional and psychological pull of a home.

The brokerage believes such responses are a major driver for home purchasing and developed the Houseonality Quiz to lead buyers through an exercise to tap into those psychological and emotional triggers of homeownership.
The company’s quiz is based on the Object Relations Theory, which emphasizes the human need for relationships and how that innate need leads to forming attachments onto objects, such as our homes.

In the Houseonality Quiz, you’re asked to visualize a scene of walking in the woods and approaching your dream home and imagining what it looks like. Depending on what you visualize—whether a fenced in yard or open, for example—the Web site provides details of what home you will likely be drawn to based on the relationship to the values and ideals you identify. Another quiz asks you to prioritize a set of five tasks. Based on the priorities you set, the Web site tells you what home characteristics you’ll likely seek.

“People have memories, moments, events tied to their homes,” Jennifer Azevedo, owner and broker of Azevedo & Associates, says in a press release announcing the new quiz. “It definitely is a relationship. … We are allowing people to really take a look at and identify what type of house they need in order to fulfill their lifestyle, their dreams, values, and priorities.”

Do you think such quizzes that tap the psychological pull of homeownership will help your buyers narrow their search for a home?

You can view the questions and answers to the Houseonality Quiz at the Azevedo & Associates Web site.

Get your finances in order: "To Do list"

2009-09-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.

2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household income. So you need to get monthly payments on the rest of your installment debt — car loans, student loans, and revolving balances on credit cards — down to between 8 and 10 percent of your net monthly income.

3. Look for ways to save. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but little expenses add up, too. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You’ll probably spot some great ways to save, whether it’s cutting out that morning trip to Starbucks or eating dinner at home more often.

4. Increase your income. Now’s the time to ask for a raise! If that’s not an option, you may want to consider taking on a second job to get your income at a level high enough to qualify for the home you want.

5. Save for a down payment. Designate a certain amount of money each month to put away in your savings account. Although it’s possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent down, or even less, you can usually get a better rate if you put down a larger percentage of the total purchase. Aim for a 20 percent down payment.

6. Keep your job. While you don’t need to be in the same job forever to qualify for a home loan, having a job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.

7. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do the same for all your other bills, too. Pay off the entire balance promptly.

Latest Stats for Sacramento Housing Market

2009-09-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Median Price Jul '09: $183,840

Median Price Jun '09: $182,400

Median Price Jul '08: $219,150

Change in Price vs. Prior Month: 0.8%,$1,440

Change in Price vs. Jul '08: -16.1%,$-35,310.0

Change in Sales Prior Month: 6.0%

Change in Sales Prior Year: -6.7%

10 Questions to Ask Your Lender

2009-09-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

1. What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me? Why?
3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?
4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required? (NOTE: Private mortgage insurance is usually required if your down payment is less than 20 percent. However, most lenders will let you discontinue PMI when you’ve acquired a certain amount of equity by paying down the loan.)
5. Who will service the loan — your bank or another company?
6. What escrow requirements do you have?
7. How long will this loan be in a lock-in period (in other words, the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if it drops during this period?
8. How long will the loan approval process take?
9. How long will it take to close the loan?
10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?

Used with permission from Real Estate Checklists & Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.

First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Extension Possible

2009-09-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Bills to extend the maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, which expires Nov. 30, are pending in both the U.S. House and the Senate.Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat and chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, is co-sponsor of a bill with Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson that would raise the credit amount to a maximum of $15,000.Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid of Nevada favors an extension of the current credit. He was quoted by the Las Vegas Sun saying, "It's something we can get done."Odds are that the credit will be extended and broadened to cover all buyers next year, but the chances of the amount increasing aren’t as good, observers say.Source: Washington Post Writers Group, Kenneth R. Harney (08/22/2009)

8 Tips to Guide Your Home Search

2009-08-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Natural Daylighting

2009-08-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:Both obvious and hidden economic savings come from building designs that rely on natural lighting. Throughout much of the day, owners and occupants can easily benefit from natural lighting and avoid electrical consumption otherwise required by artificial indoor lamps. Not so obviously, considerable economic gain may be achieved through increased productivity of workers and occupants. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that natural illumination is the "gold standard" by which the efficacy of artificial lighting technologies is gauged. Further, studies show that workers with access to windows and natural light are happier, more productive, and suffer fewer health problems than workers resigned to artificial lighting.

Technologies include efficient windows, skylights, light shafts, and many architectural features that allow natural light to penetrate into the building. Newer technologies are used as well. Over the past decade, some Japanese shoppers have benefited from natural light delivered to the interior of shopping malls via fiber optic cables originating on the roof.

Estimated Cost Savings:
The direct economic savings achieved by "daylighting" must be balanced against any potential heat loss associated with any window or skylight. For maximum cost effectiveness, only the most efficient windows and skylights should be considered.

Actual savings will depend upon how much you rely on artificial lighting, your local climatic conditions, etc. It is a good idea to check with local builders and energy offices to better calculate energy savings. However, it is unlikely that any consultant will be able to quantify the true value of access to daylight – as measured by satisfaction with the building, increased productivity, and improved health.

Issues:
Daylighting technologies are relatively easy to incorporate in new construction. Opportunities in existing buildings may require a little creativity or the advice of an architect or builder. For more information, see http://www.daylighting.org/.

Regional Issues:
Brighter climates may offer more resource to work with, but consider issues of heat gain and loss in addition to increased illumination. Daylighting in northern climates may provide disproportionately greater benefits to morale and human health because these regions often are subjected to prolonged cloud cover during winter months.

Installation (Getting It Done):
Be sure to get bids from two or three (or more) installers and/or building contractors specializing in windows and skylights to gain immediate perspective on the true costs of equipment and installation in your area.

More Information On This Topic:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Passive Solar
U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Passive Solar Home Design

What is your Houseonality?

2009-08-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

The new Houseonality Quiz from Azevedo & Associates discovers that there is more to choosing a home than the old adage “location, location, location”.
By tapping into the psychological and emotional triggers that truly influence people’s decisions is important to understand. People time and time again will choose a home that they did not like, did not have the right number of bedrooms, location, square footage, etc. Why would someone choose a house they don’t like?
According to Azevedo & Associates, a residential real estate brokerage in Granite Bay, CA, and the Azevedo & Associates Houseonality Quiz, it has to do with priorities and relationships. The use of the Houseonality Quiz allows people to be in touch with their true needs for a home. This allows them to find houses that meet their priorities, relationships, and values. Prior to now, choosing a home was all about location, location, location. For the first time, the home people choose is about the person and their emotional and value driven needs and priorities. Priorities now take the lead in home selection.
The Houseonality Quiz is based upon the Object Relations Theory as first pioneered by Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein. Object Relation Theorists suggest that we are relationship seeking – meaning we, as humans, have an innate need to form and maintain relationships. Within the theory, objects can be people, or things that we form attachments too. According to Jennifer Azevedo, owner and broker of Azevedo & Associates, “People are very attached to their homes. Their homes provide them with some very basic needs such as security, shelter, and comfort. People have memories, moments, events tied to their homes. It definitely is a relationship”.
By providing the Houseonality Quiz, “we are allowing people to really take a look at and identify what type of house they need in order to fulfill their lifestyle, their dreams, values, and priorities” says Azevedo. Most people begin their search with their search criteria. Such as 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1800 square feet, in Roseville, with a yard. The Houseonality Quiz allows you to take a different approach, by acknowledging and addressing the psychological and emotional factors of a home purchase. For example, who should be included in the decision, your ambitions, your priorities, and how you live on a day to day basis. Typically, you have your list of must have features. Houseonality taps into the tangibility of the emotional and psychological needs and allows you to add those needs to your must have features. Houseonality explains how, in the end, the Roseville client can end up in a 1200 square foot bungalow in East Sacramento.
To take the Houseonality Quiz visit www.Azevedo-Assoc.com and click on Your Houseonality? on the main menu.
About Azevedo & Associates
Azevedo & Associates is an independently owned and operated real estate brokerage located in Granite Bay, California. Jennifer Azevedo, owner/broker, has over 10 years experience in the industry and is considered “cutting edge” by her peers and other professionals for Azevedo & Associates use of technology, paperless systems, marketing support, “green” business practices, and is a certified EcoBroker. With a mission statement that transcends beyond just real estate, it is infused into the company’s marketing, activities, priorities, and goals. Their mission is to H.E.L.P – Honor. Empower. Listen. Prepare. www.Azevedo-Assoc.com.

5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

2009-07-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

Credit. And the 5 ways it will TATIL on you.

Nobody likes a TATIL tale. Especially when you are the one being TATIL’d on. Here are 5 tips to ensure your credit report will TATIL nicely.

1. T is for Timeliness. Payment history is a key factor in determining your credit score. Your creditors and your credit report track when and how much you pay for each payment. A late payment can stalk you for up to 10 years. Bankruptcy, collections, and judgments fall into this category. To ensure that your payments are timely, automatic bill pay is a great way to go. And, make sure your payment arrives to the creditor at least 5 days prior to its due date.

2. A is for Amount. How much you owe shows if you are overextended or use your credit wisely. It is ideal to carry a balance of approximately 30% of your total credit line on credit cards. For example, if your limit is 1,000 you want to carry a balance of approximately $300.00. Using your credit is good. Overextending is bad. Thusly, can dramatically affect your score.

3. T is for Type. There are several types of credit. Installment, revolving, and mortgage. An example of an Installment loan would be a car loan, Revolving would be a credit card, and Mortgage is for property or house. Ideally, all three would give you a nice and balanced credit report. No credit or bad credit? Start with a secured credit card. This is a great way to get started and get some positive notes on your report.

4. I is for Inquiries. The credit reporting agencies track how many times you “inquire” for new credit. Even if you do not open a new account for credit, it is still reported. Too many inquiries or too many new accounts spells trouble for your credit report. The fewer the better. Your credit report views this activity as risky. Therefore, they lower your score.

5. L is for Length. The longer you have a credit account the better. This shows stability and the ability to properly manage your credit. Your credit report shows that you are able to use your credit powers for good, not evil. And, your score is rewarded.

Green Hazards?

2009-07-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Azevedo & Associates, an Independent Real Estate Company, chooses National Disclosure Authority as their Preferred Provider.

Granite Bay, California. – Azevedo & Associates, an independent real estate firm located in Granite Bay, CA has selected National Disclosure Authority (NDA) as their preferred hazard disclosure company. Azevedo & Associates is an independently owned and operated real estate brokerage located in Granite Bay, California. Jennifer Azevedo, owner/broker, has over 10 years experience in the industry and is considered “cutting edge” by her peers and other professionals for her company’s use of technology, paperless systems, marketing support, “green” business practices, and as a certified EcoBroker. An EcoBroker is a real estate professional with specialized training and education in energy and environmental issues that affect residential real estate and real estate transactions.

With a mission statement that transcends beyond real estate, it is infused into Azevedo & Associates marketing, activities, priorities, and goals. Their mission is to H.E.L.P – Honor. Empower. Listen. Prepare. “I really see that NDA and Azevedo & Associates goals and priorities line up as companies. NDA provides natural hazard reports that are incredibly accurate, timely, complete and easy to read. Plus, their environmental commitment is something I really see as valuable.” said Jennifer Azevedo.

NDA uses state of the art technology to provide clients with accurate, complete, and paperless reports. They represent a “new generation” of disclosure reports and a complete commitment to the environment by planting a tree with every report generated. Some of their planting projects include Angeles National Forest, Castle Heights Neighborhood, Million Trees Park, Malibu Bluffs, and Torrance Wetlands. A 2008 survey conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a Realogy Corporation, found that 51% of those surveyed “believe in the importance of working with a green-certified real estate agent”.

About Azevedo & Associates
Azevedo & Associates is an independently owned and operated real estate brokerage located in Granite Bay, California. Jennifer Azevedo, owner/broker, has over 10 years experience in the industry and is considered “cutting edge” by her peers and other professionals for Azevedo & Associates use of technology, paperless systems, marketing support, “green” business practices, and is a certified EcoBroker. With a mission statement that transcends beyond just real estate, it is infused into the company’s marketing, activities, priorities, and goals. Their mission is to H.E.L.P – Honor. Empower. Listen. Prepare. www.Azevedo-Assoc.com.

About National Disclosure Authority (NDA)
National Disclosure Authority (NDA), formed by the most highly experienced professionals in the disclosure business, uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the most thorough and precise hazard disclosure reports available in the industry. Based in Santa Monica, California, NDA is the only independent disclosure company in the nation completely dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Among other “green” activities, the company plants a sapling for every paperless report it generates.

Why use low VOC paint?

2009-07-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Snapshot & Benefits:

Because low- or no-VOC "volatile organic compound" paints have a lower odor and less impact on air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are excellent for use in buildings where it is desirable to maintain good indoor air quality, such as hospitals, schools, homes and workplaces.
Recent EPA studies estimate indoor air quality to be 3 to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air largely caused by toxic emissions of paints and finishes. Paint manufacturers realized the need to develop paint that contains lower VOC yet maintain high levels of performance and durability ultimately causing less of an impact on air quality then the higher VOC paints.

The use of low-VOC paint reduces toxins that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, reduces contaminant concentrations in landfill, groundwater and the ozone, provides easy cleanup with soap and water and produces lower odor. With increased legislation and support from environmentally conscious organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Seal plus advances in paint technology the paint industry has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible products with higher performance levels. New paints have become more durable, cost-effective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

Estimated Cost Savings:

Low- and no-VOC paints typically cost about the same as a manufacturer's premium line of paints (around $30 per gallon) however, it is important to remember that high-performance paint typically will cost more in the beginning but in the long run "could be the difference between painting once and painting 4 to 5 times in 20 years."

Consider paying the extra cost of buying a high-performance, low-VOC paint as you may not have to apply more than one coat to the surface area greatly reducing your time and overall expense.

"Choosing non-toxic, low-VOC paints in office buildings, schools and hospitals has helped maintain normal productivity within these environments which would be entirely impractical for the occupants to vacate even for short periods of time during a painting project."
IssuesBecause of the way low VOC paints are labeled, how they are used, and how they are marketed it can be difficult for the consumer to determine whether a paint is truly a low VOC paint or not. For example, some paints are labeled "low-odor or something else as apposed to low VOC." Some low VOC paint brands market themselves as Green Seal certified while others who meet certain LEED standards do not have to adhere to the Green Seal requirements.

Consumers are often confused as to what standards to follow when it comes to lower VOC paint.Regional IssuesAccording to the EPA no national standards have been set for VOCs in non industrial settings. Past efforts have been made by organizations such as the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), to adopt a national low-VOC level in all paint products. California state requirements that mandate low VOC levels has become the model for the national legislation and has been adopted by many states across several regions.

Installation (Getting It Done)"There's never been a better time to buy environmentally responsible products," says Mark Petruzzi, Vice President of Green Seal. "It's a lot easier to be green now. If you've tried green in the past, give it a fresh look. It can lead to happier and more productive workers and occupants."

For persons who are particularly sensitive, or have strong concerns about air quality, most major manufacturers now offer special no-VOC paints that are odorless and completely "VOC-free."
Consumers can take additional precautions to lower the VOC levels in their homes and their overall exposure to harmful compounds.

Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs,
Try to buy products that contain VOCs in quantities that can be used quickly,
Use products only according to manufacturer's directions,
Adhere to all product warnings,
Dispose of products containing VOCs properly.

More Information On This Topic:
facilitiesnet: Low-VOC Paints Are More Than Just 'Green'
eartheasy: Non-Toxic Paints
California EPA Air Resources Board: Consumer Products Program
U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality: Organic Gases (VOCs)

Source: Ecobroker.com

What is Your Houseonality?

2009-07-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Quiz One:

Read the following questions, imagining the scenes in your mind, and write down the first thing that you visualize. Do not think about the questions excessively. This is a relational psychology test and the answers given to the questions have been shown to have a relevance to values and ideals that we hold in our personal lives.

1. You are walking in the woods – who are you walking with?

2. You walk deeper into the woods. You enter a clearing and before you is your dream house. Describe its size.

3. Is your dream house surrounded by a fence?

4. You enter the house. You walk to the dining area and see the dining room table. Describe what you see on and around the table.

Analysis:

1. The person you are walking with is the most important person in your life. You should get their opinion and have them be a part of your home buying decisions.

2. The size of your dream home is representative of the size of your ambition regarding your home.ie. fixer upper vs. move in ready.

3. No fence is indicative of an open home. People are welcome at all times. The presence of a fence is more indicative of a private home. You would prefer people to not drop by unannounced. This matters for your home buying decision. It can determine location, layout, size, and amenities.

4. If your answer did not include food, people, or flowers then you are a homebody. Your home is just for you and no one else. If your answer did include any of the above, other people, factors, situations influence your home decision. The type of home that would make you feel comfortable needs to include and have amenities for company.

Quiz Two:

We often get in situations and make decisions without a second thought. Find out where your priorities stand.

What would you do first if you were in a situation where:

The phone is ringing.
The doorbell is ringing.
The clothes are hanging outside and it has started to rain.
The baby is crying.
The water is running from the tap.

Think about what you will do first, then second and so on. See the explanations below. Each action reflects the priorities that you have set in your life and should be reflected in your home.

Analysis:

Action = Priority
Attend the phone = Career and job
See who is at the door = Friends and relatives
Pick up the clothes = Love
Attend the baby = Family
Switch the tap off = Wealth

What does this have to do with your home? Check your priorities below for an explanation.

1. Career and Job: Your room is the Den/Home Office. You need that home office. A home that has a close proximity to where you work is a definite.

2. Friends and Relatives: Your room is the Dining Room. It is important to have a place in the home for family to come and visit. A place for a large table for meals. A place for your Christmas tree and seating. A house with a nice layout for entertaining.

3. Love: It’s all about the bedroom and master bath. A place for you to have your personal haven. Most likely including a walk in closet. It is your place to pamper, get pampered, and refreshed. A fireplace wouldn’t hurt your home buying decision either.

4. Family: The Kitchen is your room – it has to function and work as hard as you do. It is important to have enough space for the family, a yard, close to schools and parks.

5. Wealth: Your room is the Family Room with the latest flat screen TV, and the components that go with it, and a large comfy sofa to enjoy your spoils. You want a house with some panache-a home that shows how hard you work. A prestigious location would be a selling point for you.