Yes!! How? Simple! Go solar!!
Even in Arlington MA and throughout the northeast, it's possible to rely completely on solar energy to power your home. Not only that, but it's cheaper than ever before. With recent advancements in technology and improved production methods, the cost of solar is coming into parity with the regular cost of electricity. Add in the various state and federal tax rebates and incentives and you could recoup the installation cost within months - then start making money by feeding excess electricity back to the grid!
Here's a very rough and simple example, using my own latest utility bill.
* Latest monthly kWh usage = 295
* Desired result: 100% solar power
* Required system size: 2.84 kW generation
* Average sun radiance (Arlington, MA) = 4.31 kWh/meter squared per day - this is the average power the sun would generate for my location in about one day.
Based on very rough estimates from the solar power calculator at FindSolar.com, I would need at least 283 sq. ft. of roof surface covered in solar panels at an estimated $22,718 initial installation cost. BUT - after the Massachusetts and Federal tax rebates and other incentives, the final cost to me would be roughly $5,833!
Don't be scared off by that price, however! As a Massachusetts resident, consider this: $5,833 divided by my average monthly utility bill of $75 results in a payback period of roughly 78 months. Keep that number in mind, because here's the good part: Massachusetts residents can take advantage of the MassSAVE HEAT Loan program, which provides for a loan of up to $15,000 at 0% interest with a 7-year (84 month) payback period. Taking out a $5,833 loan at 0% interest and paying it back over 84 months would make your monthly payment just $69.00! Sure - it may only start off as a $6 monthly savings, but as time goes on, your utility rates WILL rise, but your solar power will always be FREE. Your savings will only grow over time.
A final word - don't forget about the increase in your property value! Depending on the improvements you make, your home's value will increase roughly $25-$35 in value for every $1 saved on your utility bills. With the projected lifespan of today's solar equipment to be 20-25 years, you'll more than end up making money with your new solar-powered roof, whether or not you sell your property within that time frame. Lastly, cities and towns are not allowed to tax you for any part of your property occupied by alternative heat-generating equipment, so your local property taxes will not increase...AND, the same portion of land is exempt from MA property taxes for the first 20 years! These are all great selling points when it comes time for you to move on.
For more information on solar power and a listing of some local Eastern Massachusetts solar vendors, visit my Eco Friendly Partners page. To find a green home for sale near you, visit the Avenue 3 Real Estate web site, where you can search for properties for free.
Until next time, Peace!
-TMC
Eating locally-grown food, even in the Boston MA area, has become a new trend within the green, sustainable living movement, taking it's queue from the organic food initiative. With sustainable agriculture, locally-produced food integrates production, processing, distribution, and consumption on a small scale, creating sustainable local economies and a stronger connection between farm and table. In other words, you DO know where your food comes from!
Arlington MA has a great Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoons, from June through October. Belmont MA has another good one on Thursday afternoons, also from June through October, while Cambridge MA has multiple markets on various days from June through November. You can easily find a local farmer's market in the Greater Boston area online.
In addition to attending farmer's markets and purchasing local produce, you can also help grow your own - saving you even more money and travel time. Arlington MA has a program called the CSA Farm Share (community-supported agriculture), wherein you partner with a local farmer to, in effect, grow your own produce. You select the farmer you want to work with, the amount of land you want to share, the dollar amount you're willing to pay, and then reap the fruits of their labor during the growing season! To promote the concept, there is an upcoming CSA Farm Share Fair in Arlington MA on February 25, 2010. The venue is the Park Avenue Congregational Church in Arlington Heights, 50 Paul Revere Road, and it begins at 6pm. There will be at least 15 different farms represented, along with a local honey bee farmer, and a local fishery. For more information on the Fair, visit the Arlington MA CSA Share Fair web site.
This is a great way to share in the bounties of the local farming economies. Since the food doesn't travel far and fewer resources are devoted to transportation and middleman expenses, you can save money, eat local, and be green all at the same time!
Bon appetit!ļ»æ
-TMC
Well, here are 14 Valentine Day ideas you can afford and enjoy !
Don't think about what you can't do today, think about having a romantic celebration without spending a lot of money. You can personalize the day without breaking into your savings... and if you're not spending money you'll be moving closer to ultimate goal of property ownership! Personalizing your celebration and letting your loved one know how you feel about them can be very easy:
1. Recreate your first date together. Where did you go? What did you talk about?
2. Frame a new, special photo of the two of you and display it in your home or in your wallet.
3. Haven't purchased a place to call your own yet? Put the money you may have spent on a expensive dinner in " someday we're buying a home account" or the real estate account.
4. Leave a message on voicemail with a silly or romantic poem.
5. If you both usually walk together leave wild flowers, favorite cookies,etc. in a hidden spot and surprise your Valentine during your walk...be creative, The Minuteman Bike Trail in Arlington, Lexington and Bedford is a great option.
6. Make a CD featuring the songs that have been important in your relationship. Slip it into their car CD player with a note.
7. Write down 14 favorite memories of your life spent together so far. Invite your partner to add to the list and then... Buying a home or housebuying experiences are usually included in this list...
8. Write down special ideas, dreams for the future.
9. Instead of an expensive dinner go to a restaurant you have always wanted to try and order a bottle of wine and appetizer at the bar...
10. Go to the beach with a thermos of hot coco, cookies, brownies and blankets...dream about owning a waterfront condo.
11. Spend the weekend and plan your summer vacation, could be just a summer weekend...
12. Write about the first time you knew you were in love.
13. Build a fire, open a bottle of champagne and search for property on the Avenue3re.com website.( Cuddle close on the sofa with one laptop and cruise through the A3 website......talk about kind of property you think you might like to own someday.
14. OK decide you're just going to go for broke and forget about saving money, I suggest... The Splurge: A Venetian Valentine, at The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Sunday, Feb, 14th 6:30 - 9:00, Art, Romance, Food & Drink, Entertainment....$195 per couple.
Enjoy
Additional Resources:
Minuteman Bike Way
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Avenue 3 Property Search
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Leaky window - mold is beginning to rot the wood and windowsill
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I recently toured a home wherein the listing agent referred to the basement as having "slight discoloration" from water damage. Since this was a bank-owned property, took it with a grain of salt, expecting more than just some discoloration. Particularly after learning the house had been empty all last winter and the pipes had burst in the first-floor kitchen, I knew there had to be more than just "discoloration." I informed my buyer, who's looking for a "good-deal fixer-upper," and off we went to view the property.
Let's start by saying this listing agent should have her license revoked - there wasn't just "discoloration," there was mold EVERYWHERE in the basement! It was like entering a house of horrors and all the walls were fuzzy with living organisms. This wasn't just white or green mold either - this was thick, black mold on the doors, walls, windows, furnace, water heater, everywhere. It kinda looked toxic and I thought, "Man, they should be handing out gas masks to people before coming down here." And I don't think it was just a coincidence that my eyes were itchy and watery the rest of the evening.
I tell this story not to gross people out (though that's always fun to do, too!), but to bring up the topic of mold and how every house actually has mold in it - but it's a matter of keeping moisture under control and not allowing the mold spores a chance to land in a moist spot and grow. There are many types of mold, but none will grow without moisture present.
Some mold basics:
- Every house has mold; it's a matter of controlling the moisture level in your home.
- Molds have the potential to cause health problems - allergic reactions are common.
- Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases toxic substances (mycotoxins).
- You can never totally eliminate mold spores from your home, but you can keep them from growing by controlling the source of their growth - moisture.
How to get rid of mold:
- First and foremost, you must address the moisture problem; if you don't, the mold will return.
- If the area with mold is less than a 10x10 foot space, you can usually clean the mold up yourself.
- If the area with mold is larger than a 10x10 foot area (such as in the house referenced above), you should hire a professional contractor with experience in mold remediation to perform the job.
- If you also suspect mold may be contaminating the ventilation system, you should also have an HVAC professional investigate. In the meantime, do NOT turn on the ventilation system as that will cause more mold spores to be spread throughout the home.
- If carpeting, ceiling tiles or other porous types of materials have mold growing on them, they may need to be thrown away, as mold fills in crevices and empty spaces and you'll never be able to get rid of all of it.
- Avoid exposing yourself and others to mold
- Do not just paint over moldy surfaces - the paint will eventually crack and peel
If you decide to do the cleanup yourself, first and foremost you should determine what type of mold you're dealing with. You should have a sample of the mold spores sent in for testing - especially if you might be dealing with black, toxic mold. Once you're sure it's safe for you to clean it yourself, be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection, preferably without ventilation holes. Scrape the mold off any hard surfaces, then clean and dry the area thoroughly. As mentioned above, porous materials may need to be tossed (unfortunately, no reuse or recycle here!). If you have furniture, sentimental or valuable items that have been affected by mold, consult a local furniture or other type of restoration professional who is familiar in restoring items damaged by mold or water.
For more information, refer to the Environmental Protection Agency's pamphlet on mold, which can be found at the EPA's web site. You may also call the toll-free EPA hotline at (800) 438-4318 for a free copy of the pamphlet. If you live in the Massachusetts area, feel free to check my CyberGreenRealty.com
web site for some local eco-friendly partners who may also be able to help you. If you're looking for an eco-friendly home, or a nice candidate for a rehab, visit Avenue 3 Real Estate's website for listings of all MLS properties.
Until next time, Peace!
-TMC
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Community Housing project in Oakland, CA powered by rented solar panels.
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In your mindās eye, what do you envision a solar panel to look like? Do you think theyāre still big, white and boxy? Maybe you think of some ugly black strips across your roof, which look more like a shredded tire laid out flat than a solar panel. Then again, you might be "hip" with the latest PV styles (like these PV panels that look like clay tiles) but you think it's still too expensive. Fret no more!
Many companies, including two here in Massachusetts (SunRun's MA partners - Alteris, Inc. and groSolar, Inc), offer you a chance to rent solar panels, effectively locking in your electric rate for up to 25 years (the average lifespan of a solar panel). Moreover, you are relieved of any of the hassles involved with purchasing the panels outright (such as obtaining the proper permits, filing for the appropriate rebates, etc.). Some providers may require a "security deposit," which may be up to $1,000 at the most. How does it work? The concept is simple - your solar power company purchases and installs the appropriate equipment based on your historical electric usage. You then pay a monthly rental fee to the solar company, which becomes your new "electric" bill. This monthly fee will be equal to, or lower than, your current bill AND will never rise - sun power is free power! Perhaps best of all, you don't have to worry about maintenance and repairs - the panels are owned and maintained by the solar company, so they have a vested interest in keeping the equipment in top working order.
In addition to the money saved on your electric bill by switching to solar power, you may also be eligible for one or more of the many current state and federal incentives. Find out if your state offers incentives at SunRun's Solar State Rebate page. If you purchase locally-made equipment, the incentives and rebates get even bigger! For further information, check out these helpful resources:
Do you know anyone who's currently renting solar panels? Ask them to share their story here. A listing of Eco-friendly vendors (in Eastern Massachusetts), including solar panel installers and renters, can be found at my personal site - CyberGreenRealty.com. If you happen to be in the market for a new home or condo, point your browser to Avenue 3 Real Estate for a listing of current homes and condos for sale in Arlington, Cambridge, and Somerville, MA. You can search for homes already equipped with solar equipment and start saving money from Day One!
Until next time, Peace!
-TMC
Banks are increasingly recognizing the fact that a homeowner who spends money to improve the energy efficiency of their home ends up having extra money in their pocket at the end of the month - and this can help tip the balance in your favor of getting a higher mortgage amount with an Energy Efficient Mortgage!
Fannie Mae has published the following comparison of a standard home mortgage to an energy efficient home mortgage. Keep in mind this was published a while ago and mortgage rates are even LOWER right now, so your savings could be higher.
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Non Energy Efficient Home
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Energy Efficient Home
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Purchaser Price
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$200,000
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$203,000
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Borrower Contribution
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$6,000
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$6,090
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Loan Amount
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$160,000
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$162,400
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Interest
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5.85%
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5.85%
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Monthly PITI
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$1673
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$1698
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Average electric Bill
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$186
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$93
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Total Expenses
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$1859
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$1791
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Qualifying Income
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$49,000
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$48,584
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Monthly Savings
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$68
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Note this example also assumes a builder will charge more for an energy efficient home, but as competition increases and technology improves this is becoming less of a factor. So your savings could be even higher!
Additionally,some of the benefits of using an Energy Efficient Mortgage include the following:
- More first-time buyers can qualify for a mortgage (or a higher mortgage amount)
- Overall reduction in the cost of home ownership
- Helps reduce America's dependence on foreign oil
- Helps protect the environment
For more information, check out the Fannie Mae web site. You may also wish to browse HUD's FHA-insured Energy Efficient Mortgage pages. And don't forget to browse Avenue 3's web site for energy efficient homes currently for sale in Massachusetts.
-TMC
The story starts the same in most cases - you want to insulate your home to save money on energy costs. Sure, you can do it yourself, as long as you put the proper thought into it beforehand.
But proper insulation is only one part of the solution. If you really want to save on energy costs, the other, and perhaps bigger, issue is air sealing.
Proper sealing of the home and proper installation of the insulation help to make the home more comfortable year-round. I say "proper" because some people make the mistake that "more is better." Actually, less might be better if it's installed properly and applicable to the climate of your area.
This past spring, an Arlington MA home became a test case for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and our regional utility company NSTAR. Rather than adding complex heating and cooling systems to the home, the on-going project focuses on reducing the overall energy consumption of the building. Improving the building's envelop involved upgrades to both the air sealing systems and the insulation of the home. But even within this project, one of the few mistakes they encountered was the installation of 6-in foam in the attic instead of 4-in foam, as originally planned. The lesson learned, so far, is that the extra time and expense of installing the additional 2-inches hasn't been worth it. Read more about the project at GreenBuildingAdvisor.com's web site and read a diary of the project from the homeowner's point of view at Massachusetts Super Insulation Project's blog.
But not everyone can become part of a test case involving a government-sponsored research project, right? So you might decide to undertake a simpler project, such as insulating your attic or your basement ceiling. There are many more options for insulation than there were even 10 years ago. So if your current insulation is more than 10 years old, you might consider removing the current insulation and replacing it with a more appropriate type, based on your home construction and location.
Where to start? I highly recommend your first stop be to visit the Home Energy Saver calculator, developed and available online at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab web site. This is the most in-depth savings calculator I've ever seen, so begin your research there. According to the calculator, the average home in Arlington MA has an annual energy cost of $2008, whereas an energy-efficient home's annual energy costs are $1175 - a savings of $833 per year!
Still thinking "more is better"? Well, too much insulation in a home, in addition to costing more, can cause moisture problems and may even end up causing poor air quality and health problems. Insulation is measured in terms of "R-values," so be sure to install the proper r-valued insulation for your home's design, climate, and the section of the house to be insulated (attic, basement, etc.). Consult the U.S. Department of Energy's Recommended R-Value map for the proper ratings for the various types of insulation.
If you plan on replacing some old insulation, also consider having it professionally removed instead of doing it yourself. You never know what surprise you might encounter, from skeletons of dead rodents to fresh bat guano! You can read more about the importance of having the insulation professionally removed at the BatGuy's web site.
If you're interested in learning more about energy-efficient homes in the Arlington, MA or Cambridge, MA areas, my web site at CyberGreenRealty.com. Also see the list of additional resources below.
Until next time, Peace!
-TMC
Additional Resources:
- Department of Energy - Insulation Energy Savers Provides information and tips on insulation, new construction insulation, and weatherization.
- Department of Energy - Insulation Fact Sheet A fact sheet that discusses insulation and other topics associated with it, such as installation, R-values, and types of insulation.
- Department of Energy's Zip-Code Insulation Program Helps identify a house's current R-value and recommended R-value.
- SimplyInsulate.com Has a wealth of information from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), ranging from financial incentives listed by state to DOE recommended levels of insulation for each state.
There was once a time if you choose to not own a vehicle your choices as to where you might live were limited. Aside from the obvious, easy accessibility to public transportation, there's food shopping, daily needed errands and dining to consider. Much has changed over the years making it easier for you to own property in towns surrounding Boston, including Arlington. The town boasts increased means of public transportation, town bike ways and many needed daily services at your fingertips.
Here's a little history. In the late 70's Arlington residents had very different views on approving a "T" stop in the center town. The final vote was against it and the last stop on the line became Alewife Station in Cambridge. The 
Alewife "T" stop is about 10 to 15 minutes by bike, approximately 20-25 minutes on foot via the Minuteman Bikeway from the town center and even closer if you live in East Arlington. The number 77 bus runs up and down Massachusetts Avenue making the shopping, dining and running errands easy from East Arlington to Arlington Heights. You can also take the 77 to Porter or Harvard Square where you can pick up the "Red Line" and you know the rest!( See the below link for a the MBTA bus routes throughout Arlington).
Sounds great and guess what, the lack of need for a parking space or a garage may even prove to be the very thing that could make buying in Arlington affordable. The town of Arlington prohibits on street overnight vehicle parking ( for many reasons one of which the ease of the big snow removal trucks being able to thoroughly plow a whole street during the night hours) making a driveway and/ or garage spaces a must for those buyers with 2 vehicles. Thus, the Arlington condo, single family home or multi-family home without or limited parking can be less desirable to most and that may be reflected in the asking price. For example, a condominium in East Arlington offering only one parking space and/or possible tandem parking ( which means some inconvenience for the 1st and 2nd Fl owners) might be offered at less than a comparable one with a more desirable parking situation. Same could be said for a single family home without a garage or a driveway that fits more than one car, making buying into the Arlington real estate market a real consideration for some who may have thought it to be out of reach.
So that's something to think about when you're looking through real estate listings from now on. Don't disregard buying a piece of Arlington real estate thinking living there will be a hassle, try to think of it being an opportunity instead.
Does this sound reasonable? Do you have any thoughts on this?
Here are a few current listings to consider based on this conversation:
Condos:
Additonal Resources:
We can still have some mild days in November great for walking around some of Boston's neighborhoods. The strolls may entice you into visiting a few open houses and that might lead you into thinking about buying a Boston condominium. Who knows you might even find yourself entering the real estate market before the year's end! While your considering your next move, take advantage of some of the free or almost free activities in and around Boston and you'll be sold on the benefits of city life!
(1) Tour the State House:
Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol. Weekdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Admission: FREE
(2) Climb Bunker Hill Monument:
Climb the 294 steps to the top of the Monument for great views of Boston. Daily: 9 am - 5 pm. Monument closes to climbing at 4:30pm.
Admission: FREE
(3) Visit The Museum of Fine Arts:
With approximately 450,000 objects in the collection, there's always something new on view. No general admission fee required every WEDNESDAY, 4 pm - 9:45 pm.
WEDNESDAY night only
(4) Visit The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston:
Enjoy the stimulation of contemporary culture at their new waterfront location. No general admission fee required every THURSDAY, 5 pm - 9:00 pm. Every THURSDAY night
(5) Ride the Ferry:
Take the ferry from Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard to visit the USS Constitution $.70 each way. Free guided tours of the USS Constitution.
So is that enough to convince you? Is the cost of living in one of Boston's exciting neighborhoods of value to you or would you rather drive in or take the "T" into the city to enjoy its available activiies?
Want to give a look at this week's Open Houses? Visit our site for a compelte list: Search Boston/ Open Houses
Congratulations! You have found your new home among current Somerville listings, Cambridge condos or Lexington homes for sale. You have fearlessly negotiated your offer and are moving on to home inspection.
To be sure you are hiring Sherlock Homes and not Inspector Clouseau, seek referrals from friends, check the ASHI website (American society for home inspectors), Angie's List or the Better Business Bureau.
Once you find your inspector, you will spend more time than you ever imagined, looking at every crack and crevice in the basement, climbing under stairs and into attics. You will receive a thoughtful written report that outlines all the horrors and dangers of your newly acquired abode. Now what?
A couple of suggestions:
First, get to the truth. For any significant items, ie. roof replacement, chimney work, termite infestation etc. it is worthwhile to have a contractor i.e. a roofer, pest company etc, look at the problem to validate or contradict the inspectors opinion - they can be wrong you know. You will also obtain estimate for treatments or repairs to use in negotiations. And remember that it behooves you and the seller to have this portion of the process over as quickly as possible.
Second, negotiate to your advantage. Ever seller is different and some will not negotiate to repair the kitchen ceiling that is now serving as the kitchen floor, but here are some guidelines that may help with more reasonable folks. Don't shoot for the moon.
Divide the issues into these categories: maintenance, repairs, and improvements.
Maintenance items include mortar in stone walls, chipped paint, deck staining etc. These items are typically not negotiated unless the number of them is overwhelming.
Repair items include things that are not functioning as they should...leaking roofs, broken dishwashers, rotted garage doors etc. These items are negotiable to some extent with most everyone - you may not get 100% because you get to enjoy the fix, but you should get something.
Improvement items include adding to the property as it exists. This may include upgrading electric to add central air, enlarging windows for the garden view, paving the driveway to remove the asphalt etc. These items are not negotiable for most sellers, and including them in the negotiation list may just undermine your credibility and cause the seller to say no to all reasonable requests.
Be fair, put yourself in the sellers shoes, and embrace home ownership and the "list of things to do" that will occupy your Saturday afternoon.
Resources: