Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Northern Virginia real estate. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Northern Virginia homes.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system. First developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, this system has been adopted by many countries around the world. Residential and commercial contractors know that promoting their project as LEED Certified will shine a positive light on the building, resulting in a higher property value.
The LEED for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, officially launched in February 2008, promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. These homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.
Builders strive for LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum point ratings. As consumers become more aware of the program and its benefits, they will also be looking for homes that have had garnered this environmental standard. As an example, a home that has achieved Platinum standing has reached a total of 90-128 points of a possible 129.
This voluntary certification system is based on point totals in eight categories, including:
New home construction using LEED guidelines actually saves money for consumers, starting with the fact that builders use less materials. Incorporating advanced framing, a LEED certified home is sized and engineered to be built using fewer resources, which in turn maximizes the energy efficiency of the house.
Health considerations also play a big part in consumers' decision to look for LEED homes. The Indoor Environment Quality standard ensures that a family living in a LEED-certified house will breathe significantly cleaner indoor air through the use of low or non-VOC paints and adhesives, in addition to the integration of an effective air exchange or ventilation system. Laminate flooring is used to avoid off-gassing and air pollution that can sometimes come with carpet.
Another benefit for homeowners is the savings on utility costs. Adavances in solar heating and thermal storage systems will help homeowners produce their own energy, thereby reducing their dependency on carbon-producing technology.
An increase in green building practices will drive the market to offer more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible products at competitive prices. Realtors will now have more ammunition in their sales basket with the added features and benefits of LEED certificatied properties.
Savvy consumers are looking for ways to reduce their monthly costs, and environmental impact is top of mind for many people. Why not start with their own home?
There is also a certain pride for homeowners, knowing they have done their homework and bought, or built the most efficient home on the market today.
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Opting for Serviced Apartments in Aberdeen for Business or Leisure Stay
By: Michael Murray | 22/12/2009The Serviced Apartments Aberdeen provide you with the feeling of a home away from home. These city apartments are great for those travellers who wish to enjoy a luxurious holiday within a limited budget. Most of the popular serviced apartments in Aberdeen are well-furnished with modern comforts and amenities.
Why Has the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Regulated the Sale and Rent Back Sector?
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Charlotte Real Estate is Hot in North Carolina
By: Katrina | 22/12/2009In addition to 65,000 new residents a year, Charlotte is attracting talented home builders and developers that are creating wonderful neighborhoods in all price ranges throughout the area.
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By: Katrina | 22/12/2009In order to grab the attention of your ideal potential clients and make them interested in your products, especially in Charlotte real estate programs or services you have to develop what I call a "magnetic ABC." You shouldn't leave home without your magnetic Audio Business Card TM.
Do You Have a Bad Estate Agent?
By: Dave Matthews | 22/12/2009Your house is likely to be the largest and most valuable asset you will ever acquire so when it comes to selling your home it is crucial that you find an estate agent that you can rely on. If you find that your agent is having difficulty selling your house...
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House prices rise for fifth month in a row
By: Sam Gooch | 22/12/2009According to the Halifax, house prices have risen for the fifth consecutive month.
Realtor Safety Online: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and More
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 27/10/2009 | Real EstateBe aware of who your ‘friends’ on Twitter, Facebook, etc. are. It’s a good idea to have two separate accounts – one for work and one for your personal life. Make sure the personal profiles are private. It may be a little extra online hassle for you to have two profiles for everything, but it’s much safer.
Is Your Agent Pressuring You?
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 27/10/2009 | Real EstateFor first-time buyers, getting preapproved for a mortgage is an exciting time. The possibilities of owning your own home are now a reality instead of pipe dreams. Your real estate agent also will share your enthusiasm for this time. However, if your real estate agent is pressuring you, home hunting can become really uncomfortable.
How to Sell That Haunted House
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 27/10/2009 | Real EstateIt’s a well-known fact that haunted houses are dark, nasty places with spiders the size of Shetland ponies cavorting across the carpets and rats frolicking on the banisters. Start your pest-control procedures at once! Whether it’s KillEmDead Rat Traps or Pete the Pest Pestilence Guy, get rid of your unwanted animal residents.
Finding an Awesome Buyer’s Agent
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 27/10/2009 | Real EstateAnother issue is communication. A good agent will be clear about how and when they will contact you. You want to know how the agent prefers to communicate and when they will get back to you with answers to your questions. You should also inquire when the best time to contact the agent is; many agents have ‘working hours’ when they are available for a phone call.
Should you sell your home on Craigslist?
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 15/10/2009 | Real EstateWill Craigslist supplant the MLS? It’s not likely. Craigslist has only a limited search capability – number of beds & baths and specific keyword searches. The keywords aren’t that useful for finding one’s dream home, either. Also, one has to wade through incorrectly classified ads and ads that are purposefully placed in the “real estate” category to get leads for buyers. Craigslist’s search parameters are not to be compared to the MLS’ more comprehensive searches and filters.
Common Writing Mistakes Realtors® Make
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 02/10/2009 | CopywritingIf you recognize any of these errors, chances are you’ve been perusing real estate listings or websites. There are many common mistakes that Realtors® make with those slippery English words. (Well, the first one isn’t that common, but it is funny.)
Unraveling the mystery of LEED Certification
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 22/09/2009 | Real EstateThe LEED for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, officially launched in February 2008, promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. These homes use less energy, water and natural resources, create less waste, and are more durable and comfortable for occupants.
Home Solar Power for Savings and Profit
By: Carolyn Capalbo | 15/09/2009 | Home ImprovementThe price of paneling can run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars if you were looking to cover 100% of your electricity needs, so it’s more economical to use solar panels as a way of augmenting your electrical bills instead of completely replacing them. If you really desire to be completely off the grid, wind and water power may supply your needs when solar power is reduced or not available. In damp and/or humid climates, care must be taken to waterproof or buy waterproofed solar panels.