This may not be ‘green’ but it helps bring in green!

In a joint study released by Fortune Small Business and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Raleigh-Cary region is ranked as the third best large metro area in the United States in which to start a business according to Business Leader 10/14/09.   The area’s  central location, mild climate, the recent influx of residents from other parts of the country, and world-class universities continue to be calling crads. Charlotte ranked 7th among large cities, and in midsized areas: Wilmington at No. 14, and Durham at No. 15.

Wondering why Triangle Green Homes is featuring vinegar?

Because it’s so versatile. Can’t beat the price and uses. If you can get beyond the unique aroma, vinegar has no VOCs, no lasting odor and easy to use.  Cleaning products are some of the most toxic elements found in your home. Consider trying some of the old fashioned remedies.

Did you know that you can clean your coffee maker with vinegar?  Or clean clogged drains with a vinegar mixtures?  My favorite is cleaning vinyl floors with a cup of white vinegar added to a bucket of water. Sure beats paying for the manufacturer’s recommended product!

Try cleaning your car and home windows with a vinegar solution and substitute crumpled newsprint instead of paper towels.  No streaks and you’re reusing your newspapers!

Natural cleaning products are great for the budget, are less toxic than most commercial products and help keep your indoor air clean.

Contribute your favorite cleaning product recipes!

Recipes

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener–the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

Resources

• 1001 Uses for Distilled White Vinegar by Mizkan America
• More non-toxic home cleaning ideas.
• Green Cleaning

1007 Cane Valley Lane, Chapel Hill, NC | Powered by Postlets

Green Jeanne is pleased to present this attractive country home with energy saving features. It’s ENERGY STAR rated so it’s qualified for the 5% lifetime discount from Duke Power and is at least 15% more efficient than BAU homes. Other green features include: hot water heat, metal roof, insulated cast concrete basement, and bamboo floors. It’s easy… Read More care inside and out with all wood, tile or concrete floor. The siding, porch and decks are composite for low maintenance. The home is gorgeous inside with 2008 upscale renovations. The gourmet kitchen features Jenn-Aire stainless appliances, granite counters, island and cherry cabinets with double over, 5 burner gas cooktop and microwave. The new master suite opens to the expanded deck facing permanent easement for privacy. The fully finished basement includes rec room, home theater, full bath, wet bar leading to new patio, and laundry plus separate mechanical and storage areas. Worth a look for privacy, country living & horse potential.

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Builders go green with ENERGY STAR

The Village at Aversboro developed for the retiring boomers is already a hit.

All the homes started this summer will be ENERGY STAR certified. The four builders are committing to more efficient homes.  It wasn’t a huge leap for these custom  builders accustomed to producing a consistent quality product.  The decision does represent a response to the market and represents a commitment to be green.

Many boomers understand the need to reduce green house gases.  Purchasing an ENERGY STAR homes aligns with their desire to reduce their personal carbon footprint.   ENERGY STAR homes save energy as they cost less to operate.  ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction similar homes.  Certified ENERGY STAR homes receive a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. That’s real money over time!  Seniors on fixed incomes appreciate savings.

Going green is what attracted my client to the seniors only community.  We’d been on the road for several days looking for just the right ranch in the right location and coming up short.  After  a refreshing break at the new LEED certified MacDonalds on Kildaire Farms Road in Cary, we realized that Garner’s 55+ community might just be the right situation!  So we hustled on over to check out the first ENERGY STAR certified homes.

BTW, check out the MacDonald’s.  It’s cool with wheat board table tops, FREE WiFi and a free plug in station for electric cars.  It’s the first LEED golden arches in the NC.

Back to our story about The Villages at Aversboro.   We were excited with the long plantation like drive into the community leading to the club house.  The first class club house available for resident’s use free of charge includes a spacious meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and a front sitting porch.  Residents can join the Rex Wellness Center on Timber Drive.

Strategically located off Highway 70, in 10 minutes you can be downtown Raleigh, driving on I40 or downtown Fuqua-Varina.   It’s a walkable neighborhood connected to Heatherwoods and minutes to Lake Benson or shopping center at the corner of Vandora Springs and Timber Drive.

Every time I’ve visited there have been folks walking the neighborhood.

The 147 homes are designed for aging in place built on slabs with few steps, masters down, and 36″ door ways.

Developer Douglas Ball assembled a top notch builder team.

• Manning Homes
• S&D Builders
• Woodall Construction
• Edmondson & Associates

Several years back while was working the Parade of Homes at Kings Ridge for Gina Miller, builder Tim Stevens told me about the exciting senior development planned for Garner.  I’ve followed its progress and was impressed with the project.  Knowing the quality of the builders it was easy for me to recommend The Village at Aversboro to my client.   I was impressed with the quality of construction, attention to detail, choice of plans and customer centric builders at Kings Ridge.  The well laid out Frank Betz and Donald Gardner plans attracted Parade visitors to the homes.

The builders approached The Village at Aversboro with the same customer focus producing easy to live in homes just the right size for downsizing boomers. These area handsome homes packed with upscale features all with first floor masters.   An optional second floor bonus room with full bath is available in most plans.  Notable are the screen porches and sun rooms that expand the living space.

Links

Area links

• The Village at Aversboro – be sure to check out “In the News” & social events
• Lake Benson Park – a jewel of a park just a sidewalk stroll away
• The Future of Open Spaces – Wake County’s plans including White Oak Park coming this fall across from Lake Benson
• Rex Wellness Center in Garner
• Photos of the Village at Aversboro and Lake Benson

Previous articles published in the News and Observer

·         Homes geared to seniors N&O Sept 15, 2009

·         A Silver Lining  N&O Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009

540/Triangle Expressway Gets Green Light

This summer, the NC Turnpike Authority will begin construction on the 540/Triangle Expressway turnpike. This project will extend 540 from Cary at NC 55 to the Holly Springs/Apex area at the NC 55 bypass as a new turnpike freeway. In addition, the project will also construct the new Triangle Parkway turnpike within Research Triangle Park. In early July 2009 the Federal government approved a multi-year, $380+ million loan for the project, and on July 13 and July 14 the Turnpike Authority sold more than $620m of toll revenue and state appropriation bonds. This means the financing for the project is now complete and the Turnpike Authority will sign construction contracts for this $1 billion freeway project this summer. Construction on the section in Research Triangle Park will commence almost immediately.

It would be hard to overstate the importance of this milestone for our region. This project – which consists of the extension of 540 by more than 12 miles to the southwest past Apex to the Holly Springs bypass, as well as the creation of a new Triangle Parkway (Durham Freeway extension to 540 in Research Triangle Park) – represents a billion dollar investment in our region’s future by the NC Turnpike Authority. By 2012, we will see 16 miles of new turnpike freeway in southern Durham and western Wake counties, with the RTP section opening earlier. The Triangle Expressway turnpike will provide travelers with a mobility option that they may not have otherwise seen for decades, if ever, and will help preserve our area’s economic vitality and quality of life.

I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract signed! Construction begins summer 2009.

On July 1, 2009, the NC Department of Transportation signed the I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract. This project will widen a 6 mile stretch of I-40 between Cary and Raleigh from 4 to 6 lanes. The project will also eliminate the “inner” and “outer” beltline designations that have vexed residents and visitors alike. Construction begins in summer 2009 and will be completed by June 2011.

In less than two years, this project has gone from an unfunded future project request to construction. The speed at which this occurred is a testament to the focused efforts of NCDOT, the Capital Area MPO, and the RTA which catalyzed the accelerated six-lane widening concept in 2007. And it is welcome news for thousands of commuters on the Triangle’s “Main Street” and most critical roadway.

Noise barriers will be installed much to the appreciation of the Drees Homes Brandywine neighborhood that borders I-40 at Trinity Road.  The standard concrete barriers will be1,200 feet long, vary in height from nine feet to 23 feet according to NCDOT will be installed.

Quick Links

• NCDOT Project Description
• I40 Cary widening map
• TriangleBiz Journal article

Wynnbrooke which began a couple years back as a KB home now includes MI Homes. Both KB and MI are building ENERGY STAR homes in ranch and story story plans.   Wynbrooke was featured as the second Martha Stewart development following Twin Lakes in Morrisville.

MI homes purchased lots from the developer and hosted its grand opening in May 2009. The MI homes blend well with the existing KB homes keeping a cohesive look in the 150 homes home neighborhood.  MI has a killer $15,000 toward options plus $2,000 in closing costs until the end of July.

KB is about finished with 3 spec homes to build yet having built most of the homes in the upper portion near Strickland.  The development near I-540  is ideally located for RTP commuting and easy access to  Raleigh amenities.  Many homes back up to easements providing privacy and greenery.  The homes on Edsel drive in the lower section back up to a stream providing a magnificent backyard view.  However I-540 runs parallel to Edsel drive.  The noise barrier plus the berm and trees do reduce the sound to a dull noise in the background.  Inside the home the road noise if virtually unnoticeable. Outside it could be a negative for some.

One of the nicest features of this neighborhood is the rare half acre lots.

Plans range from 2500-3800 sf and mid $300 to mid $400 in price.

Here’s a link to the original story about Martha’s association with KB Homes, USA Today: Martha Stewart to design houses with KB Home.

News flash the Martha Stewart ranch model will be for sale mid to late July priced in the high $300s.  The plan  named Kathonah for one of the towns in which Martha has lived is  very reminiscent of a beach home with tile floors and bead board with a wide entry hall.

The builder will be restoring the home to the floor plan with an ample 2 car garage, den, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, master suite, living and dining rooms with a very Martha kitchen.

The open floor plan links the family room and adjoining dining room.  The formal dining room with columns is one of the largest I’ve seen in a home under 3,000 sf in a long time. It holds a table seating10 plus a sideboard and room to move around freely.

The kitchen is pure Martha reminiscent of a set from her cooking shows featuring an island with sink, expansive counters with plenty of cupboards, subway tile backs plash, upgraded appliances and a large eating area which leads to the deck.

The master suite is located off the living room with a discrete double door entry retaining privacy.  The plan also features a deck accessed both via the master and the living area.  Since this is a model there’s a gorgeous patio with stainless grill.

Click here for more photos of the model, a featured master down MI plan and the rest neighborhood photos.

ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction homes. In addition to increased comfort through additional insulation the homes cost less to operate on a monthly basis plus qualify for a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. Now that’s real money over time!

Learn more about ENERGY STAR homes and what’s behind the walls to make them more energy efficient.

Recycling homes, plug-in cars, green catering…oh my! Raleigh is going green.

This month the Raleigh Downtowner highlights Raleigh’s green strides.    Building the Convention Center as LEED certified project was pivotal and sets the example as the City’s most sustainable building.

Planet Green Catering is more than wholeseome eats. Marks Creek co-op farm off Highway 64 demonstrates sutainability beyond food with sustainable practices and their biodiesel facility.

If you’ve been waiting for a plug in car,  it’s getting close to reality. Progress Energy, the City of Raleigh and Advanced Energy are collaborating on a pilot project testing a fleet of plug-in vehicles.

Think green, affordable housing and downtown!  The Builders of Hope’s newest project State Street Village consists of 25 lots.   Similar to Barrington Village, the project consists of homes moved to the location that have been completely gutted and upfitted to be energy efficient homes.

Last, an unabashed invitation for you to see CityGate’s  agents aboard the R-Line that stops at the Hibernianjust across the street from our Glenwood South offices.   CityGate is Raleigh’s first real estate offices with EcoBrokers and NAR Green certified agents.  We’re dedicated to helping clients live more sustainably through their housing and lifestyle choices.

Buyers want green homes according to the 2008 SmartMarket Report quoted in the Downtowner. “70% of homebuyers would choose a green home over a conventional home in a down real estate market.”   EcoBrokers help home owners on green improvements that will not only increase their comfort and reduce operating costs but make their home more attractive in the future.  EcoBrokers assist owners market to green homes to eco-conscious buyers.

Summary of NCHFA Down Payment Assistance Programs
Single Family Properties                        July 2009

This information is not intended to be all inclusive.  Please contact a home ownership underwriter for further details. See www.nchfa.com for full details.

Go Green Cottage

The Go Green Cottrage plunked into the middle of the Streets of SouthPoint Mall by Sun River Builders Signature Homes was a home run.  The curious and serious walked through the cozy, cute and comfortable home for 50 days.  The Go Green Cottage was so popular that it remained on display from the opening of the 4th Annual Green Home Tour on April 25th, 2009 through June 14th.

The house embodies the Susan Susanka’s Not So Big House  concept.  Susanka’s message is “build better, not bigger”.  Using this approach, homes are built to the scale that matches the inhabitants needs.  Building smaller but efficiently and effectively is good for the planet and the pocketbook.  Nearly half of the nation’s energy budget is used by built environment.  Reducing the home’s size and increasing the energy efficiency reduces the carbon footprint.

The size of the average home size has increased 240% in the last 50 years while the family size shrank nearly 30%.   The National Association of Home Builders average American family home was 1,000 square feet with 3.6persons sharing the space.  In 1970, the family size was smaller (3.1 persons) but the homes were larger (1.500 square feet).  Fast forward to the dramatic change in 2004 when the average family size was 2.7 people living in the average sized 2,400 square foot home.

More buyers are giving size a second thought in respect to overall home price and energy costs. Whether you believe in global warming, energy costs are increasing.  Future home owners are considering the cost to operate a home into their buying decision.

Cost of the home $89,900 plus the cost of land for 1,206 square feet that lives large.  Now that excited lots of buyers.  Builder Barnette Crabtree originally planned to keep the home open through Mother’s Day, May 10th but extended the open house an extra month.
Is this price exciting. You betcha!” Interest has been high from start to finish from buyers, lookers, even builders!  We are glad to see the overall interest in building green is high.  We’ve shown that green can be affordable, and that a 1200 square foot house is livable”, reported by the builder on the Gogreencottage.com blog.

What makes the home affordable and liveable?  Great design, energy efficient features built to the ENERGY STAR standards and modularized construction.

• low E-windows
• 6 inches of wall insurlation
• low VOC (volative organic compound) paint
• water savings features: faucet aerators and dual flush toilets

ENERGY STAR homes typically cost 15% less to operate than a similar traditionally built home.  Add in the 5% discount for the life of the home offered by Progress Energy and Duke Energy for the lif e of the home.

Sun River will build this home or other right sized homes on a lot for you anywhere in North Carolina. Due to high demand they will not be building out of state at this time.  The largest plan is the 1668 GoGreenCottage $125,000.

Check out my photos. It was hard to take pictures as there was always someone popping in to see the rooms decorated with items from stores in the mall.

More farmer’s markets!!!!  There are now 8 in Wake County.

Check if there’s a Farmer’s Market near you at NC Farm Fresh.

Grand Opening Celebration:  This Saturday, May 30,  8am-12pm
You Are Invited to the Celebration! You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening Celebration of the Western Wake Farmers’ Market! We’ve had four great weeks since the market opened at the start of May, and now it’s time to celebrate all this fresh, local goodness! Come and shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, baked goods, coffee, eggs, cheeses, honey, flowers, herbs, jewelry and much more! Our many vendors will be giving away prizes too. Special events: Education: Learn about solar energy from Ed Witkin of Solar Tech South and hear Dr. Jiger Shah of Serene Smiles Dentistry on nutrition and dentistry. Taste:  Taste samples of fresh gazpacho from Chef Scott Crawford of Herons in The Umstead Hotel and Spa and hear what he has to say about eating local. Plus enjoy plenty of free samples from many vendors! Two Great Performances: Bring a blanket or a couple of chairs to enjoy this week’s special entertainment. The Turkish Teen Dance Group will entertain adults and kids alike at 10:15!  Come enjoy the unique sounds of RTOOT (Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle) at 11:00. Ribbon-cutting Ceremony: 9:45 am. Speakers include: Morrisville Mayor Jan Faulkner, Tommy Esqueda, Environmental Services Director for Wake County; Brent Henry, County Extension Director; and Jennifer Robinson of the Cary Town Council. Where & When Carpenter Village Marketplace May 30, 2009 8:00 am-12:00 pm CONTACT: Jennifer Gibbs Market Manager jgibbs9995@yahoo.com www.westernwakefarmersmarket.org