Excuse Me, That Thing You Just Did… You Cant Do That! (And Other Pessimistic Nonsense)
Its been fun this last year listening to people tell me it's impossible to do complete remodels with deep energy retrofits and sell them at a profit. "Difficult anytime and Impossible in this economy," they say. But since that is exactly what we've developed over this last year, it leads to an interesting conversation. It happened again today. An old friend and I were re-connecting and in the catching up, he expressed surprise that I was flipping houses with full energy retrofits. "I didn't think you could do that in this market." Where does all this negativity and pessimism come...Continue Reading!
What The Stock Market Taught Me About Energy Wise Real Estate Investing.
When I began to retire a couple years ago, (which I dont believe in, by the way) I thought I might do well in the Stock Market. The science and art of picking winners fascinated me so I began educating myself, a good idea in any new venture. My choice was options trading so I have lots of books and courses on options. The best advice in all of it was from Stephen Cooper who said, "Paper Trade (no real money) until you are winning 80% of your trades." It was good advice and I'm glad I followed...Continue Reading!
Energy Programs: What’s Next? What’s Best? What Would You Recommend?
As you know, the methods used here at GreenEarthEquities, require no government funding, stimulus or otherwise, no utility programs, and no tax breaks to operate profitably. So I haven't paid much attention to those programs as they have been developing. But last week I heard two comments that caught my attention: One came from a program manager who said, "You've heard of money with strings attached? This money doesn't have strings, It has iron re-bar and concrete controls attached...." Wow! What can you say about that? Probably the result of consultancy and bureaucracy gone wild? Definitely didn't make me...Continue Reading!
Energy Incentive Money… How Would YOU spend it?
As you know, there is a flood of Federal Money descending on cities everywhere and very few are equipped to WISELY go out and spend all that money. Unfortunately, a lot of what gets cobbled together will be the result of who had the best salesman or lobbyist, or simply who got there first. Like Von Bismark is reported to have said, "to retain respect for sausages and laws, one must not watch them in the making." I just learned of one such program being offered in Sacramento, The Vacant Properties Program, which uses Neighborhood Stabilization Funding. The program: Targets...Continue Reading!
How To Sell “Green” To People Who Dont Want To Pay For It. (And Have Them Love You For It)
Does it come as a surprise to you that the home buying public is still not ready to open their wallet and pay for Green or Energy Efficiency? Of course this is a generalization but HERE is a recent study that quantifies the public's interest in Green... Naturally, in areas of greater affluence and Environmental Awareness there is a higher percentage of people who are willing to pay what it costs for a complete Green and Energy Efficient makeover. My experience in Mid-State California, in a 30 year career selling energy related items was pretty dismal at selling complete packages. ...Continue Reading!
Energy-Wise House Flipper Reveals Secrets To Investing In Troubled Economy
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The famous words of Charles Dickens were never more true than now for the real estate professional who is willing to think outside the box. After 33 years in Real Estate and Construction which included stints as a Real Estate Agent, a Broker, but mainly a General Contractor, my wife and I "retired" last year and looked around for new careers to land in. We both found areas that were a passion for us, that Common Wisdom (and our friends) said, "Oh that's not a good choice...Continue Reading!
Will Your Buyers Consider More Efficient (Green) Mini Split Air Conditioning?
Mini Split Air Conditioning Systems are typical in all the rest of the world besides the United States. Here's a Fact and a Question that may be more timely in this economy... Fact: Mini Split Systems can be 25 to 50% more energy efficient than conventional forced air systems. This is because of two factors, 1. Inverter Technology which allows higher SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of up to 21 SEER. 2. Zero energy loss thru duct leakage and duct heat transfer. That's because there are no ducts in these systems. Question: Why have American Consumers and HVAC...Continue Reading!
Interior 3405 N. Miami, Fresno CA
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dkyFGb9NkM[/youtube] Continue Reading!
GreenEarthEquity presents Unique Business model at Kansas City Convention
The last few days I've been presenting my poster at the Kansas City annual conference held by the Affordable Comfort Institute. Most of the attendees direct Energy Programs for various states and Cities around the country. So they were coming from a different perspective. Most were amazed that GreenEarthEquities is able to sell the homes we do in the current real estate market. About 20 people got excited and could see themselves doing Energy-Wise Renovation of Foreclosed Homes in their own cities. That's great news and a good beginning toward the 1000 businesses that I would...Continue Reading!
Investing: The best days to buy
I have found that I get my best bargains in one of two times: Either the first day that a listing hits the market, or after many months. First response has worked well for me, as has being the first one in after a price reduction. So the maxim is true, "The early bird gets the worm." On the other end of the spectrum the listing that has sat around for a long time can be a good deal as well. Maybe it was over priced at the beginning. I buy mostly foreclosures to do my Energy Wise Renovations and it...Continue Reading!
By Dave Robinson
By Jack Frost
By Andrew Martinez
By Debra Little