Category Archives: Resources for Not-YET-Green Homes

Sunk on Home Inspection? New Source for Help

Thanks to Chicago Agent Magazine for featuring my article about how low interest rate energy efficiency loans can solve some tough home inspection issues.

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New Expectations for the “Well-Maintained” Home

This is the third in a series of articles about the tipping point opportunity the home performance industry has right now.  Part 1 showed how consumers have placed energy efficiency as a must-have to sell homes this spring. And Part … Continue reading

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Missed Opportunity? Energy Audits @ Home Purchase

It may be the best-kept secret in home real estate: For a couple of hundred dollars, a prospective buyer can add a formal energy audit to the standard inspection. Ken Harney’s article in the Washington Post on Friday addressed the … Continue reading

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Understanding Energy Improvement Options in Elmhurst

The good news is that there are a lot more options for home owners interested in making their homes more energy efficient.  The bad news is that it’s hard to understand who’s behind which programs and the best program for … Continue reading

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Short- Mid- or Long-Term…Efficiency Investments Make Sense!

Chicago Magazine’s cover story this month is on what you can do to improve your odds of selling either immediately this summer, in the next several years or in a decade or more.  And guess what? No matter the time … Continue reading

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2011 Smartest Remodeling Projects in Chicago

The 2011 Cost vs Value Report has some interesting findings specific to Chicago area homes. The Top 10 projects stack up a bit differently than nationally, but are in line with the East North Central Region. In Chicago only one … Continue reading

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2011 Top Remodeling Projects with Efficiency!

The 2011 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling and Realtor magazines looks at 35 remodeling projects to compare costs vs. resale value in today’s market.  As I mentioned in my previous blog post, 21 out of the 35 projects offer a slam-dunk opportunity to improve home … Continue reading

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Proof: Replacement adds Value + Efficiency adds Payback

Remodeling and Realtor magazines are out with their 2011 Cost vs. Value report.  The annual report looks at 35 remodeling projects and identifies cost trends in different regions and cities across the country, as well as how much value they … Continue reading

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2012 Real Estate Trends are Efficient Too

Each year the local real estate coverage includes a great piece about real estate trends for the coming year.  This year’s top ten like last year has some trends that support affordable, more efficient living. 4.) Location Tops the ‘Must … Continue reading

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Surprising Results – Winter Best to Sell Your Home

Redfin released an amazing infographic that evaluates how home sales stack up by season.  Turns out listing in winter actually produces the best results! Spring listings sell a bit faster, but winter has 20 percent fewer listings added than the … Continue reading

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