Patrick Walsh's Blog

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Add Value to Your Home by Remodeling

Clients often ask me which home renovations, remodels and improvements will add the most value to their home when it comes time to sell. More accurately, the question is: which projects will provide the best return on investment (ROI). I have opinions, of course. But now I have some facts to back those opinions up.

In the January issue of Realtor magazine, an article entitled "Small Projects, Big Bang" summarizes the results of the Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2009-10.  The report outlined a number of different home improvement projects, costed them out in different metropolitan areas around the US and calibrated a percentage ROI on each one. There's a lot of detailed information in the Remodeling Cost vs Value Report 2009-10  article (and helpful hints on smaller projects) but here's my summary for the Phoenix market:

Curb appeal has always been important. A little front yard landscaping can go a long way to making a good first impression on buyers. However, you might also want to give your front door a good look. Replacing the front door with a mid-range product (approximately $1200) had the best ROI of all the improvements at 128%.

Several of the most worthwhile improvements are, not surprisingly, centered on the kitchen:

· add a breakfast bar (this can be as simple as cutting an opening in a wall, adding a bar and a couple of stools)

· upgrade the kitchen counter to granite tile (12" tile is a very affordable option compared with granite slab)

· cabinet fronts (check into refacing or replacing doors or perhaps just the hardware)

· tidy and organize kitchen cabinets (Yes, buyers open them so adding a roll-out tray or lazy susan can create the illusion of more space.)

• retile the backsplash to freshen or brighten or just clean up the look of your kitchen

Updating light fixtures is also a very cost-effective way to add value. Installing recessed canned lights on a dimmer switch can make any room more interesting. Pendant lights over a kitchen island are also appealing.  

Look into replacing your single pane windows with energy-efficient dual or even triple pane windows. The energy savings alone make this a great investment while you are living in your home, but buyers also seem to really value this upgrade.

If you need any more information on remodeling or renovations, I keep a list of reliable vendors who could estimate your job for you. And I'm always happy to talk to you about plans for your home with a view to selling at a later date.  But remember, don't make a change solely for the sake of resale. This project needs to be something that you and your family will enjoy for the length of time you live in your home.

3 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • February 20 2010 06:39PM

Here is the least expensive idea for making your home energy efficient and it could save you big bucks....find out how.

            Arizona homeowners can easily save money and increase the real estate market value of their residencies by simply sealing air leaks commonly found in many areas around the home.  Sealing air leaks is one of the least costly (and least complicated) ways to begin or continue the process of "greening" a home.  The task requires only a minimal investment of time and supplies, yet it yields a substantial payoff that can last many years.  Sealing leaks keeps hot summer air out of circulation in the home and less air conditioner energy is needed to stay cool.  Later on in the year when the cold winter air is also barred from entry, less heat is needed inside the home.  This will save the homeowner money on electricity bills and will also make the home more attractive to buyers willing to pay more for an energy-efficient or green home.

            To locate a leak, wait until there is wind activity outside, then hold a lit stick of incense up to any area in which a leak may occur such as doorways, windows, electrical outlets and switches.  If the incense smoke moves in a horizontal, rather than vertical direction, a leak is present.  Sealing windows with weather stripping and caulk will stop air leaks, as will the installation of foam gaskets behind outlet and light switch plates.  And when air passes under closed doors because there is a space between the door bottom and the floor, a flexible sealing gasket can be attached to the door bottom.  These really are easy fixes. 

            Your Tempe realtor and National Association of Realtors ® Green Designee, Patrick Walsh, is available to assist you with any step in the process of greening your home.  The Tempe real estate market is warming up and if you are planning to sell, there is no time like the present to increase the energy efficiency and market value of your home through greening.  Patrick Walsh can connect you with local green appliance, home improvement suppliers and contractors to help you get started on larger projects.  Contact Patrick Walsh today at pwalsh@kw.com to let him know how he can be of service.

Further low-cost energy tips:

 www.energysavers.gov  

Oprah- Green Home Improvements

4 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • September 08 2009 05:05PM

Green homes prove to be a selling point for buyers

For those of you still trying to sell a home, there may be an option you haven't considered: going green. Making your home green can make it more marketable, as well as environmentally-friendly. Green homes are in demand - according to Realty Times, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHBR) claims that as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home. Realty Times goes on to say that NAHBR reports that 72 percent of consumers report energy-efficient features in a home would influence their purchase decision.

As a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, I can help you find the products and services that will help you "green" your home and make it more energy efficient. I can help you make decisions about green materials, energy efficient technology, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. As your Tempe REALTOR®, I can also help you obtain a LEED certification for your home. LEED is a third-party certification program that sets design, construction and operational standards for high-performance green buildings.

By making your home green, you can lower your utility bills, which can save you money and give real estate agents and those looking to buy a home concrete proof that living in your home will save them money, too. Here are a few changes you can make that will help lower your utility bills and serve as selling point for your home:

  • ENERGY STAR windows - annual savings: $300
  • Solar Attic Fan - annual savings: $200
  • Low-flow Faucets - annual savings: $100

If you are interested in "greening" your home, please contact me and I would be happy to connect you with local green vendors who can help you make that transition. If you do not live in Tempe, Scottsdale or the Phoenix area, I can contact a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee on your behalf who can help you find the tools you need to create a more sustainable home.

1 comment • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • June 13 2009 04:25PM

REALTORS® with Green Designation Certification Can Help You Find and Create Eco-Friendly Homes

With the real estate market finally showing signs of life, it may be time for you to think about what you are looking for in a REALTOR® and in a home. A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee can help you find or create a green home. A green home can be easier on the environment, your health and your wallet.

 

As your Tempe REALTOR® and a green designee, I am qualified to guide you through the green process, whether you are looking to buy or sell a green home. If you do not live in the area, I would be happy to refer you to another REALTOR® with a green designation that can help you find what you are looking for.

 

In order to attain the "green designee" designation, a REALTOR® is required to take a class offered through the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The class teaches REALTORS® how to make educated decisions about green materials, energy-efficient technologies, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. 

 

A green designee REALTOR® can also help you obtain a LEED certification for your home. A LEED certification is a third-party that sets design, construction and operational standards for high performance green buildings. A LEED certification can make your home more marketable. In addition to helping you obtain a LEED certification for your home, a green designee can help you find a LEED certified home.

 

A green home should have the following: a positive impact on human health and comfort; integration into a sound environment; and sustainable design, construction and systems (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®). A green designee REALTOR® can help you secure the products and services that will make your home more sustainable.  

 

 

Patrick Walsh Green Living: Green Vendors

 

U.S. Green Building Council

 

Green REsource Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

0 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • May 26 2009 03:02PM

12 Questions to Ask Your Green Vendor

If you decide that you want to make your home more sustainable, then working with a green vendor can help ensure a more environmentally-friendly home for yourself and your family. As your Tempe real estate agent and a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, I can help you make educated decisions about green vendors, green materials, energy-efficient technology, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. There may be many green vendors in your city, making it difficult to determine if a vendor is truly green. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® recommends that you consider the following before hiring a green vendor to help you with your home:

 

  • What is the vendor's location and proximity to the job site?
  • Does the vendor have a certification or proven affiliation with a recognized green building organization?
  • Is there a professional association for the trade? If so, is the vendor a member and active participant?
  • What is the vendor's knowledge and experience in working with green building issues?
  • Are client references available?
  • Has the vendor completed a green building project similar in size and scope? Are site visits or photographs available? Is client contact information available?
  • Does the vendor recycle or reuse demolition or construction waste?
  • Does the vendor have an area of green specialization?
  • Does the vendor use a third-party organization to verify work?

 

If you do decide to work with a green vendor, I have posted the names and contact information of some local vendors on the Green Living page on my Web site.

 

Creating a green home can be an exciting and rewarding process, however is important to understand that you may need to make some compromises. You may come across a green vendor who offers bamboo flooring, but the product must first be shipped from China. Which is more important - the product that helps lessen your impact on the environment, or the fuel it will take to get the product here? Only you can answer that question.

 

For more information on green vendors, please visit the following Web sites:

 

Patrick Walsh's Green Living

 

U.S. Green Building Council: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

 

National Association of Home Builders

4 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • May 22 2009 04:32PM

Green Homes Help You Save Money and the Environment

I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designation certification. What does this mean for you? As your Tempe REALTOR®, it means I have the tools to help you "green" your home, making it more marketable and environmentally friendly.

 

Green homes should have the following: a positive impact on human health and comfort; integration into a sound environment; and sustainable design, construction and systems (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®).  Former Vice-President Al Gore's Nobel Prize winning documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," helped inspire my decision to work toward a more sustainable existence as both a person and a REALTOR®. As a REALTOR®, I want to help people create environmentally-friendly homes.

 

As a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, I can help you make educated decisions about green materials, energy-efficient technology, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. I can also help you obtain a LEED certification for your home. LEED is a third-party certification program that sets design, construction and operational standards for high performance green buildings.

 

LEED is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. Certification is available in the following areas:

 

  • New construction and major renovations
  • Existing buildings
  • Commercial interiors (fit outs by tenants)
  • Core and shell (total building without fit outs)
  • Schools (K-12), retail and healthcare facilities
  • Homes
  • Neighborhood Development

 

Qualified properties are awarded one of the following certifications: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. Properties can qualify for LEED certification by earning points in six areas:

 

  • Sustainable sites
  • Water efficiency
  • Energy and atmosphere
  • Materials and resources
  • Indoor environment quality
  • Innovation and design process

 

I can help you by making suggestions to help you "green" your home. I can also connect you with reputable green vendors who can provide the products and services that will help you make your home more sustainable.

 

Here are a couple of purchases you can make that will save you money and lessen your environmental impact:  

 

  • ENERGY STAR windows - annual savings: $300
  • Solar Attic Fan - annual savings: $200
  • Low-flow Faucets - annual savings: $100

 

For more information on green building, I encourage you to visit the following Web sites:

 

Green REsource Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

ENERGY STAR

 

U.S. Green Building Council

 

2 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • May 19 2009 04:42PM

Lease a Solar System From SolarCity! GreenAZ November 2008

 November 2008

 

Tempe-based solar panel manufacturer, First Solar Inc., is teaming up with residential-installation company, SolarCity,  and in the next five years will be producing solar panels for 25,000 homes. 

SolarCity is offering a 15-year "no money down" lease program.  Also being offered is a low, $1000 down payment lease program that, in most cases, would make your combined electric and lease payments lower than your current electric bill.

To get an estimate of how much money you will save by leasing a Solar System from SolarCity, please visit the SolarCity calculator and simply enter your zip code and average monthly electric bill: SolarCity Calculator

Recycle Your CFL Bulbs at Home Depot

If you use CFL bulbs it's important to know that, similar to fluorescent bulbs, CFL bulbs contain mercury and become toxic when incinerated or disposed of in a landfill.  The good news is that all Home Depot locations are now recycling CFL bulbs!

Selling Your Home?

Your home will show as a more energy efficient home by using the Eco Hatchery Starter Kit.  Please contact me to find out where to purchase the kit or, if you list your home with me, I will give you a free Eco Hatchery Starter Kit as a gift!   

4 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • November 05 2008 10:31PM

Is my house ready for a small wind energy system? Let's do a walk through! Part I

 

Via Mary Bigelow, Renewing Your Life!:

Pick up any newspaper across the US these days and I will bet you a dollar to a donut you will find at least one article about energy. It is also very likely you will find at least one article about Wind Energy in particular.

Wind is very exciting! Wind is CLEAN ENERGY!

It is a very powerful feeling to leave a house and know the homeowner is producing their own energy!!! They have their own private power plant!!!

I smile as my phone rings with calls from consumers inquiring about wind. It gives me a chance to share what I have learned and it is rare when I don't learn something from the party on the phone.

I also hear questions that tell me there is confusion being created by so many articles, points of view and the variety of wind energy systems available.

Centerpoint Energy Completion Estimates Texas

 

 

 

This is a map from KHOU in Houston showing Centerpoint Energy's expected completion of power restoration in the areas of Texas affected by IKE. (I hope Stephanie is fairing ok!)

Something I hear quite often is that people expect with a wind energy system they will have power in times of outages like this.

I have to explain that is not necessarily so.

 

 

There are basically two different types of connections with residential wind generators

1. off grid - Georgina and Pete can probably give a lot of help with this! Off the grid systems require some type of battery storage for the energy created.

2. grid tied - the majority of small wind energy systems feed the energy produced to the power company. These are required to have an automatic shut off when the grid is down. Otherwise, you could produce energy and feed it back to the grid while some poor line worker is trying to restore power to your neighbors. The poor line worker would get a heck of a shock!

So this takes care of misconception #1.

The majority of wind energy systems my company installs are Grid Tied. For most households the best source of backup power is the electric companies grid! Why? There will be times when the wind doesn't blow so you won't create any energy and for the average household the draw will normally be more than their wind generator can produce.

Now the conversation moves toward, "So then I can sell the extra I make to the electric company?"**

Well...another deep subject! (sorry, I had to say it!)

This is where I play badminten and volley the shuttlecock back over the net,

"How many kilowatts a month (year) do you use?"

Wow! you would think I asked a question about the periodic table. It's unfortunate...most people simply don't know.

I must confess, I never knew until I got into this field and that's ok! I know now! (and obviously this family needs to work on some things!!!) and this is what is important! Awareness is half the battle!

So help me out here...How many average kilowatts does your household use in a year? There are a couple of ways to find out.

1. Many utility companies now have an online site where you can check your history. You will need to register and will normally you will need your billing handy because you will need your account number and some other personal information. I have found this to be the simplest way.

2. If you don't have access to the internet you can go through your records of paper bills (ugh!) add the kilowatt hours you have used over "x" number of months, divide by "x" number of months and walla! you have an average. The kilowatt hours on my bill - Consumers Energy - are listed in the upper right hand corner. Each utility will vary where place kilowatt hours on the bill.

3. If you can't access the internet or paper billing records you will have to call your utility company (double ugh!) and have them send it to you. This is always last resort!

In climates like Michigan and other parts of the midwest it is good to get a 12 month average.

Why? We use a fair amount of air conditioning in the summer, which is electric. Most of our homes are heated with some type of gas or fuel oil so the electric utility is normally lower during winter months. A twelve month average works best.

One note (I have to get my rant in...) Many people pay their utilities on a "budget" program. There are several reasons I disagree with this plan. The most important reason is that people tend to look at the dollar amount of their bill and not the kilowatt hours used. If the bill stays the same for 10 months out of the year most people are unaware of times when they are using more energy.

This causes less conservation again due to unawareness. (read: higher utility bills)

So I'll just wait right here while you go get that information! This is the really important part!! Then we can get on to part II and find out,

 "Is your home ready for a small wind energy system?"

Contractors Building Supply SkyStream Small Wind Energy System

 

**Currently 30 states require net metering. If you can't wait the American Wind Energy Association has a nice write up on net metering and explains each states policy!

COPYRIGHT © 2008 Mary McGraw-Bigelow All Rights Reserved

Picture: SkyStream 3.7 Small Wind Energy System, Manistee, Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • October 31 2008 04:45PM

Green Innovations at the 2008 Green Summit!

 

October 2008

_____________________________________________________________________________________

From green building and energy efficiency to low water landscaping and organic products, the 2008 Green Summit had something for everyone!   For those of you who were unable to attend the 2008 Green Summit, here is a summary of some of the green vendors we had an opportunity to work with and meet!

Green Element Design Group: Specializing in Green consulting services, including architects, landscapers, permaculture designers, builders, interior designers and rain water harvesting consultants, as well as a unique line of Green products for people and plants.

A.K.A. Green:   eco-friendly flooring, carpets, paints, windows, stains, lighting fixtures, and non-toxic cleaning supplies  

Energy Efficiency

Altered Element: Window Tinting Solutions-  advanced technology window films reject heat without sacrificing your beautiful Arizona views or blocking out alot of visible light.

BMC West:  Energy efficient Doors and Windows

EnviroCar:  Chauffeured Hybrid Transportation.  Toyota Prius or Lexus RX400h:  Your Pick!

Synergy Systems:  Insulation and Radiant Barriers (lowers roof temps by 20 to 50 degrees F)-  Have it installed or do it yourself!  

Architects, Builders and Contractors

Sead Architects: Full service award winning design/build studio. Thoughtful architectural designs and renovation specific to sites and owners.  Architectural solutions that are respectful of the past, speak to the present and are pursuant of the future.

Evergreen Homes:  Construction of new homes and remodeling:  design, build, coach, consult.  "PG" Builder.

Form Werks Studios:  Full service Architecture and Design firm, specializing in site-specific architecture.  Crafts homes so you can enjoy all that mother nature has provided. 

Kitchen Solvers-  Fine eco-friendly kitchen and bathroom remodeling and cabinetry:  4 brands of eco-friendly custom cabinetry.

Progressive Concrete Works Inc:  Top quality decorative concrete, stamped concrete, stained concrete, concrete overlays and concrete hardscapes.  Drainscape Pervious Concrete:  www.drainscape.com  

Community

The 3000 Club:  Produce/Food Rescue in Nogales- Rescued produce is transported to food banks throughout the US  

If you are interested in finding more Green Vendors in the Phoenix area, please visit our Green Vendor List!  

1 comment • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • October 20 2008 03:48AM

How Does Free Electricity Sound?? GreenAZ September 2008

 

September 2008

The savings on your Utility Bill could pay for a Solar Powered System.

APS is introducing a new loan for home owners to install solar panels to generate their own electricity:

The GEOsmart loan program means that for no money down, you can install solar panels and the monthly cost could be ZERO depending on the amount of electricity you use and the amount of sunlight that reaches your roof.

Here's how it works:

First find a licensed and approved contractor at www.egia.com/aps. Have the contractor calculate the right system for your home. Then plug in the numbers to the calculator and find out what your payments would be. Take your monthly electricity bill and, if the solar system can cover 80% of your electrical needs, calculate that number. If it is more than the monthly loan payment for the system then getting solar panels for your home is a 'no brainer.'

During the day when the system is producing electricity that you are not using, the meter actually runs backwards as your system sends electricity back to the utility company. This is a great way to increase your savings.

Typical numbers:

The installation for the average home is a 3KW system that costs around $21,000. This system triggers a $9,000 rebate.  (For more information on rebates go to www.aps.com)  This rebate can be used to pay down the interest rate to around 8%.  A 10-year loan would run around $160 a month and a 15 year loan around $125 a month. I know for our home that is well below our average monthly electricity bill.

Customers in areas served by SRP can still get loans and work with the approved contractors. The interest rates may not be quite as attractive as they are for APS customers. (www.srpnet.com)

7 comments • Patrick Walsh, Realtor, CNE, Green - Tempe Arizona Real Estate • September 08 2008 08:22PM