Hisey House Rehab: Sealing Our Home w/ Siding, Wrap, Caulking, Foam

Our old siding and gutters were hauled off and recycled. Aluminum is in demand. The Grafton Township house had previously had blown-in insulation through the siding and tar paper wrapped the house under the siding.

Prior to installation I topped off all of my blown-in insulation with a green eco-friendly product. It's amazing how much I used. Some areas that had plugs took bags of siding - including our original bathroom exterior walls. (I always had trouble with the pipes freezing - now I know why). I went through an entire box of caulking tubes and 8 cans of foam making the house as airtight as possible prior to the wrap and siding being installed. Our new siding is CedarMAX thermal siding (foam on the back) over a green house-wrap. This is thick siding with up to 500% greater impact resistance than standard siding. Heartland guarantees a 20% energy savings with 4.0 R factor. Because of the design it is more insect resistant and wind resistant - important living in the country surrounded by fields.

We also had the contractor, Dan Bieri, build out the casings and wrap everything not covered in vinyl in aluminum. The seams were again caulked. (Daniel Bieri Construction, P.O. Box #69, Amherst, Ohio 44001 440-669-2816) We added new gutters to the house as well as adding gutters to the pole building. I'll be running piping underground in the spring to carry water from the downspouts to the pond. I have a pump supplying water from the pond to faucets to irrigate my landscaping and vegetable garden.

My wife Maria and I are hoping to get maximum life out of the products we chose as well as substantial energy savings. We recycled what we could, and have a home that looks fantastic! We are updating an existing 150 year old home on it's existing footprint making it far more energy efficient. We've added solar sensors on most of our exterior lights, replaced older lights and bulbs with energy efficient options, and hope to add more energy saving features in the future.

We still have many projects in the works, but the 203k loan made this part of the project possible. Please feel free to call or email me for information, recommendations or if you'd like to utilize the Hisey Group to search for your next home. 440-315-6000 or lee.hisey@realliving.com

The Hisey House Grafton, Ohio House Rehab Project

I've been documenting various parts of my summer house rehab. This is the home I live in, and I have been trying to make energy efficiency my priority.

In the last three years, with the help of friends and contractors, I've done extensive rehab to our 150 year old home. It has logs, blacksmith nails, the whole nine yards. Unfortunately any unique trim, glass work, etc was lost long ago. Studs are all different, spaced differently, and many still have the bark on them. Windows and doors all have different measurements. It can be a challenge.

Prior to this summer we had replaced our roof with 30 year shingles after replacing rot. Thirty year shingles last longer - going into a landfill 10 to 20 years later than less expensivee shingles on the market. We added a second full bathroom requiring major work. Rather than adding to our 1524 square foot house we are building two rooms and a loft in our pole building for a future exercise room, storage and an office.

This summer we replaced our old septic system. It was becoming obvious that the old system was no longer functioning probably resulting in bacteria going into the front ditch. We now have a new state of the art sewage system.

I wrote about our new high efficiency heating, cooling and air filtration system earlier. I'm excited to discover the difference it will make in our bills this year.

This summer we also replaced the last of the old inefficient windows and doors. We chose Regency Windows Polaris Smart Saver windows and a new front door. The old door was original, but very small and low. It also allowed a substantial amount of heat loss. The windows were all single pane and would actually shake in strong winds. We have now replaced every window and door in the house but one. (next year)

Expanding Our Northcoast Real Estate Team: The Hisey Group is Growing

We are excited to be adding two new Realtor agents to our team in January. Sharon Weisenbach will help us cover the Lake Erie Islands, to include Catawba Island, South Bass Island (Put In Bay), Middle Bass Island, North Bass Island, Rattlesnake Island and Kelleys Island. Realtor Debbie Burnworth will work with buyers in Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Bay Village, Sheffield, Sheffield Lake and the surrounding areas. We have been looking for agents that feel customer service is a priority, and we've found them!

We have a new website coming online later this month focusing on lakefront, riverfront, and island condominiums. We feel these neighborhoods have not been receiving adequate attention - they should be marketed more effectively. Condominium developments with lake and river frontage generally offer unique qualities that can't be found in other condominium developments.

Watch for updates and additional info on Sharon and Debbie in January! If you are looking for a home, relocating to Ohio's Northcoast, or considering selling - give us a call! We cover Cleveland, Ohio's Westside to the Lake Erie Islands. 440-315-6000/1-800-974-5184.
http://www.HiseyGroup.com

Mortgage Update from Real Living Mortgage Consultant Lisa Coffey

Current mortgage rates:
30 yr fixed, 1% orig. = 6.000%
30 yr fixed, no orig. = 6.250%
15 yr fixed, 1% orig. = 5.625%
15 yr fixed, no orig. = 6.125%
FHA 30 yr, 1% orig. = 6.250% (only 5.250% for the first year with our FREE 1-year Buydown!)
VA 30 yr, 1% orig. = 6.375% (only 5.375% for the first year with our FREE 1-year Buydown!)

News you can use:

National City Bank sold: On Thursday last week, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. reached agreement to acquire National City Bank in a $5.58 billion cash and stock deal. Meanwhile, PNC also announced that it plans to sell $7.7 billion in preferred stock and warrants to the U.S. Treasury, making it one of the first banks to participate in the government's $250 billion injection of capital into banks. Essentially, what is occurring is that the government's capital is being used by PNC (a "strong" bank) to buy NCB (a "weak" bank), and you can probably expect similar consolidations to occur in the weeks and months ahead. How does this affect you? For one, with all of the uncertainty and changes occurring, it's good to know that your lending partner, Real Living Mortgage, is under the "strong bank umbrella" as an affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Our products, programs, and strength remain ready to serve you and your customers both now and in the future, and you can be confident that by partnering with us, you are partnering with a lender who will be with you for the long-haul.

Did You Know that the following buyers can still get standard, low interest rate mortgages from Real Living Mortgage?
Low down payments: 3% down for FHA, 5% down for convention loans!
Not perfect credit: Conventional loans with credit scores as low as 620, FHA loans even lower than that (still with low rates!). Mortgages are also available if your buyer doesn't have much established credit at all!
High debt ratios: We can still approve borrowers, in different situations, with debt ratios at 50% or higher.
The point is, your buyers don't have to be perfect to work with us. Encourage your buyers to look into their options with us, and we'll work with you to help them buy a home now!

Thanks Lisa !

Ohio's NorthCoast Wineries: Lorain County, Erie County, Ottawa Counties

Do you enjoy wine? Do you love northern Ohio?

If your answer is yes you should take a road trip this fall and visit North Central Ohio's wineries.

Most are family owned and operated so you are also supporting local families and agriculture.

Amherst:

Single Tree Winery
12488 Baumhart Rd, Amherst, OH 44001
Telephone: 440-965-7777

Avon Lake:

Klingshirn Winery, Inc.
33050 Webber Road Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
Telephone: (440) 933-6666 Fax: (440) 933-7896

John Christ Winery
32421 Walker Road Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
Telephone: (440) 933-9672 Fax: (440) 933-6956

Port Clinton:

Mon Ami Historic Winery
3845 E Wine Cellar Rd, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
Telephone: (419) 797-4445

Put In Bay:

Heineman Winery

978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay, Ohio 43456
Telephone: (419) 285-2811 Fax: (419) 285-3412

Sandusky:

E&K Winery

206 West Market St. Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Telephone: (419) 609-9981 Fax: (419) 609-9452

Firelands Winery

917 Bardshar Rd.Sandusky, OH 44870
Telephone: (800) 548-WINE

Hermes Vineyard

6413 S. Hayes Avenue (Route 4) Sandusky, OH 44870

Telephone: (419) 626-8500

Wakeman:

Matus Winery
15624 Gore OrphanageRd., Wakeman, Ohio 44889
Telephone: 440-213-1739 or 440-774-WINE

Westlake:

Heartland Vineyards

24945 Detroit Road Westlake, Ohio 44145

Telephone: (440) 871-0700

Low Flow Toilets

The following is compliments of www.ecobroker.com (I am a certified EcoBroker):

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Low-flow toilets are specifically designed to use less water during each flush. This is an important feature in an increasing number of areas throughout the country where water is limited. In all parts of the country, low-flow toilets make simple sense by conserving a natural resource used for routine and mundane tasks. To gain an appreciation of what a low-flow toilet can mean to you and your community, take a field trip to your local sewage treatment plant and look at the effort and expenditure required to treat sewage and reclaim water. Low-flow toilets make sense, particularly in water-constrained areas.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Water is still an under-valued resource but general understanding of its importance is growing. Mark Twain may have had it right when he commented "We know the worth of water when the well runs dry." A state-of-the-art low-flow toilet may consume less than two gallons of water per flush compared to five or more gallons with "old" technology toilets. The new toilets can cut your expenditure for flushing in half, or more. Yet flushing is only part of your annual water budget and you should pay some attention to the performance of your clothes washer and dishwasher as well.

Issues:
For new homes, getting a low-flow toilet may not be an option, it may be required by local building codes. Like most consumer items, retrofit models can vary in their design and effectiveness. For a good coverage of issues, see Consumer Reports, October, 2002, page 52.
Regional Issues:Toilet options may depend on local building codes and sources of supply.
Installation (Getting It Done):Be sure to get bids from two or three (or more) plumbers to gain immediate perspective on the true value and costs of low-flow toilets in your area.

More Articles on This Topic:
U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: How to Buy a Water-Saving Replacement Toilet
U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program: Energy Cost Calculator for Urinals and Toilets

Landscaping: Shade Trees and Windbreaks

The following is compliments of http://www.ecobroker.com%20(i%20am%20a%20certified%20ecobroker)/:

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Perhaps the most pleasant economic savings can be derived from judicious and mindful planting of trees and shrubs. The value of traditional plantings serving as windbreaks is well known. Additionally, well-placed deciduous trees can shade a building during hot summer months yet allow warming sunshine to enter a building when warmth is needed in the winter.

The summer shading feature of trees is particularly important for the following reason. Most homes are cooled with traditional window- or central- air conditioners using fractional horsepower single-phase electric motors and modern refrigerants (chlorofluorocarbons that are less potent greenhouse gases than their predecessors). The electro-mechanical efficiency of air conditioner components ranges from 35-50% based upon the electrical energy available at the plug. But that electricity is arriving at your building with an overall efficiency of about 30% based upon the energy content of the fuel going into the central electrical power plant. So, when the overall fuel cycle is considered, building air conditioning is about 10-20% efficient, on the basis of energy flow. Fortunately, humans feel a cooling effect from simple air movement that increases evaporation from the skin. Most air conditioning rating systems incorporate this cooling effect, so their efficiency numbers do not appear quite so grim. However, when shade trees cool a house such that one unit of air conditioning energy is avoided, 5 to 10 units of primary energy are avoided at the power plant. This is not only an important economic savings to you, but also a very important environmental savings to the community.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Air conditioning in buildings represents 13-15% of your annual electricity budget, and a larger fraction during summer months. By reducing the amount of air conditioning required, shade trees directly affect your bottom line. The cost of quality shade trees ranges from a few dollars for a seedling to several hundred for a much larger tree. It's a good idea to get at least an 8-10 foot high tree if possible. The sooner the tree grows shading capacity, the sooner you can enjoy savings. The amount of savings can vary widely due to local circumstances but typical savings are on the order of 10-20% of a summer electric bill. Similar savings from a windbreak will be realized in winter during the heating season.

Issues:
Consider planting several varieties of trees: some fast-growing species (such as ash or aspen) for quick shade and more durable, slower-growing and longer-lasting trees (such as maple or oak) that will eventually dominate. Shop around for the best warranty on trees. Many nurseries provide planting and care instructions and will offer a one-year replacement guarantee.

Regional Issues:
Plant varieties appropriate to your climate. Some species of trees grow more slowly than others so you need to get started as soon as planting season arrives.

Installation (Getting It Done):
Spring and fall are the best times to plant. Be sure to follow planting instructions and err on the side of digging too large a hole. Be sure to incorporate organic material in the planting soil and to stake trees to provide mechanical support. Mulch heavily and water thoroughly during summer dry spells.
Be sure to get bids from two or three (or more) nurseries and/or landscaping contractors if you choose not to plant the trees yourself. Multiple bids will allow you to gain immediate perspective on the true costs and value of trees in your area.

References:Cooling Our Communities, A Guidebook on Tree Planting and Light-Colored Surfacing, US EPA 22P-2001, January, 1992.
More Information On This Topic:
U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Landscaping
U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resource Conservation Service: Windbreaks

New Condo Listings on Middle Bass Island!

East Point Villas, Middle Bass Island, Ohio

Unit #7, $285,000 New Construction

Ready to move in! 3 Bedroom/1 Full Bath

Unit #4, $265,000 New Construction

In Progress - Still time to customize some details!!

3 Bedrooms/2 Full Baths

Wooded back property. Lakefront with pier and ramp. Beautiful shaded front lawn area. Amazing view of other islands and Perry's Monument! Watch the tall ships come in. The "Quiet Island for Active People". Call me today for details at 440-315-6000 or email at lee.hisey@realliving.com

E4S Meeting October 21st: Future of Green Building in Northeast Ohio

Another great meeting. Green building issues were discussed and I think there was a great deal of optimism in the room. Green building will increase out of necessity. I got the impression that in many ways commercial Ohio buildings are leading the way because of the realization that construction utilizing eco-friendly features saves businesses money. This knowledge is gradually trickling over to the residential market. It can save homeowners money as well as businesses! I personally think it is also going to make homes far more marketable in the future.

I'm a member of Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and you can be as well. Visit http://www.e4s.com for future events and details.

Dr. Stuart Hart at Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio

On Tuesday, October 20th at 8pm I enjoyed listening to Dr. Stuart Hart speak at BW's Gamble Auditorium. Dr. Hart is a leading authority on environmentalism and the implications of sustainable development for business strategy. He is also a professor of management at Cornell University. His book "Capitalism at the Crossroads" is in it's second edition. It has a new forward by Al Gore.

Interesting lecture with some interesting questions following his talk. The poor, those in poverty, are a huge potential market for entry level products. It's easy for us to think in American terms - the poorest of us wealthy in relation to many other countries. For many people even a simple solar powered light may be their first electric light - and electricity for their entire community could be created using solar and wind from day one.

Energy Audits and Your Ohio Home

What is an energy audit and why should you consider getting one?

Getting an energy audit of your home involves testing various characteristics of a building and recording the results in a comprehensive report. Items tested focus on the building envelope (walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows) and it's resistance to heat flow. The infiltration of air through the envelope is tested because that equates to lost heat and air conditioning.

A quality audit should also include a review of the mechanical systems such as heating and AC, your hot water tank, appliances and other powered appliances.

The auditor will ask questions about your actions/behavior/schedules involving energy use and review previous fuel oil/propane/natural gas/electric bills and statements.

Solutions may include weatherstripping, insulation, window and/or door replacement or upgrades such as storm doors and windows. They may suggest servicing or a replacement/upgrade of appliances, a change in thermostat settings, or simply a change in your personal behavior.

For more information visit:

Energy Star - Home Energy Audit

or click the below link to view a video for Realtors on the importance of energy audits to our clients:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1726689516/bctid1726708597

Medina, Ohio Parks 7th Annual Nature Art Fest

Art inspired by nature will be displayed at hte Wolf Creek Environmental Center on November 8th from noon until 4pm. Spend a day at this beautiful park and do some early holiday shopping at the same time. Admission is free and no registration is required. No pets please.

Wolf Creek Environmental Center
6100 Ridge Road
North of Sharon Center on State Route 94

Ideas to Save Energy & Money in Cold Northern Ohio Weather

Winter is coming and Ohioans are looking for ways to save energy as heating bills begin to climb. There are simple steps anyone can take to stop energy waste.

1. Use a programmable thermostat, and program home heating based on your schedule. Have it set at a lower temperature at night when you are under the covers, and when you are at work.
2. Are there cheaper heating options? Own a wood lot or have access to inexpensive wood? If your in an area that produces corn - have you considered a corn furnace?
3. Caulk and foam all cracks and crevices to keep the heated air in and the cold air out.
4. Dress in warm layered clothing when indoors during cold weather.
5. Use storm windows or plastic film over windows to prevent heat loss.
6. Don't have storm doors? - Consider them. They are particularly effective on the side of the house that tends to get hit by the most wind.
7. Open blinds and curtains on the "sunny" side of the house during the day, and close all blinds and curtains at night.
8. Avoid planting evergreens on the sunny side of the house. They will block the sun hitting the house in the winter. Deciduous trees help cool the house in the summer but do not block the sun in the winter.
9. If you have older windows make sure all of the panes are in good condition and that glazing is complete.
10. Do you have enough insulation in your attic? Climb up and check. Add as needed.
11. Older home? Consider blown in insulation.
12. Close areas you do not or seldom use and reduce or eliminate your heat to those areas.
13. Check walls and floors that have pipes, wires and duct work passing through them - seal any space to prevent heat loss.
14. Going on a vacation? Turn off your hot water tank and reduce your heat.
15. Older hot water tank? Consider wrapping it with an insulation wrap. While you are at it wrap the hot water pipes coming from the hot water tank.
16. Get your furnace serviced.
17. Dust/vacuum vents, radiators and other heat units. Dust makes them less efficient.
18. Tape cracks and holes in your duct work.
19. Always check your filters and change them as needed.
20. Contact your heating company. Are special rate plans available? Budgets, billing contracts, lock-in price guarantees, etc.
21. Keep your fireplace damper closed when it is not in use. A glass screen or doors can help to reduce heat loss and drafts.
22. Replacing your system? Consider a high efficiency system.
23. Only use exhaust fans when actually needed.
24. When cooking put pots and pans on similar sized burners. Defrost meat prior to cooking. Plan meals to cook efficiently. Only preheat for the time needed and don't open your oven frequently during cooking.
25. Turn off lights, unplug electronics when not in use and use those electronics and appliances during the lower rate periods (check with your electric company).

Vote YES for Issue 2 on November 4th! Not a tax increase.

The Clean Ohio Fund is protecting wildlife habitat and the water we drink, creating jobs and improving the places we work, live and play all over Ohio.

Keep the Clean Ohio Fund functioning - vote YES for Issue 2. It will not raise taxes!

Lorain, Ohio: Unlimited Potential - Some very good developments ??

Lorain, Ohio has such unlimited development potential but it has consistently been pushed down by bad press, an entrenched "Old Boys" (and girls) network (gradually being replaced by "New Blood" hungry for change), and poor self image.

It's true that the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge is still up in the air cutting off traffic (literally) due to some maintenance mishaps, but there are some positive happenings in this potential gold mine.

The Lorain County Metropark's plans to complete the trail to Lake Erie are still on the board. The ferry service from the Black River Landing is set to start next year, and rumor has it that there are a number of exciting businesses set to sprout along the river's west bank. As Realtors that do substantial island business we hope this service is very successful and well used.

The discussed commuter rail system would help to offset the lack of convenient highway access from downtown, some higher end housing with a modern theme and an arts community surrounding the Lorain Palace would help to attract a more educated workforce.

It would be difficult to find more affordable real estate in a lakefront community. If Lorain can get through this difficult economic period it can set itself up to actually catch the next rebound. Lakefront, riverfront, room for new buildings and historic buildings waiting to be renovated and restored all await potential developers. The critical mass of development projects and money have yet to be reached - but it is possible.

Financing Update: Considering a loan for your Northern Ohio Real Estate?

Here is a fresh update (yes I cut & pasted it) from our resident Mortgage Consultant regarding loans. I'll try to post updated info as often as possible - crazy financial times and all.

Current mortgage rates:
30 yr fixed, 1% orig. = 6.125%
30 yr fixed, no orig. = 6.500%
15 yr fixed, 1% orig. = 6.000%
15 yr fixed, no orig. = 6.375%
FHA 30 yr, 1% orig. = 6.500% (only 5.500% for the first year with our FREE 1-year Buydown!)
VA 30 yr, 1% orig. = 6.625% (only 6.125% for the first year with our FREE 1-year Buydown!)

News you can use: Mortgage credit availability still plentiful: Along with all of the swings in the stock market and all of the other national news, I am often asked about how much the availability of mortgage credit has tightened. Several people have told me that they heard that buyers now need 20% down payment and high credit scores. This is not true!

Here is just a brief sample of programs still offered through Real Living Mortgage:

0% down first-time buyer programs
3% down FHA loans
5% down payment conventional loans
Programs for borrowers with credit scores at or below 600

Sure, "Liar Loans" where incomes were fictitious and credit scores were awful are (thankfully) gone, but that is all good and reasonable. For most of your customers, however, great programs are still available, lots of homes are available, and it is a great time to buy a home! Don't take the national headlines at face-value…Tell your buyers to look at their options with Real Living Mortgage today!

Interest rates up a bit: While interest rates increased in the latter part of this week, keep in mind that an increase of even one-half of a percent doesn't necessarily have to be a deal breaker for a homebuyer. For instance, on a $150,000 loan, an extra .500% means a little over $60/month extra in interest. When your customer finds the right home and is already prepared to spend about $1,300/month, that small increase should be kept in perspective, along with the fact that rates are still historically excellent.

OHFA rate changes: Rates offered through the State of Ohio's first-time buyer program increased to 7.000% this week (7.500% with down payment assistance). Real Living Mortgage will do better than that for first-time buyers! Our normal FHA rates are much lower than that already, and our FREE 1-year buydown helps even more. Have your First-Timers call me now!!!

Lisa A. Coffey
Mortgage Consultant Real Living Mortgage, LLC MAC M6974-011
32713 Walker Road Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
Work - (440)527-0190 FAX - (440)527-0190
lisa.a.coffey@reallivingmortgage.com
Please visit my web site at: www.Lisacoffeyonline.com

Thanks Lisa

Just for Fun - Someone sent me this great email.

AAADD: KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Pepsi I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Pepsi aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Pepsi is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water. I put the Pepsi on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day: the car isn't washed the bills aren't paid there is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.... Do me a favor. Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don't remember who the hell I've sent it to. Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming

Considering a Small Wind Turbine or a Solar System for your Northern Ohio Home or Business?

Included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424 is a new federal tax credit to help consumers buy small wind turbines and solar systems. This is the first federal incentive for smaller wind systems since 1985. It expands a solar credit that was passed in 2005.


If you install a small wind system with 100 kilowatts (kW) of capacity or less, between now and December 31st of 2016, you can receive a credit for 30% of the total installed cost of the system, not to exceed $4,000. If the system is for home use the credit is the lesser of $4,000 or $1,000 per kW of capacity.

Solar PV installations for both commercial and residential applications can receive a 30% credit, capped at $4,000.

I'm far from an expert on solar and wind power or taxes so contact your tax consultant and your local wind system installer for more details.

Avon Lake Realty One Office: Every Business Needs a Green Guru

When an office/business transforms itself into a "Green" environment it takes a team - but generally an individual takes up the flag and runs at the front of the group.

In the Avon Lake Realty One office that is our office Business Coordinator and very nice person Bev Dunbrook. Bev recycles the paper (not official/personal doc's of course), collects cans (which I often find in my office to take to the fire station), posted signs at light switches (Bev said additional signs have appeared in other rooms-"Green Helpers") and more.

If you are that "Green" advocate in your work place - keep up the good work! Sustainable energy saving practices help to save money and the environment. Add "recycle" reminders to your email and print material, and reduce print material when possible.

WHERE DO CLEVELAND & COLUMBUS, OHIO PLACE BASED ON SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES? CHECK OUT THIS NEW STUDY!

SustainLane has ranked the 50 most populous cities in the U.S. based on urban sustainability. Indicators included public transit, local food, renewable energy, and the approach taken towards development.

Click Here for the list and more info. Take time to check out the rankings within individual categories.

Urban and Suburban Farming/Gardening in Northern Ohio

With food prices rising there has been a resurgence of interest in urban and suburban farming in our more developed communities. I've enjoyed gardening for many years. At one point my projects included rabbit production, a 1 1/2 acre vegetable garden, 15 fruit trees, 65 chickens, a half acre berry patch, and 6 honey bee hives. Scraps went to the very happy animals, their manure and weeds went to the compost pile, and everything was integrated.

With my time increasingly limited I gradually stopped most of my projects instead planting seedlings and creating a wetland area on the far back section of the property. With gas and food prices climbing I've again started growing vegi's and have 10 chickens that should start laying soon. I'll continue the wildlife areas - less labor and fuel intensive.

Edible landscapes from dwarf fruit trees, blueberry hedges, and nut trees are all ways we can introduce food production into our landscapes - and it's fun! When tastefully done edible landscaping can add to a home's value just as any other quality landscaping.

Some helpful links:
Edible Landscaping: Ohio State University
Fruits and Nuts for Edible Landscaping: Purdue University

Lee's New Heating/AC/Air Filtration System: Gabel Heating & Cooling, Ohio & Trane Systems

My high efficiency heating, AC and filtration system is in! The folks from Gabel Heating and Cooling in Berea, Ohio did a fantastic job in a difficult situation. We had a duct run to the upstairs room - it never had heat before! We also had all of the old ducts torn out and new efficient duct work installed. We had numerous new ducts installed for better heat and AC distribution. We had a high efficiency heat pump/AC unit and a high efficiency propane furnace installed. We wanted to go with geothermal, and I highly recommend those systems, but it would have been an additional eight to ten thousand dollars which was not in our budget.

Heating System: Trane XV95 High Efficiency Heat Pump & Trane XV95 Converted to LP
Air Conditioning System: Trane XL19i High Efficiency Heat Pump
Air Filtration: Trane CleanEffects air cleaner
Thermostat: Trane ComfortControl Thermostat
















We are very happy with our new system, and are looking forward to calculating our energy savings over the next 12 months. There are live links - or call Gabel Heating and Cooling at 440-243-6030 - Trane info at http://www.trane.com/

The Value in Historical Homes and Real Estate: Woodwork, History, Unique Features, Mature Landscapes & More

There are many unique and irreplaceable neighborhoods in Northern Ohio. Neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont in Cleveland, much of Lakewood, downtown Medina, downtown Wellington, West Avenue in Elyria and the historical homes along Lake Rd/East and West Erie in Avon, Avon Lake, Lorain and other lakefront communities all have features that would be incredibly expensive if not impossible to replace. Unique woodwork, stairwells, built-ins, tile work and stain glass may have been created generations ago and have incredible stories behind their owners and creators.

When we market real estate with historical significance we make a point of doing a written history, a detailed virtual tour and fliers paying special attention to woodwork, tile details, decorative glass, original lighting, and any historic garden features.


Older homes can be upgraded and made more energy efficient while still protecting what makes them so special. These improvements should also be highlighted.

Making improvements to older buildings with historical significance is possible. When remodeling utilize low profile storm windows that install over existing windows, blown-in insulation, full glass storm doors that protect and insulate older doors without covering their beauty and other modern but low impact improvements. Heating systems can be replaced and upgraded to far more high efficiency units.

When selling older homes market their unique characteristics by utilizing the maximum number of pictures online and in print material. Open houses can be very effective when the home is staged properly. Selling or searching for a quality historic home? Contact the Hisey Group LLC with Real Living Realty One today for your free consultation at 440-314-5000.

Stealth Chicken Shelter for an Ohio "City" and "Suburban" Hen House

Yes, yes I know. Many cities and suburbs do not allow the keeping of poultry within their boundaries - and this isn't going to change that. Assuming you are still determined to be an "Urban Farmer" or "Urban Sustainable Living" practitioner read on.

The HenCondo is a chicken stealth chicken coop for the city. It looks like a trash can shelter that can be moved and will hold 2 to 3 hens (more if bantams). Recycled products are used in it's construction, and it can easily be moved over fresh "pasture" (lawn) as often as needed.

Roosters with their crowing are obviously a bad idea. A larger "HenSpa" version is also available. Check it out - fun idea.

Some cool Urban Farming sites that include poultry info:

Garden Girl TV (one of my favorites)

The City Chicken

Mad City Chickens

City Chickens (New York City)

Urban Chickens

I've owned as many as 65 chickens as well as other poultry, and they are fun. Their social interactions are interesting to watch, and there are some beautiful varieties. Mix the manure into your weeds, kitchen scraps and clippings for some fantastic compost. They eat kitchen scraps as part of their diet, and nothing beats fresh eggs. I currently have 10 and intend to get 6 more in the spring. If you get some - enjoy! I don't consider myself an expert but feel free to email me with any basic questions.

Vote in New Survey: Where do you think Northern Ohio Real Estate prices are going??

If you live in Northern Ohio, where do you think home prices are going? Vote your opinion at the upper right of this page!

How soon do you think home values in Northern Ohio will stop decreasing in value, and start to increase in value??

Avon, Grafton, North Ridgeville, Vermilion, Put in Bay - what do you think?? Take a second to vote.