This is the program to check out if you are thinking about making
home improvements and want to save money. Eligible rebates from Energy Upgrade
California are currently available only for single-family residences. Programs
for both multi-family and commercial properties will be introduced later.

First a little background on energy conservation in California. The 1973 oil
embargo jolted the nation into realizing that part of our energy supply was on
very shaky ground. Business and governmental leaders in California set out to do something about insuring
that heating, cooling and other electrical needs of the population would be met.
Some favored the construction of additional power plants, but knowing these are
very expensive to build, they turned instead to finding better, more efficient uses
of existing resources. Energy conservation became the preferred policy.

Regarding homes, they noted that all buildings consume
roughly 40% of energy produced in the country, and residential accounts for
about half that amount. So they looked at ways to build and operate homes more efficiently
in order to reduce the state’s overall power demands. Guidelines for new home
construction relating to energy features are spelled out in Title 24 of the state’s
building code. That section of the code has been amended many times over the
years to reflect new improved trends in home performance, and the emphasis there
is on energy conservation.

But what about existing homes?  What are alternatives for homeowners who want
to make home energy improvements, but need some financial incentives and don’t
know where to begin. Energy Upgrade California is a program designed to help
out.

Here are some highlights:

First, go to www.energyupgradeca.org.  After reading a discussion on benefits of
energy upgrades, such as saving money and living in a more comfortable, healthy
home environment, move on to the next step.

Start making a plan for your home.  Enter your address or zip code and choose one
of two levels of upgrades, either Basic or Advanced. The Basic Package can
include such items as air sealing, attic insulation and duct sealing, with
rebates of up to $1,000.  The Advanced Package
involves more extensive upgrades such as energy efficient windows, wall
insulation, duct replacement and new heating and cooling systems, with rebates
totaling up to $4,000.  Note that water
conservation upgrades such as low-flow shower heads are eligible for rebates, because
saving water also saves energy.

Next, choose a contractor. You will find a list of
contractors on the website. All companies listed have been screened and
specially trained to insure that they are qualified to perform the chosen
projects. Contact information for each company is included, and you can call or
e-mail as many as you want in order to find the best one. They will assist in
making final plans and identifying eligible rebates.

Then consider financing alternatives. The “Clean Energy
Finance Guide” will be available soon, but some funding choices are already on
the website. They include Energy Efficiency Mortgages, Home Equity Lines of
Credit, as well as unsecured sources such as credit cards.

Finally, want to earn a green designation for energy
efficiency? ENERGY STAR certification is available for very green, energy
efficient homes.

Nancy Yavorsky

Keller Williams

CA lic.#01452073

But today it is possible to do substantial upgrades that can
make your home much more energy- and water-efficient, improve indoor air
quality, and allow you to live comfortably while at the same time having a
positive impact on the environment.

Fortunately there are many resources for buyers who want to upgrade
a home into a healthy, high-performance green one. So with a little planning,
proper financing, and a skilled contractor, along with some rebates and tax
credits, your new home could actually cost less at the end of the year to live
in than comparably-priced homes without these improvements.

Here’s how you can purchase and turn a toxic, run-down,
energy-wasting house into a beautiful green home:

First, get prequalified by a mortgage broker not only to
determine your price range but to choose the best mortgage or mortgages for you.
Two of the best ones are the FHA’s 203K and Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) because
most of the costs of improvements can be included in the mortgage package. Make
sure your broker has knowledge and experience with these kinds of loans.

Now you are ready to contact a REALTOR® to help search for
your dream home. Be sure your agent is familiar with existing green features of
the homes you are considering, since these can save you money right away.

News flash to buyers!!
The old mantra “location, location, location” has now been replaced by “location, location, energy rating.” You will soon find out why.

In no time, you will be ready to make an offer.

When accepted, open escrow and if you are using an EEM or
203K, you will need to hire an energy auditor and contractor.  They will test the home to find air leaks and
other sources of energy losses, and then help draw up a plan for improvements
and upgrades along with cost estimates. Your real estate agent can apply for a
rebate of up to $250 for the energy audit from the California Association of
Realtors. Make sure your agent does this for you.

Your upgrades will usually fall into the following categories.
Improvements in energy and water efficiency carry the most weight in green
certification programs, followed by air quality.

Energy Efficiency. Possibilities could include increasing insulation
especially in the attic, caulking air leaks, installing low-e windows and new
efficient lighting, ENERGY STAR® appliances and a high-quality HVAC system, all
aimed at making your home very energy efficient. These will save you money every
month on electricity and gas.

Water Conservation, very important in S.
California. Some homeowners have noticed as much as a 50% decrease
in their water bill simply by landscaping the front yard with native vegetation
and using drip irrigation. Indoors, you might be looking at replacing toilets,
water faucets and showerheads, as well as dishwashers and washing machines for
increased water efficiency. These upgrades will also save you money every month.

Air Quality. Check on the chemical content of products you
will use, especially paints, finishes and glues, as well as carpets, pressed
woods and all other materials for volatile organic compounds (VOC’s),
especially formaldehyde, and in homes built before 1978 check for lead-based
paints.  Make sure the home is
well-ventilated.

Materials. There are many environmentally-friendly choices here.
Choose woods, carpets, flooring, countertops and cabinets that have been
certified as non-toxic and renewable. Have fun choosing materials as well as
paint colors because they are highly visible and will reflect your personal
decorating style.

Some good resources for green rehabs are Eric Corey Freed’s
“Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies” and the U. S. Green Building Council’s “Green
Home Guide.” (greenhomeguide.com)

Don’t forget about rebates and tax credits. Energyupgradeca.org
and local city, county and water district offices are sources for rebates, and
so are the manufacturers of products you are buying. Your accountant can give
advice about tax credits.

Want to have your new home certified green? The ultimate
green home meets standards of organizations such as the U. S. Green Building
Council, California’s
Build it Green, and ENERGY STAR®. Ask your contractor about these when you are
drawing up a plan for your home.

Now you are ready to close the transaction. Some improvements
might have already been made, but others will be completed follow closing
depending on the terms of your mortgage.
Enjoy living in your new home, knowing that it will be comfortable,
high-performing, and economical, as well as very beautiful.

“Greening the Inland Empire One Home at a Time”

“Busy Looking for Green Homes”

“Out looking for more green ideas.”

The City of Austin, Texas requires an energy audit of every home at point of sale.  Another future trend to watch for.

“Greening the Inland Empire One Home at a Time”

Energy Efficiency

Water Efficiency (indoor and outdoor)

Quality Indoor Air

Eco-friendly Materials

Quality Neighborhood Environment

Future blog posts will look at these categories, and the organizations that set the standards.

Crestwood Communities

Fontana, California

Out looking for more green homes!

Watch here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I7y9IL235w

Free eBook for you.  “7 Reasons Why NOW Is A Great Time To Buy A New Home”  

 Email me at nancy@nancyyavorsky.com so I can send you this excellent publication for free. 

  “Out working to meet your real estate needs!”

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/wap.html

It could save you money on electric bills this summer.