Vancouver Wa Real Estate - Elite Realty NW

Are those Federal Energy Tax Credits expiring this year?

The short answer is NO! With all of the things starting and stopping, you may be confused and wondering if you can still take advantage of the federal energy tax credits. The answer is yes and you should plan your projects now. There are really two programs: one for ENERGY EFFICIENCY and a separate one for RENEWABLE ENERGY. They have different sets of rules, a few of which are as follows:

Residential ENERGY EFFICIENCY Tax Credits

These are part of the stimulus package

These apply to projects such as weatherization, high efficiency systems such as heating and air conditioning, high efficiency water heaters, energy efficient windows, etc.

The system requirements are very specific - for example not all of the Energy Star® qualified appliances or windows meet the requirements of this program.

The tax credit is 30% of the allowable costs of the equipment and installation.

The credit is capped at $1500 for any one or multiple projects installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Therefore, these must be in service by the end of 2010 to be eligible for the tax credit. The maximum credit for any and all of these projects is $1500.

These efficiency improvements must be installed in the owner's principal residence. Rental units, second or vacation homes, and investment properties do not qualify.

Residential RENEWABLE Energy Tax Credits

This program relates to the purchase cost of equipment and installation of renewable energy systems such as solar-electric, solar hot water, wind generated electricity, geothermal heat pumps, and fuel cells. The eligible equipment is carefully defined.

Some of these credits have been in place for a number of years, but the current program applies to renewable energy systems placed in service after December 31, 2008 and before December 31, 2016. YES, the program really has a lifetime of 8 years!

The tax credit is 30% of the eligible costs.

There is NO cap on the amount of the credit and unused credits may be carried over to later tax years.

Local cities and states are also starting to get on board with this big push for green energy alternatives. These local incentives can be stacked on top of the federal credits for even greater savings. Call you local energy provider to ask for details. They should be able to send you a list of incentives that are available in your area.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Reblogging this to help my AR friend Matt. Please help if you can.

What do your signs say about you?

Janice and I have all of the listings for the 2009 Clark County Parade of Homes and we wanted to do something different with our signage. With 12 signs in close proximity, we wanted something that was a little more upscale and would set us apart from the other 2000 real estate agents in Clark County.

We decided on this estate style frame and posts that holds our sign horizontally. All of the materials are readily available at any place that carries vinyl fencing supplies. They were quick and easy to make and really bring an element of class to the Vancouver WA homes that we have for sale.
 
Currently we only have these at our listings out at the parade but I am excited to use these for our regular residential listings. I think that they will get a great deal of attention. Soon you will be able to see these at all of our Vancouver Washington homes for sale. Will your home be the first one?

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

For those of you who don't know this, Josh Leake of Plum Tree Mortgage hosts a monthly social event for Portland's elite real estate professionals. This is the one event that makes it onto our calendar every month in Bold INK.

It is called the Portland Real Estate Industry Social (P.R.E.I.S.) and is held at some of Portland's most prestigious addresses. The site changes each month but you can be guaranteed that it will be in one of the city's swankest locations. I am not sure how he does it but Josh never fails to dazzle his guests with access to the most upscale real estate that Portland has to offer. This month the social was held in one of the latest LEED Platinum projects called the Sacramento Lofts.

These loft style condos boast green building practices throughout, green garden roofs, solar panels, solar assisted hot water systems, and personal elevators. Who says you have to sacrifice comfort to live a sustainable life? This is what Josh has to say about the Sacramento Lofts:

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Crazy Tasty!

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Erin Self, a first time home buyer in Vancouver Washington talks about her experience using Mark & Janice Hall. She found the perfect home and qualified for her $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. There is still a little time left. Who do you know who is looking to buy their first home? We can help!

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Vancouver Washington Green Drinks Invitation

Its that time again! Our monthly Green Drinks meeting is next week. Here are the details from my friend Laura Sauermilch:

Hello everyone,

This is your reminder to join us for our September Vancouver Green Drinks event.

Where: Lapellah near the new Fred Meyers off of HWY 14
When: Tuesday September 29th-Informal intros start @ 6 PM
Who: Anyone is welcome   We will be outside again, so please bring layers if you need them. An indoor area is available to us in the case of rain but our first choice is to be outside.

This month our 5 min spiel speaker will be Kendra Pearce from Urban Farm School. Urban Farm School is a Clark County based small business that is dedicated to helping the common person find the knowledge and confidence to grow and preserve their own food.  UFS offers private garden and canning consultations, workshops, lectures, family events, and GardenforLife parties.  Please, visit www.urbanfarmschool.com for details about our services and upcoming class schedule.
 
Upcoming events in the area:     There is only a little time left to register for next Monday's Home Green Home WRED event. Registration must close at noon this Friday, September 25.

Solid waste managers, recycling advocates, green building professionals, city and county officials, environmental educators, homeowners, property managers and anyone interested in building, remodeling and managing greener homes and buildings of all types will want to participate in Home Green Home, the second Washington State Recycles Every Day event of 2009.

Scheduled for September 28 in Vancouver, Washington, the day starts with optional tours and includes presentations on recycling paint, hardwood floors made from waste, drywall recycling and environmentally appropriate cleaning products. Talks and guided tours will focus on reusing building materials and on electronics recycling. Lunch and a Q&A session with the speakers are included in the event.
Follow the link below for full details and registration options.

http://www.wsra.net/events/details.asp?Evid=66

Home Green Home
Monday, September 28, 2009
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
5000 E 4th Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661

Our very own Halloween costume party! Please mark your calendars for Friday October 30th at the ReStore. We are organizing live music, drinks, and costume prizes. So get creative, dream up a great costume, and join us as we mingle with fellow greenies. Anyone interested in donating a small prize for the costume contest, please let us know. More details soon to follow. Anyone is welcome ;-)  

Job Posting
Join Waste Connections, Inc., and Connect with Your Future!
The Waste Reduction Department of Waste Connections, Inc. supports the emerging sustainability movement in Clark County, WA, through waste reduction education and outreach programs. We are currently hiring a program coordinator to join our team.  
Evening and weekend work is required (typical 1-2 weekend days and 4-5 evenings per month). This position pays $16-17 an hr depending on experience.
Please do not call or stop by our local office.  Go to wasteconnections.com to apply online Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge of local recycling and waste reduction resources
Experience working in a small group
Independent and creative thinker
Experience giving presentations to large and small groups
Computer skills; Word, Excel, InDesign
Demonstrated experience working through projects from start to finish
Experience with event planning and implementation
Bachelors Degree required.
Successful candidates are those who seek to thrive in an environment of operational excellence and accountability. We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future". EOE  

We hope you can join us,   Laura Sauermilch and Terra Heilman

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

This Month in Real Estate - September 2009 National  Report


Here is September's national report. Would you like the local report for your neighborhood? Please call us any time.

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and BattleGround. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Jon and Shawna Triplett, first time home buyers in Vancouver Washington tells about their experience using Mark & Janice Hall and qualifying for their $8000 First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit. Who do you know how is looking to buy their first home? We can help!

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and BattleGround. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.

Travis Bankhead, first time home buyers in Vancouver Washington tells about his experience using Mark & Janice Hall. Who do you know how is looking to buy their first home? We can help!

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and BattleGround. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver Washington dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.