Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual for most homeowners: throwing out the old, dusting and shining up the new, and generally giving the whole house a thorough scrubbing and polishing. Environmental responsibility has added a new twist to this old tradition, however; many Austin residents now choose to go green when they spring clean. Here are some ways to improve your home’s environment while preserving the earth’s environment at the same time.

Downsize and minimize
Most homeowners accumulate a surprising amount of clutter over the years, keeping a wide array of items that are never used. By reducing the amount of unused items in your home, you can more easily keep it clean and organized, allowing your spring cleaning process to go more smoothly next year. It’s important to be realistic. If you’ve only used your elaborate espresso machine twice since you bought it, chances are you don’t really need it after all. By clearing out unused items, you can save on space and minimize your cleaning time considerably.

Don’t toss it, donate it
Used items in good repair are always in demand by various charities. Thrift stores and local organizations often derive a significant portion of their income from these donations. Depending on the specific charity, you may be able to donate:

• Clothing
• Books
• Furniture
• Automobiles
• Large and small appliances
• Tableware and silverware
• Toys
• Home décor

Best of all, you can often deduct the fair market value of donated items on next year’s tax return, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
A number of green cleansers are available on the market; alternatively, you can make your own with borax, baking soda, vinegar, and other natural substances. These are gentler on the environment and easier on your wallet as well. To avoid pests, use natural repellents like cedar wood, garlic, and various essential oils and herbs. Mice hate the smell of peppermint oil, for instance; sprinkling a few drops on a piece of cloth will help keep them out of your closet or kitchen.

Recycle
For items that can’t be reused or donated due to damage or wear, recycling is the next best thing. Used computer equipment, appliances, cell phones, plastics, glass, and paper can all be recycled through various companies and organizations. By minimizing the amount of trash that goes to landfills, you can help to keep the environment safe and minimize your environmental footprint.

By incorporating environmentally friendly methods into your spring cleaning routine, you can ensure that your home is a healthier, safer place to live both inside and out.

Very modern look, very modern technology!

Austin residents may soon get their first look at the ZeroHouse, a high-tech solution to the energy crisis that offers off-grid self-sufficiency for homeowners. Plans for the prototype include water conservation technology, a sizable composting unit, and two large solar energy panels; these features are intended to produce all the energy and water needed by residents within the house. Designed by Austin architects Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, the ZeroHouse requires no outside power or water supply and is designed to sit on four stainless-steel pillars; thus, it requires a minimal environmental footprint and is prefabricated for easy construction.

Specht and Harpman are seeking an investor to finance the building of the prototype, which is expected to cost between $300,000 and $350,000. The ZeroHouse will provide 650 square feet of interior living space and covered exterior decking that adds 250 more square feet outside; the architects are looking for someone to finance and live in the home, which they hope to construct in the Austin area. The prototype plans are optimized to provide the maximum amount of livable space for residents, and incorporates highly energy-efficient appliances and electronics in order to use the smallest amount of resources possible, making this home an environmentally sound choice for consumers.

The ZeroHouse is the latest addition to the class of net-zero houses, which boast that they are completely self-sustaining and have a net energy cost of zero, since they produce as much energy as they require. The ZeroHouse produces power through two sizable solar panels and collects and filters rainwater for household use; waste processing and disposal is accomplished by the automated composting system located under the house. This allows it to function off-grid, or without accessing the local electric company’s supply; in practice, these houses are generally hooked up to the local system and are compensated for the energy they supply to companies like AustinEnergy.

Austin is a leader in the green technology industrial market; this makes it a logical choice for Specht and Harpman’s project. City leaders have agreed to require that all new residential construction must be net-zero capable beginning in 2015; while this will not always be immediately possible due to differences in ground cover and lot placement, the goal is expected to spur even more green construction in Austin. The ZeroHouse is not for everyone; its high cost of construction and avant-garde styling may not suit all buyers. The lessons learned and the techniques used in its construction, however, are expected to carry over into traditional home building practices and reduce overall energy costs in Austin over the long run.

Austin's drawing new solar technolgy jobs and expertise to the area.

Austin is slated to receive $4.8 million in funding for job education and training in the high-demand field of solar technology through the U.S. Department of Labor. The program, administered by the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, is expected to provide training for approximately 1,000 workers in the Austin area, preparing them for crucial positions in solar power plants throughout the region and as far afield as Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona. The Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program is sponsored by a number of national and Austin-based groups, including the Austin Workforce Investment Board, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and ImagineSolar.

Part of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress, the initiative is one aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is intended to provide employment opportunities for veterans, women, and minorities as well as offering unemployed individuals the chance to learn a new set of job skills. Austin’s highly-trained workforce and commitment to green technology played a significant part in its selection; it is one of only 25 sites to receive similar funding. The initiative is slated to distribute $100 million in funds over the next year; grants available through the stimulus program range between $1.4 million and $5 million, making the Austin grant one of the largest distributed to local programs.

This news comes on the heels of an initial report by the Cleantech Group and Deloitte showing a 33% decline in venture capital investment in the green technology sector in 2009. While at first glance these figures seem to spell bad news for the overall clean and green technology industries, the overall picture for venture capital investment was far worse. In relative terms, green technologies still attract investors and funds at a higher rate than most other sectors of the investment economy. Solar technology still leads the pack, with about 21% of all green technology investment in this area.

Texas ranks third in green technology investment in the nation, with only California and Massachusetts investing more in this area. Austin is especially proactive in the area of green technology, with many homes and businesses incorporating solar collection and energy efficient design in their initial construction. The additional funding provided through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Program will help Austin remain on the cutting edge of clean, green energy sources and ensure a brighter economic outlook for the entire area.

Austin uses single stream recycling.

Austin has earned a reputation as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the nation, but this reputation has not come without cost. Austin’s current single-stream recycling program, which was instituted in October 2008, has cost the city over $2 million since it began. Single-stream recycling allows consumers to commingle all recyclable materials, including paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic, in one container. It is considered more convenient than recycling methods that require that individuals separate out the different types of recyclables into different bins.

The City of Austin has a contract with Greenstar to separate and accept the recyclable materials. The cost of the contract, however, has far exceeded initial estimates due to a sharp increase in recycling on the part of Austin’s residents. The ease of single-stream recycling is credited in part for this increase; another factor is the heightened awareness of environmental issues on the part of Austin residents. Regardless of the causes, Austin city residents have more than doubled their recycling volume since the implementation of single-stream recycling, and the figures continue to rise each month, creating an unexpected expense for the city and requiring a reevaluation of the recycling contract with Greenstar. The contract is currently under review by the city council to determine if it will be extended beyond its scheduled expiration in 2010 or if the cost of recycling materials can be reduced to a more affordable level by negotiating with the company for a longer-term contract.

Greenstar, based in San Antonio, has offered a number of alternatives that could bring prices down significantly. Austin city officials, however, have suggested a plan that would allow Austin to construct its own single-stream recycling facility and avoid the expense of outsourcing this activity to an outside vendor. Most independent analysts believe that the greatest savings over the long run would be achieved by this plan, which would require only a short-term extension of the Greenstar contract and allow the city of Austin to realize approximately $400,000 in savings over the duration of the extended contract term.

A decision on extending the contract is expected soon; city council members are considering three options, including one that will reduce Greenstar’s processing fees by approximately $20 per ton in return for an extension through 2013. If a new single-stream recycling facility is the chosen option, the resulting construction project is expected to provide employment for a number of commercial builders and environmental consultants who will be hired for the project. By constructing a single-stream recycling plant, Austin can continue to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility and green-friendly living while saving taxpayer money into the bargain.

Developer Magazine has announced its 2009 Sustainable Community of the Year. Mueller is located in the vibrant city center of Austin, Texas, and reflects Austin’s commitment to green technology and environmental responsibility. The development makes use of the land formerly devoted to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, reimagining it as a mixed-use urban environment incorporating commercial and residential elements in one unique package. Built by Catellus Development Corporation and designed by ROMA Design Group, the project is expected to provide approximately 10,000 construction jobs to Austin residents.

As a participant in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development program, the development requires that all residential construction in Mueller qualify for Austin Energy’s three-star energy-efficiency rating. In addition, commercial buildings within the development must meet LEED certification standards; this ensures that they will provide healthy and energy-efficient environments. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the first hospital ever to achieve LEED platinum certification and set the standard for new construction in Mueller. It is joined by the platinum-certified Ronald McDonald House and the silver-rated Dell Pediatric Research Institute; Mueller’s strict environmental standards ensure the highest level of green-friendly building possible.

Mueller already boasts over 200 three-star rated homes; the community is eventually slated to provide 4,600 residential units, of which one-fourth will be devoted to low and middle-income housing. Entry-level homes are designed to provide a point of access to the housing market for younger buyers, while a senior living community is expected to provide affordable housing for older residents. Ultimately it is planned that 10,000 residents will be served by the Mueller development. Green space and parks comprise twenty percent of the development and occupy 140 acres, providing families with safe places to relax and play together.

Mueller is the result of a partnership between Austin and Catellus Development and is centrally located to allow easy access to major employers within the metropolitan area. Situated just two miles from the University of Texas campus and three miles from downtown businesses, Mueller earns high marks for its pedestrian-friendly design and well-planned transportation routes. The development will eventually include over four million square feet of retail and employment opportunities, allowing many residents to live and work in the same area and eliminating lengthy commutes. Austin Energy’s on-site power plant is environmentally advanced and provides green energy for the development.

Mueller offers unique advantages to residents and businesses; as a result, it has gained local support and is considered one of the most innovative and green-friendly projects of its kind anywhere in the United States. Recreational, retail, employment, and residential areas coexist harmoniously and provide a cohesive and sustainable community in the heart of Austin.

If you are selling your home you have no doubt heard the term ‘curb appeal’; your landscaping is the cornerstone of that curb appeal. With the right look your home can be both appealing and cost effective. Although you have several options for your landscaping, the best choices come from home. Texas is full of beautiful options that will enthrall your mind and delight your budget. Some of the options available are considered to be succulent. This becomes advantageous for drought and budget.

Lantana is a wonderful trailing flowering plant for central Texas.

Texas has endured both a drought and flood, so the right planets can make a big difference. The succulence that most people think about are cactus, however they are not the only plants that require less water. There are some beautiful flowering options that will thrive in your Austin, Texas landscape.

One good flowering option is the Snap Dragon, a simply beautiful cluster of color and life for any Texas home.  The Snap Dragon does not require excessive amounts of water and it survives in both heat and cold well. Agave plant is another nice, decorative plant that fairs well in drought and can add beauty to your home. Placed well, the Agave can complement the entire property. There is also the common Cactus plants that grow throughout the western part of the United States, Texas included.

The National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set requirements and standards that all states are legally bound to adhere to, in the Clean Air Act. These are designed to reduce green house emissions from cars, and other modes of transportation. Texas, like every other state, is permitted to set up their own method of enforcement and focal areas. Annually the EPA will take time to evaluate a state and their policies to make sure they are in line with the anticipated task.

After review this year, the EPA has determined that Texas does not reach the predetermined goals, making numerous violations. The worst offenders are Dallas and Houston which have never fallen within clean air standards. Currently Austin metro area is teetering on the edge of those standards. By regulating vehicle emissions in Travis and Williamson counties, Austin was able to avoid federal clean air management. This year it does not look good, as the requirements have become more stringent. This just means that Texas needs to clear the air on what can and can’t be done to keep it clean.

Currently as a result of this year’s evaluations, Texas officials are working with the EPA to ascertain how to approach this situation and how to maximize efforts to minimize noxious gases in the air. In this effort more than 30 new proposals have been made for the management of emissions from cars and vehicles to businesses and energy factories.

Austin Water Utility Inspector has cleared the way for environmental housing builders to offer a new option to home owners. It is an environmentally friend toilet, one that both saves on drinking water and helps farmers and gardeners develop some of the best fertilizer available. This amazing option is the composting toilet.

This is the only composting toilet that I was aware of... until now.

This design uses the alchemy brought by bacteria to transform the human waste into the rich resource rich soil. Some who specialize in this field are referring to it as humanure. This particular design and approval is hailed as the common sense environmental alternative. This mode of waste disposal uses saw dust to flush the waste instead of water. This step saves on or extends the drinking water quality liquid available for washing and drinking. This design also saves on the power required to pump the water, filter, treat and clean the water once it has been used.

As you can see, Austin is stepping up once again as the top green city. Moving toward lowering overall carbon foot print, Austin is enabling home builders and owners to select this new option. As with all forms of sewage facilities, it is regulated by your local city and must be approved on that level. Be sure you check with your local officials regarding regulations.

Austin Energy has a program developed to help residents, business owners and property investors reach for a greener environment. They offer green education programs, assistance and consulting on all levels of real estate. To further show their commitment to the community as a whole they also offer free home energy improvements to those who qualify.

This program is targeted to the low and moderate income range, and is designed to improve the energy efficiency of the living space. This of course improves the energy costs of the home and enhances the comfort level and lifestyle.

If they need to, Austin Energy will provide and install the needed materials for attic insulation, duct repair and or sealing, plumbing caulking as needed. If need be they will even take time to update the weather stripping around the doors and install solar screens. With these minor changes a home’s energy value can increase dramatically. With Austin Energy’s program, anyone who qualifies can see the benefits rapidly in their bill.

Visit: Austin Energy to see if you qualify.

You have amazing plans. They involve you buying a house that might need a little work but has a lot of potential. You’ll take that potential and use it to create a green haven. Your home will be more eco-friendly than even you had ever imagined. Everything in it will work to sustain some part of the environment, from the roof, which will hold a garden, to the cooling system, which will be energy efficient and made from recycled parts. You have grand plans, but there is one small problem: your wallet, for the money in your savings and checking accounts won’t go as far as you may think.

HyoJung Kim and husband Seth Garland of New York both thought they could easily renovate their home, making it green for as little as $70,000. What they found instead was that going green was putting them in the red. Units that were energy efficient and moderately priced were costing them thousands of extra dollars to install. Architectural designs that would save money in the future were causing complications and costing money they didn’t have in the present. And the falling real estate market was only adding to the real estate debt they had already accumulated. To make ends meet, they had to forgo many of their plans, sell their mortgaged condo and attempt to make the house, rather than a green place to live, a livable place to live.

Before you wind up in the same situation as Kim and Garland, assess your finances. Whatever you imagine it will cost to make all of the renovations you are envisioning, add a little more. And then, find ways to go green that you can afford. You don’t have to knock down walls, build roof gardens or use only plastic plumbing to help the Earth. There are other things you can do, less costly things that will keep the world and you in the green.