Welcome to EcoMark Realty

What side of the climate change debate are you on? Both sides of the debate are interestingly displayed here.   Climate Change Deniers vs The Consensus | Information Is Beautiful http://bit.ly/9L3Fjs

In keeping with our green initiatives EcoMark moved into a new office. Green Spaces (at 26th and Walnut) is our new home effective March 1, 2010.  Green Spaces is a place where the green economy connects and is fostered through events, workshops and outreach to green businesses in Denver and nationwide.  Says EcoMark Realty managing broker Lori Morris, “We have found an ideal place to grow our green real estate business.  We love our new workspace and are excited to be working along side other “green” business entrepreneurs.”  And yes, it is a dog friendly environment too.  (Notice Apollo on the couch…)

EcoMark Realty team members Mike Shank and Lori Morris attended the New Town Builders dinner and cocktails at the Hotel Monaco on February 25.  New Town Builders is a true “green” builder who does a HERS (home energy rating system) test on each of it’s homes.  New Town Builders has communities in Westminster and Stapleton.  Lori and Mike had the opportunity to talk to CEO Gene Myers who told us that when it comes to HERS “your score matters, and (like golf) a lower score  is better.”  EcoMark Realty specializes in green and energy efficient residential real estate communities and can help anyone achieve greater energy efficiency in their home.

Wondering what tax credits are available from the Stimulus plan for home energy efficiency?  I found this list on the Energy Star website:  Tax Credits and Rebates Info

EcoMark Realty is named one of Denver’s Top 50 Green Business by Denver’s Green Route.  EcoMark Realty team members are Green real estate specialists in Stapleton and the Denver metro area.  Team members attended Denver’s Green Route launch party at Green Spaces in downtown Denver February 18, 2010.  Team members pictured are Lori Morris, Jake DiRe, Mike Shank and Lindsay Mick.  ”We are proud and excited to be part of this innovative green community.”  Lori Morris said.  EcoMark Realty helps residential real estate clients maximize their homes energy efficiency and sustainability.

The EcoMark Realty team (specializing in green and sustainable real estate) went to a energy star certification inspection at a Stapleton development on February 3, 2010.  The energy star inspector was giving us a tour and showing us the features that make the home energy star rated.  The homebuilder was also present at the inspection and commented that “buyer’s didn’t seem to care about all the energy efficiency features.”  I found that surprising in view of the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey finding that 87% of buyers were especially concerned about a home being energy efficient.  Here’s more proof that buyer’s are indeed concerned.  According to NAR here’s what buyer’s want:

1. Large kitchens with islands
2. Energy efficiency, including energy-efficient appliances, super insulation, and high-efficiency windows.
3. Home offices
4. Main-floor master suite
5. Outdoor living space
6. Ceiling fans
7. Soaking tub in the master suite and/or an oversize shower with a seating area
8. Stone and brick exteriors rather than stucco or vinyl
9. Community walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages, but three-car garages are even more desirable

Source: MarketWatch, Steve Kerch (01/30/2010)

We are a dog friendly real estate company!  Meet our new Chairman…

It seems “fix & flippers” will now be able to take advantage of the influx of first-time FHA buyers currently looking to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit. FHA is temporarily lifting a prohibition against providing FHA mortgage insurance for homes that are purchased and resold within 90 days (a common practice of “Fix & Flip” investors). The waiver allowing houses to be purchased with FHA mortgages, begins February 1 and is effective for one year. Hopefully this will make more homes available to first-time home buyers. Conditions attached to the waiver are expected to prevent what HUD called “predatory practices” by requiring “flippers” who resell within 90 days of purchase at a price that is 20 percent higher, to justify the increase by showing how much was spent on repairs and renovation.

Our global family needs our help. It is easy and safe to donate $10.00 to the Haitian people by texting “Haiti” to 20222 or to 90999. All of us at EcoMark Realty have contributed. Will you join us?

Exciting news! We are now EcoMark Realty. (We used to be “group”.) We are now captain’s of our own destiny and better able to serve our clients as we choose. We are your green real estate experts and can help with all your real estate needs, first and foremost keeping sustainability in mind. EcoMark Realty’s mission is sustainability in our business practices, our client relationships, and the environment. Give us a call at 720-366-4859.