Welcome to EcoMark Realty

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.

President Obama announced today the proposal of  ”Cash for Caulkers” a new goverment program to give up to $12k in rebates to homeowners who use energy efficient appliances and insulation in their homes. Large items inspected to be included in the program include: air conditioners, heating systems, washing machines, refridgerators, windows and insulation.

We know energy efficiency “creates jobs, saves money for families, and reduces the pollution that threatens our environment,” Obama said. “With additional resources, in areas like advanced manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, we can help turn good ideas into good private-sector jobs.”

Source:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cash-for-Caulkers-could-mean-cnnm-1594823266.html?x=0&.v=1

Alex and Jake have recently been exploring Google’s new Wave real time communication and collaboration tool and we are excited to introduce it to the rest of the group!

EcoMark Group is proud to present Beverly Leon as the winner of the Bronco ticket giveaway for the game on November 22nd against the San Diego Chargers!! Thank you to all who entered and look for more giveaways to come!

This clip features the importance of having an energy audit to determine what you can do to your home to save money and the environment!

 http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/33964031#33964031