Well, maybe not a mass exodus right now but people are definitely re-thinking their commute time and cost, which may result more people moving closer to work and big cities. Many times, moving closer to the city means smaller homes, less square feet and less commute time. However, prices can be higher than in the suburbs. So, for those looking to buy a home, are you willing to pay a little more for a house to cut down on travel time and commute costs? That's the question people are asking. A move like this could be worth an additional $30,000 towards the purchase of a home...
Continue reading "Are Gas Prices Causing A Suburbian Exodus?" »
Starwood Hotels has confirmed that its newest brand, ELEMENT hotels, will require all of its developments to pursue LEED certification from the USGBC. ELEMENT'S key green features include daylighting, energy-efficient appliances and water-efficient faucets. The first of such properties is scheduled to open this July in Lexington, Massachusetts. 
If Pottery Barn built green homes on white sandy beaches with views of the Pacific Ocean, they wouldn't do it any better than Seabrook Land Company's Seabrook community. Spearheaded by town founder & president, Casey Roloff, Seabrook is an "authentic beach town atop a well-situated bluff on the Washinton State coast (
I got an invite from the FHA Mortgage Center today about a contest they are running for real estate bloggers. So, I submitted Equity Green to the contest and we will see if it can make some noise over the next month. The contest runs through June 1st and they give out prizes based on votes received, Editor's Choice, etc. They have a 
Driving through Southern Utah, there are three things that always catch my attention. The red rock terrain, the green golf courses, and the heat. Just last week, my wife and I drove through St. George and it was probably 85 degrees...in April. Temperatures start to average in the mid 80's starting in May and usually last till October, getting to the upper 90's and 100's in June, July, August and September. The heat provides the perfect opportunity for residents to embrace green building...and that seems to be the case in St. George. A housing panel is weighing plans for the construction of a green housing development aimed at households earning between 60% and 110% of the area median income. The Flats at South Point will save residents 50% or more on heating and cooling costs and will have a targeted home value between $180,000 and $230,000 . An affordable green development in the ballpark of $135 per square foot. That's awesome! The first phase of construction is slated for completion around July 2008. 
10 cities have been chosen by the AIA's Center for Communities by Design to work with architects and local stakeholders to work out a plan for implementing sustainability. By participating, the cities, which include Detroit, Tampa, New Orleans and Fort Worth (and 6 other cities), will be able to mentor and provide a blueprint to neighboring cities on how to implement various aspects of sustainability. The program will address neighborhood revitalization, transportation infrastructure challenges, as well as offer strategies to improve air and water quality.
