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What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? : ENERGY STAR What is ENERGY STAR? | Newsroom Search What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Homebuyer Resources New Homes Partner Locator For Residential Building Professionals PRODUCTS HOME IMPROVEMENT NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PARTNER RESOURCES -- Home > New Homes > What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? -- -- What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of: building envelope upgrades, high performance windows, controlled air infiltration, upgraded heating and air conditioning systems, tight duct systems and upgraded water-heating equipment. These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality. Here are some questions commonly asked about ENERGY STAR qualified homes: Look for this label when buying your next home. How does a home earn the ENERGY STAR label? The ENERGY STAR label is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified, either by an independent third-party such as an accredited home energy rater or Builder Option Package (BOP) verifier , or by adhering to the quality control procedures established for HUD-code manufactured homes . What types of homes can earn the ENERGY STAR label? Any single-family or multi-family residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label. This includes traditional site-constructed homes as well as modular, systems-built (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally insulated panels), and HUD-code manufactured homes. Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR? Yes. Existing homes can be qualified for the ENERGY STAR label if they meet ENERGY STAR's performance guidelines. However, it is not always practical or cost-effective to bring an existing home to this level of efficiency. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of existing homes can often be greatly improved using cost-effective retrofit techniques. Visit Home Improvement to learn how. Do energy-efficient homes look different? No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified new homes do not have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home can be built in whatever style the consumer prefers or is most popular in a particular geographic region. Does an energy-efficient home cost more? No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less because you will spend less on your new home's utility bill each month. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow. Further, ENERGY STAR financing partners offer special mortgage packages for buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes. How will I know if a home is labeled ENERGY STAR? Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been verified to meet EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines. How can I participate in ENERGY STAR as a home industry professional? ENERGY STAR currently partners with four main types of home industryprofessionals: homebuilders, home energy raters, utilities and other sponsoring organizations, and home lenders . After completing and signing a partnership agreement, partners can take advantage of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR name, logos, and a variety of other marketing resources. Other home industry professionals can promote ENERGY STAR as well. Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes > Products | Home Improvement | New Homes | Business Improvement | Partner Resources Newsroom | Privacy | Contact Us | Site Index EPA Home EPA Search DOE Home DOE Search

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VEF - french property estate agents: properties for sale in france VEF - French Property Consultants. VEF are estate agents, based in both the UK and France, who offer property for sale in France . As a French property consultant who specialises in the sale of French properties, VEF can offer all different kinds of property in various regions of France including Charente, Dordogne, Brittany, Limousin, Languedoc, Limousin Heights, Loire, Pyrenées Atlantiques, Gers in Gascony, Aquitaine, Burgundy, Nice, Toulouse, Provence and Deux-Sèvres, Midi-Pyrenées. -- The French Property Estate Agents Offering Properties for Sale in France - VEF cheap french property property for sale in france UK-based French property estate agents , VEF , specialise in the sale of property in France . French regions we, as estate agents , have property for sale in France include Aquitaine, Brittany, Charente, Dordogne, Gers in Gascony, Burgundy, Languedoc, Pyrenées Atlantiques, Limousin, Limousin Heights, Loire, Nice, Midi-Pyrenées, Provence, Toulouse and Deux-Sevres. We are a team of professional UK estate agents who can offer the knowledge of 14 years of estate agent / property consultant experience to purchasers of French property . Based in both the UK and France , we have our main office in the UK capital of London and a branch office in Dublin, Ireland and have many regional estate agent offices around France; Deux-Sevres, Gers in Gascony, Limousin, Pyrenées Atlantiques, Burgundy, Midi-Pyrenées, Toulouse, Charente, Brittany, Aquitaine, Dordogne, Limousin Heights, Loire, Languedoc, Provence and Nice. Only property that is truly for sale and that has been personally viewed by one of our French-based staff is listed for sale on our website. The VEF website is updated daily so that there are never any sold properties on the site. The French properties which are for sale, have been inspected by a professional consultant in France and has been selected as being amongst the best the region has to offer. The French regions that our French estate agent / consultant services currently have properties for sale in are Aquitaine, Burgundy, Midi-Pyrenées, Pyrenées Atlantiques, Provence, Toulouse, Deux-Sevres, Languedoc, Gers in Gascony, Loire, Nice, Dordogne, Charente, Limousin Heights, Limousin and Brittany. VEF attend more than 30 exhibitions each year throughout the UK and Europe. Our UK estate agents and property consultants from the UK and France advise people on what type of home to buy and where to buy it (VEF currently cover many regions including Toulouse , Aquitaine , Charente , Pyrenées Atlantiques , Limousin , Loire , Nice , Provence , Languedoc , Midi-Pyrenées , Burgundy , Deux-Sevres , Brittany , Dordogne , Gers in Gascony and Limousin Heights ). VEF consultants work closely with the media to bring the latest news of France and its properties to the public. Wherever you first meet VEF, you will be met by a fully professional service. So if you're wishing to find properties for sale in France that are some of the best the country has to offer then come to VEF. VEF are UK estate agents / property consultants who can offer properties in many regions including Provence, Nice, Dordogne, Pyrenées Atlantiques, Languedoc, Gers in Gascony, Burgundy, Aquitaine, Limousin, Loire, Brittany, Toulouse, Limousin Heights, Midi-Pyrenées, Charente and Deux-Sevres. VEF can help you purchase property for sale in France New build houses across France, Italy, Span and Croatia for sale with VEF Find French mortgages with VEF VEF help people buying property for sale in france property for sale in france buying in france feeling for france property for sale in france search for international new build property for sale in france, italy and spain investing in overseas property legal services: buying french property property news from france french property exhibitions and seminars my VEF: premier french property club contact vef: french estate agents french property buying property in france feeling for france - information about french regions feeling for france - information about local offices french property for sale search for international new build development property for sale in france, italy and spain property investments legal services for buying property in france property news from france french property exhibitions and seminars my vef - register with vef online for the premier french property club contact us buying property in france french property for sale france real estate france property for sale property in france french property

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Virginia Real Estate: Charlottesville, Richmond, Northern Va Virginia Real Estate, Homes, Farms and Land, Charlottesville, Richmond, Northern VA WELCOME to the leading online Virginia real estate site for property listings and some of the finest luxury homes, land and farms for sale in the state, including equestrian acreage, beautiful country estates, condominiums and residential properties. The glorious landscape, radiant skyline and rolling hills that cascade along the country side of stately manor homes and luxurious estates that comprise our Northern Va, Richmond and Charlottesville real estate listings offer a peaceful and enlightening backdrop for raising a family and living life to its fullest. When you are ready to search for and/or sell your home and need an experienced Virginia real estate agent , consider the realtors that who strive to provide the best personalized and professional service for each and every client. We feature some of the finest Virginia MLS properties and offer experienced relocation services for Charlottesvi l le real estate , Albemarle County, Scottsville, Va., Madison, Greene, Scottsville, Augusta County, Richmond MLS, Central Va., Northern Va. and beyond... See our Statewide Exceptional Properties See our Middleburg Exceptional Properties FEATURED VIRGINIA HOMES FOR SALE Virginia Real Estate in Charlottesville, Scottsville, Augusta County, Staunton, Northern VA We maintain strategic partnerships in order to provide additional Virginia realtor and home buying , sales, services and resources in Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William County, Middleburg and Rappahannock, including homes, estates, farms and land for sale. Listing some of the most beautiful estates properties and residential real estate in Virginiahomes in the Old Dominion , o ur professional realtors, agents and luxury realty brokers are ready to find the right home for you. If you are searching for a home neighboring the nicest folk in the country, look no further than the Old Dominion, where peace of mind comes naturally. We are the Virginia realtors with residential homes for sale and luxury real estate from in and around town and across the state, not only Central Va and Richmond , but also Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Wintergreen, Staunton VA real estate , Nelson County, Greene County, Madison County, Scottsville , Augusta County, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William County. Among our Virginia real estate listings and properties, you will find a balanced climate, and a venerable tradition of social and economic stability that have combined to create what Thomas Jefferson called "the Eden of the United States." Perhaps that is why Jefferson chose the Charlottesville country side, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, to build his home, Monticello, and to found the University of Va. Charlottesville is a cultural hub permeating with a laid-back, enjoy-life attitude, and one of the best places to experience this first-hand is on the Historic Downtown Mall. Closed to vehicles, the Downtown Mall is a brick-paved, pedestrian-friendly row of lively restaurants, cafés, and bars—most with outdoor seating under the tall, shady oak tress, and many amplified in the evening with live local jazz, rock, funk, and more. If you decide to choose a life amidst the beauty, peace, serenity and security of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find that at any one time, the market offers a broad selection of properties and Va homes for sale, from Colonial farm houses to Jefferson-type estates in a wide range of prices. In addition, the market for attractive and luxurious Virginia homes for sale extends up and down the valley, from Northern to Central Va. stretching beyond the mountains to the eastern shore beaches. Take a tour in whatever location you choose with one of our qualified relocation agents or find your perfect luxury home within our pages and pages of featured property listings drawn from area association MLS multiple listing services. We offer a wide range of properties, land, houses, luxury real estate and homes for sale by owner - whether it is a country cottage or an elegant estate with farm land in Albemarle County, Va., or a condominium in Northern Virginia, we specialize in representing your interests in all aspects of the contractual process and promise to find the best available property at the best price. Our Virginia realtors and agents list some the most beautiful properties and homes and land for sale in the Charlottesville MLS/IDX, Richmond area real estate, the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Va, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Middleburg. Our selected luxury estates, residential homes, Virginia horse farms, land and equestrian real estate property range from any where around $250,000 to well over $1 million. With a plethora of beautiful estates, manor homes, luxury real estate, Virginia farms and down-home country estates, the great countryside of Virginia is a sanctuary for those looking to escape "the big-city life". Please make sure that you look through all of our estates, land and farm listings from Charlottesville, Richmond and Northern Virginia. Quick Site Map Welcome to Virginia | Virginia Home | Our Realtors & Agents | State Photo Tour | Va Realtor Services | Real Estate Services Statewide Exceptional Homes | Charlottesville, Albemarle Co. Homes | Charlottesville MLS Search | Richmond Va Real Estate Scottsville Homes for Sale in Albemarle Co. | Lynchburg, Va, Amherst County Homes | Staunton Va, Augusta Co. Real Estate Nelson County, Va, Wintergreen Properties | Madison. Greene County Properties | Northern Va Homes for Sale | Arlington Va Fairfax | Prince William County | Rappahannock Va Land & Acreage | Middleburg Homes | Middleburg Exceptional Properties About Virginia Real Estate | Moving, Relocation Resources | Moving to Charlottesville | Home Buying | Selling Your Home Charlottesville, Albemarle Co., Central Virginia Agents & Realtors | Northern Virginia Realtors | Richmond Va Area Realtors Unique Homes | Equestrian Farms | Golf Properties | Historic Homes | Waterfront Estates | Moving to Charlottesville, Va About Charlottesville Real Estate | About Albemarle County, Va | About Central Virginia | About the University of Virginia About Madison County, Greene County | About Wintergreen | About Middleburg | About Northern Va | About Richmond SITE FEEDBACK © 2000-2005 Virginia Estates/Frank Hardy Properties, All Rights Reserved 1575 State Farm Blvd, Suite 5 Charlottesville, Va 22901 directions | disclaimer | site map

Rental Property

Luxury Vail Vacation Home Rentals :: Vail Vacation Condo Rentals Vail Activities Make Sure To Ask About The Peak Properties Vail Cookbook! Exclusive Vacation Rentals Vail Colorado Rental Properties Planning a vacation? Colorado has a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor activities and Vail tops the list of vacation hot spots! With amazing skiing, hiking, biking, dining, shopping and sight-seeing Vail, Colorado offers real world charm in a relaxing atmosphere. Peak Properties proudly offers an impressive portfolio of Vail Valley vacation rentals. From well appointed condominiums , to luxurious private residences with prestigious addresses, Peak Properties is your home away from home. Our dedicated staff will work with you to ensure a memorable vacation experience. Whether you are planning a winter/spring ski trip or a visit during the beautiful summer months, Peak Properties is able to fulfill your lodging needs year round. Let us make your dream vacation a reality. Come experience all that Vail has to offer, from the legendary Back Bowls to award winning cuisine, boutiques, spas and art galleries, Vail has it all. We are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome you to Vail, Colorado as our guest, and we look forward to assisting you in planning the perfect Rocky Mountain vacation. Featuring a full concierge service, we are happy to accommodate your every request. Enjoy the very best that a Vail, Colorado vacation has to offer in one of our unique condo or home rentals . We have added property ratings to all of our properties. Each of our rental properties was inspected by the Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau and rated based on the Lodging Quality Assurance Program guidelines. Properties are given ratings based on the interior room quality. View an explanation of property ratings . Let Our Vail Condo or Vail Vacation Home complete your Colorado Vacation VAIL COLORADO PROPERTY MAP - LOW QUALITY VAIL MAP .PDF / HIGH QUALITY VAIL MAP .PDF Vail Homes | Vail Condos | Rental Rates Book Online | Concierge | | Contact Us Contact Us | Partners | Careers | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy © 2004 Peak Properties. All Rights Reserved. .

Real estate agents help

Real Estate Agent Printer-friendly version ( HTML ) Real Estate Agent What is this job like? | How do you get ready? | How much does this job pay? | How many jobs are there? | What about the future? | Are there other jobs like this? | Where can you find more information? What is this job like? Back to Top Real estate agents help people buy and sell houses. They must be able to say approximately how much money a house is worth. They need to know what the neighborhoods in their towns are like. They must know the laws that have to do with buying or selling a house. They also can tell home buyers where to get a loan if they need more money to buy a house. In return for selling a house, real estate agents get to keep a small part of the money that the buyer paid for it. Real estate agents work for real estate brokers. Real estate brokers manage real estate offices. People who want to buy a house often ask a real estate agent to help them. They meet with the agent to tell him or her what kind of house they want. They must also discuss how much money they can afford to spend. The agent then takes them to see houses for sale. Buying a house is a very important decision because houses cost a lot of money. This means that buyers often want to look at many houses before they decide to buy one. Real estate agents also sell houses for people. They help the seller set the price for the house. To do this, they must know what the house is like. They must also figure out what people would be willing to pay for the house so that it will sell quickly. They make sure that people see ads for the house so that they can think about buying it. Once a person agrees to buy a house, real estate agents still have work to do. They must fill out special forms that let everyone know that the house has a new owner. Both the buyer and the seller of the house must sign these forms for the sale of the house to be legal. Often, the agents must help the buyer to get a loan from the bank to pay for the house. Real estate agents generally work in offices. Since much information about properties is available over the Internet, some agents can work out of their own homes. In either case, however, much of their time is spent outside the office showing houses to buyers. Sometimes they must leave the office to meet with people who have houses to sell. Good real estate agents also spend time away from the office finding out more about the houses in their town that might one day be up for sale. Agents often work more than 40 hours a week. They often must work in the evening or on weekends. This is because most buyers and sellers are free only at those times. How do you get ready? Back to Top Real estate agents must have a license from the State in which they work. To get a license, a person must have graduated from high school. The person must be at least 18 years old and pass a written test. In some States, a person who wants to be a real estate agent must go to a special school for a few months. Sometimes it helps to take some college courses about real estate. This is because the process of selling a house can be hard to understand. Good real estate agents must get along well with buyers and sellers. It helps if real estate agents are pleasant and dress neatly. They should be well organized and be able to remember people's names. They should deal honestly with people and have good manners. They must also be very eager to sell houses, which is sometimes a lot of hard work. How much does this job pay? Back to Top Most real estate agents do not get a regular paycheck. Instead, they get part of the money that the home buyer pays to the home seller when a house is sold. This means that agents who sell more houses earn more money. It also means that agents who sell more expensive houses earn more. The middle half of all real estate agents earned between $21,010 and $52,860 a year in 2002. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $15,480. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $83,780 a year. The middle half of all real estate brokers earned between $29,240 and $90,170 a year in 2002. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $17,290. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $145,600 a year. How many jobs are there? Back to Top Real estate agents and brokers held about 407,000 jobs in 2002. Many work part time, and have other jobs as well. Most real estate agents work in large cities. Many also work in smaller cities that are growing quickly. This is because there are more houses being bought and sold in such places. What about the future? Back to Top The number of jobs for real estate agents is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. This is partly because more information about real estate is available on the Internet. This allows agents to conduct more business in less time, so fewer agents are needed. It should be rather easy to find a job as a real estate agent. This is because many agents find that they cannot sell enough houses to be successful, so they quit their jobs. Only people who enjoy selling, and are good at it, should try to become real estate agents. Are there other jobs like this? Back to Top Insurance sales agents Retail salespersons (car salespersons, etc.) Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Travel agents Where can you find more information? Back to Top More BLS information about real estate brokers and sales agents can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook . The Handbook also shows where to find out even more about this job. Last Modified Date: October 21, 2004