Home Mortgage

Mortgage Home Mortgages loans Refinance Mortgage! Home Sell a Home Buy a Home Services Mortgages City Profiles Appraisals -- -- Discount Mortgages Select one of the options below to get started on a loan, or to speak with a live loan officer Please call 1-800-516-5524 . Home Purchase Qualify for more...before Interest rates rise! Unbiased help and advice, approval in minutes. * Home purchase * Get preapproved * Credit problems? No Money Down Mortgage Financing We have a mortgage for you! or Refinance Mortgage Even if you refinanced recently, only a 1/2% drop in your rate can save you thousands. * Search current mortgage rates * Home equity loans * Credit problems? Home Equity & Debt Consolidation Loans Home equity loans for any reason, home improvements, purchase a car, college tuition and other expenses. Consolidation loans to reduce your monthly expenses, consolidate all of your bills into one low payment. No appraisal. Mobile notary. Guarantee lowest cost. * Instant Approvals * 125% loans Local Service Providers Our Local Service Provider Search empowers you to make an informed mortgage decision. Our Mortgage partners have helped our users save thousands! Please type in your zip code to find a local provider nearest you. Zip Code: -- Mortgage Calculators Mortgage Loan Calculator Mortgage Qualifier Refinance Breakeven Refinance Interest Savings 15 Year vs. 30 Year Mortgage Mortgage Tax Savings Calculator Amortizing Loan Calculator Loan Comparison Calculator Debt Consolidation Calculator Rent vs. Buy Calculator Privacy & Disclaimer Partner With Us Career Opportunities Press Room Contact Us © 1997-2003 For Sale By Owner.com Site Map Home

real estate broker, who

Real Estate - Forbes.com U.S. | EUROPE | ASIA Jump Select Section Home Investment Newsletters Polls & Discussions Premium Tools Special Reports Video & Audio Watchlist IT Research Library IT Product & Service Search Business -Manufacturing -Technology -Commerce -Services -Energy -Healthcare -Small Business Technology -E-Business -Enterprise Tech -Infoimaging -Personal Tech -Science & Medicine -Wireless Markets -Equities -Economy -Commodities -Bonds -Emerging Markets -Currencies Work -Careers -Compensation -Entrepreneurs -Management Lists -Companies --Forbes 500s --Forbes Global 500 --200 Best Small Cos. --400 Best Big Cos. --Largest Private Cos. -People --World's Richest People --100 Top Celebrities --400 Richest Americans --Best Paid CEOs -Places --Best Places Personal Finance -Estate Planning -Funds -Philanthropy -Retirement -Strategies -Taxes Lifestyle -Collecting -Health -Real Estate -Sport -Travel -Vehicles -Wine & Food Columnists Magazines -Forbes Magazine -Forbes Global -Forbes FYI -Forbes ASAP -Best of the Web -Archives -Subscriptions Tools About Us Contact Us Help Reprints/Permissions Sitemap Advertising Conferences Forbes Collection Forbes Mobile Special Advertising Search Quote HOME PAGE FOR THE WORLD'S BUSINESS LEADERS Home Special Advertising Section Paid Advertisement Article When it comes to Real Estate, Knowing Your Stuff is the Key to Success Are you looking to buy or sell a home or other piece of property? The real estate market is a difficult one, and should not be entered casually. With the right information, you can make your venture a success, but all to often lack of foresight and failure to do the proper exploration leave consumers in unfortunate situations that are difficult to rectify. An educated consumer is a happy consumer, and in no market is this truer than the property market. Before you commit, learn as much as you can – whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll never regret doing a little extra research. Real Estate Basics To begin with the basics, let’s consider a few definitions. “Real Property” is legally defined as “land and improvements permanently attached to the land.” Improvements include everything from houses and garages to in-ground swimming pools, but exclude portable items like mobile homes and tool sheds. Also included in real property are substances beneath the land, such as gas, minerals and oil. There are many types of real estate, but most consumers will encounter only two: single-family homes and commercial property. Commercial property may include spaces used for retail, office, shopping, hotels, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, apartment complexes, as well as vacant land zoned to be used for any of those purposes. Aside from specialty properties like farms and industrial sites, almost any property to be used for anything besides a single-family homes is considered commercial. Different rules govern transactions involving each kind of property, and it’s important to know what you will encounter before you get started. The use of any property is limited by zoning laws, which govern the purpose – for example, housing, retail, or industrial – for which the real estate can be used. Zoning laws also restrict the size and height of buildings, the portion of property that may be used for parking, how far buildings must be set from the street and from each other, and whether and what kind of hazardous materials can be stored there. Public easement and right of way laws, which fall into the general category of zoning, outline whether and which parts of private property must be reserved for public use, usually in the form of sidewalks, electrical lines, sewer pipes, fire hydrants and similar public goods. Laws differ from town to town, so if you are looking at multiple locations, keep track of how each municipality’s rules will affect how you can use your property. Choosing a Real Estate Professional Although some people prefer to work on their own, it is usually good to hire a licensed real estate professional if you are looking to buy or sell a house. You may choose between a real estate broker, who is independently licensed to review the entire market and show any house that suits your needs, and a real estate agent who works for a specific company and is usually restricted to showing properties in that company’s listings. Which one you choose will depend on your needs, budget, and the number of real estate companies competing in your area. If there are a large number of companies, you may do better with a broker, but if there are only a few, you can save money by using an agent. No matter what type of professional you choose, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. How does the agent or broker intend to market your house? How successful has he been in the past, particularly with homes in your range and area? If he is an agent, what is his company’s track record? What is the time limit on the contract you will sign, and can you break it if you’re dissatisfied? Do you feel comfortable that he understands your needs and will work hard to meet them? Recall that, above all, real estate agents are salespeople, so be sure that you are confident that they are working with you as well as for their employers. A great way to narrow down choices is to check the Internet for websites that compare companies and agents in your area. You may also want to talk with friends who have recently moved about their experiences with local agents and brokers. Buying and Selling: What You Need to Know When you are in the market to buy, your individual situation will determine whether or not to hire a professional. You may find that you can do well enough finding suitable listings without the help of an agent. However, if you live in a city where good housing is scarce, you may want to engage someone to help you discern the good from the bad. Real estate agents can also be very helpful when it’s time to close the deal, sorting out what items are included with the house (for example, appliances and furnishings) and working with the seller to divide costs fairly. Although it is possible to sell your home without professional help, but this should be attempted with great caution. A real estate professional will help sort through potential buyers to find people who are serious, work with to get a fair price for your property, and be indispensable at closing time when it comes to dividing up property taxes and other shared costs. In general, as a seller, you should expect to run up against a number of expenses when you close on your house. These may include excise tax (a tax levied on the seller of any property or item), attorney and professional fees, property taxes, real estate commission, and fees for survey, inspection, certification and other items, depending on the laws of the state in which the house is sold. Commercial Property: Buying and Selling If you are looking to buy or sell commercial property, your best bet is to engage a real estate attorney who can advise you on legal matters involving the transfer. As with home purchases, it’s important to have the property inspected thoroughly before committing to buy. You will also want to ensure that zoning laws permit you to renovated buildings to suit your needs – for example, buildings that are zoned as small retail outlets may not always be turned into restaurants; warehouses may not necessarily be converted to apartment complexes. Real estate lawyers will make sure that you know as much as possible about your property before you buy. Do Your Homework Youll be Amazed at the Difference it Makes! The best way to be successful in any real estate transaction is to come in with your eyes open. Listed below or some top real estate websites that can help you find what you're looking for today: HomeGain: Selling Your Home? - Let local real estate agents know about the home you'd like to sell so they can address your specific needs. They will send you customized responses including their credentials, business experience, and commission rates to compete for your business. HomeGain: Buying A Home? - Let local real estate agents know about the home you'd like to buy so they can address your specific needs. They will send you customized responses including their credentials, business experience, and local market knowledge to compete for your business. Foreclosure Search: Simple Real Estate Secrets - Search foreclosures in the USA. Includes bank foreclosures, court foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, homeowners in bankruptcy, HUD homes, VA homes, government homes & more! Make Real Money Investing In Real Estate - Lou Vukas gives you the insider secrets to making real money in real estate regardless of your credit, finances or location. ^ Paid Advertisement Article ^ Ad Information        Forbes.com Wireless        Reprints / Permissions        Subscriber Services        ©2004 Forbes.com™      All Rights Reserved       Privacy Statement        Terms, Conditions and Notice Search Engine Marketing by 360i, Inc.

Home Equity Fraud How

Don’t Lose Your Home. Home Equity Fraud Home Equity Fraud Consumers Union West Coast Regional Office Don’t Lose Your Home. Home Equity Fraud How To Protect Yourself From Home Equity Lending Fraud DO Get free pre-loan counseling before you sign on the dotted line. Shop around for the best home equity loan for your financial situation. Read every word on any loan document before you sign. Avoid loans with one large "balloon payment" at the end. Protect your friends and neighbors by reporting home equity fraud immediately. DON’T Don’t fall for a loan from a door-to-door salesman or home improvement contractor who comes to your home. Don’t decide whether you can afford a loan by the monthly payments alone. Don’t sign anything that has blank spaces. Don’t take out a loan on your property for anyone else unless you can afford to lose that money forever. What Is Home Equity Fraud? Sometimes, taking out a loan against your home’s equity can be a good idea. Home equity borrowing should not be a problem as long as the loan is a fair one and you have the ability to repay the loan. Home equity lending fraud is different: Lenders seek you out and trick you into taking out a loan against your home which you cannot afford to repay. Most times, these loans have very high interest rates and steep fees. When you fall behind on your payments, the lender can take your home and all your equity through a legal process called foreclosure. The lender then owns your home. Once the damage is done, it is very hard to undo. Most people never get their homes back again. Why Should I Care? Nationally, home repair and home equity fraud have stripped the value from the homes of an estimated 100,000 people in 29 states. In the entire country, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the areas hardest hit by home equity fraud. Real people, many of them senior citizens, have lost ownership of their homes and all their equity, with no hope of ever getting any of it back. Anyone with equity in a home is a potential target. You could be next. Your home equity is just like money. Protect it! If you are a homeowner or know someone who is, you should learn about home equity lending fraud. Knowing what to look for and how to protect yourself can keep you or a loved one from losing a home. Here’s How To Protect Yourself From The Most Common Types Of Home Equity Fraud: Don’t take out a loan from an uninvited door-to-door contractor who appears at your home. Instead: Many local government agencies have special programs to make it easy to repair housing. See if you qualify for one of these programs available in your area. See the Home Improvement Resource List, a separate Consumers Union publication. Find your own contractor; don’t wait for one to come to you. Shop for your own financing. You’ll probably get a better deal. Steer clear of door-to-door salespersons who want to fix your home after a disaster such as an earthquake or flood. Instead: Call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1(800)462-9029 for information about repairing and financing repairs to your home after a disaster. If you are in foreclosure because you couldn’t pay your mortgage, someone you never heard of will offer you a new loan. Watch out. Instead: Think about selling your home and keeping your equity rather than taking out another loan. See a credit counselor to talk about all of your alternatives. Don’t put your other debts "on the house" through a bill consolidation plan. When you consolidate credit card debt or your car loan, for example, into a home equity loan, you put your home on the line for that debt. Once you put that debt "on your house," you can lose your home if you don’t make those payments. Instead: Talk to a credit counselor. You can get help to work with your creditors to make payments more manageable, possibly without putting debt "on your house." Look Out For These Danger Signs "No Credit? No Job? No Problem!" "Don’t worry, you have plenty of equity in your home to qualify for a loan." Walk away from anyone who says any of these things to you. You may be dealing with someone who will treat you unfairly. They don’t care if you can pay the loan. They know they can legally take your house through foreclosure if you don’t pay. In their eyes, the one thing that "qualifies" you for a loan is your inability to pay it. Before you borrow against your home, ask yourself these two questions: Can I afford this loan? Just because a lender says you "qualify" doesn’t mean you are getting an affordable or fair loan. If you cannot afford the loan, you will lose your home. What will I do if I lose my home? Most people have nowhere to go after they lose their homes. Remember that it is easier to learn how to protect your home now than it is to pick up the pieces after it’s gone. Take advantage of free, local loan counseling. See the Resources section at the end of this pamphlet. Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Home! Here’s How: DO Get the "big picture" on a loan. Look at more than the monthly payments. Make sure that a loan’s interest rate and fees are competitive and fair. Shop around with different lenders to compare. Hang-up on unsolicited telephone callers. Toss-out mailers you receive from companies offering to arrange a home loan for you. Steer clear of high-pressure sales tactics, such as claims that an offer is good only for a limited time. Seek help from a trusted family member or friend who understands financial matters and can help you get free loan counseling. Avoid loans that are set up as "interest only, non-amortizing or partially amortizing loans." With this type of loan, you still owe the money you borrowed after you make all the payments. You must make one large, final payment, known as a balloon payment. If you can’t make this payment, you may lose your home through foreclosure. You should avoid these loans at all cost. Beware of lenders or contractors who try to trick you into signing away your home. Make sure that a "Contract for Home Improvement Services" is only that. Don’t give your house away by signing a "Deed of Trust" or a "Quitclaim Deed." Think twice about taking out a loan against your home to give money to anyone,even a friend or family member. Consider such a request only if you can afford lose that money forever. Otherwise, you may lose your house if the other person doesn’t repay you in time. Act fast if you were pressured into signing for a loan you didn’t really want or cannot afford. Federal law gives you three days to get out of a loan contract whenever your home is used as security for a home equity loan. You may cancel the loan for any reason, but only if you do it in writing within 3 days. This is known as the right of rescission. Contact an attorney immediately if you have any questions about whether your lender violated the law. DON’T Don’t sign anything related to a home loan without first obtaining independent, free advice from a nonprofit counseling agency. Check the Resources list below. Don’t take the first loan offer that lands in your lap. Shop around! Some lenders charge more than others do. Don’t trust door-to-door loan sellers. If you really need or want a home loan, you should make the first contact and carefully investigate all the possibilities before considering a loan. Don’t take out a loan that is made solely on the value of your home, not on your ability to repay it. Your home equity alone does not give you the income you need to make the monthly payments. Don’t borrow more money than you need. The bigger the loan, the more stake your lender will have in your home equity. Don’t sign a form with incorrect information about yourself on it. Don’t sign anything to do with your home that contains blank spaces. Once your signature is on a form, anyone can fill in those blank spaces with obligations that may be very different than the ones you have agreed to. Don’t sign any forms written in a language you do not understand. You may be signing away your home without even realizing it! It’s okay to say "I don’t understand and I will not sign this." Remember: if the offer is good today, it should be good tomorrow If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Resources Before you take out a home equity loan, get pre-loan counseling for free: San Francisco Bar Association of San Francisco Equity Fraud Hotline and lawyer referral (415) 782-8903 Consumer Credit Counseling Service (415) 788-0288 or (800) 777-7526 Consumer Action (415) 777-9635 Alameda County ECHO Housing (510) 271-7931 Contra Costa County ECHO Housing (925) 679-8023 San Mateo County Consumer Credit Counseling Service (800) 200-6444 Legal Aid Society of San Mateo (650) 377-0158 East Palo Alto Law Collective (650) 853-1600 Santa Clara County Consumer Credit Counseling Service (800) 969-7526 If you feel you are the victim of home equity lending fraud, call one of the local agencies above. Then call the National Fraud Information Center. File a written complaint against the lender with the appropriate local law enforcement and state regulatory agencies. National Fraud Information Center (800) 876-7060 Fraud reports from consumers are sent within minutes to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Law Enforcement: San Francisco Office of the District Attorney: (415) 553-1814 Alameda County Office of the District Attorney: (510) 569-9281 Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney: (925) 646-4500 San Mateo County Office of the District Attorney: (650) 363-4677 Santa Clara County Office of the District Attorney, Real Estate Fraud Division (408) 792-2880 State Regulatory Agencies: Call each agency to see if the lender you are complaining about is licensed by that agency. Sometimes lenders are licensed by both agencies. California Department of Real Estate 185 Berry Street, Room 3400 San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 904-5925 California Department of Corporations 3700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (800) 347-6995 (toll free) [ Health ] [ Finance ] [ Food ] [ Product ] [ Other ] [ About CU ] [ News ] [ Tips ] [ Home ] Please contact us at: http://www.consunion.org/contact.htm All information ©1998 Consumers Union

Buy Home

Welcome to Lightsite.net ENERGY STAR ® in the News What's going on with E NERGY S TAR ® in your community? Stay informed through stories from regional news clippings , energy newsbriefs from CON.WEB , and the U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room . NEWS ARTICLES CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort National Leader Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Regional News Clippings Each month the E NERGY S TAR ® Lighting Program features Northwest regional news stories about energy-efficiency from local papers. CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Jim DiPeso for Con.Web Compact fluorescent lamps are holding on to an expanded beachhead in theresidential lighting market, even as recent sales have dipped from theirextraordinary high during the 2000-01 energy crisis, according to NorthwestEnergy Efficiency Alliance reports and industry observers. With energy off the front pages, ongoing consumer interest in reducingelectricity bills is likely to continue supporting CFL sales, the Alliancereported in a market evaluation study prepared by ECONorthwest in 2002. CFL bulb prices have fallen by about two-thirds since 1997, which isattracting more consumers, according to Costco, the region's leading CFL retailer. Increasing manufacturere interest in CFLs also is evident. CFLs, however, still account for a small share of the residential lightingmarket, and sustained high sales will be necessary to transform thehousehold lighting market, the market evaluation study reported. Even at the height of the energy crisis, with power shortages on the frontpages and a compact fluorescent discount coupon campaign in full swing, CFLsaccounted for only 11 percent of total Northwest light bulb sales, the studynoted. Fewer than 40 percent of households purchased even one CFL. Cost is still a significant barrier to expanded CFL sales. Quality alsoremains a concern, despite improvements "The product appears to be viable for some people for some applications,"said Ken Keating, Bonneville Power Administration market transformationcoordinator and Alliance board member. "Long term, there is still a lot moreenergy efficiency to be acquired in lighting. This is still a blip," Keatingsaid. Compact fluorescent market still small, but looking brighter. (Continuation from Home page) CFL Sales Down ... But Still Up Northwest sales of compact fluorescent bulbs are running at about 4 millionunits per year, said Marci Sanders, the Alliances residential lightingprogram coordinator. While sales have fallen from the estimated 6.7 millionsnapped up in the region during 2001, the volume is substantially higherthan the estimated 381,000 sold in 2000, according to Alliance figures. (Inaddition to the 6.7 million bulbs sold in 2001, utilities gave away anadditional 1.6 million that year, according to the market evaluation study.) The Alliance had expected 2002 CFL sales to reach 2.5 million, but an autumnbuying surge helped push the volume to 4 million, Sanders told the Allianceboard April 30. Northwest lighting sales typically rise in the fall, asdaylight noticeably diminishes. In addition, a national Energy Star CFLpromotion, Change a Light, was in full swing, Sanders said. Since 1997 the Alliance has sponsored a residential lighting program toboost sales of compact fluorescent lights and fixtures. Between 1997 and2000, manufacturers were given incentives through the compact fluorescentfixture and bulb programs to increase availability of CFLs and reduceprices, according to the market evaluation study. In 2000, the studycontinued, the programs were combined into one and revamped to emphasizemarketing partnerships with retailers and to support only EnergyStar-certified bulbs and fixtures. More than 1,000 Northwest retailers haveparticipated in CFL marketing activities. Nearly 90 utilities participated in a CFL coupon campaign funded by BPA andutilities during the boom year of 2001. Coupons accounted for nearly 40percent of CFL sales that year. The market evaluation study found evidence CFL sales can be sustainedwithout coupons. In a 2001 survey of 1,421 Northwest consumers (included inthe market evaluation study), 94 percent of respondents who had purchased aCFL said they would buy another even if coupons were unavailable. Sanders estimated that 75 percent to 80 percent of CFLs sold in 2002 werepurchased without coupons. "That is a very good sign," she said. The survey sample included 246 people who had purchased a CFL, 38 who hadreceived free CFLs from utilities, 316 who had purchased only incandescentbulbs in the three months preceding the survey, and 821 who were questionedabout CFL awareness. Another sign of market sustainability, the survey said, were the futureintentions of respondents who had purchased only incandescent bulbs. "Moresurprisingly, 64 percent of incandescent buyers indicated they intend topurchase a CFL in the next year. This is a strong potential indication ofthe sustainability of future CFL sales," the survey said. Efficiency Opportunity If so, there will be plenty of opportunity for CFLs to improve residentiallighting efficiency. The medium load forecast for the Northwest PowerPlanning Councils upcoming regional plan estimates that cost-effectiveresidential lighting efficiency potential will total an estimated 660average megawatts by 2025, said Tom Eckman, the councils conservationresources manager. Existing housing stock accounts for about 80 percent ofthat prospective resource, he added. That potential number doubled following a lighting log study carried out in160 homes by Tacoma Power, Eugene Water & Electric Board and other utilitiesin the late 1990s, Eckman said. The study found that homes have morelighting fixtures than previously thought and lights are being left onlonger. "We had an empirical basis to do a better forecast," Eckman noted. Falling Prices The consumer survey showed saving energy was the leading reason whyNorthwesterners bought CFLs in 2001. Even though energy no longer headlines the news, CFL energy savings remainattractive and falling product prices have helped the products hold theirown in the market, said Collin Cremo, assistant general manager for CostcosU.S. hardware purchasing division. "Pricing is going down and that is very positive for the consumer. You usedto pay $15.99 for a two-pack of bulbs. Now, you can get a four-pack for$11.99," Cremo said. The Alliance estimates average prices fell from $14-$28 per bulb in 1997 to$5-$10 in 2002. Large retailers such as Costco and Home Depot have led the market inoffering multibulb packages that have driven down prices, Sanders said.These two major retailers account for a significant share of Northwestsales, she said. In the consumer survey, 38 percent of CFL buyers indicated they hadpurchased the bulbs at a discount retailer. However, 35 percent said theynormally buy light bulbs at grocery stores, an indicator that supermarketscould be "an important retail target for increasing market penetration," thesurvey said. Manufacturer Interest The growing consumer interest in CFLs has attracted an influx ofmanufacturers to the market. Sanders said only 10 percent of the CFLs purchased in 2002 were made by thethree big multiproduct lighting companies--Philips, Osram Sylvania, and GE.Smaller manufacturers that sell only CFLs "are getting (shelf) placementwith better pricing because they are willing to cut deals with retailers,"Sanders said. Another reason CFLs are holding their own is the introduction of new bulbdesigns to suit consumer tastes. Keating said manufacturers are "responding to customer demands for productsthat fit in different applications. You can get bug lights, chandelierlights, recessed can lights, even green and red CFLs for holiday use. Youcan get really small ones. I have one that measures no more than 4 inchesfrom stem to stern." Keating said manufacturers understand they cant compete solely on price."They need to give customers something they can use." For example, consumers have asked for smaller bulbs, to which manufacturershave responded, said Matt Donati, CFL product manager for Philips Lightingin the U.S. "We sell eight-packs of 60-watt-equivalent lights that are small enough forlight bars in bathrooms," Cremo said. Donati believes consumers will be more receptive to CFLs that fit their ideaof what light bulbs are supposed to look like. "The key is to try to makethem as incandescent-appearing as possible," Donati said. "People see thespiral shape and it looks like curly fries. They ask, Whats that? If yougive them a bulb that looks more like a, quote, light bulb, they will bemore appealing." Philips Marathon family of compact fluorescents includes globe-like"A-shaped" bulbs that resemble incandescents, as well as conventionallydesigned CFLs. Sanders said Westinghouse plans to launch a "designer bulb" in differentcolors that will be specially suited to accent lighting typically providedby small halogen incandescent lights. Quality Issues Quality, however, remains a bugaboo afflicting the CFL market, Keating said.Despite continuing improvements, enough low-quality bulbs are on the marketthat the U.S. Department of Energy is concerned they reflect poorly on theEnergy Star label for energy-efficient consumer products, Keating said. Energy Star is a self-certification brand, so manufacturers are responsiblefor ensuring their products meet Energy Star standards. Unlike the applianceindustry, the residential lighting industry has not developed internaltesting protocols to make sure products are worthy of the Energy Star label,according to the Alliance. DOE has proposed changing Energy Star specifications to require CFLmanufacturers to submit long-term performance data before they can use theEnergy Star label. As a result of quality issues, the Program for the Evaluation and Analysisfor Residential Lighting (PEARL) has tested bulbs for quality since 2000.PEARL sponsors include BPA, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, PacificGas & Electric and energy efficiency utilities in the Northeast. Here is how PEARL works, according to a presentation at an Energy Starmeeting this year by Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council,chairman of the PEARL advisory board. Bulbs are purchased anonymously fromretail stores. Bulbs and ballasts are tested at Rensselaer PolytechnicUniversitys Lighting Research Center. Tests cover lighting and ballastperformance, lamp life, lamp start time, dimming, color rendition, powerfactor and other characteristics. Two testing cycles are carried out peryear. Ten fixtures and 20 CFL products are tested in each cycle. Horowitz said test results are given to Energy Star program managers at theDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. The agencies canuse the information to remove the Energy Star label from substandardproducts. The recent growth in the CFL market "has attracted many new, unknown, and insome cases, unreliable manufacturers offering products with the Energy Starlabel," said an article about PEARL in a recent Alliance newsletter. Keating said PEARL is negotiating with manufacturers, distributors andretailers to share testing costs. "They want to get the bad products out ofthe market," he said. Costcos Cremo said "stricter tests" are needed to determine how well CFLsreally hold up when used in real-world environments such as inside fixtures.In comments on DOEs proposed Energy Star specification changes, NRDCpointed out that higher operating temperatures common in recessed canfixtures can shorten bulb life. NRDC also pointed out that CFL manufacturersoften change contract manufacturers and component suppliers, which canresult in uneven quality. Still, Keating said compact fluorescents have come a long way since the late1980s, when ungainly bulbs dominated what was then a tiny CFL market.Keating chuckled as he recalled a brand he nicknamed "Smoky Joes" because ofa bulb that overheated and began smoldering. In the consumer survey, only 3 percent to 4 percent of CFL buyers indicatedthey were dissatisfied with their purchases, and 78 percent of thedissatisfied indicated they were likely to buy another CFL in the comingyear. The leading reason for dissatisfaction, cited by 34 percent of thosenot satisfied, was that CFLs were not bright enough. Eleven percent citedearly burnout. Nearly 55 percent of CFL buyers who were satisfied with their purchaseslisted long product life as the leading reason for their satisfaction.Thirty-six percent cited energy efficiency, while 31 percent mentioned lightquality. CFL Barriers Cost remains the leading barrier to expanded CFL sales, according to theconsumer survey. Of the 316 respondents who had purchased incandescent bulbsonly, 38 percent listed price as a reason they had not purchased CFLs.Nineteen percent had not heard of CFLs, while 15 percent said they could notfind a type or size they wanted. One way around the price barrier, Philips Donati said, is to change theidentity of light bulbs from a commodity to a value product by educatingconsumers about the varying ways different kinds of lighting can be used todecorate their homes. "Show them how lighting adds value and how lightingcan be used to change the look of their homes," Donati said. He advocated expanded awareness of CFLs and their attributes. "I do the momtest," Donati said. "I show my mom a CFL and ask her, Whats this? Shedoesnt know. I say, Come on, mom, its a light bulb, I work for PhilipsLighting. People just arent as aware of them." In a May 2002 report, ECOS Consulting described barriers to CFLs in new homeconstruction. At least 11 parties--few with lighting design expertise--maybe involved in specifying new home lighting. Most new home energy efficiencyprograms do not address optimizing lighting or architectural designs thatcomplement daylighting, the report said. Home-buyers rank style and aesthetics as their highest lighting priority,ECOS said. "The more that energy-efficient lighting is designed to beattractive and aesthetic, the more marketable and permanent it will be, evenif this means giving up some potential energy savings to ensure consumersatisfaction," the report said. Lower prices, better quality, and expanded consumer awareness all will bekeys to building the CFL market, Keating said, observing that markettransformation often takes time. Costcos Cremo is confident CFLs eventually will replace incandescentsentirely. "From what Ive seen of the (CFL) technology lately, theincandescents days are numbered," he said. "I tell utilities to keepbombarding people with CFL information. Theyre going to get better andbetter." Reprinted with the permission from Con.Web. Back to Top Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Scappoose Spotlight/Record-Journal As CFLs grow in popularity, the Northwest looks ahead to big energy savings and bulb recycling options... Now that North westerners have embraced compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), a decrease is on the rise in our regions energy use. Think about it! Approximately 6.5 million E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs alone were sold in only four states; Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Over 1,400 northwest retailers and 90 electric utilities participated in last years E NERGY S TAR ® Residential Lighting Program; the Northwest region is leading the charge! If you take that number and compare it with the 381,000 CFLs that were sold in 2000, you can now understand the impact and change, which these CFLs have had on the consumers home lighting needs. Not only do CFLs save the environment by using less electricity, consumers will save up to $30 over the life of the bulb on their monthly electric bills. "The success of the E NERGY S TAR ® residential lighting program reminds us that together we can provide big energy savings, improve the health of our region's electric system and help protect the environment," said Margaret Gardner of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. According to the NW Energy Efficiency Alliance, not only will savings be multiplied if every household replaces every ordinary light bulb with a CRL, but combined with other energy-saving products such as; clothes washers, refrigerators and home electronics their savings will be tremendous! The Alliance estimates that this and other regional programs will save over 460 aMW by 2010, enough to offset the need for building two new power plants in the NW region and taking approximately 600,000 cars off the road! Proper disposal of CFLs have been on the minds of many environmentalists for quite sometime. Currently, the Zero Waste Alliance, electric utilities and other environmental groups are working together researching opportunities for recycling. Although, CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury vapor, many environmentalists are concerned about recycling and proper disposal of CFLs. Their main concern is in 5 to 7 years from now, when the life of the CFL begins to fade. They want to encourage communities about proper disposal now, before large accumulations of CFLs end up in landfills. For the time being consumers can dispose of their CFLs with their household trash, along with other household materials such as paint, motor oil or batteries. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal When it comes to buying more energy-efficient household products, the Northwest region is leading the charge. According to a recent report from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Washington home owners are snapping up energy-efficient products and local retailers are experiencing the impact. In response, BPA residential customers got to work, conserving. Among other things the customers installed millions of low-energy, fluorescent light bulbs. The bigger message here? Big energy savings do not necessarily have to come from big industrial users. People, individual users in their homes, are a very important part of the environmental equation. " Nearly 80% of respondents in a survey of 152 independent and national retailers in the Northwest estimate an increase in sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products over last year, the Alliance report said. Fourth quarter of 2001 sales data shows that the Northwest region ranked first in the nation for sales of qualified clothes washers with more than 30 percent market share. In Washington, nearly 32 percent of all clothes washers sold were E NERGY S TAR ® qualified - the second highest in the nation. "We're seeing a lot of interest from customers in E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and that's sparking interest in other energy-efficient products, including dishwashers and refrigerators," said Dave Blankenship of Weir's Appliances in Tacoma. "As people replace home appliances, they're opting for the most energy-efficient models available." Sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified refrigerators also increased in the Northwest. Based on fourth quarter reports, Washington ranks sixth in the nation for sales of high efficiency refrigerators. The alliance also reported brisk sales and interest for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified lighting including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Fourth quarter sales of CFLs in the Northwest were two million. The retailers who were surveyed said consumers are more energy conscious and seek long-term value and savings when purchasing appliances. Nearly all consumers express interest in the water savings features of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and dishwashers as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when it comes to buying energy-efficient products, the Northwest is heading in the right direction. The voluntary E NERGY S TAR ® labeling program was created by the EPA and the Department of Energy to help consumers easily identify products that save energy, money and protect the environment. Manufactures play a major role in developing products that meet higher efficiency standards and utilities help encourage homeowners to be more energy efficient by offering rebates and incentives for switching to E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. The cooperative effort is paying off. Experts estimate by using E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, a typical household can cut its utility bills by 30 percent. If everyone in the U.S. used the products, the reduction in greenhouse gas emission would be equivalent to taking 14.5 million cars off the road each year. The national annual energy bill would be reduced by about $100 billion over the next decade. Local efficiency advocates say that while the increasing demand for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and refrigerators is a positive sign, there is still room for improvement. "It's clear that Northwest consumers understand the benefit of using more efficient clothes washer, refrigerators and lighting in their homes," said Margaret Gardner, executive director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. "Now, the goal is to encourage them to take advantage of even greater savings by looking for and buying other E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products." By changing their shopping habits, Northwest homeowners can keep a little more change in their own pockets, say energy efficiency experts. Changing the way Americans shop and buy products is a part of the major new campaign called "Change," spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency. "Change" is calling on homeowners throughout the nation to help save money ad protect the environment by selecting and buying E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. For a complete list of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, retailers, manufactures and energy savings information, call 1-888-373-2283 or log on to www.energystar.gov . The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a non-profit group of electric utilities, state governments, public interest groups and industry representatives, promotes the E NERGY S TAR ® label to Northwest consumers. By funding the Northwest E NERGY S TAR ® Home Products Program, the alliance is bringing affordable, energy-efficient products and services to the market, helping Northwest consumers realize long-term savings and protect the environment. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Energy Newsbriefs at CON.WEB CONWEB is the Pacific Northwest Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Newsletter, reporting regional conservation news. National Leader ACEEE Study Lauds Oregon for Energy Efficiency, Green Building Tax Incentives Oregon is a national leader in using tax incentives to give energy-efficient products and green buildings a leg up in the marketplace, according to a new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Oregon's residential and business income tax credit programs have "gained enthusiastic support from legislators, retailers, and manufacturers, as well as consumers," since they were established in response to the 1970s energy shortages, the study said. More news available at www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb.html . Back to Top U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room E NERGY S TAR ® provides consumers with energy-efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Find out what the media is saying about E NERGY S TAR ® at www.epa.gov/nrgystar/news.html Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program October 9, 2002 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman todaywas presented with the Charles H. Percy Award for public service by theAlliance to Save Energy. This award was given to EPA for establishing theE NERGY S TAR ® program, a public-private partnership that helps protect theenvironment while saving consumers money through energy efficiency. "Over the past decade, EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown from a voluntarycomputer labeling program to a partnership with over 7000 organizations,"said Whitman. "Last year alone, Americans, with the help of E NERGY S TAR ®,saved more than $5 billion in energy costs and reduced pollution equivalentto that of 10 million cars. We look forward to working together for the nextdecade to help consumers across the country have the information they needto make the best choices for their lives and for the environment." "In just a decade, the E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown in both depth andbreadth," said Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow. "Now, notonly are many more products included in the program than at its launch in1992, but in addition, the E NERGY S TAR ® label is taking the energy efficiencymessage to consumers and businesses around the globe via partnerships withother governments. You can't get much better than a program that both savesconsumers money and protects the environment." Through the E NERGY S TAR ® program, EPA partnerships include over 1,200manufacturers labeling more than 13,000 products and over 1,600 buildersthat have constructed over 57,000 new homes. Through E NERGY S TAR ®, EPA hasalso helped thousands of businesses and schools rate their energy use. The typical American household spends about $1,300 a year on its energybills. By purchasing products that have earned EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® label,that bill could be cut by about 30 percent, which is a savings of about $400a year. The E NERGY S TAR ® label can now be found on more than 35 differentcategories including telephones, televisions, light bulbs and homeappliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. By choosing E NERGY S TAR ®,there is no sacrifice in the features, style or comfort that today'sconsumers expect. As part of his National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increasedpublic awareness of the E NERGY S TAR ® program and its benefits to consumersand businesses. The President also called for the expansion of the programto provide the label for additional building types including grocery stores,hospitals and hotels. EPA established E NERGY S TAR ® in 1992 to offer energy-saving andpollution-preventing solutions for consumers and businesses by awardinglabels to the most energy efficient products, homes and buildings. EPApartnered with the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the ENERGYSTAR label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. For more information about the E NERGY S TAR ® program visit: www.energystar.gov . Back to Top E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Cooling Solutions that Save Energy, Money, and Protect the Environment Homeowners across the nation have been challenged by E NERGY S TAR ®, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by the Department of Energy, to make smart cooling choices at home this summer, use energy more efficiently, and help reduce air pollution. Working closely with businesses and utilities, E NERGY S TAR ® launched a consumer-education campaign, called Cool Change. This campaign raises American's awareness of their cooling system - encouraging homeowners to use energy-efficient equipment, tightly seal their ducts, properly maintain their cooling system, and have a well-sealed and insulated home. According to the EPA, Americans spend as much as half of their energy bills to cool and heat their homes throughout the year. To make it easy for consumers to make a Cool Change this summer, E NERGY S TAR ®'s partners are offering incentives, such as rebates and sales. For a complete list of special deals, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange . "E NERGY S TAR ® is a great way for each of us to make a change - one that will protect the environment, save money, and achieve energy efficiency," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "I encourage all Americans to follow our recommendations for energy efficiency and join our campaign for change." The EPA estimates that if just one household in 10 participated in Cool Change and used E NERGY S TAR ® labeled heating and cooling products, the change would reduce electricity production enough to keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air this year. To help consumers identify easy ways to avoid energy-waste this summer, the EPA released the following tips: Out with the old, in with the new. If your central air conditioning equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably time for a replacement - new cooling equipment that has earned the E NERGY S TAR ® label can keep you just as or more comfortable, while using 25 to 40 percent less energy than 10-year-old models. Replacing old ceiling fans and dehumidifiers with new E NERGY S TAR ® labeled models can also help to lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. Seal it up. Seal your ducts to distribute cool air where it needs to go and improve the indoor air quality of your home. Keep the cool air in by adding insulation to your home, weather-stripping and caulking, and choosing E NERGY S TAR ® labeled windows when replacing old windows. Make a smart purchase. When replacing central and room air conditioning equipment, make sure it is properly sized and installed. Bigger is not always better, and equipment that is too large can lead to high energy costs and reduced comfort. Find problems before they occur. If your cooling equipment needs frequent repairs and your bills are increasing, it could mean your equipment is becoming less efficient. E NERGY S TAR ® recommends having an annual maintenance check-up by a certified professional. Put your home to the test. Find out how you can make energy-efficient improvements to your home with the Home Improvement Toolbox. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on "Put your home to the test." E NERGY S TAR ®, the nation's symbol for energy efficiency, enables consumers to easily identify energy-efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, buildings, and even new homes. For more information about E NERGY S TAR ® and the Cool Change consumer-education campaign, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Reed, 202-564-1253, or email her at Reed.Wendy@epa.gov or Phillip Hayes, 202-944-1933. Back to Top What is E NERGY S TAR ® ? E NERGY S TAR ®-qualified bulbs and fixtures provide high quality light output,warm or cool tones, are efficient and long-lasting, and save them money overthe life of the bulb or fixture. There are numerous compact fluorescentlights (CFLs) in the market, but only E NERGY S TAR ® qualified CFLs canguarantee top-notch performance. E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs last up to ten timeslonger than incandescent bulbs and use up to 75% less electricity as well. E NERGY S TAR ® was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promoteenergy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. EPApartnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the E NERGY S TAR ®label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. E NERGY S TAR ® has expanded to cover new homes, most of thebuildings sector, residential heating and cooling equipment, majorappliances, office equipment, lighting, consumer electronics, and moreproduct areas. Please visit www.energystar.gov .

Property Search Find a

RE/MAX International | Commercial Real Estate | Commercial Property Search Residential Home Page Property Search Luxury Home Search Find an Agent Find an Office Real Estate 101 Mortgage Tools Moving Assistance Commercial Home Page Commercial Property Search Find a Commercial Agent Find a Commercial Office Commercial Wants Why RE/MAX Commercial Inside RE/MAX Home Franchise Opportunities Become an Agent News & Events Corporate Relocation Corporate Information Home » Commercial » Commercial Property Search Commercial Property Search Commercial Home Page Property Search U.S. Property Search International Property Search RE/MAX Renowned Properties Find a Commercial Agent Find a Commercial Office Commercial Wants Professional Wants Consumer Wants -- Submit a Want Why RE/MAX Commercial Commercial Specialties Global Presence Professional Affiliations Corporate Clients Children's Miracle Network Susan G. Komen Foundation RE/MAX Worldwide Select your Country United States Canada Antigua / Barbuda Anguilla Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Belgium Belize Bonaire Botswana Bulgaria Caribbean Cayman Islands Central America Chile Croatia Costa Rica Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Estonia Europe Germany Central Germany East Germany North/West Germany Southwest Germany Bayern Greece Guam Guatemala Honduras Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Luxembourg Mauritius Malta Mexico Namibia Netherlands Nevis New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Oman Panama Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Saudi Arabia Scotland Singapore Slovakia Southern Africa Spain St. Barth St. Croix St. John St. Maarten/St. Martin St. Thomas Sweden Switzerland Turkey Turks & Caicos United Arab Emirates UK Midlands UK London UK North UK South U.S. Virgin Islands Venezuela Wales Zambia remax.com en español RE/MAX Mainstreet | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact RE/MAX © 2005 RE/MAX International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate system of franchisee owned and operated offices and their affiliated independent professionals. RE/MAX affiliates lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production. RE/MAX International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.