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DOL - Real Estate Brokers License Real Estate Brokers License Requirements of Licensure: 18 years of age or older. High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of two years of full-time experience as asalesperson in Washington or in another jurisdiction having comparablerequirements. 120 clock hours of instruction in real estate including: --30 clock hours real estate law, --30 clock hours brokerage management, --30 clock hours business management, and a --30 clock hour approved elective course. Successful passage of examination. Application for license. Please note: The experience and clock hours must be completed within five years prior to application for examination. Fees: Examination Fee ------ $138.25 Original License Fee - $210.00 Renewal Fee (2 yr.) ----$210.00 Continuing Education Requirement: 30 clock hours for renewal every two years including the core curriculum. A list of approved real estate courses are available in the real estate course catalog Forms: You can download the forms listed below to your own desktop or work-station. Application for Real EstateSalesperson/Associate Broker/Branch Manager Application for Real EstateIndividual Broker License (Sole Proprietorship) Application for Limited LiabilityCompany or Limited Liability Partnership Application for Real EstatePartnership License Application for Real EstateCorporation License Application for Real EstateBranch Office Licensure Application for Broker AddressChange/Branch Office Address Change BrokerClosing Office Affidavit WaiverProcedures for Broker Examination Applicants Using AlternateExperience/Qualifications Real Estate Examination, Licensing and Renewal Section: Business Location: Department of Licensing Real Estate Licensing Section 2000 4th Avenue West Olympia, WA Mailing Address: Department of Licensing Real Estate Licensing Section PO Box 9015 Olympia, WA 98507-9015 Telephone Number: (360) 664-6500 or (360) 664-6488 Fax Number: (360) 586-0998 Office Hours: 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time, Monday through Friday. Return to Real Estate front page. Real Estate MainPage Washington Real EstateCommission ProfessionalLicensing Internet Query Fees FAQs Salespersons License Appraisers MainPage Washington Real EstateLicensing Law: RCW18.85 Real Estate Brokerage Relationships: RCW18.86 WAC308-124 General Provisions WAC308-124A Licensing & Exams WAC308-124B Brokers Office WAC308-124C Records WAC308-124D Operational Procedures WAC308-124E Trust Accounts WAC308-124H Education Telephone: Salesperson & Brokers Licensing Section: (360) 664-6488 or (360) 664-6500 Fax: (360) 586-0998 Education Section: (360) 664-6505 Fax: (360) 586-0998 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fees Accepted: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday Write: Department of Licensing Real Estate Program PO Box 9015 Olympia, WA 98507-9015 Business Location: 2000 4th Avenue West, Olympia, WA 98502 E-Mail: RealEstate@dol.wa.gov
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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 .
Home Loans The Commonwealth
Commonwealth Bank Group - Personal - Home Loans - Home Seeker Loan This will adjust the viewing area of your Internet Explorer browser based on your screen resolution. Home Loans The Commonwealth Bank offers a complete range of loan options designed to meet different needs and goals. Apply online and pay $0 Establishment Fee. For a limited time only. Use our Home Loan Options at a Glance table to compare our products or read more information in our Home & Investment Home Loans brochure . You can also read about the home buying process here . The Complete Home Loan/ Investment Home Loan is a suite of loans with a full range of interest rate options, offset options, and other flexible features. 1 Year Guaranteed Rate Home Loan : ensures that your repayments will remain the same month to month for the first important year. 1-5 and 7, 10 and 15 Year Fixed Rate Home Loans : allows you to have the security of predictable loan repayments for an agreed period of time. Standard Variable Rate Home Loan : a full feature loan that allows you to benefit from market rates when they're lower. 6 or 12 Month Discounted Variable Rate Home Loan : low introductory rates that give you the benefits of lower repayments in the first 6 or 12 months or your property purchase. Economiser Home/ Investment Home Loan offers a low variable interest rate, with a range of flexible options. It caters for those who don't need all the features of the Complete/Investment Home Loan. Home Seeker Loan offers 'in principle' approval which is valid for 12 months. It allows you to search for a home knowing your finance is in place. Other finance options Viridian Line of Credit lets you free up the equity you have in your home for other purposes. It provides you with a revolving line of credit through a convenient single account that you can use daily. Viridian Addvantage is an 'all-in-one' portfolio style facility that allows you to include up to ten separate loan accounts under the one 'umbrella' limit, and provides the flexibility of designing and modifying your account structure to suit your changing needs. Family Equity Family Equity is a home buying solution unlike any other. It's a range of financing options that can help you secure a home loan, repay a home loan or a combination of both. The central idea is that both you and your family help secure and fund the loan and/or repayments, together. Equity Unlock is a flexible financing solution for seniors who are retired and aged 65 and over. It allows you to access the equity in your home without limiting your lifestyle. The Equity Unlock Loan for Seniors enables you to access the equity in your home for such things as home improvements, the purchase of a new car, payment of medical expenses, taking a holiday or simply to supplement your income. Wealth Package is a program that recognises that the more business you have with the Commonwealth Bank Group, the more benefits you should enjoy. This can include special savings on selected Commonwealth Bank home loans, as well as credit cards and insurance. Bridging Loans - help you with finance to buy your new property before you have sold your existing property. Low Documentation Home Loans - are a flexible financing solution for self-employed people who have an income and assets, but may not have the usual paperwork at the time of application. Deposit Guarantee - is a quick and easy alternative to a cash deposit that is payable when signing a contract to purchase residential property. A Deposit Guarantee represents the cash deposit until settlement. At settlement, the purchaser is required to pay the full purchase price including the deposit. Find the loan option that's right for you with our Home Loan Selector or you can view all the options at a glance .Furthermore, to make sure you select the home loan that meets your needs, you can view and print the terms and conditions on our full range of home loans ( Usual Terms and Conditions for Consumer Mortgage Lending (UTC) ) - download pdf (135KB). Note: These terms and conditions do not apply to HomePath loans and do not represent a formal offer of finance. The UTC is made available for your information only. You can also obtain a copy of the UTC by calling us on 13 2224 between 8am and 10pm, 365 days a year. The Your Home section of our site gives you information on what's involved in buying a home or an investment property, or financing renovations. Selling your home? Park your surplus funds from the sale of your property by depositing them in an AwardSaver account or any other Commonwealth Bank deposit account and you could qualify for one of our home loan discounts with our Park & Hold facility. Don't forget the insurance! Home Insurance with Loan Repayment Great benefits for Home/Investment Home Loan customers From 29 March 2004, existing and new home/investment home loan customers can elect to pay their CommInsure # Home and/or Contents premium through their loan repayment. This payment option is only available for customers paying their insurance premium monthly. Combining your insurance premium with your loan repayment will make life easier when calculating household expenses. # CommInsure is a registered business name of Commonwealth Insurance Limited ABN 96 067 524 216, a wholly owned, but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. CommInsure can assist you with all your property and personal insurance needs. Get more information Apply online . Ask one of our home loan consultants to contact you: Contact Me . Request an appointment with a Mobile Banker . Call us on 13 2224 between 8am and 10pm, 365 days a year. Have a Home Loan Kit sent to you - just complete the request form . Please note: The above information is subject to change without notice. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank's (where applicable) credit approval criteria. Full terms and conditions will be included in the loan offer. Other fees and charges are payable. apply now Apply online Contact Me Meet with Mobile Banker Request Home Loan Kit Call 13 2224 8am to 10pm useful tools Home Loan Calculators Home Loan Selector Home & Contents Insurance Calculator Guide to Buying a Home Commonwealth Bank Property Value Guide rates and fees Home Loan rates Important Information about advice: This advice has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. Find out more about what this means for you on http://www.commbank.com.au/fsra/advice.asp Home Loan Options Complete Home Loan Economiser Home Loan Home Seeker Loan Viridian Line of Credit Viridian Addvantage Wealth Package Low Doc Home Loan Home & Investment Home Loans Quick Links Home Loans at a Glance Finding a Home Financing Your Home Servicing Your Home Loan CommInsure You are here: Home > Personal > Home Loans -- Security & Privacy | Site Information | Commonwealth Bank of Australia 2005 ABN 48 123 123 124 home | site index | help | glossary | locate us | contact us Financial Needs: day to day banking > youth and students > your home > building wealth > your retirement > Products: transaction and savings > credit cards > personal lending > home loans > investment and super > insurance > Online Services: NetBank > CommSec > personal centre business centre institutional banking shareholder centre about us All Day to Day Banking - Easy Ways to Bank - Minimising Fees - Budgeting and Saving - Going on Holidays - Moving to Australia All Youth and students - Banking at School - Under 18s - Young Adults 18 to 20 years old - Tertiary Students - Overseas Students All Your Home - Finding a Home - Financing Your Home - Financing Your Renovations - Investing in Property All Building Wealth - Achieving Financial Goals - Investment Basics - Why invest in Managed Funds? - Why invest in Super? - Borrowing to Invest All Your Retirement - Retirement Basics - Sobering Retirement Facts - Retirement Income Streams - Social Security & Taxation All Transaction and Savings Transaction Accounts - Streamline Account - Woolworths Ezy Action Account - Pensioner Security Account Savings Accounts - NetBank Saver - AwardSaver Account - Youthsaver Account - Cash Investment Account - Education Savings Plan - Commonwealth Direct Investment Account - Commonwealth Cash Management Trust - Term Deposits - Mortgage Interest Saver Account All Credit Cards - Features and Benefits of Our Credit Cards - Important information about your credit card - Standard Card With Interest Free Period - Standard Card With No Interest Free Period - Gold Card - Platinum Credit Card - Golf Card - Woolworths Ezy MasterCard - Commonwealth Awards - Commonwealth Awards Gold - Commonwealth Awards Platinum All Personal Lending Personal Loans - Fixed Rate - Variable Rate - Fixed Rate Secured Streamline Overdraft Student Loans All Home Loans - The Complete Home Loan - Economiser Home Loan - Home Seeker Loan - Servicing your Home Loan - Viridian Line of Credit - Viridian Addvantage - Family Equity - Investment Home Loans - Bridging Loans - Wealth Packages - Equity Unlock Loan for Seniors - Deposit Guarantee All Investment and Super - Short-Term Investment Options - Managed Funds - Superannuation - Retirement Income Streams - Need Advice - Education Savings Plan - Colonial Service Information - Commonwealth Financial Services Information All Insurance - Life Insurance - Income Protection Insurance - Home and Contents Cover - Investment Home Insurance - Motor Insurance Information Test Drive Register Now Log On Information Log On NetBank CommSec Managed Funds Balances Super Balances Unit Prices Commonwealth Research Commodities Centre
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Commercial Real Estate Directory Commercial Real EstateLinks of Interest Vandema Vandema Commercial Real Estate Home U.S. | Canada | Mexico | International Real Estate Marketing - Search engine marketing solutions. Referwork - A directory of contractors for home improvement projects. RealCash4Notes - Buyer of annuities, structured settlements, mortgage notes, business notes and commercial notes. Weekend Millionaire - A book on how to become wealthy in your spare time. Landlord's Cash Flow Analyzer - Real estate investment software to evaluate a rental property by determining cash flow, rate of return, profitability, and more. Rent Manager Property Management Software - Property management software with full accounting, work orders and utility billing features. Landlord's Source Centre - Provides legal resources, online courses, legal forms, books, eviction and collection service, advice to landlords throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. 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Real Estate Promo . com - Resources for real estate investors, including information on local investment clubs, realtors and mortgage brokers, reports and newsletter. Personal-Website.com - Offering custom designed websites, including domain name, web hosting, e-mail and an online web editor. Real Estate Investment Analysis Software - Commercial and residential income property analysis software for the investor and the real estate professional. Web Site Builder for Real Estate Agents - Beetown My Listings is a full-featured, fully hosted and self-managed web site builder designed for real estate agents. Land Partners - Provides land development and management services to private enterprises and government agencies, for right-of-way and site-specific projects. Propoco Inc. - Delivers value-added re-sourcing services to clients through asset management, capital planning, equipment procurement, and technology management programs. Custom Design Software, Inc. - Software designed to determine the investment potential of real estate. Realtor Technology Tips - Free internet marketing instruction, web site instruction and resources for real estate professionals seeking to enhance their internet presence. EquiReal Equity and Investments - Search for investments, promote planned developments, acquisitions and listings. Professional Real Estate Software - Marketer of professional real estate software. ABC's of Real Estate consumer guide - Providing mortgage and real estate consumer information and resources to home buyers and sellers. RealHomeGuide - Home and garden and real estate directory of sites. Proforce.net - Supplier of Adobe Acrobat real estate software and forms. Encyclopedia of Real Estate Terms - Providing detailed real estate definitions of over 8,000 terms. Real Estate European Union - Provides mortgage and real estate consumer information and resources to home buyers and sellers in the European Union. Lending Affiliates - Websites can earn revenues by offering mortgage sources, credit repair options, and free mortgage calculators. PowerHomeBiz.com - Small business resources to help you start, manage and grow your home business. Realhound.com - Commercial real estate tracking & analysis software. IP Ware - Investment analysis software for commercial real estate and residential investment property. SAPROP - A reference directory to assist the commercial property and industrial property owner, tenant, or manager, to locate associated services. Annuity & Insurance Gateway - Insurance Information Gateway Health, life, burial, disability, medicare supplement and long term care insurance. Lawguru.com - Legal questions, answers and research. Home & Garden Directory Page First Choice Resorts and Investments - Commercial real estate services for both buyers and sellers. Secure Commercial Real Estate - An in-depth guide to secure the physical aspects (construction details, investment grade, operations and environmental issues) of an investment opportunity. Lasertech Floorplans, BOMA for commercial realestate - LASERTECH uses advanced laser measurement and CAD technology to service the US Commercial Real Estate Industry. GoLeads: Unlimited access to over 12 million US businesses Institutional Real Estate, Inc. The Real Estate Web - Free real estate related clipart, web design help, and learning links, for those who wish to create and maintain their own Real Estate Related Website. APT Funding - Commercial Real Estate Loans. Abacus Real Estate Foreclosures - Search for real estate foreclosures in your area and get property details, photos and contact information. The RuralEstate Network Professional Education Associates - Environmental, real estate and land use publications, consulting and education seminars. Bertram and Meade International - Mortgage loans, real estate loans, commercial mortgage loans, and mortgage financing. The Paper Source - Resources for sellers, investors and brokers of private mortgages and other receivables. InvestorLinks, Comprehensive Financial Resource Website The Real Estate Pro's Internet Edge IncomeMax.com - Your Source for Making Money on the Web. Lease2Purchase.com - A lease purchase lease options creative real estate resource center. Lile Office Moving and Industrial Relocation Real Estate Cyberspace Society MyRealEstateOffice.Com - Real Estate Software & Directory Manufacturers' News, Inc. - Industrial Directory Compiler with sales Leads in Print, on Disk, and On-line. Custom Mailing Lists and Databases. RainMaker Financial Affiliates - A network of commercial mortgage brokers and lenders. Loan Masters, Inc. The Real Estate Consultant - The largest real estate resource on the Internet. Free contracts and forms, brochures, home search wizards and more. Underwriter's Toolbox - Industry, market, and tenant statistics to help support underwriting analysis and decision-making. The e Commercial Real Estate Information Source Many-Thanks.com - The world's best way to say thank you. The Northwest Landlord and the Rental Property Reporter For info fast, dial Find11.com Get in touch with us by Other Commercial Real Estate Resources
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