How To Choose Green Flooring Products

There are so many articles mentioning GREEN these days it can make you dizzy. One thing I have noticed is that when I read them they are usually full of generalities and short of specifics. I liked this article and wanted to share it with you since it had very specific info included in it. Hope you enjoy!

Going green with your kitchen floor brings benefits beyond making you feel good about your selection. Durability is the biggest prize. Think of homes with wood floors that may be nearing a century old....to read the rest of this story click on the picture below:

Ecofriendly Kitchen: How to Choose Flooring

Gas Line Safety In Your Home

Since we are still in January New Years Resolutions are still fresh in most peoples minds. There are all the usual ones about stopping smoking, starting exercise, spending less and losing weight. How about making 2013 the year you finally make sure you know how to handle an emergency situation and your gas service to your home.

It is something we put off and don't really worry about until it is an emergency. First things first though - do you know that it is your responsibility to maintain the gas line from the meter into your house? The Gas Company is only responsible for the line from the street to the meter. Have you even looked at your Gas meter recently? Rusted or damaged pipes on either side of the meter should be checked. If it is on your side of the meter you can call a plumber. Otherwise call the gas company.

Next: Do you know how to turn off the gas meter if necessary? Well to do that you will need a 12 inch or larger adjustable wrench. If you do turn the gas off you will need to call the Gas Company to turn it back on. Additionally you can add safety features to your house by having a turn off valve installed for the gas line to each individual appliance. Gas appliance should be inspected every year for safe operation. A Carbon Monoxide detector (now required by Federal Law) should be installed in your home. The Gas company will inspect your gas appliances for you for free. Just contact them at 800-427-2200 or visit socalgas.com

Dial 811: If you are going to dig in your yard - or have hired someone to do it - such as a landscaper - be sure to call 811 two days before so that they can mark the gas line locations. This will avoid potential problems as you complete whatever project you are doing.

Finally, don't forget that if your New Years resolutions include upgrading and remodeling your home energy rebates are often available. Check out the website www.EnergyupgradeCA.org for more information or check your utility company websites.

What Does The Home Of The Future Look Like?

What type of home do you want in the future?

This decade will see a full 25% of the US population over the age of 55. Current estimates have it that percentage households where the primary resident is over 55 will increase from the current average of 38% to 45% in the next decade. Homeownership by this demographic is the highest of any and is pegged at over 80%. Needless to say it is an important segment of the market.

While current economic realities have made downsizing a general trend – the list of wants and needs of the senior population is actually growing. Builders who want to appeal to this segment of the market need to tap into these needs as they prepare to build the next generation of homes.

With all the emphasis in recent years on high tech homes it is interesting to note that the majority of wish list items for senior buyers are for much more practical things. Home that feature single level living, large baths, wide doors and hallways and easy to use/read thermostats are on the list. Predictions are that as the baby boomers see their parents through this stage of their lives they will be making notes of the things that make life easier and looking for that in their future retirement homes.

It is not just the seniors looking for a change in what they want from their home. New trends are developing where flexible space and more casual living space is in demand by all age groups. Think about it, when was the last time you really had a use for a formal living room or dining room? Open, free flowing spaces are what it is all about. Another big change is the home office or study space. With the computer now a common household appliance a flexible space that can be used for this is highly desirable. The days of having to sacrifice a whole bedroom for a home office may soon be fading.

Outside more people are looking for outdoor living spaces and the traditional golf course communities may be threatened. Studies are starting to show more people looking for green space – bike paths, walking trails than golf course off limits to all but golfers.

Green homes or energy efficient homes are not yet highly in demand. Most consumers understand and will go for energy efficient appliances and windows and doors but there is not a large movement yet toward a demand for the more expensive “green” building technologies. I predict that these things will only catch on as the price comes down and the builders can incorporate it for the same or little extra as standard materials. Much like the first electric cars were strange oddities that we looked at at car shows. Now every automaker is falling into line with a mass market hybrid version to market.

Think about what you would change about your house you have now if you could. What new technologies would you want to see? What rooms would add/change or delete all together? What would make up your list of “must haves” and what would be a “could do without”? Interesting for sure!

Going Green Around Your Home

[caption id="attachment_145" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Greening Up Your Home"][/caption]Going green is not hard and doesn't have to cost you lots of money. Check out this link to a Going Green guide to see quick and easy things you can do around your home.

You can also check out this nice site by National Geographic for more tips and buying guides.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home going green can save you money. Buyers are looking for these improvements to homes and as a seller you can attract a potential buyer by greening up your home. As a buyer the more efficient the home you buy the long term savings just continue to multiple.

For information on homes in the Palm Springs California area that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly be sure to see my Real Estate Website at PSagent.com