Real estate, green and traffic … Chicago’s going green (HT: Raising Kaine)Regarding Zillow, et. al:raw data without human analysis (looking inside and outside since the data was collected) is useless. Zillow is really useless because you still need a professional to determine if zillow is wrong & by how much. ANd if zillow is off by a mile so what–zillow isn’t backing up anything it says.I hate to post something with so many capitalization errors and typos, but the above point is true. Without interpretation of the data,the data will be just that – meaningless numbers that may or may not be accurate. (Good) Realtors are going to have to develop, maintain their professionalism and offer – get this – service – to survive and thriveHow will consumers become clients?What will the 29 North Corridor look like? Is it too late?If you question whether political blogs have influence, read this.
Browsing Category Green
A Zero-energy home
Wow. Necessity really is the mother of invention.
Green trends poised for take-off
Green building starts to really take off!According to a recent survey conducted by NAHB and McGraw Hill Construction, there has been a 20 percent increase since last year in builders dedicated to green building issues. The number is expected to rise by another 30 percent in 2007 to 64 percent of builders either heavily or moderately involved in green building projects, the survey said.Choosing green will have to be, in my opinion, a financial decision. Witness the recent rise in people using public transit and buying bikes.Is the perfect gasoline storm upon us?Rise of the Neo-GreensStart with supply…. That ensures a steadier stream of production, which will make prices more predictable and will kick-start some economies of scale. Over time, increased demand and decreased production costs will lure additional players, which helps create still greater efficiencies, boosting output and lowering costs.It’s about the economy, stupid. Some early adopters will certainly buy into the green movement because it’s the “right thing to do.” Most will not until they see the direct impact on their pocket books. Simple as that.How can I be more green?
Light blogging this week
I am away for much of this week attending the second of four retreats for the VAR Leadership Academy, and probably spending the time upon my return catching up. This time we are in Natural Bridge, just past beautiful Lexington, home of my alma mater, VMI. What are the chances these guys are wrong?Bill Gates, John Doerr and Steve Case believed in the Internet long before Wall Street did. Now, they’re betting on the next great “disruptive” technology: alternative fuels and other environmentally friendly products, but this time other investors aren’t far behind.And we will soon have wind technology in our backyard.The alternative fuel economy is going to shape how our region grows, whether we like it or not…. I cannot stress this enough: Our scattered, disconnected, low-density pattern of development is a significant contributor to the increase in Vehicle Miles Driven and gasoline consumption. Over the past half-century, Virginians have built an auto-centric physical infrastructure adapted to a cheap-energy world but maladapted to an expensive-energy world…. But our political leaders continue their Business As Usual transportation and land use policies, differing only in the extent to which they are willing to dedicate new revenue streams to perpetuate the ancient energy regime. This, too will shape the future of CharlAlbemarle.
Links 04-13-2006
The real estate blogosphere celebrates one of its own stepping to a new level. This is a testament to bloggers’ influence, acceptance and the simple fact that Dustin is an innovator and leader. Here’s hoping that move.com listens to him, lest they be left in the dust by the competition (pun intended).Like it or not, Microsoft leads the way, not by innovation, but by volume. Those who have adopted RSS already – get ready for others to “discover” this technology.Live.com will be the first feed syndication experience for hundreds of millions of users who would love to add more content to their page, connect with friends, and take control of the flow of information in ways geeks have for years…. After much discussion and court-time, the DOE upgraded the standard for air conditioning units, effective January 2006. Apparently, any existing units in stock may be used, but all new units must meet the new standard. This is good news for those seeking lower energy costs and higher efficiency, especially because “88% of homeowners say lower energy costs are “very important” when choosing an air conditioner.”MLS consolidation is necessary. Currently I am a member of and about to be a member of the Charlottesville-area MLS, Northern-VA MLS, Staunton/Augusta (Waynesboro!)
Links for 04-12-06
Green paints are catching onSmall business health plans strategyYahoo’s new maps are mighty coolWhy not take the time to get a professional-sounding email address and leave that @aol.com address for personal emails?National energy savings campaignNo national bubble hereSlow growth and unintended consequences – are these the results that ASAP and the like desire?
Green building making inroads
Winds of climate change blow over big businessIn many ways “going green” makes perfect economical sense. Carbon emissions come from energy. Save energy and — here’s what skeptics take issue with — lower the amount of heat on the planet that can lead to global warming. How much you believe or participate is up to you.UVa.’s new Lawn project to be LEED certified?“We’re planning for the next century,†Neuman said, noting the goal of making the building eligible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, a coalition of building industry leaders.For green building to firmly take hold, large institutions need to lead the charge along with the grassroots movement. Hopefully this signals a move in the right direction. Where there is profit, there will be business, innovation and acceptance.