From: Jetson Green

By Preston Koerner | June 21, 2010 | topics: Alt Energy, Green Tech, Solar

Area Industrie Ceramiche makes a red clay roof tile that the Italian company claims is very resistant to weather and capable of absorbing less water and heat. But that's just the original tile. If you go with the "tegolasolare" version, you'll end up with a roof integrated solar solution that's so handsome others may not realize it's wired to generate energy.

Tegolasolare is made with four solar cells on a ceramic roof tile. The solar tile installs like a non-solar tile, while the panels are connected to create a photovoltaic field.

One can cover the entire roof or a portion, giving flexibility to avoid shade and other problem areas. Also, if a tile goes out, it can be replaced without affecting the rest of the system. Tiles are 18 inches (46 centimeters) square.

Wiring leads to an inverter, where DC is transformed and fed into the power grid. A 430 square-foot (40 m2) roof of monocrystalline tiles produces, according to Area Industrie Ceramiche, about 3 kW of power.

From: Jetson Green

By Preston Koerner | June 17, 2010 | topics: Development, Land Use, List, News

Popular Science just published an interesting roundup of green communities in an article now titled, "Nine of the World's Most Promising Carbon-Neutral Communities." You'll recognize several of these communities as we've mentioned them previously. What's important is the notion that reducing an environmental impact can be ultra effective when done on a large scale.

Here's the list (click on the link above for more):

Best U.S. Project: Greensburg
Holiest: Vatican City
Fastest Transformation: Samsø Island
Most Urgent: Maldives
Most Expensive: Masdar
Most Ambitious: Costa Rica
Smallest: BedZED
Most Resourceful: Dockside Green
Most Down-to-Earth: Moreland, Australia

The above efforts certainly establish myriad models to consider. Popular Science says, "carbon neutrality demands a global effort ... [it] requires a complete rethinking of how we have lived since the Bronze Age."

On the other hand, some of these communities (and their plans) are extravagant and costly. On a smaller scale, somewhat akin to Dockside Green, green neighborhoods are gaining in popularity, while LEED for Neighborhood Development continues to pick up steam.

At the moment, there's no silver bullet when it comes to achieving carbon neutrality, but there's also no shortage of ideas and effort. Which community is most inspiring to you?

Significant Changes Coming Soon to SFAR MLS Map

For more than six years, dedicated members of the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® MLS Committee have worked to improve the SFAR MLS district/subdistrict map. Proposed changes were considered for adoption by one year’s volunteers and, then, reconsidered by subsequent years’ volunteers. The changes were finalized by the Association’s Board of Directors last winter.

On the evening of August 10, 2010, the SFAR MLS will begin using a new map to delineate subdistrict boundaries. All properties in the MLS will automatically be reassigned that evening to their new subdistricts, where applicable. Off market data, including sold property will also be reassigned to align with the new map.

To preview the changes, please visit the new interactive map. In addition to orienting the user to the various districts and subdistricts, the interactive map also allows you to toggle down to a street view.

Map collateral suitable for print and web site posting will be available exclusively to participants and subscribers of SFARMLS. To preview the new map or download collateral, please visit http://www.sfrealtors.com/members/dw_sfarmls_map.html. A new version of the paper map will be available August 2, 2010.

A summary of the changes appears below.

Boundary Changes:

Dividing line between 7b (Pacific Heights) and 7d (Cow Hollow) jogs south for one block at the west end and changes so that both sides of Green are in 7d (Cow Hollow) between Lyon and Divisadero. The boundary between Divisadero and Van Ness remains the same, keeping both sides of Green in 7b (Pacific Heights).

9h (South Beach) expands into portions of 9f (SOMA) and 9d (Mission Bay).

Dividing line between 6b (Hayes Valley) and 8f (Van Ness/Civic Center) moves from Gough to Franklin. Dividing line between 6c (Lower Pacific Heights) and 8f (Van Ness/Civic Center) moves from Gough to Franklin between Sutter and California.

Dividing line between District 8a (Downtown) and 8j (Tenderloin) moves from Geary to O’Farrell.

5f (Buena Vista Park) expands to include Ashbury Heights, and is renamed Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights, accordingly.

5e (Parnassus/Ashbury Heights) changes to include a portion of 5b (Haight Ashbury) which is commonly known as Cole Valley, and is renamed Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights, accordingly.

9a (Bernal Heights) expands to include portions of 9c (Inner Mission) south of Cesar Chavez between San Jose and Mission.

Dividing line between 5c (Noe Valley) and 9c (Inner Mission) moves from Guerrero to San Jose between 24th St to 26th St.

5a (Glen Park) expands to include portions of 4s (Sunnyside), 4h (Miraloma Park) and 5c (Noe Valley).

Newly Added Districts, Carved Out of Existing Districts:

9G (Yerba Buena), carved out of portions of 9f (SOMA).

10M (Candlestick Point), carved out of portions of 10K (Bayview Heights).

10N (Little Hollywood), carved out of portions of 10K (Bayview Heights).

Renamed Districts:

8b (Financial District) is renamed Financial District/Barbary Coast.

9j (Central Waterfront) is renamed Central Waterfront/Dogpatch.

5e (Parnassus/Ashbury Heights) is renamed Cole Valley/Parnassus Heights.

1d (Lake) is renamed Lake Street (the word “Street” is added).

5f (Buena Vista Park) is renamed Buena Vista/Ashbury Heights

Green Energy Fair
http://www.sfenvironment.org/greenenergyfair

Come see how solar, wind, and energy efficient buildings can save money, increase indoor comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint!

Download a PDF flyer here

Saturday, June 26, 10am-3pm

Golden Gate Park Bandshell
(Music Concourse Drive, in front of the Academy of Sciences)

Green Energy Exhibitors
Learn about solar electricity, solar water heating, wind power and energy efficiency improvements from experts and local companies. See products and live demos!

Solar Water Heating Tours
Tour 3 local solar water heating installations by biodiesel bus or on your own.

Bus tours depart 10:30 and 11:30 from Bandshell. First come, First-served. Please check in at the SF Environment table to reserve a bus seat or get a map of tour sites.

Energy Workshops
Solar water heating, Solar PV, Energy Efficiency, GreenFinanceSF, and more!

748 Bamboo Terrace

I am excited to present a new pocket listing in San Rafael, CA in Marin County. This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Eichler home in the Terra Linda community of San Rafael. If you are not familiar with Eichlers, you can learn more here.

One look at this classic, mid-century modern Eichler and you’ll know you’re home.

Nestled on a quiet street in Terra Linda, this home offers the best of indoor-outdoor living with lots of entertaining, recreating and gardening options. Northgate Mall, hiking trails, community center, parks and award-winning Dixie schools all nearby. Easy access to Hwy 101.

Indoors: 1,534 square feet of living area. Large master bedroom. Upgraded junior bedrooms. Two baths. Large living room with fireplace. Breakfast area. Dining or family room area. Contemporary kitchen. Cathedral, open-beam ceilings. Hardwood-style floors. Ceiling fans. Skylights. Original globe and Danish lighting.

Outdoors: Three big yard areas. 34' lap pool with cover and large deck area out back. Covered patio and large side yard off living room and master bedroom. Large grassy lawn in front and leading to doorway. All fenced for privacy and safety.

Open House this Sunday June 20th 2:00 - 4:00

Please email me at Chris@GreenKeyRealEstate.com or call me at (415) 793-0215 to learn more and to set up an appointment to see this beautiful home.

I recently met Rick Vidrio of Rising Sun Energy Center. I love their mission and encourage all home owners to check out their FREE energy audit services...

From their web site:

"Want to save money, help the environment, and support young people all at the same time? CYES is here to help! The California Youth Energy Services program offers free Green House Calls to residents of the East and North Bay. Our professionally trained Youth Energy Specialists will visit your home, install FREE energy saving equipment like CFL light bulbs and efficient showerheads, and provide you with a personalized energy-saving plan."

"There are a limited number of Green House Calls available – most are in the summer, but limited times are available year-round in Marin County. Call us to reserve your appointment! Reserve yours quick! Call 510-665-1501 x 10 to sign up, or visit our website at http://www.risingsunenergy.org "

From: Trulia.com

By Rudy Bachraty - June 3, 2010

Today Trulia announced America’s Top 10 Cities to Buy vs. Rent and the Top 10 Cities to Rent vs Buy. Trulia calculated the price-to-rent ratio using the average list price compared with average rent on 2 bedroom apartments, condos and townhomes listed on Trulia.com. To create the list, Trulia analyzed the largest 50 cities in America, by population.

Top 10 Cities to Buy vs. Rent

City Price-to-Rent Ratio

1. Minneapolis, Minnesota 8
2. Arlington, Texas 8
3. Miami, Florida 8
4. Fresno, California 8
5. San Antonio, Texas 8
6. Mesa, Arizona 9
7. Jacksonville, Florida 9
8. Phoenix, Arizona 10
9. El Paso, Texas 10
10. Las Vegas, Nevada 11

“At the peak of the real estate bubble, cities like Miami, Phoenix and Las Vegas were not affordable for many. Now the opposite is true,” said Pete Flint, co-founder and CEO of Trulia. “Home sellers in these hard hit areas are forced to lower their prices to compete with all the foreclosures on the market. As a result , these unattainable markets are so affordable it makes better financial sense to buy than rent.”

Top 10 Cities to Rent vs. Buy

City Price-to-Rent Ratio

1. New York, New York 33
2. Omaha, Nebraska 26
3. Seattle, Washington 25
4. Portland, Oregon 22
5. San Francisco, California 22
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 21
7. Kansas City, Missouri 20
8. San Diego, California 20
9. Cleveland, Ohio 20
10. Dallas, Texas 19

“It is not a surprise to see cities like New York and San Francisco on the ‘Rent’ cities but I was surprised to see areas like Omaha, Oklahoma City and Kansas City on our rental list, “said Flint “We’re not suggesting that it’s unwise to buy in these areas, though - just that it’s significantly more expensive than renting. In many of these cities, even though home buying is much more costly than renting, prices are still much lower than they have been in a long, long time.”

To see the Top 50 City Rent v Buy Index, please click here to download.

Trulia.com’s Rent vs. Buy Index - Interpretation Key

Price-to-Rent Ratio of 1-15: It is much less expensive to own than to rent a home in this city Price-to-Rent Ratio of 16-20: It is more expensive to own a home in this city are The total costs of ownership of a home in this city are greater than the costs of renting, but it might still make financial sense depending on the situation. Price-to-Rent Ratio of 21+: The total costs of owning a home in this city are much greater than the costs of renting.

Definitions: Total costs of home ownership include mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, hazard insurance, closing costs at time of purchase and ongoing HOA dues and private mortgage insurance, where applicable. Total costs of homeownership include an offset for the tax advantages of homeownership, including mortgage interest, property tax and closing cost deductions.

Total costs of renting include rent and renter’s insurance.

> Read More

From: SF Business Times

Friday, June 11, 2010 | Modified: Monday, June 14, 2010, 9:13am PDT

Recurve’s toolbox helps a struggling industry
Contractors use software for retrofits

San Francisco Business Times - by Lindsay Riddell

Recurve is making homes more energy efficient and empowering an army of contractors to replicate its success.

The San Francisco-based home energy retrofitter has developed software to help contractors easily manage and perform home energy retrofits — an area into which the federal government has poured billions of federal stimulus dollars because of its potential to make a significant impact on climate change while creating millions of green jobs.

Recurve started the business in 2004 as Sustainable Spaces, just as awareness about climate change and the impact from homes and buildings — which contribute 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions — was becoming mainstream.

Recurve’s business can lower electricity use by upgrading insulation and duct work or heating and air conditioners, installing energy efficient windows and solar panels, and retrofitting lighting. All these modifications save homeowners money and reduce the carbon footprint of a home or building. Recurve’s business exploded 100 percent in its first two years, and grew 70 percent on top of that in 2009 — arguably the worst year for the construction industry in decades.

Recurve’s software recently went live and now has 12 customers. President Matt Golden expects the software to make the largest impact in the fight against climate change.

“It’s always been about taking the know-how on the building side and packaging it into software to wrap a business around and to scale around,” Golden said.

Recurve’s toolbox opens up new lines of business for building contractors, an industry reeling from a 20 percent unemployment rate and even more widespread underemployment.

“We’re really about creating tools to help companies that haven’t been in this industry traditionally and to help them make the transition to becoming home-retrofitting companies,” Golden said.

Recurve’s software cuts the time and training required to do energy audits and allows an energy retrofit professional to enter a home, perform energy calculations and generate a work plan that includes pricing options.

“It saves on order of three to five hours an audit. And it improves adoption rates because you’re not getting the answer three weeks later,” Golden said.

Billions of dollars diverted to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant ($3.2 billion) and Weatherization Assistance ($5 billion) program from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is now being distributed across the country — much of which will be used for energy efficiency.

A proposed federal law dubbed Cash for Caulkers would pump $6 billion in performance-based incentives to energy efficiency projects. And states are funding their own programs and utilities are implementing new programs too. With incentives and state money flowing in, the energy efficiency market is expected to explode.

Recurve wants to be a major part of that.

“We’re looking for a market transformation,” Golden said.

> Read More

From: SF Business Times

Friday, June 11, 2010

West Oakland rolls
Central Station project is finally on track

San Francisco Business Times - by Blanca Torres

With hundreds of new residents pouring in, West Oakland’s Central Station development is chugging along, but the neighborhood’s full transformation has a way to go.

Three projects — Pulte Homes’ Zephyr Gate townhomes, Holliday Development’s Pacific Cannery Lofts and Bridge Housing’s Ironhorse affordable apartments — have added about 400 units, or about a third of the total build-out for the area.

The next challenge will be to attract more commercial development, developers said, particularly retail.

“The idea behind the development was to have enough of a critical mass so we could attract some of the amenities to make it feel (like) more of a community,” said Cynthia Parker, chief executive of Bridge, which is the master developer for Central Station.

West Oakland is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and is filled in with swaths of Victorian homes built in the late 1800s. The Central Station site is along the western edge of the neighborhood adjacent to Interstate 880 and close to the Bay Bridge.

The concept for a master development at Central Station arose around 2001.

The plan includes eight residential developments totaling 1,200 to 1,500 units and re-use of the historic 16th Street Train Station for event, office and retail space.

The first development to start selling units was Pulte’s Zephyr Gate, which has 100 of about 130 units complete. Sales started in late 2007 and are expected to wrap up later this year.

“Like any in-fill, new masterplanned project, when it first starts, people are unsure about location and safety,” said Chris Schimunek, Pulte’s Bay Area division president. “It takes a while to get traction and let people understand and see and visualize what it’s like to live there.”

More than half of Pulte’s buyers are from San Francisco. At Pacific Cannery Lofts, an 163-unit project that began selling units in early 2009, about 80 percent of buyers are coming from across the bridge. Still, the real estate market decline has depressed sales at both projects.

Pacific Cannery Lofts is priced from $260,000 for a studio up to $500,000 for a two-bedroom. Ninety-eight units are in contract. Zephyr Gate is selling for $360,000 to $460,000 for a two- or three bedroom townhome.

“The transformation of these four blocks is phenomenal,” said Rick Holliday, of the area along Wood Street where the new projects are located. “If the recession wasn’t so bad, I think it’d be really great.”

The next residential project likely to move forward is the first phase of HFH Ltd.’s 300 market-rate apartments.

Andy Getz, who is overseeing the project for HFH, said the developer would like to break ground a year from now, but that will depend on the economy.

“The game is, obviously, when do you start construction and still capture the dramatic reductions in construction costs and mortgage rates and not be left vacant for a year after you finish construction?” he said.

Bridge Housing is now working on raising money to refurbish the train station — a $35 million project. Parker said the space could eventually house an event center used for a farmer’s market during the week and incubator space for small business. Bridge has tapped longtime Oakland developer Phil Tagami, who redeveloped the Rotunda Building and Fox Theater, to bring the station back to life.

The developers would like to see more retail such as a full-service grocery store and drug store move in.

Some recent ventures such as Tanya Holland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen, a soul food restaurant, and Mandela Foods Cooperative, a small produce and food market, have cropped up and thrived.

“We’ve got two-hour waits on Sundays — we’re busting at the seams,” Holland said.

More retailers would be attracted to the area, she said, if the streets were maintained better and transportation improved such as creating a shuttle to BART to service the area.

> Read More

From: SF Gate

Bad news for national re-bound theorists: results of the HomeGain First Quarter 2010 Home Prices Survey indicate that a majority of real estate professionals nationwide believe home prices will decrease, or at best stay the same, over the next six months.

HomeGain, a Realtor/buyer network and information blog, points to five factors that could adversely impact home prices: rising interest rates, expiration of the home buyer tax credit, persistent unemployment, continued foreclosures and the release of shadow inventory held by the banks.

Survey results show the following top ten states where prices are expected to fall:

Top 10 States Where Real Estate Agents and Brokers Think Home Prices Will Go Down In the Next Six Months:

1. Minnesota (82%)

2. Oregon (65%)

3. Illinois (54%)

4. Utah (50%)

5. New York (44%)

6. New Jersey (44%)

7. Nevada (43%)

8. Michigan (42%)

9. Connecticut (42%)

10. Washington (35%)

The survey also has a silver lining: data on the top ten where prices are expected to rise, even given those daunting factors listed above. Among those in this category is California. Yet with the information on expiring ARM loans we've had recently (see articles here and here), one might be surprised to see how high on this list our state appears.

Top 10 States Where Real Estate Agents and Brokers Think Home Prices Will Go Up in the Next Six Months:

1. Texas (41%)

2. Massachusetts (38%)

3. California (37%)

4. Nevada (36%)

5. Idaho (31%)

6. Colorado (31%)

7. Alabama (25%)

8. Tennessee (25%)

9. Arizona (23%)

10. Indiana (22%)

The survey does not include reasons why Realtors expect prices to rise in these states... Possibly our readers have some ideas?

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ontheblock/index#ixzz0qxOYe38g