Real Estate Information

Solar Tubes

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Solar tubes are tubes that run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room. Solar tubes work like skylights but are less expensive, require less roof/ceiling space, and can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They can even work in the basement or the first floor of a two-story house if there is a closet, a chase, or any place to feed through the solar tube up to the roof. Solar tubes are made to look like ordinary ceiling lights and can easily blend into a home. They are carefully built to maximize the amount of light provided, and can light 100 to 600 square feet of space, depending on the depth and diameter of the tube. Short, wide solar tubes provide the most light. A 10-inch solar tube can produce 3,750 lumens of light, whereas a 60-watt incandescent bulb only produces 870 lumens. This means that one 10-inch solar tube can replace about four 60-watt incandescent bulbs! Solar tubes also produce roughly 68 percent less heat than the average light bulb.

Solar tubes require no electricity to run and produce no pollution. This can result in energy cost savings and contribute to a healthier planet. The natural light that solar tubes provide also has been shown to have numerous benefits for the people living in the home. According to the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory of the EPA, natural lighting can contribute to psychological and physical health by boosting energy and concentration levels. A study by the Florida Energy Conservation Assistance Program showed that natural lighting resulted in reduced eye fatigue and headaches by providing better light and matching the normal functional rhythms of the human body. Having access to natural light also helps the body produce vitamin D.

Solar tubes are also commonly referred to as tubular skylights or sun tubes. The leading providers of solar tubes are SolaTube and Velux.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Because solar tubes require no electricity to run, replacing lights with solar tubes will reduce monthly energy bills. The savings depends on the type of light bulbs the solar tubes are replacing (incandescent or CFL), the amount of time the electric lights were normally left on, and the number of electric lights replaced with solar tubes. Solatube, a leading manufacturer of solar tubes, reported that they saw an 86.1 percent reduction in daytime lighting costs and a 68.2 percent reduction in nighttime lighting costs when their headquarters incorporated 21-inch solar tubes. This is a very high number and, again, the reduction percentage depends on the amount of lights replaced, size of the solar tubes, and initial costs.

Installation of solar tubes usually costs between $500 and $800, depending on the size of the tube and the features installed (see "Issues" for more information on possible features). It also costs more if tube extensions are required to install the solar tube. This is less expensive than typical installation costs for regular skylights. Installation costs should be weighed against long-term savings for each particular case. Some investments will pay for themselves more quickly than others; in some cases, you might even be able to make a small profit by installing solar tubes. It is important to weigh the investment against the environmental, health, and light quality benefits of solar tubes.

Issues:
When choosing a solar tube, several issues must be considered. First, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This label indicates the solar tube truly works in the environmental-friendly fashion it should, and it could be used for federal or state tax credits. It's also important that the solar tube has some kind of moisture control so that water does not leak into the home. There are several extra features available for solar tubes that may desirable, including an electric light add-on that can be installed in the tube and used at night, a daylight dimmer to control the amount of sunlight allowed in, and designer diffusers to maximize light diffusion. Some companies also offer a softening lens instead of a dimmer for very bright climates. The actual look of the light fixture attached to the solar tube can also be customized to suit the aesthetic desires of a homeowner or business.

Regional Issues:
Solar tubes are technologically advanced, using advanced optics to draw as much light from the sun as possible. As such, they can function even in cloudy regions, during low-light hours, and in winter, although it is possible to draw more light in sunnier climates during the day. Look into details on the efficiency of different manufacturers' products in your specific climate before purchasing a solar tube.

Installation:
Solar tubes are simple enough that, in many cases, they can be installed by the homeowner. This can cut costs by almost 50 percent. Instructions often come with solar tube kits; however, a simple installation instruction video, "How to Install Solar Light Tubes," is available here. If the tube must be very long or must be bent through complex structures and is too difficult for the homeowner to install, professional contractors are available to install solar tubes.

Videos On This Topic:

Solatube Daylighting (1:20) - Solatube - solar panels are the most well-known source of solar energy on the market.  However, there are many other technologies out there that can utilize natural daylight to reduce energy use, including solar tubes.  In this video from Solatube, find out more about how solar tubes work and how they can benefit your home and reduce your energy bills.

More Information On This Topic:

"Skylights, Sky Lites, Solar Rooftop Windows, Light Tubes Resources"

"Solatube Product Summary", green-buildings.com

"Tubular Skylight, Natural Solar Lighting" - Solar Direct

"Benefits of a Solatube" - Common Sense

"Innovating the World of Daylighting" - Solatube.com

"The relationship of urban design to human health and condition" - By Laura E. Jackson
Journal of Landscape and Urban Planning. Vol. 64.4: 191-200

"Solar Lighting Tubes" - MasterCraft Design & Build, MasterCraft News

Insulation Rebates

Xcel Energy has launched an insulate and seal rebate program for their gas customers in Colorado.

QUALIFYING CUSTOMERS

This program is available to Xcel Energy residential natural gas customers in Colorado for existing residential housing. Rebate applies to attic and bypass sealing, wall insulation and air sealing and weather-stripping only. Program excludes new residential construction, new residential additions, garages, sheds and workshops. Customers requesting rebates must contract for insulation services with fully licensed and bonded insulation contractors.

REBATE DETAILS

This program will provide a rebate equal to 20 percent of the of the insulation and installation up to a maximum rebate of $ 300 per customer per natural gas heating meter. To qualify for a rebate, all insulation must be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications and meet all state and local codes and federal regulations. Xcel Energy reserves the right to inspect installations before issuing a rebate. Qualifying equipment must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Customers must apply for this rebate within 6 months of installation of insulation.

REBATE FORM

The GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE INSULATE COLORADO Rebate Program

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is currently offering insulation rebates to residents living outside of Xcel Energy territory or other utility territories who currently offer insulation rebates for insulation installed after January 1st, 2009. Please see http://www.colorado.gov/energy/residential/existing-insulate-co.asp for more details.

The GEO partners with local Colorado organizations to offer rebates directly to qualifying homeowners for the installation of insulation and air sealing measures through the Insulate Colorado program. The program provides a rebate to homeowners that insulate and air-seal their attics and exterior walls to the recommended R-Values presented in the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (2006 IECC) after January 1st, 2009.

It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. It seems easy enough--just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.

The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, then drastically slash the price when weeks go buy without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through. Chances are they would have been money ahead if they had started working with a real estate professional from the very beginning!

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung in the high country.  Locals are out on their bikes, hiking, rafting, kayaking ect…  This is an amazing time to visit our beautiful area.  Check out the link below for a live web cam for Frisco and the marina.  Talk to most locals and they will tell you that they moved here for the winters but stay for the summers.  Temperatures have been 65 to 70 during the day and 40’s at night.  The aspens have leafed out, the wild flowers are coming up and the mountains are turning green.  The 4^th of July is an amazing time in Summit County.  All of the towns have special events for all ages.  Watch for upcoming events.  The price of real estate remains low and interest rates are good.  If you want a home in the Colorado Rockies now is the time to contact a great realtor at Keller Williams Top of the Rockies!!

http://www.townoffrisco.com/about-frisco/webcams/

Dog House!

A family pet often represents a major challenge when a house is being marketed. Even though you might think that a dog is man’s best friend not everyone feels that way especially when they are looking at a home for the first time with a barking dog inside.

Even though he is just doing "his job", a dog's bark will sound ferocious to anyone who is knocking at the door. This is usually a good thing, but when your home is on the market, real estate agents will be bringing a lot of strangers to the door. Most agents are concerned about the unpredictability of dogs they don't know. When they are greeted by a barking dog, they may not be willing to enter the house unless the owner is at home. If your dog is confined to part of the house, such as a basement, is sure to put up a sign informing people of that fact. Talk with your real estate agent about the best way to manage your pet while your house is being shown, and make sure that this information is included in the MLS listing.

Come one; come all to enjoy the best Barbeque in the west.  It’s a fun time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some fantastic food at the same time.  Live entertainment and fun in the sun. Come join us!  While you are here, it’s a great time to consider buying Real Estate; we are still in a Buyer’s market and have a terrific inventory of homes available. Ask us for additional information. Here are the details for the BBQ and a link to the official website:

BBQ challenge website

If you are selling your home, you should be prepared for the day your first offer comes in. When your real estate agent calls to say there is an offer on your home, you will naturally get excited. When your agent describes the offer, you will probably experience an adrenaline rush. Whether the offer is good or bad, you should just remain calm--and discuss a counter-offer with your agent. The negotiations of a purchase begin with the buyer's ideal terms and a counter offer that communicates the seller's ideal terms.

A good agent will look beyond the price when evaluating an offer. If the buyers' financial qualifications are shaky or the offer includes potentially problematic terms or conditions, your real estate agent should be there to minimize any risk to you and to address these items in your counter-offer. Your agent's job is not to make a decision for you, but to be sure that you understand fully what the offer includes and what is expected.

To find a fine agent in Summit County, please log onto www.YourSummitRealEstate.com and asked to be contacted by one of our agents  to help you with either the sale of your home or a purchase.  

Obviously, your return on investment depends on where you live. But according to Remodeling Magazine’s “2009-2010 Cost vs. Value report,” which compiles results from members of the National Association of REALTORS^® in 80 cities, the trend is toward small-scale projects and replacements. 

There’s no doubt that curb appeal helps sell homes.  You can improve your home’s exterior without spending a great deal of money by adding a deck, replacing a lawn or enhancing the entranceway. 

Because of all the government incentives available, it also makes sense to make any improvements that add to your home’s energy efficiency.  For example, you can get a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost (up to $1,500) for installing certain products such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, roofing, and heating and cooling equipment.   Go to www.energystar.gov for details.

Prospective home buyers continue to look for improvements to kitchens and bathrooms.  Instead of a high-end remodel, more people are choosing moderately priced upgrades that will improve their chances of a sale.

Copper Mountain, CO…May 26, 2010…The Copper Environmental Foundation (a non-profit 501c3), dedicated to the environmental sustainability of Copper, Frisco and the surrounding areas announces the 2010 grant cycle. The Copper Environmental Foundation was started in November 2007 by Copper employees, with a long-term goal to support environmental initiatives in Summit County and the surrounding area. Employees may voluntarily contribute to the Copper Environmental Foundation, and all employee contributions are matched at 100% by Copper Mountain. A committee of Copper employees will make decisions on grant awards

The Copper Environmental Foundation supports projects that promote environmental sustainability through education, scientific research or community-based initiatives in our mountain community. To date, the Copper Environmental Foundation has granted more than $30,000 to local community groups including: many Summit County Schools; the Summit County Resource Allocation Park; Silvana’s Community Garden; Full Circle Environmental Club based in Leadville, CO; Summit Day Camps and Keystone Science School. 

The Copper Environmental Foundation’s Spring 2010 grant cycle continues with a focus on providing funding for youth (ages 5-18) environmental programs or projects in Summit and Lake Counties.  Projects should have environmental education and/or action components and should have a positive impact on the local community. Projects with the potential to be replicated or continued in future years are strongly encouraged. Grant requests are considered annually and to request a grant application, please email environment@coppercolorado.com or visit www.coppercolorado.com/winter/about/environment  to download an application.

The Copper Environmental Foundation is accepting grant applications up to $20,000, though grants under $5,000 are more likely to be awarded.  Eligible recipients may be private and non-profit organizations, government agencies or individuals. Applicants are strongly encouraged to call Ben Brown at 970-968-3012 to discuss potential projects before submitting an application. Please email completed applications to environment@coppercolorado.com. Sorry - we only accept email submissions. The deadline for grant applications is Wed., June 30 at 4 p.m.

Many people notice a “For Sale” sign in front of a house and call to get information about it.  Statistics compiled by real estate firms around the country indicate that the majority of responses to Realtors’ advertising come from calls generated by yard signs, and more buyers come from “sign inquires” than any other marketing strategy.

A yard sign advertises that a house is for sale.  It informs not only potential buyers, but also the neighbors. Often a neighbor will call about a property because they have friends, colleagues or relatives whom they would like to have move into the neighborhood.  It is not uncommon for a neighbor’s inquiry to result in a sale.

Prospective buyers who call for an appointment after seeing a yard sign already have a positive response to the exterior of the home and are eager to see the interior. .

If you are putting your home on the market and don’t like the idea of having a sign in your window or yard, talk with your Realtor.

If you are planning on buying or selling a home in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Copper, or Keystone Ski Areas or anywhere else in Summit County, Colorado, please contact the Keller Williams Top of the Rockies Team at 970-368-7000. We would be delighted to show off our beautiful, mountain properties.