Cape Cod Ultra-Low Energy House Wins EcoHome Grand Award

Cape Cod, MA

The Truro Residence, a modern Cape Cod home by ZeroEnergy Design, won a ‘Grand Award’ for the 2010 EcoHome Design Awards hosted by EcoHome magazine. Aligned with the magazine’s philosophy, the national contest showcases the “best integration of design and performance” from across the country.

The award winning Truro Residence is a modern, oceanfront vacation home perched 115’ above sea level overlooking Cape Cod Bay. The home features native landscaping throughout the 1.7 acre site and near zero energy use thanks to a high performance building envelope, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and photovoltaic panels that produce nearly as much energy as the home uses each year.

“We are thrilled to receive the Grand Award, and have our work singled out as an example of design excellence and sustainability,” said Stephanie Horowitz, AIA, of ZeroEnergy Design. “Our exceptional team helped to make this home both beautiful and high performance.”

EcoHome magazine coverage of the EcoHome Design Awards:
http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/frame.php?i=44516&p=23&pn=&ver=swf

Team members:

• ZeroEnergy Design | Architecture, Mechanical Design | ZeroEnergy.com
• Silvia & Silvia Custom Builders | Construction | SilviaAndSilvia.com
• Eleven Interiors | Interior Furnishings | ElevenInteriors.com
• Light Th!s | Lighting Design | Light-This.com
• Venegas and Company | Kitchen Consultant | VenegasAndCompany.com
• Heimarck & Folgia | Landscape Architecture | HF-llc.com

About ZeroEnergy Design:
ZeroEnergy Design creates innovative and environmentally sensible homes. Our multidisciplinary team of architecture, engineering and finance professionals takes a calculated, three-pronged approach to green design and sustainability. This results in high performance homes that holistically appeal to our clients’ lifestyles, aesthetic preferences, and environmental ideologies.
http://www.ZeroEnergy.com

Lenders Cushion Loan Pricing After Spike in Refinance Demand

Los Angeles, Calif. (VOCUS)

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its results to its Weekly Survey. This survey covers over 50% of all U.S. residential mortgage loan applications taken by retail mortgage bankers, commercial banks, and thrifts. This extremely accurate data gives economists a great look into the consumer demand for mortgage loans. This trend of increasing refinance applications implies consumers are seeking out a lower monthly payment, a fairly predictable assessment. But, the long term effects of this action paint a better picture.

If these consumers are actually able to reduce their monthly mortgage payments they will increase their disposable income, or their “spending money”, giving them the opportunity to spend that spending money which would in turn revitalize the economy. This would create more consumer spending or even allow debtors to pay down personal liabilities like credit cards. This effect could spiral to astronomical proportions because as the more people spend their surplus disposable income, the better the economy gets and the lower the mortgage payments are, creating the effect all over again.

Homebuyers Find Value in Townhomes for Sale with 3% Interest Rates & Up to $125K in Down Payment Assistance

Anaheim, Calif.

The revitalized Anaheim is becoming one of the most exciting, up and coming communities in southern California. Walking distance from art and cultural galleries, like the all-new MUZEO museum, and steps from sidewalk cafes, unique shops, and the vibrant farmer’s market, Downtown Anaheim is bringing this urban village concept to life. Explore the opportunities to live the downtown dream, from spacious townhomes for sale to sophisticated flats with up to $125,000 in down payment assistance and interest rates as low as 3% for qualified homebuyers at Colony Park.

Centrally located at the heart of the downtown renewal, Brookfield Homes’ Colony Park has everything: incredibly affordable prices for first-time buyers, amazing financing, modern stainless steel appliances, private attached garages offer extra storage and convenience, large light-filled spaces and more. With no Mello-Roos, a low tax rate, resort-style salt water pool, park and pavilion, and utility costs that currently average between 25%-40% lower than those in neighboring cities, Colony Park in Anaheim offers an unparalleled variety of new townhomes for sale.

After searching townhomes for sale over a period of six months, newly married Khoa and Jackie Ngo realized that older duplexes and bank owned properties weren’t for them, but Brookfield Homes’ Colony Park proved to be an ideal fit. “We love our community. The layout of our home is amazing,” said Khoa. In addition to the central location, spacious floorplan, and affordable price, Khoa and Jackie recognized Colony Park’s tremendous overall value. “Money is always important, especially nowadays,” Khoa added. “One of the first things that appealed to us at Colony Park was the low tax rate and no Mello Roos.”

The tremendous overall value also grabbed the attention of Michael and Lan Luong Gilmore. Originally from Santa Ana, Michael and Lan Luong Gilmore searched throughout Orange County for a new home. “We checked out other homebuilders, which all had acceptable designs,” said Lan. “However, most of those homes came with Mello-Roos, much higher HOA dues, and guest parking was unavailable.” The couple recently closed escrow and love every square foot of their new home. “Another plus: the homes are energy efficient and environmentally responsible.”

The Gilmore’s were also extremely satisfied with the Brookfield Homes team and their overall homebuying experience. “From the beginning to the end, everyone was very accessible and helpful. We felt assured that this community was a wise choice,” Lan stated.

Colony Park’s stylish townhomes for sale and flats offer a wide variety of living arrangements from one to four bedrooms and up to four and one-half baths. The one-, two-, and three-level homes span from approximately 1,073 to 2,060 square feet. Plus as a GreenPoint Rated community, Colony Park’s homes are energy efficient, conserve water and other important resources, improve indoor air quality and share an infill address that provides nearby access to public transportation. Prices start from the mid $300,000s to the mid $400,000s.

Down payment assistance of up to $125,000 may be available for qualified homebuyers. To learn more, contact the Anaheim Housing Services Agency at (714) 765-4340, ext. 4886, or visit anaheim-hca.org. To learn more about Colony Park, please call (800) 726-1512 or visit LiveColonyPark.com. View more testimonials of happy homeowners at www.youtube.com/user/ColonyParkAnaheim.

About Brookfield Homes–Brookfield Homes Southland is independently and locally operated with offices in Orange and San Bernardino Counties, and is part of one of North America’s largest homebuilding companies, Brookfield Homes Corporation. The parent company also has community development and homebuilding operations in the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego, Sacramento, Virginia, Maryland, Hawaii and Washington, DC. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Brookfield Homes is a public company. Additional information regarding Brookfield Homes Southland is available at www.brookfieldsouthland.com.

Disclaimer: California state credit of $10,000 available on brand-new homes used as primary residences. California funds distributed on first-come, first-served basis. See your individual tax consultant for full details. A City of Anaheim secondary financing down payment assistance payment deferred loan of up to $125,000 to supply the balance of purchase price. Availability will vary based on buyers credit score. Buyer must meet underwriting guidelines, including evaluation of income, assets, and credit (a minimum credit score maybe required). Rates, terms, fees and prices are subject to change without notice. Please see sales representative for details. Equal housing lender. Issued 08052010. Copyright 2010. Brookfield Homes. Broker License Number 01402089

For further information on this development and others please visit http://www.brookfieldhomes.com/index.html.

Ballard Named One of the Best Places to Live in Seattle Positively Affecting Local Real Estate Values

Seattle, WA

Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood has just been named one of the city’s “Best Places to Live” in 2010 by the Seattle Metropolitan magazine. Leading Ballard Seattle real estate agent Rick Benson sees this as a result of the many new developments in the Ballard real estate market, as well as the community’s high quality of life.

“Ballard has always been the kind of neighborhood that people move into and never want to move out of,” says Benson, a longtime Ballardite. “The fact that Ballard has been receiving all these accolades comes as no surprise to those of us who’ve watched the neighborhood grow over the years. The strong sense of community and affordable housing prices are top attractions to the area; couple that with breathtaking views, especially in Sunset Hill and Blue Ridge, and you have the makings for a community that is priceless,” he says.

Known for its strong maritime heritage and Scandinavian culture, Ballard is situated in northwestern Seattle overlooking the Puget Sound. The neighborhood has seen a great deal of condominium development in recent years, but has managed to keep its established neighborhoods intact. According to Seattle Metropolitan, over 350 homes were sold here in 2009, many more than the combined total of homes sold in Columbia City, East Renton and Maple Leaf.

“Ballard is a great place to live, raise a family and start a business,” says Benson, who was also a local business owner in the community for 30 years. “The real estate market here still has reasonable prices and you’d be pleasantly surprised at the different housing possibilities – anything from Craftsman homes to new Ballard Seattle condos.”

To view some of the Ballard Seattle homes for sale currently available, visit Benson’s website, www.RickBensonRealEstate.com.

Denver Among Best Places to Live, Work and Play in the US; Boosting Local Real Estate Values

Denver, CO

Recently ranked 6th in Forbes’ recently released “Best Places for Business and Careers” list and landing in the top 25 cities in Men’s Journal’s “Best Places to Live in 2010;” the city of Denver has received quite a bit of positive attention this year. Residents and experts alike remain positive about the current and future of the city’s economic and real estate market. Leading Denver Real Estate Specialist, Donavon Paschall, notes that The Mile-High City is no stranger to such accolades, thus the success of the city can be reflected in its bolstering real estate market.

“Denver seems to have a perennial spot on lists like these,” he says, “which is not something that comes as a surprise for those who live and work in the area. Denver is doing a lot of things right.”

Paschall particularly agrees with Men’s Journal’s praise of the city’s vibrant downtown area. “Denver’s urban neighborhoods are loaded with old world charm and are just steps away from offices, restaurants, open spaces and cultural venues. Denver urban living is something that many people aspire to these days.” The magazine called Denver’s downtown “one of the best in the country for work, owning a condo, and walking to everything.”

A top-selling real estate agent in the 80205 and 80207 zip codes, Paschall specializes in Northeast Denver real estate and Denver classic homes. “Denver has entire neighborhoods of beautifully maintained and remodeled historic homes,” he says. “Those who’ve always dreamed about living in classic homes along tree-lined streets that are just minutes from parks, schools and commercial areas will find more than a few options here.” Paschall himself has had a great deal of personal experience in renovating classic homes within Denver’s downtown area.

Some fine examples of Denver classic homes currently on the market can be found in Paschall’s recently launched website, www.HomesByDonavon.com. The new site also features virtual tours of the featured homes, as well as a property search tool where users can search for real estate throughout Denver’s historic neighborhoods.

USDA: Nebraska farm real estate value up 9 percent

LINCOLN, Nebraska

Recent figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal that Nebraska farm real estate value rose a whole 9 percent over the year of 2009, to a astonishing record of $1,460 an acre. The statistics say that the increase continues a trend dating back to 1993. The Nebraska farm real estate value on January 1 was $120 an acre higher than that of Jan. 1, 2009, another impressive record. Average croplan rose 11 percent from last year while dryland average $2,000 an acre.

Housing Market Boast Brilliant Numbers

New home sales jumped 23.6% in June to an annual rate of 330k compared to market expectations for a somewhat smaller increase to a rate of 320k. Also, the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index increased 0.5% in May from April and 4.6% from May one year ago. This was the second monthly increase and the fourth year-over-year gain in home prices. 15 of the 20 metro areas tracked by this index showed monthly price gains.

Caribbean Condos with Guaranteed Income for Investors

Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula hosts some of the oldest real estate on the continent, the 500 year old Colonial City called Merida, and it hosts the lavish newly developeing beachfront properties of the Caribbean. Eric Partney, associate broker at Mexico International, explains, “After
living in the Yucatan for 6 years I am still charmed by the diversity. My
clients love the old colonial homes in Merida but also want beachfront for
investment and retirement. I am now working with a new condo-hotel project
called ‘Sian Ka’an.’ This project is unusual in that you can buy a small
condo starting in the mid-$150,000 range and get a guaranteed income since
the Hotel Bahia Principe is leasing back the units for a minimum of 7 years.
This is an easy way to buy now with a guaranteed income plus have your own
piece of paradise in Mexico.”

Miami-Dade Pending Home Sales Increase 40.5 Percent from a Year Ago

Total pending home sales in the Miami-Dade County increased 40.5 percent in July 2010, when compared to the July 2009 numbers. This real estate  includes single-family style homes and condominiums. Even though the tax credit, which helped boost the South Florida real estate market, expired, Miamia-Dade Couny has shown impressive signs as it continues to strengthen.

Middlefield Banc Corp. Reports Strong Second Quarter Earnings and Continued Asset Growth

Midfield banc Corp announced some positive numbers today. First of all, net income has risen 55.1% up to 715,000 dollars. Total assets have increased to 12.9 million dollars while net loans grew to 4.5 million dollars. “In the second quarter, Middlefield Banc Corp. again delivered a strong financial performance in an economic environment that continues to be extremely challenging,” stated Thomas G. Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, “The results for the quarter continued to demonstrate solid performance on many fronts, including continued core deposit growth, an expanded net interest margin, and additions to our capital base.” He went on to explain “Our focus remains sharply on sound, fundamental banking practices designed to deliver excellence in customer service. By so doing, we will work to ensure an increase in value to our shareholders.”

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