Beyond the Farmers’ Market: Why Buying Local Goods and Services is Good for You, the Community, and the Environment

Thursday, March 31, 6:30-7:30 pm, Green Hills Library, Free and Open to the Public

A growing trend in sustainability is the focus on local and regional economies. Local food is a great beginning, but local buying can go even further. Lots of goods are still manufactured in America – even in Brentwood and  Nashville. Learn how you can build a stronger local community through your personal purchases. This session will specifically look at the Nashville and Tennessee economies, and their financial, environmental, and social metrics through the lens of sustainability.

Why buy local?

1. Buying within the Brentwood and Nashiville communities or the state of Tennessee can help stimulate the economy.
2. More jobs are stabilized and created.
3. Tax money stays in your state to help fund local programs.
4. It helps the owners of the products you like to keep producing them.
5. It insures that you know where your food is coming from and who is growing it and how, and,
6. When you keep your money local, everyone benefits.

Presenters:

Rachel Martin, co-owner, (n)habit environmental supply + design. Rachel will discuss one of the store’s main criteria when looking for goods to sell at (n)habit: how closely to Nashville the product was extracted, harvested or manufactured. (n)habit now carries an impressive array of home finishing products that were produced in or around Nashville, including tile, countertops, sinks, cedar lumber, and many more. Rachel, her husband Edward and their daughter Olive have recently moved into the HWEN neighborhood!

Jeff Gowdy, owner of J. Gowdy Consulting, advises companies on developing profitable solutions around sustainability and social responsibility. Jeff is also an instructor at Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management’s Executive Development Institute. He will discuss the three pillars of sustainability in business: 1) growing financially while 2) improving environmental responsibility and 3) advancing social impact. He will address how to strengthen your local community through local purchasing.

JoAnne Staler
RE/MAX Elite
109 Westpark Drive, Suite 100
Brentwood, TN, 37027
Cell: 615-319-3019
Office: 615-661-4400
Toll Free: 888-801-2666
JoAnne@JoAnneStaler.com

Those who have worked with Naasa appreciate knowing the purchase of their new home is in the hands of a capable and trustworthy REALTOR®. It just makes sense to turn to a professional who cares about your needs and will go the extra mile to meet them.

www.JoAnneStaler.com is brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Brentwood TN Real Estate
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Brentwood, Franklin and Williamson County TN
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Brentwood and Nashville – Sustainability – Buy Local is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

By: Gil Rudawsky 

houselogic.com

Do you Qualify for the Tax Credit? 

• Your windows are drafty or more than 15 years old.
• You install qualifying replacements in 2009 or 2010.
• You haven’t already maxed out the energy tax credit on other upgrades.

 You might be able to keep at least some of that cash in your pocket by taking advantage of federal energy tax credits for retrofitting your house with qualified energy-efficient replacements. You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading the windows, exterior doors, and skylights in your primary residence during 2009 and 2010.

The credit is based on 30% of the cost of materials, so a $5,000 purchase would max it out. But a tax credit alone isn’t reason enough to start calling contractors. Do a little homework first. The true value of replacing aging windows, doors, and skylights isn’t always an open-and-shut case.

Follow the 15-year rule for windows

A good rule of thumb for window replacement: Don’t bother if they’re less than 15 years old, says Jim Rooney, a home inspector in Annapolis, Md. The savings on your energy bills likely will be negligible since window technology hasn’t changed that radically and the integrity of your windows should still be intact. Shoddy installation or poor manufacturing may call for exceptions to the 15-year rule. Windows that are 20, 30, or more years old are prime candidates for replacement.

Taking advantage of the tax credit

A credit is especially valuable because it directly reduces the amount of tax owed, as opposed to a deduction, which lowers the amount of taxable income. To be eligible for the full credit you must owe more in federal taxes than you’re trying to claim. Use IRS Form 5695 to take advantage of the credit, which is cumulative for 2009 and 2010 only. You can’t claim $1,500 for each tax year, but you can spread the $1,500 over the two-year period.

Uncle Sam may want proof that your new windows, doors, and skylights meet energy-efficiency standards, so be sure to save receipts, product stickers, and certification statements. The latter can often be found on packaging or manufacturers’ web sites. As for receipts, ask contractors to itemize expenses. Installation costs aren’t eligible for the credit; only materials are.

Click here to read this houselogic article in full.

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville  TN REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

No matter what your price range JoAnne Staler can help you find your Nashville TN dream home.  Click here to recieve automatic emails of new listings that fit your home buying criteria.

Click here for more Tennessee Homeowner Tips and Trends.

Get Tax Credits for Home Improvements in Nashville TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Nashville REALTOR JoAnne Staler Awarded Green Designation is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

According to the National Assoc. of Home Builders, 59% of Builders are downsizing. They are building smaller, ‘greener’ homes. Watch the following video for more details…

Builders Downsize the Dream Home JoAnne Staler Nashville REALTOR is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

“This is exciting for Franklin to achieve this status in Southern Living Magazine,” remarked Franklin Mayor John Schroer. “This is a true compliment for the citizens and businesses that serve Franklin visitors, they do a great job of attracting people to this town and making sure they have a pleasurable experience while they are here.”

The top ten “Best Small Town” list includes:

1. Beaufort, SC

2. Fairhope, AL

3. Fredericksburg, TX

4. Blowing Rock, NC

5. Franklin, TN
 
6. Eureka Springs, AR

7. Oxford, MS

8. Grand Rivers, KY

9. Madison, GA

10. Hendersonville, NC

Click here to read about Franklin Tennessee’s goal to become a Top 25 Green City.

Click here for more information on Franklin, Tennessee or Williamson County.  

Click here to read about Franklin’s award winning schools. 

Click here to view demographic reports for Franklin, Tennessee. 

Franklin TN Makes Best Small Town Top 10 List is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Spring is the ideal time to sell your Nashville TN home!  The weather is comfortable for home buyers and curb appeal is at its prime.  Check out the following article to help get your Nashville TN home ready to sell without spending big bucks.

Budget Home Updates

Need to spruce up your house before you sell? These low-cost upgrades will boost your market value without breaking the bank.

By Kara Wahlgren, FrontDoor.com

Most homeowners have a room or two they’d like to overhaul, and when you’re looking to sell, those must-do projects seem even more important. But while a major renovation might boost your home’s value, does anyone really have the bottomless bank account to fund those big projects? The average home staging budget is only 1 percent to 3 percent of your home’s value — hardly enough to finance those handmade hickory cabinets for your kitchen or marble mantle for your fireplace.

“If you’re getting ready to sell in the next few months, major renovations are probably not going to pay off,” says staging expert Lori Matzke. According to a report from Remodeling magazine, even a swanky $50,000 kitchen remodel will only earn back about 80 percent of its cost when you sell. A smarter bet? Stick to inexpensive upgrades that can make a huge difference in your home’s saleability. These simple projects will get you the most bang for your buck.

Fix what’s broken.
Got a broken heater? A cracked ceiling? A torn screen door? Put your money into these overdue repairs before you start worrying about cosmetic improvements. “A rule of thumb is, if it’s there and in disrepair, you need to fix it,” Matzke says. “Buyers are looking for a house that’s in working condition.” If they see a leaky faucet, they’ll wonder what else needs to be fixed. A few minor repairs can eliminate those red flags.

Create curb appeal.
First impressions are critical, especially in a competitive market. If half the homes in your neighborhood are boasting for-sale signs, curb appeal can give your property the edge — so put a fresh coat of paint on your siding, re-stain your deck or power-wash your patio, and trim back any overgrown shrubs. And don’t overlook your front door, which can be a make-or-break detail for would-be buyers. “It’s the first thing people see when they pull up, so do they want to come in or not?” Matzke says. If your entryway is lackluster, consider investing in a mahogany door or a decorative-glass style.

Click here to see inspiring low water gardens.

Lighten up.
It only takes a few dollars to make your home feel infinitely more warm and welcoming. If you’ve got clutter, box it up and put it in storage. Replace your mood lighting with the max allowable wattage for your fixtures. Tear down faded or dated wallpaper, and grab a few gallons of paint to cover up blemishes or soften a bold color palette. (So long, mauve living room!) “Neutral, neutral, neutral,” Matzke advises. “It sounds really boring, but most people are looking for a house they can move into right now.”

Modernize for less.
Kitchens and baths are big-ticket items, but there’s no need to plunk down thousands of dollars on a total overhaul. In these rooms, even minor upgrades — such as new faucets or fresh lighting fixtures — can reap major rewards, and a little elbow grease can go a long way. “Ripping out and replacing kitchen cabinets is great, but unless they’re really horrid, it’s probably better just to enamel them,” Matzke says. You can also find bargains on newer appliances and plumbing hardware at sites like eBay or Craigslist. In the bathroom, replacing a tired vanity with a pedestal sink can instantly renew the decor and create more space, and outdated vinyl flooring can be replaced with inexpensive ceramic tile. Many big-box home stores offer options for around a dollar per square foot, so tiling a small room won’t strain your wallet.

Finish it off.
A basement remodel can rack up hefty labor costs, but if you’re handy, it can be a profitable DIY project. Installing carpet and sheet rock in an unfinished basement instantly adds a few hundred square feet of living space; it’s like putting an addition on your home for a fraction of the cost. “A basement finish, if it’s done properly, is one of the best investments,” says Leslie Sellers, president-elect of the Appraisal Institute. “The most expensive items — the foundation and walls — are already taken care of.”

Go green.
Eco-friendly extras might seem like frivolous expenses, but according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of all homebuyers said energy efficiency was “very important” when considering a purchase. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you need to retrofit your home with solar panels or install bamboo floors in every room — but you may want to fix that drafty window or replace your stone-age dishwasher with an EnergyStar model. “These items will cut your energy bills down, make the house more comfortable while you’re living there, and add to the marketability of the home when you sell it,” Sellers says.

Click here to read about Building or Remodeling your Nashville TN home with GREEN products.

For more specific information about what updates sell homes in TN neighborhoods such as Brentwood, Franklin, Green Hills, or Belle Meade TN call me directly by clicking here or visit my website at www.JoAnneStaler.com

JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and  home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County, Green Hills, Belle Meade, Bellevue, West Meade, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Midtown, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

Budget Friendly Updates to help Sell Your Nashville TN Home is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

It gets hot during Middle TN summers!  Lose your Nashville TN home’s high maintenance lawn and instead go with an earth friendly water conserving garden.  Imagine being lawn free this summer……See how some homeowners are ditching their grass for low water landscapes and still maintaining “green” beautiful curb appeal.

Lose the Lawn: Inspiring Gardens

by Sunset

Front-yard meadow

Two great ideas from this garden;

Grassy screen: grass screens the sitting area from the street and “Character” plants.

Easy-care front yard

Flagstone paths curve through a low-water front yard. A low berm of soil on either side of the walk adds interest, and weed cloth topped with permeable pea gravel allows excess water to soak into the earth rather than run off into the street.

Click here for more lessons from this front yard.

Low Water Curb Appeal

Add mostly low-water plants that give the yard all-season appeal.

Learn more about this low-water makeover

Lush Garden, Light Touch

Instead of expanding their 1,250-square-foot home Gabe Gelbart and landscape designer Paul Rhoadzhagen decided to keep the house compact and let the garden shine, providing plenty of outdoor living nooks, colorful plantings that require little water, and lessons on incorporating environmentally sound materials and practices into the landscape.

Get Gelbart and Rhoadzhagen’s low-water secrets

Lawn Free Tapestry

 This homeowner ripped out much of her lawn and replaced it with a mixture of perennials and shrubs.

From Lawn to Private Retreat

Perfect for your Nashville TN luxury home; turn a small section of lawn into a private retreat.

Click here for more Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood TN homeowner tips and trends.

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, REALTOR.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County, Green Hills, Belle Meade, Bellevue, West Meade, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Midtown, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

Lose Your High Maintenance Nashville TN Lawn! Inspiring Low Water Gardens is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Think Up – A converted attic provides needed room and a bath for a teenager
Make Changes Judiciously – A cottage gets an addition in keeping with its scale
Look at the Whole House – What can be accomplished in 1,000 square feet
Construct Smart Built-Ins – From a corner hutch to a home office niche
Entertain Without Being Cramped – A folding island, a mini-bar, and more
Install Knee-Wall Storage – Add storage in this awkward spot for only $400
Build Space-Smart Stairs – Alternate-step staircases need half the space
Choose Space-Saving Furniture – A bed with drawers, computer armoire, and more
Make Strategic Upgrades – Build electronics cabinets, use color strategically, and more
Create a Garage Storage Plan – Click here to see 5 tips for an organized, well-planned garage
Go Bold With Color – Click here to see high-impact color schemes for three small spaces

JoAnne has over 30 years in Middle Tennessee, and her 14 years of full-time real estate practice. Her 3 children have attended area public, private, and parochial schools, so she can help you find the BEST SCHOOL for your child. Whether looking for a Williamson County estate, a Belle Meade mansion, new construction in Brentwood, a Vanderbilt area cottage, a downtown or midtown loft, a gated community in Green Hills, or a historic home in Franklin, JoAnne’s extensive knowledge will help you find the RIGHT HOME in the RIGHT LOCATION!

Ideas and Projects for Getting the Most Out of Your Small Nashville TN Home is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Great luxury home building products for your Tennessee remodel or new construction home….

M Series Cabinet with Cold Storage robern.com  Small details add up to luxury, and this cabinet is a great example.  This cabinet has a refrigerated interior storage space.  Imagine keeping your eye cream refreshingly chilled or grabbing a cool beverage during your morning routine. 

SmartScan Biometric Lock kwikset.com  All you need is a fingerprint to get inside.  It is programmable for up to 50 different fingerprints and can be installed on most exterior doors.

      These new exciting products reflect th

Vetrostone & Oysterstone are unique engineered stone quartz surfaces combined with gems from the ocean for your countertops and flooring in your Nashville luxury home.  These new products reflect the growing trend of building with green products.  Vetrostone USA uses organic certified pigments, sea glass and oysters in their green products. The surface is designed for a variety of applications including kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, tabletops, fireplaces, flooring and shower stalls.shower

JoAnne Staler, TN luxury home REALTOR has represented buyers and sellers in luxury home and golf club communities such as The Reserve at Temple Hills, Govenors Club, Annandale, Laurelbrooke, Legends Ridge, Fairview Plantation, Avalon , Milky Way Farms, and many others in Williamson and Southwest Davidson counties.stalls etc.

Luxury Home Building Products for your TN Remodel or New Construction is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

 Thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing Nashville TN home?  Have you thought of going a little greener?  A greener residence can not only lessen the negative impact of the home on the environment but also improve the health of the people who live inside. Check out these green products…

 Yolo Colorhouse, a zero VOC paint with a designer palette of 49 hues.

 Mythic Paint, non-toxic, ultra low odor paint with 1,200 colors and the ability to custom-tint a base to any other manufacturer’s color off-gassing VOC’s that emit years after drying.

American Clay, Eco-friendly plaster, which can by applied with a trowel or sprayed on.

 Ready Strip, ecosafe stripper that removes up to seven layers of old paint or varnish in one application.

  Carpet Squares, Made with renewable and recyclable materials and available in a range of colors, textures and patterns, FLOR lets you create unique area rug, runner or wall-to-wall designs that reflect your own personal style.

 Mohawk SmartStrand Carpet uses fibers made from corn sugar.

 Colorful Chroma Resin Panels by 3Form are designed to be resurfaced and recolored again and again.

DensArmor Plus Drywall by Georgia Pacific is paperless which means it is mold resistant – a smart choice for basements, baths and kitchens.

Salvaging existing buildings and products is a great way to be “green” too in your Nashville TN building and remodeling projects!  For a list of places to buy and/or donate reusable buliding materials visit the Building Materials Reuse Association online or click here for a list of places in Tennessee.

Click here to read about some fabulous “reuse” redevelopment projects in the form of taking old buildings and rehabbing into condos and shopping in Nashville, TN; Edgehill Village and Rolling Mill Hill

 Are you a Nashville TN home buyer?  Click here to read about Green home buying.

Green Home Building Construction Ideas, Products & Techniques
Green Home Building Resources

Cambridge Park, Nashville’s first GREEN community of single family homes.

Click here to read about Franklin Tennessee’s Goal to Become a Top 25 Green City

Build your Green home in Franklin’s premier community of The Reserve at Temple Hills

Build your TN Green home in an outdoor lover’s dream community of Milky Way Farms

For more specific information about green homes or communities in Franklin, Brentwood, Green Hills, Belle Meade or Nashville TN contact JoAnne Staler Tennessee Realtor with the know-how and connections to help buyers and sellers carry out their transactions in an environmentally responsible manner and to locate properties with eco-friendly features directly by clicking here.

Build or Remodel your Nashville TN home with Green Products is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate