Top 10 States for Homeowners to Invest in Renewable Energy

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Top 10 States for Homeowners to Invest in Renewable Energy

Economically speaking, the gap between states with renewable energy sector policy support and states without it is incredibly vast. States with no incentives or legislative support for renewable technologies see almost no investment in renewable technologies when compared with supported or incentivized states such as California, Massachusetts, and New York.

For homeowners looking to invest in renewable energy, the presence or lack of government backing makes location a key consideration. If you’re thinking of investing in renewable energy for your Home, here are the top ten states for obtaining this power source:

California

While many other states lead in per capita investment, California’s sizeable population and economic footprint make it the largest driver of renewable energy in the nation, especially in solar power. It’s even the nation’s largest investor in electric vehicles. As the leader in renewable energy sector policy, the state is eyeing a totally clean energy grid in the coming decades.

Vermont

Vermont is a national leader for grassroots cooperative energy production and is the only state to rank in all ten of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ indicators for renewable energy development. Vermont is also the number-one state in the nation for per capita renewable energy employment, with over 18,000 individuals driving economic growth and a greener energy portfolio.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts makes a high appearance in nine different categories of renewable energy market drivers listed by the Union of Concerned Scientists, and the state is first in the nation for policies that incentivize utilities to grow their local renewable energy markets. Solar energy production per capita is in the national top five, and new investments in wind energy promise continued growth. In 2017, Massachusetts utilities signed their first offshore wind agreements, opening up a new investment market for homeowners drawn to innovation and bleeding-edge markets.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s concentration on policies and initiatives that incentivize greenhouse gas reduction have made it a top state for emissions mitigation. It was the first state in the U.S. to invest in offshore wind farms, a rapidly expanding new market for wind power. Additionally, the state’s investments in residential solar are among the highest in the nation, and Rhode Island is investing in hydro and biomass to round out an impressive portfolio of technologies.

Hawaii

Hawaii is first in the nation for residential solar per capita and is investing heavily in geothermal energy. Big challenges still remain for Hawaii, though; 91% of the energy the state consumed in 2015 was imported, with petroleum as the primary source. Hawaii’s energy-conscious residents consume the fourth least amount of electricity in the nation and are keen investors in solar energy, driving a major employment market for the state.

Oregon

Oregon’s decision-makers are keeping pace with the state’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector by offering legislative support and incentives. New investments helped wind power grow to 11% of the state’s total energy consumption in 2015. Clean power initiatives include community investments in wind and solar, and these cooperatives allow homeowners to invest in the growing market without installing anything on their own properties.

Maine

Maine more than doubled its commitments to wind power between 2011 and 2015, accounting for three-fifths of the total wind production for New England and 14% of the state’s electricity consumption. The state is also a leading producer of biomass energy, accounting for 25% of the state’s energy production—on par with its commitment to hydropower.

Washington

Washington has been a longstanding national leader in hydroelectric power generation, the largest source of electricity in the state. In recent years, Washington has diversified its portfolio, expanding wind power generation to cover roughly 6% of the state’s total electricity production. Washington’s residents are also number three in the nation for electric vehicle adoption, trailing behind Oregon and California.

New York

New York is a policy leader for the renewable energy market, and New York’s State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has been a major driver of renewable technologies since 1975. The state continues to lead with innovative legislation—like the NY Green Bank, a proven green investment strategy that promises to build a foundation for future growth. Local incentive programs such as the NY-Sun Initiative have helped the state grow its residential solar market by over 800% since 2011.

Iowa

Between 2008 and 2015, Iowa’s total energy production from wind grew from 4% of its total consumption to a whopping 31.3%, making the state the national leader for wind power. Local governance boards, such as the Iowa Utilities Board, are approving massive-scale solar projects, like the privately funded Wind XI installation, which point to even more renewable energy development in Iowa’s future. This state is an industry leader in the Midwest, where renewable energy adoption has increased rapidly.

How does your local town or city perform in renewable investments and incentives? Share in the comments below.

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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Ypsilanti Income Properties for Sale

Saturday, November 4, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Two Duplex Income Property Homes for Sale

Want a great investment and add a couple income properties to your portfolio? We have two properties fully Lease and managed through August 2018 for your perusal. Check out the brief walk through videos below and also the attached operating statements for each. Units have been well maintain and there is plenty of parking and well located between the Eastern Michigan Central Campus and EMU College of Business in dowtown Ann Arbor.

You can purchase one or bundle them both together. Call Tom for more details.

OPEN house

Contact our office for more details, but we will be showing both these properties WED November 8, 2017 from 12 -1pm.

Operating Statement for 514 Washtenaw Click Here

514 Washtenaw, Ypsilanti, MI

Click here for Listing Info

518 Washtenaw, Ypsilanti, MI

Click Here for Listing Info

Operating Statement for 518 Washtenaw Click Here

Call Us to make a showing appointment or get on the First to View List

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Beware Of This NEW Hotel Scam When You Are Checking Into Your Hotel

Thursday, October 26, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Beware Of This NEW Hotel Scam When You Are Checking Into Your Hotel

New hotel scam that you need to be aware of. Please take this very seriously as its a very simple scam.

This is one of the smartest scams I have heard about. You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. Typically when checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for any charges to your room) and they don’t retain the card. You go to your room and settle in. All is good. The hotel receives a call and the caller asks for (as an example) room 620 – which happens to be your room.

The phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following: ‘This is the front desk. When checking in, we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card numbers and verify the last 3 digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card.’ Not thinking anything wrong, since the call seems to come from the front desk you oblige. But actually, it is a scam by someone calling from outside the hotel. They have asked for a random room number, then ask you for your credit card and address information.

They sound so professional, that you think you are talking to the front desk. If you ever encounter this scenario on your travels, tell the caller that you will be down to the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk or call directly and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone tried toscam you of your credit card information, acting like a front desk employee.

This was sent by someone who has been duped…….. and is still cleaning up the mess. P.S. Please, consider spreading the word by forwarding this message. Who knows, you might just help someone avoid a nasty experience. All traveling often should be aware of this one!’

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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Buying a Home? Factor These Into Your Interest Rate Calculations

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Buying a Home? Factor These Into Your Interest Rate Calculations

The mortgage process can be complicated if you jump in without any prior knowledge on home-buying and lending. The best tool you can arm yourself with is an understanding of how your mortgage interest rate is calculated.

Credit can make or break you.

Your credit score will determine how reliable you are in the lending world. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate will likely be. Check your credit on one of the three major credit reporting agency sites—TransUnion, Experian and Equifax—or your credit card company may have a free credit report service (although these aren't as reliable). Improve your FICO score for a better chance at a lower interest rate.

Factor in size and location.

State or County: Even your place of residence can affect your rate.
Local Mortgage Lenders: Shop around. Interest rates can vary from company to company even if they're located in the same town.
Loan Size: The size of your home can also impact your interest rate. The bigger the loan, the higher your interest rate will be if you're not putting more money down.
Down Payment Size: Your mortgage interest rate may also depend on how much you're putting down and if your loan includes closing costs and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Putting down less than 20 percent can increase your risk factor and may require PMI, but your interest rate may be lower depending on the loan.

Not all loans are created equal.

Loan Length: Your loan terms play a bigger role in interest rate calculations than you think. Have you decided whether you want to pay off your loan in 15 or 30 years? You may pay more per month with a shorter term, but you'll be paying less interest over the life of your loan. Short-term loans may also have a smaller interest rate.

Fixed or Adjustable: You'll also have to consider whether a fixed- or adjustable-rate loan is right for you. Your interest rate can change over time if you choose an adjustable-rate loan. It may start off low or fixed, but can increase over time depending on market conditions. Fixed-rate loans, however, will have a higher interest rate attached to them.

Loan Type: Interest rates can also vary according to your loan type. Choosing a loan can be overwhelming, but a local lender should be able to provide you with the best options. Some of the more popular loans are conventional, FHA and VA loans. While FHA loans have less down payment restrictions and a smaller interest rate, your monthly payment can be more expensive due to the required PMI added on. VA loans can have smaller interest rates and don't require PMI like FHA does. Conventional loans are widely accepted in the real estate industry as dependable, but your interest rate may be higher.

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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Start Your Home Maintenance Before the Holidays

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Get Ahead of Home Maintenance Before the Holidays

Wake your heating system from hibernation.
No homeowner wants to wake up seeing their own breath because the furnace broke down in the middle of the night. Schedule a furnace check-up now with a heating system professional to ensure everything is running properly and that your system meets the manufacturer’s rated efficiency. One of the biggest causes of wasted energy is restricted air flow to the heating system, so have a contractor check that the filters and coils are allowing for enough air flow. Getting ahead of this issue will help you avoid appointment delays during the busy winter season and give you peace of mind.

Give your gutters a fresh start.
Leaves, twigs and other debris can easily clog gutters, which can lead to ice dams. Ice dams cause melting water to back up and flow into the house, resulting in a very expensive repair. Save yourself the money and trouble by thoroughly cleaning out your gutters after the leaves have fallen. Make sure to tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets, and replace any worn sections before it’s too late. Check that downspouts extend at least five feet away from the foundation. If they don’t, buy an inexpensive extension.

Mind the gaps.
Walk around the inside and outside of your home and check it for air tightness, carefully looking for any signs of cracks where air could leak out, as this can be a significant source of energy loss. An inexpensive tube of caulk can help seal the leaks and also help prevent moisture from getting inside the walls of your home. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring comes through walls or floors.

Get smart—a smart thermostat, that is.
The Wi-Fi rage is real, especially when it comes to your thermostat. If you still have a manual thermostat or even a programmable one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Today’s models can learn your living patterns, heat only rooms that are occupied, turn up the heat as you near your home, allow you to make adjustments remotely from your phone, and much more. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent a year in energy usage (and on your utility bills) by making smart adjustments to your thermostat.

Double-check doors
Inspect all doors that open to the outside or to the attic and be sure that they close tightly. An easy way to check for air leaks: place a piece of tissue in a clothespin, hold it at various points along the doorway and watch for any movement near the edge of the door and the frame. If you have a leak, take a photo of your door and door jamb, and ask an employee at your local hardware store for help finding the right weatherstripping or door sweeps. Air leaks cause your heating system to work harder, which costs you more money on your utility bills—and can shorten the lifespan of your system.

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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The Biggest Land Owners in America

Monday, October 9, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

The 10 Biggest Landowners in America

There are many ways the ultrarich invest their money. One is real estate.

Every year, The Land Report documents the biggest landowners in America. To make it into the top 10 for the most recent year, you'd have to own nearly 1 million acres. The No. 1 person on the list, John Malone, who built a fortune in the media business, owns a reported 2.2 million acres.

Six of the individuals and families on the list own sprawling ranches in places like Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas.

Just last year, Stan Kroenke -- owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and other sports franchises -- bought the 510,527-acre Waggoner Ranch, which spans six Texas counties. With his other holdings, that's enough to rank Kroenke fourth on the latest Land Report.

A bar chart showing the 10 biggest landowners in America

DATA SOURCE: THE LAND REPORT. CHART BY AUTHOR.

Other notable ranch owners on the list include Malone, Ted Turner, the Singleton family, and the King Ranch heirs.

The rest of the 10 biggest landowners in the United States are owners of timberland. The Emmerson family is the nation's second-largest lumber producer, controlling nearly 2 million acres of timberland in California and Washington. The Reed and Irving families are similarly major timber producers.

Together, these landowners control an estimated 14 million acres. That's meaningfully larger than the state of Maryland (7.9 million acres), but slightly short of West Virginia (15.5 million acres).

Tom Stachler is a licensed real estate Broker and builder living and working in the Ann Arbor Michigan area. Please check out the Links on this website for further information about Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan Real Estate information, videos and listings.

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Preparing Your Home for Winter

Saturday, October 7, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

How Can Homeowners Ensure Preparedness?

Q: What can homeowners do to ensure their Home is well prepared and more energy-efficient throughout the coming months?

A: Fall officially begins this month and Tom Stachler with Real Estate One in Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan areas offers the following home maintenance tips.

Gutters and Downspouts - Roof
Inspect the roof covering and flashing from the ground for indicators of wear, like missing, loose or cracked shingles or tiles. Water can seep into these areas and cause damage if left unattended. Contact a professional roofer for repair or a replacement evaluation if water intrusion is occurring or suspected.

Gutters and downspouts are critical in protecting your home from water damage. Fall is one of the most important times to check your gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re not rusted, rotted, disconnected or full of debris.

Fireplace
Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney, fireplace and vents at least once per year, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. A do-it-yourself inspection for creosote buildup can be performed by wearing goggles and a basic disposable dust mask. Take a flashlight and your fireplace poker and scratch the black surface above the damper (smoke chamber). If the groove you scratch is paper thin, no cleaning is needed. If it’s 1/8 inch thick, schedule a cleaning. If you have 1/4 inch of creosote, don’t use the fireplace until it’s cleaned—a chimney fire could occur at any time.

Ensure that all supply and return vents aren’t blocked or closed, as this causes the return duct to pull in cold air from cracks in windows and doors. In addition, the warm air that’s still trying to push up through closed vents will either start to leak out ducts that aren’t sealed properly, or be forced back down into your basement or floor cavities.HVAC
Get your furnace cleaned and serviced by a professional before the heating season begins. Also, clean or replace your furnace filters as recommended throughout the year. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

Trees and Bushes
Trimming trees and bushes provides many advantages to your home’s exterior. Trim so that all leaves and limbs are at least three feet away from your house. This prevents them from hitting the sides of your house when it’s windy, decreasing the amount of leaves and debris that will end up in your gutters.

Windows and Doors
Cracks in the seals around windows and doors allow heated or cooled air to escape, which can cost you money. Caulking and weatherstripping can wear over time, so check the seals around your windows and doors. One of the easiest ways to diagnose this issue is to close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame. If the flame flickers at any spot, you likely have an air leak. Replace or add caulk or weatherstripping where needed.

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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Proper Things to Run in the Dishwasher

Saturday, October 7, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Odd Things to Run in the Dishwasher

Move over, dinner plates! The dishwasher can actually be used to wash a myriad of strange items. Below is a good rundown. A quick bit of common sense: if suds-ing up something super greasy or grimy (like an old hubcap), don’t mix your eatery into the same load.

Rubber Boots and Flip Flops – Want to wash your favorite rubber footwear? Pop them in the dishwasher upside down.

Kitchen Sponges – Toss them into the silverware tray for a speedy sanitize!

Grill Rack – Is your grill rack covered in grease? Place it on the top tray and set the heat to high to get it gleaming again.house Keys – Ever wonder how filthy your house keys get over the years? So long as none of your keys have electric starters, pop the whole ring into the silverware tray.

Hubcaps – Crazy, but true! Just add a cup of white vinegar to your detergent and hit start.

Tools – Get your favorite tools gleaming with a quick cycle in the washer.Nail Clippers – Pop these in the silverware tray and they’re good as new.

Contact Lens Cases – The dishwasher is a great place to sanitize these every couple weeks or so.

Proper Things to Run in the Dishwasher

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Michigan Information

Sunday, October 1, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

WIN FREE TICKETS TO A RED WINGS GAME

Have you been to the new arena and checked out Detroit's young new hockey team in the very active District Detroit area? No? .....

We are giving away a FREE pair of tickets !

Drawing on Tuesday Dec 19, 2017. New York Rangers vs Detroit Red Wings December 29, 2017. What a GREAT present to give someone? Sign up for your chance to Win by clicking here www.A2Realty.us and in the remarks section type "Red Wings WIN".

Lil Caesars Arena 2017 from Tom Stachler on Vimeo.

Little Caesars Arena in The District Detroit serves as the Home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and countless other sports, entertainment and community events. The District Detroit is 50 blocks of thriving businesses, parks, restaurants, bars and event destinations. Click here to learn more about The District Detroit.More Information about the new Arena

Rich with the tradition of the Original Six™ Detroit Red Wings and Detroit's incredible musical heritage, the arena also features state-of-the-art technology, fan amenities, and active community spaces like the Via, the BELFOR Training Center, and the Chevrolet Plaza. Please click here for more information about this venue.

Tom Stachler is a licensed real estate Broker and builder living and working in the Ann Arbor Michigan area. Please check out the Links on this website for further information about Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan Real Estate information, videos and listings.

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Costa Rica Casa: Mel Gibson’s Jungle Vacation Home

Saturday, September 9, 2017

by Tom Stachler,ABR,CDPE - Group One Realty Team

Costa Rica Casa: Mel Gibson’s Jungle Vacation Home

Costa Rica was one of the first getaway outposts for semi-expat Americans, thanks to its year-round tropical weather. It's consistently rated by the Happy Planet Index as the happiest country in the world with safe streets, cheap cost of living, beautiful parks, dozens of sandy beaches, excellent medical care, a thriving economy and only a hop, skip and a jump to the United States. Thanks to these many perks, about 70,000 Americans have moved to Costa Rica and thousands more have purchased vacation homes. One of those is actor Mel Gibson.

While scouting locations for his film “Apocalypto” in 2006, Gibson bought an entire 403-acre beachfront jungle on the Nicoya Peninsula. His estate includes three homes separated by an extensive canopy of trees stretching across the entire property. Each of the two smaller single-story homes has two bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, kitchens, verandas, air conditioning, and their own swimming pools and BBQ areas. Casa Barrigona has its own poolside cottage and Casa Dorada has a loft, giving each additional sleeping space.

The main two-story hacienda-style residence, Casa Guanacaste, overlooks the long, wide beach and has seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a large courtyard and pool and multiple terraces affording both ocean and jungle views. All three villas are built with Costa Rican wood, with Spanish and Italian tiles and red-barrel tile roofs that create an extra-tropical ambiance.

Located on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, beach lovers will find white sand beaches along with nearby steep cliffs. Animal lovers will certainly experience their fair share of howler monkeys, and perhaps get a glimpse of an ocelot or sea turtle right on the estate's private beach.

Listed for: $29.75 million

Tom Stachler is a Michigan licensed real estate Broker and Builder working in the Ann Arbor, Saline and Dexter Real Estate markets. Please refer to the helpful Links above for more information about Buying or selling real estate, homes and condos when searching for one of the area's best real estate brokers.

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