Asheville Realty Blog

Home sales are up in Buncombe County

2010-05-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

Check it out folks!

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100511/NEWS/305110037

Homebuyer Credit

2010-04-05T10:49:00.003-04:00

Time is running out...but there still IS time. To clarify, you need to have a house under contract by April 30th, but it does not have to close by April 30th. If you are looking in Asheville there are some cute homes, but they are moving fast. Contact me: haven@ecohouserealty.com

Home Buyer Happy Hour

2010-02-22T16:06:00.002-05:00

Are you totally confused about what is happening in the real estate world? Come join us at EcoHouse/Dwell Realty for Home Buyer Happy Hour

When: March 4, 2010

Where: EcoHouse/Dwell Realty
135 Cherry St
Asheville, NC 28801

Time: 5:30-7:00

RSVP: Bo Head
bo@ecohouserealty.com
828-254-3334

Come enjoy wine and cheese plus great info on the first time homebuyer credit, financing options, inspection process and much more.

Bele Cher this weekend

2009-07-23T15:15:00.004-04:00

Bele Cher has been toned down a little this year and getting back to it's roots. All musical acts are free this year and the weather is supposed to be beautiful.

See the music lineup here: http://www.belecherefestival.com/elements/entertainment_grid/BC09%20Ent%20Sched.pdf

and make sure to check out the ultimate air dogs competition too.

http://www.ultimateairdogs.net/7.24_FN0X.html

Green Building Council analyses existing structures for sustainability

2009-07-09T15:44:00.003-04:00

Existing structures break down like this ...

72% of electricity consumption,
39% of energy use,
38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,
40% of raw materials use,
30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
14% of potable water consumption.

see another post about this here ...http://geospatial.blogs.com/geospatial/2009/07/sustainable-design-for-existing-structures.html

Google getting it's Real-Estate search on ...

2009-07-07T13:47:00.003-04:00

looks like Google is building more real-estate into it's internet search. This time in Australia and New Zealand. I'd seen part of this search in the states a while back

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/biz-tech/google-wants-a-bigger-slice-of-the-realestate-search-business-20090706-da4l.html

I've done real-estate search in http://maps.google.com by putting in 'real-estate' in the search box and then click the 'Real-estate on Google Maps' link. From there you can search by price, size, # of baths and more. Pretty cool....

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&vps=3&jsv=165c&ie=UTF8&rq=2&mrt=realestate&ct=onebox&cd=1&cad=onebox

House of the week

2009-06-22T12:01:00.001-04:00

Not green yet but primed to be upgraded. Great location ... downtown Asheville.

http://www.trulia.com/property/1081325077-26-Magnolia-Ave-Asheville-NC-28801

Asheville GO - Green Opportunities

2009-06-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Asheville GO?

Green Opportunities (GO) is dedicated to building a strong and just green economy in Western NC from the bottom-up through green-collar job training, community education, and green microenterprises.

Our core program, the Asheville GO Training Team, combines service-learning projects, life-skills training, support services, community college coursework and on-the-job experience to provide everything GO members need to launch successful green-collar careers.

http://www.greenopportunities.org/

Low Tech Solutions for Droubt - Green Drinks at BoBo Gallery

2009-06-02T10:05:00.001-04:00

Come join Sherry Ingram at BoBo Gallery this Friday, June 5th to hear her explanation of droubt and ideas for reversing it. See here email below ...

With so much rain over the past month, it sure LOOKS like the drought is over. Meteorological and agricultural drought certainly are, at least for now, and to some extent economic. However, it is too soon to tell about hydrologic drought, and that may vary over the area based on how much rain fell within your sub-watershed, what the soils are made of, how receptive the use of the land is, how far below the surface the water table was, whether you have built simple small-scale earthworks to capture the rain and maximize infiltration, and whether your neighbors are capturing rain as well. If you live in the forest, which infiltrates almost all the rain that falls, your drought may be over, but if you live in a city, most of your rain is sent away rapidly along roads and through storm sewers, and you are more dependent on moisture coming from outside of your area.

If you have not seen my explanation of drought and my ideas for reversing it, I hope you will join us this Friday, June 5, at 6pm for Green Drinks at BoBo Gallery, 22 North Lexington Avenue in Asheville. Attached is a flyer to pass on or post, if you know someone else who might appreciate it.

We have been busy: Low-Tech Solutions for Drought at AB Tech, the start of the Eliada Homes Water Project, and a couple of tv appearances. More details are given at our web site, www.WaterLinksPLLC.com. Check us out!

How GIS plays into zero carbon real estate

2009-05-28T11:26:00.002-04:00

Tools and data from the GIS world including elevation, slope and aspect models are essential to the new 'zero carbon' green world of building houses and real-estate. Learn more here ...

http://vector1media.com/vectorone/?p=2874

House of the week

2009-05-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

140 McElrath Rd.

Mills River NC 28759 - MLS No. 440178
OFFERED AT: $625,000

Private 6.99 acre getaway adjoining nat'l forest. New England style farmhouse w/2 master BR. Amazing kitchen w/solid cherry cabinets, custom matching cherry panels on appliances, granite countertops & kit island. 2 stone fireplaces & wood burning stove to keep you cozy. Wide plank pine flooring on the main levels. Master BR has custom shower & clawfoot tub. Hot tub, wrap around cov porch, huge garage w/approx 16' ceilings. Must see.

Interior Features

Features: 2 Master Bedrooms, Alarm System, Breakfast Bar, Fireplace - Wood, Fireplace(s), Hot Tub/Sauna, Kitchen Island, Master on Main, Rec/Game Room, Walk-In Closet(s)

Alternative Energy Seminars

2009-05-22T10:25:00.002-04:00

Alternative Energy: How going Green can Benefit You

June 17 and 19 at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce. Sessions will be geared towards contractors and builders, commercial businesses and residential consumers.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Scarlett Goodman at McNutt Service Group at 209-4421.

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905210356

Asheville Green Homes Tour

2009-05-20T12:36:00.003-04:00

Here's a little sample of some of the green homes for sale around Asheville. As always, call Haven if you'd like to see any ... or all of them!

828.230.0555 or haven@ecohouserealty.com

West Asheville for sale - Price reduction - $199,999

2009-05-18T09:58:00.005-04:00

Great West Asheville location - 3 minutes from downtown.

Walk to:

The Admiral (coolest bar with best food - yes best food and NOT bar food in town)
Rocket Club (great music and more)
Izzy's Coffee shop (new West Asheville location)
Custom Boutique
Harvest Records
The Gas Up - 1st gas station offering biodiesel in Asheville ...

Completely re-modeled less than 3 years ago. Beautiful landscaping. New deck. Mountain views from front and back yard.

2 bedroom / 1 bath
.21 acres

See more here: http://ashevilleecorealty.blogspot.com/2008/10/for-sale-209-westwood-place.html

Asheville makes the list...again

2009-03-27T10:40:00.001-04:00

Today I read on CNN that Asheville is #41 in the top 100 best places to live. Check out the article.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0803/gallery.best_places_to_launch.fsb/41.html

Future of GIS in Real-Estate

2009-03-18T10:44:00.001-04:00

interesting article from the All Points Blog ... specific app targeting military relocating to Hawaii

http://apb.directionsmag.com/archives/5546-Future-of-GIS-in-Real-Estate-Generic-to-Specific.html

Asheville gets first dose of stimulus money ...

2009-03-10T08:54:00.002-04:00

in the form of $842,000 meant to combat homelessness and help with other community-building projects like affordable housing. The article in the Citizen-Times goes on to talk about other projects they hope to get funded like a $40 million solar power plant and widening Victoria Road. Both of those projects get BIG support from me!

The best way to have a green home...

2009-03-04T12:06:00.005-05:00

With all the talk in the media of green, it's exciting I must admit. I've been a fan of the green movement for a long time. I remember in high school going to the local thrift store and buying my clothes because I was freaked out about the landfill filling up with fashionable clothes. Which brings me to my next point, maybe we are forgetting one simple rule in the green world...reuse. The best place to reuse?? Buying an old home instead of building a new one and green it up. That's right..pimp my house green. Here are a few ideas...

Low VOC paints
Energy credits
Planting native species in the landscape

There are a ton of ways to be green in an old home. As a matter of fact, I think my house could use a little greening.

$100 billion in economic stimulus for 'green measures'

2009-02-05T13:20:00.003-05:00

Spatial Sustain broke the story ... to me at least ... here -

http://vector1media.com/spatialsustain/cnn-parses-the-stimulus-for-green-measures.html

House of the Week

2009-01-26T15:20:00.003-05:00

66 Rumbough in West Asheville right across from Malvern Hills park. A green remodel from JAG construction. Priced at 299,000 3br/2ba.

Please contact Haven@ecohouserealty.com for more information.

cradle to cradle

2009-01-09T10:16:00.005-05:00

A very important concept -

GIS and Our world

2009-01-05T10:52:00.004-05:00

Check out the article in Citizens Times:

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990103037

House of the week

2008-12-12T10:00:00.005-05:00

Building is underway on the new urban green built homes in Chicken Hill. Get in on the ground floor on this great 6 unit green development in the middle of Chicken Hill. The homes will have a 'tree house' style and they are walking distance from downtown Asheville and the River Arts District. You can't beat the location, style, or price on these!

Call Haven for more information!

See the project packet here

A-B Tech BioBusiness Center ...

2008-12-12T09:52:00.004-05:00

... has some great classes going on this Spring. Just to mention a few ...

Natural Products Business: Herbs for Winter Wellness
Natural Products Business: Medicinal Mushrooms
Natural Products Business: A Practical Guide to Starting a Natural Products Business
Nurses: Herbs for Winter Wellness

See a complete schedule here:
http://abtech.edu/ce/schedule/bio.asp

Google street view for Asheville is up today

2008-12-09T21:34:00.002-05:00

Here is the EcoHouse Realty office with Mosrie's rig sitting out front...

A bunch of Asheville Listings

2008-12-07T12:35:00.007-05:00

Slide the bar at the bottom to view Asheville listings from most expensive to least expensive. It's a cool widget from Trulia but it needs more space on the page than the blog allows...

Get this widget Asheville real estate

Green Builders in Asheville

2008-12-03T10:45:00.004-05:00

Asheville is started to become the green building epicenter of the southeast and I must say we have some outstanding green builders in Asheville. Some people ask the advantage of green building, because it has become such a catch phrase that it's difficult to say what is green building. I like to use the term smart building. It reduces monthly utility bills by 40%, energy efficient mortgage, quality and conscious building not to mention THEY SELL FASTER. Data from WNC Regional MLS shows that green construction averages 63 days on the market where conventional construction averages 157. So without further a do here are a couple of my favorite green builders in Asheville.....Greencraft, Jade Mountain Builders, Sun Construction, Demos Builders.

The first two have more of an arts and craft style while the last two are more modern.

Give Haven a call if you want to talk about green building in Asheville.

A-B Tech: Global Institute for Sustainability Technologies

2008-12-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

The Asheville - Buncombe Technical Community College Global Institute for Sustainable Technologies is offering it's first classes this spring. They include classes like 'Planning and Building a Green Home' , 'Passive Solar Workshop' and many more. There are so many great classes I just copied and pasted them all below. Come here knowledgeable folks like Ned Ryan Doyle, SEE Expo Coordinator and host of 'Our Southern Community' public affairs radio program on WNCW 88.7 discuss issues related to sustainability in our mountains.

Full class schedule: http://www.abtech.edu/ce/schedule/gist.asp

Energy: Reality 101

A lively introduction to the interrelationships of energy, environment and economics and how the current problems point directly to the solutions all around us. Ned Ryan Doyle, SEE Expo Coordinator and host of "Our Southern Community" public affairs radio program on WNCW 88.7, offers an upbeat, informative road map for sustainable transitions based on regional and community efforts with existing technology. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Thu, Feb 12, 06:00PM - 09:00PM
128 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7395-352

G.I.S.T. Professional Development Workshop

The A-B Tech Global Center for Sustainability Technologies presents a one-day workshop for professional development regarding design and construction for incorporating an intelligent renewable environment. The seminar is designed for architects, engineers, builders, designers and others in the construction industry and is open to the public. The registration fee includes lunch. Continuing education credits may be awarded for some industry professionals. (6 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $125.00

Mon, Apr 06, 08:30AM - 03:30PM
200 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7393-136

Green Collar Jobs

This course is a basic overview of the potential jobs emerging in the "green" industry. Alternative energy, alternative fuels, organic food and clothing, green building, recycling and waste management are just a few of the areas growing at a rapid pace. The course will examine some of the skills and education needed to move you into the "green" business world. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Sat, Mar 14, 09:00AM - 12:00PM
209 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7385-344

Passive Solar Workshop

This workshop will explore passive solar concepts in construction. The class will be a primer on components of passive solar design, NC tax credit options, and the many resources available. Students will learn passive solar strategies that can be used in home design, solar food dehydration, solar oven construction, as well as other applications. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Sat, Mar 28, 09:00AM - 12:00PM
155 Dogwood, Asheville Campus Course #: SEF-7388-343

Planning and Building A Green Home

This seminar will cover the basics of planning and building a green home. It will cover the major green building programs currently available as well as strategies and resources for building a greener and more efficient home. (6 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $25.00

Mon/Wed, Feb 23 - Feb 25, 06:00PM - 09:00PM
128 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7391-351

So You Want to Be an Energy Rater?

The building industry is turning "green" and more and more builders are building to meet Energy Star and other green certification programs. These certification programs require a third party inspector who is certified as a Home Energy Star Rater. This course will help you avoid the mistakes that many individuals are making when trying to get into this business. The course will review education and skill requirements, upfront cost, and potential income. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Sat, Mar 21, 09:00AM - 12:00PM
209 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7386-345

Solar Electric Systems

As our society shifts toward clean and renewable energy sources, harnessing the sun's energy to produce electricity is increasingly promising. In addition to developments in photovoltaic technology, this course will explore system design and applications, the benefits of off-grid and grid-tied systems, net-metering and buy all/sell all agreements. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Tue, Mar 24, 06:00PM - 09:00PM
209 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7390-347

Solar Hot Water and Space Heating Systems

Are you interested in going solar, but not sure where to start? Solar thermal systems offer the most cost-effective applications of active renewable energy technologies and are an increasingly important part of our clean energy future. This course will deliver an overview of system designs for providing hot water, as well as space heat, through radiant floor and other hydronic heating systems or forced-air systems. (3 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $20.00

Tue, Mar 10, 06:00PM - 09:00PM
209 Haynes, Enka Campus Course #: SEF-7389-346

Asheville Green Homes ...

2008-11-20T21:03:00.001-05:00

all built by our partners the EcoBuilders. Give a call and we'll got set up some times for you to see these wonderful green homes in Asheville, NC.

http://www.ecohouserealty.com/ecobuilders_homes.php

Asheville Green Drinks

2008-11-20T20:58:00.001-05:00

This week Asheville Green Drinks is all about home orchards. Come on out to BoBo's at 6pm Friday, November 21st to see more.

http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com/

Country living in Dwell inspired home

2008-11-19T16:50:00.003-05:00

This house is bronze certified healthy built home with a modern feel. The home features concrete countertops in the kitchen/bath. All the flooring in the lower level is concrete with bamboo floors on the second story. Kid friendly bath with two vanities and has a wall sized chalkboard in the kitchen for to-do list. It's 3BR/2.5BA with a spacious master. The garden tub in the master bath is a perk too.

Contact Haven for all the green details!

Map of green homes in Asheville, NC

2008-11-18T10:57:00.003-05:00

Contact Haven(at)ecohouserealty.com for more information about any of these homes or other conventional listings in and around Asheville, NC. It's a great time to buy ...

Asheville Green Homes - see a map of 11 great green built homes in Asheville, NC

FOR SALE - 209 Westwood Place

2008-10-30T19:48:00.007-04:00

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT house - in interest of full disclosure - it is our house ... but it is still the coolest house on the westside!

Fenced in back yard
approximately 900 square feet
New deck on back
Storage shed (large)
.21 acre lot
Mountain view from the front and back of the house.
Hate to leave but we need something bigger.

Call or email Haven for pricing and any other information.

View Larger Map

West Asheville keeps getting greener

2008-10-30T14:26:00.002-04:00

A new infill project called Davenport Park brings many new green homes within walking distance of downtown West Asheville.

Learn more here: http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081012/REALESTATE/81010056

and here ... http://www.jaggreenbuilders.com/green-homes-for-sale-asheville/davenport-park

Tailgate Markets of Asheville

2008-10-24T09:34:00.003-04:00

I've lived in Asheville for close to 8 years. I used to frequent the North Asheville tailgate market every Saturday, but somehow I got lazy and stopped going. Maybe it was because I didn't like getting up at 7:30 every Saturday to go shopping, who knows. This Wednesday afternoon I revisited the tailgate market world and learned there is just no excuse not to buy fresh veggies at such a great place. With so many tailgate markets in Asheville you don't have to rise in shine early on Saturday. You can go in the afternoon on Wednesday, Fridays or Sundays. Wednesday night I went to bed with a full belly of fresh Alaskan salmon, new potatoes and salad with homegrown carrots. Check out the link below to see when and where the markets are....

http://exploreasheville.com/foodtopia/local-flavors/tailgate-markets/index.aspx

Greening county government

2008-10-22T13:07:00.002-04:00

Not to be outdone by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County is also doing it's part to reduce it's footprint. I just saw this link on the redesigned Buncombe County site today by chance. Follow the link to find out what the county is doing, what you can do, and many other helpful links for living green in Buncombe County.

http://buncombecounty.org/Living/Environment/enviro.htm

Greening city government

2008-10-20T10:56:00.005-04:00

With 65 buildings, a fleet of vehicles and tons of other equipment to keep our city running, it is not surprising that a city government like Asheville produces a lot of green house gas emissions. The City of Asheville however stays out in front of the curve by being one of the few cities in the Southeast with a position dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and pollution. Maggie Ullman, hired last January is doing simple things like ensuring lights are not left on and reducing some city employees 5 day work week to 4 while also asking each and every city employee to help her understand how their job could be 'greened up' a little or a lot.

The cities overall goal is to cut green house gas emissions 80% by 2050. An ambitious but honorable goal.

Read more about this city initiative in today's Asheville - Citizen Times

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008810200321

Bird's Eye View

2008-10-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

View map of Skyland, North Carolina, USA on Multimap.com
Bird's Eye view of Skyland, North Carolina, USA
Get directions to or from Skyland, North Carolina, USA

Chicken Hill

2008-09-23T18:10:00.003-04:00

The infamous Chicken Hill which sits right above the railroad tracks and a stones throw from downtown is finally staring to get revitalized. As a real estate agent, I've been in awe that this area is just now starting the process. I've always thought of it as a cool little niche. Not only does is it close to downtown but it has the rugged artistic charm of the river district. Now that there is the Wedge brewery what's not to love about the river arts district! More to come.....Did I forgot to mentioned that the revitalization has a green focus AND it's affordable? Hooray!!!

World's Tallest Bike Attempt

2008-09-12T14:40:00.002-04:00

Got a video of the second attempt to ride the world's tallest bike at LAAFF last weekend and thought it was worth posting.

LAAFF

2008-09-12T11:25:00.005-04:00

In case you missed the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival ... the best people watching event in all of NC ... here is a slide show.

If you weren't there, you missed bike jousting, people watching, belly dancers, people watching, live music, arts, people watching, good food, the world's tallest bike and much much more.

Asheville Property Mapping

2008-09-11T20:24:00.005-04:00

Getting our map on ...

Do you need some custom mapping or GIS analysis in Asheville, Western North Carolina or the world? Don't hesitate to call ...

Listing in the Grove Park Area

2008-09-10T11:46:00.003-04:00

House of the week

2008-09-08T11:49:00.002-04:00

68 Frances St. (in progress)
For Sale: Green Home in West Asheville, Certified to use 40% less energy than current building code requires - ( that's like 40% off your monthly utility bills) 1523 Sq/Ft, 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, Contemporary Open Floor Plan with Hardwoods Throughout, Passive Solar Techniques, Ready for Solar Panels!

View Larger Map

LAAFF - Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival

2008-09-07T12:35:00.004-04:00

"All local and all original"

Today is the 7th annual Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival. Come on down to Lexington Avenue for one of the best looks at what is Asheville is all about. It will be full of local performance artists, other live street acts, live music - LOTS of live music, art, great food and more people watching than you can find anywhere in the state. This year promises to be great as Tall Bike Freak Micheal Mooney goes for the world record - again - riding a 43 feet tall bike, mountable only by crane.

In addition to all the normal GREAT stuff down on Lexington Avenue, this year local graffiti artists will be painting the support column under I-240. "This expansive mural portrays original images of local characters and uniquely Asheville scenes focusing on Sustainability, Arts and Culture, Community, and Asheville Saints. " - taken from the LAAFF myspace site.

Organicfest 2008

2008-09-05T11:07:00.004-04:00

Celebrating everything organic in and around Asheville.

Organicfest is a FUNtastic celebration of everything organic and green! A festive day of live music, organic food and drink, organic and green goods, informative info on organic cooking, gardening, shopping and fun activities for kids of all ages!

Battery Park Ave, September 6th from 10am - 6pm.

more info: http://www.organicfest.org/

House of the week - The Primrose Cottage

2008-09-03T15:26:00.013-04:00

The Primrose Cottage (conventional listing)the rarest of historic commodities in the city, is a classic c 1913 English Cottage nestled in a park-like setting just below the GPI. Her delicate architectural details are a rare and wonderful treat for your most discriminating buyer. Surrounded by lush gardens & stone pathways, she features HW floors, an antique gas FP & most of her original period elements. A former Griffin Award winner. Oversized matching one car garage in back. Perfect second home for less than an avg condo. On the Nat’l Historic Register.

View Larger Map

Call or email Haven Hanford to set up a showing!

Goombay Festival

2008-08-25T15:01:00.005-04:00

Just one more great reason to be in Asheville. This weekend was the annual Goombay festival (a word derived from a word that means rhythm).

The YMI Cultural Center's "Goombay!" Festival brings a variety of entertainment that delights every
festival-goer. From Steel Drums, African-America Dancers, local Gospel Groups,
and Contemporary Rhythm Bands, the activities are geared for families. (this
directly from the YMI site)

We forgot to take our camera so I only got a couple shots of the parade with my phone but I thought I would post them anyway.

350.org

2008-08-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

Check out the global movement to reduce Co2 by 350 parts per million in the atmosphere. Take a look at the website to learn more.

http://www.350.org

CFL in plain english

2008-08-17T16:47:00.002-04:00

The Common Crafts folks are at it again ...

... the guy talking Lee LeFever is from North Carolina.

National Center for Sustainability in Asheville

2008-08-14T12:40:00.002-04:00

We all know there are a lot of concious people in Asheville and that is one of the things we love about it. Now, the National Center for Sustainability is here in Haywood Park Hotel. This has promise to bring even more green and sustainable businesses to down town Asheville.

Read about it here: http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880715021&source=rss

Local mapping applications to help in your real-estate search

2008-08-11T13:44:00.003-04:00

We are lucky in Buncombe County to have some extraordinary GIS professionals working at the city and county GIS departments and building some great GIS applications - many in collaboration with other organizations like UNCA, NEMAC, and RENCI.

Buncombe County

City of Asheville - mapAsheville

Priority Places - An interactive mapping analysis application designed to strengthen quality economic development investment in the city of Asheville.
Crime Mapper - Provides access to crime related information and statistics by area
Development Mapper - Providing increased access to information concerning large-scale development activities
Simple Searches - Access the streamlined interface for basic users
Standard GIS - Tools for direct access to the advanced GIS user’s interface

Real-Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

2008-08-08T16:43:00.003-04:00

Did we mention that Haven is selling Real-Estate in Asheville, North Carolina and focusing on Green Building?

If you are looking for a conscious and compassionate person that is easy to work with you should think about giving her a call.

You can get more information by emailing her at haven (at) ecohouserealty.com or calling 828.230.0555.

Another reason to walk or ride your bike

2008-08-06T15:35:00.004-04:00

A couple weeks ago we were thinking about how much it would help if everyone in Asheville walked about 3 miles a week instead of driving. This week I saw the Clif Bar's 2 mile challenge. Pretty cool idea... I think they had it first though I hadn't seen it when I made my previous post. Ride or walk once a week to fight climate change.

40% of U.S. Urban travel is 2 miles or less
90% of those trips are by car

Find out more here: http://www.2milechallenge.com/

Please join and take the challenge - see just how much difference you can make.

GIS for Real-Estate Professionals

2008-08-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

Check out this introduction to GIS for Real-Estate professionals offered by Haven through AB Tech Continuing Education.

This course provides a basic introduction to local GIS data sources and Internet map services with an emphasis on real-estate applications. Introduction to basic GIS concepts and utilize hands-on activities with GIS software and some free desktop mapping programs for utilization with local data sources.

(4 hrs) No fee exemption

Total Registration Fee: $15.00

Tue/Thu, Oct 14 - Oct 16, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
108 Balsam Computer Technology Center, Asheville Campus Course #: SEF-7465-498

http://www.abtech.edu/ce/schedule/cpt.asp#I

Walkable Neighborhoods

2008-07-28T11:08:00.005-04:00

I did a post a couple weeks ago about walking instead of driving ... even if you just do it once a week. Today, I stumbled on to this website that scores neighborhoods based on walkability. Pretty cool ... http://walkscore.com/

Bele Chere

2008-07-24T19:33:00.004-04:00

This weekend is the 30th year of the Asheville downtown street festival Bele Chere. Most of downtown Asheville is blocked off and over 350,000 people are estimated to attend. Bele Chere is always full of great music, local arts and crafts, children and many other events and it's free ... or mostly free - A couple of the big headliners will have a cover charge but there is plenty of free activities. See the official Bele Chere website at http://www.belecherefestival.com.

Over the past couple of years Bele Chere has been working on 'greening' the festival. This includes a couple hundred recycling and composting bins, using corn cups (that look and felel just like plastic but are plant material) as well as recycling gray water and oil.

This year promises to be even greener with the new EcoTrips shuttle service working the festival with their electric cars. Call for reservations at 828.699.1623 or 828.699.1624

Green meets arts and crafts

2008-07-22T10:35:00.010-04:00

Great West Asheville green home. Check it out ...

more details here ...

call Haven if you are interested! 828.230.0555 or email haven(at)ecohouserealty.com

walk ...

2008-07-16T18:27:00.007-04:00

once a week instead of driving - even if it's just 1.5 miles to the store. Just once a week. There are approximately 70,000 of us living in Asheville. That means .... 70,000 X 3 miles (1 round trip to the store)= 210,000 miles in one week. 210,000 miles x 52 weeks in the year = 10,920,000 miles in a year. How much does gas cost a gallon today? How many days a year do we have Orange level ozone around here? You can do that math.

In our family, we ride bikes and walk a good bit so I have learned the best ways around town and granted... we all know this isn't a very 'bike friendly' town.

At any rate, I saw this post a few days ago and it made me think about tools to aid in using less gas and therefore - GoogleMaps will now be providing walking directions - in select locations to what some have said 'random' users (I can't find it for anywhere yet) and I'm sure it will be beta FOREVER.

This kind of mapping applicaiton is nice in a town like Asheville with major roads, interstates and river going through the heart of it. At least we are small (all the more reason you should be walking or riding) and most of us know how to avoid the interestate but give it try the next time you visit a place you aren't so familiar with the Washington DC.

Google wasn't the first to do this ... you could always tell MapQuest to avoid interstates which is surely a lot of what the walking directions in Google does and Ask.com has had walking directions for some time now.

Google's new 'walking directions' service will surely grow as they build the database of pedestrian trails in towns that aren't in the normal street databases their mapping application is currently based on.

Southern Living Idea House

2008-07-12T18:10:00.006-04:00

The Southern Living Idea House was built by the EcoBuilders of Asheville. It's located in Whisper Mountain which is located about 30 minutes from downtown Asheville. The climate is about 5 degrees cooler and the views are spectacular. The house is a cool combination of a Madison County farmhouse with a modern flare. Did I mention the sweet green features? Check out the menu of green features.

1550 gallon rainwater catchment system used to flush toilets
and irrigation on native landscaping.
Solar hot water system with a tankless water heater
10 solar panels provide 1.8 kilowatts of power that feeds directly to the local power company.
Energy Recovery Ventilator introduces measured fresh air mechanically. This also pressure balances the house and circulates indoor air, while HEPA filtering incoming air.
Low VOC paints and finishes used throughout.*

*Thanks to Rob Moody for the points on the green features.

So far, the green certifications include:
1. LEED Homes either Silver or Gold.
2. NC Healthy Built Homes
3. Energy Star-50 HERS rating

Sustainable Development

2008-07-12T15:12:00.003-04:00

"Sustainable Development" is a term that's been getting a lot of buzz over the past few years. I stumbled on this short video of Peter Head - Director of Sustainability at Arup - where he gives a great summary and overview of what we need to do to 'make cities work'. You will hear Peter talk about sustainable development and using a balanced approach to continue to meet the socio-economic demands of a city while addressing things like CO2 emissions. This is a great primer on sustainable development.

http://www.arup.com/video/index.cfm

Make sure to check out the other videos linked on this page where he discusses future cities and ecological footprint.

There is also a great interview on CNN.com today where Peter discusses China's first eco-city that Arup is playing a large role in.

Building up rather than out

2008-07-09T15:56:00.008-04:00

With all the controversy over the Parkside Condos here in Asheville on a piece of property next to Pack Square in downtown Asheville, I thought this article in the Wall Street Journal this week was interesting. The article describes how Sacramento, California has been building more densely, instead of sprawling out for many years. This is even more important with gas over $4 a gallon- and only going higher. Sacramento is being watched very closely and seen as a model for other towns.

'For decades, backers of "smart-growth" planning principles have preached the benefit of clustering the places where people live more closely with the businesses where they work and shop. Less travel would mean less fuel consumption and less air pollution.'
... full article here

Obviously, the Parkside Condo project in Asheville has it's own polarizing issues (is it public or private land) and I'm not weighing in on 'good or bad' for that project here. I just thought it was an interesting segway into the discussion of building up rather than out and this very interesting article from the Wall Street Journal this week.

Make sure to check out the interactive map in the article!