Kelly Gidzinski

March Media Green Drinks - Learn About Energy Efficient Mortgages

Kelly Gidzinski — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:54:00 GMT

Media Green Drinks meets every 1st Wednesday of the month to talk, network, learn and share all things green and sustainable in the greater Media and Delaware County area. We have a lively mix of small business owners, environmental activists, academics, green minded and green curious. Just ask the hostess where the Green Drinks group is sitting.

This month we will have a special guest to speak about Energy Efficient Mortgages. Chad Bahnsen of Mortgage Network Inc will explain what an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is and answer your questions. This is a great opportunity to learn about a special loan product to help homeowners and homebuyers make their homes more energy efficient.

This is a free event but RSVP is kindly requested. Visit my green pages to learn more about Energy Efficient Mortgages www.PointMe2Green.com

What: Media Green Drinks
When: Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 from 6 - 9 PM
Where: Generations Restaurant
9 State Road, Media, PA 19063
View Google Map
RSVP: http://greendrinks.ning.com/events/media-green-drinks-6

Green Cohousing Group Seeks Land & Members in Delaware County, PA

Kelly Gidzinski — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:10:00 GMT

Sustainably minded group in Delaware County, PA is seeking other like-minded people who would be interested in living in a green cohousing community as well as land to build their community. The following is from the founder of the Harmony Green Village group. Please take a look and let me know if you have land to sell or are interested in getting in touch with the group. I'm working with the founder to identify potential properties upon which to build their community.

Create a Great Day!

Kelly Gidzinski
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
www.YourLifeMoves.com
www.PointMe2Green.com

3 -10 acres needed to construct small green-built & green-maintained community We are calling for a change in construction and zoning practices to have a more positive impact on the environmental and social well-being of humanity. We want to offer a tangible alternative to decades of suburban sprawl with ever larger houses that has left the Mid-Atlantic region with wasted land, wasted building materials, and wasted energy. We hope to attract a special property owner who may have resisted the impulse to sell previously because of prior adverse building trends, but because of shared values, may sell to us now at fair market value to help bring in a LEEDs Certified green condo community that can serve as an environmental role model throughout the region!

As soon as we obtain the land and gain zoning approval, we will begin to build a “Cohousing” Community for 20 to 35 owner-occupied households. Cohousing began as a special housing model in Denmark in the 1960s, and now exists all over the world. Cohousing community residents historically have had a great concern for the environment, as well as for the people that dwell within it, and were building “green” long before it became fashionable. The houses are usually clustered, preserving open space, while fostering community. Paved internal roads are minimal, and dwellings are built or retrofitted to use green technology, like passive solar and geothermal heating. Communities are sometimes referred to as “Ecovillages”. Buildings previously serving other purposes are often “recycled” into green Cohousing.

Cohousing communities usually are condominiums with striking differences. As in condos, every homeowner has a complete separate dwelling in which to enjoy total privacy. However, members of the community maintain the common areas themselves for fellowship and economy, only hiring outsiders for jobs no one wants to do. A Cohousing Community follows a consensus process of management by residents, starting with the design of the community itself. To further promote a sense of genuine “neighborhood”, some group prepared meals are offered in a “Common House”, (club house), for those that want to participate. An existing building on the property may well suit our needs as a Club House House”, or if large enough, the building could be converted into condo apartments.

A Cohousing Clubhouse contains many typical clubhouse amenities that also save on space needed in individuals’ houses for the same activities: a shared library, exercise room, and large work spaces, but importantly usually includes several guest bedrooms that can be booked for residents’ overnight guests. Individual homes can therefore be far smaller and more energy efficient than traditional condos. Because we want to cater to small households, we will offer nothing larger than a 2 bedroom unit. This will also save on land and building materials needed for individual homes.

We hope for at least 5 acres to allow a mixture of clustered attached townhouses, carriage houses and condo flats, but would consider converting an existing large building in a green way into condos. We want to be in Pennsylvania or Delaware near public transportation, I-95, and the Delaware border. Go to www.cohousing.org to learn about Cohousing.

Keep An Eye Up When Winter House Hunting

Kelly Gidzinski — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:16:00 GMT

Winter house hunting can have its ups and downs.... With all this snow we've gotten I have to admit showing homes has been challenging. However there is a benefit to house hunting with all of this snow, spotting ice dams. Ice dams form when warm air rises within a home to melt snow on the roof. The water finds its way down to the gutters and freezes when it comes in contact with the cold surface of the gutters. This can reap havoc on a home if left untreated.

So what does this have to do with house hunting post snowpocolypse??? Ice dams can be discouraged from forming with proper insulation and ventilation in attic spaces. When you are out scoping houses look up. Do you see ice dams forming along the roof line? If yes, this can be a signal that the home has inadequate insulation allowing warm interior air to rise and melt snow on the roof.

Now this doesn't mean you should take a home with ice dams off your list. It means you should be aware of potential issues and take them into consideration when evaluating the home. Here is a great article that explains how ice dams form and what can be done to help prevent them.

http://bit.ly/DIYicedams

Create a Great Day & Happy Winter House Hunting!

Kelly Gidzinski
Realtor & EcoSociate by EcoBroker
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
www.YourLifeMoves.com
www.PointMe2Green.com

Energy Efficient / Renewable Energy Tax Credits for Homeowners

Kelly Gidzinski — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:23:00 GMT

Well it's that time again..... Tax time that is.

If you made energy efficient improvements or installed renewable energy systems this past year you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

What kinds of energy efficient improvements qualify?

Insulation
Replacement windows & skylights
External doors
Pigmented metal roofs
High-efficiency gas, oil & propane furnaces and boilers
High-efficiency central air conditioning units, including air-source & ground-source heat pumps
High-efficiency fans for heating and cooling systems
High-efficiency water heaters, including heat pump water heaters

What kinds of renewable energy systems qualify?

Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Solar Hot Water Systems
Small Wind Systems
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

Now since I am not a tax professional, I will defer to an excellent website resource that has tons of information on this subject as well as links to the appropriate IRS forms. Check it out here:

http://energytaxincentives.org/consumers/insulation_etc.php

*Be sure to check with your tax professional and/or appropriate guide with IRS before filing.

If you plan on selling a home with energy efficient/ renewable energy improvements, are looking to buy one that does or are thinking about making these kinds of improvements to your next home, please don't hesitate to contact me for a free, no-obligation consultation. As a certified green Realtor by EcoBroker I can help you sell or buy homes with these features as well as connect you with local professionals to evaluate or install them. I work with clients across the greater Philadelphia area and can even connect you with a qualified real estate agent out of my area who shares the same expertise as myself.

Want more information on going green with your home? Check out my green pages here: http://www.PointMe2Green.com

Are you a more hands on kind of person and want to see green & sustainable building technologies in action? I also organize green home tours throughout the Delaware Valley. Contact me to be put on my event reminder list. I'll let you know when and where the next tour is and how to register. If you have a green / sustainably built home and are interested in sharing your experience with others, please contact me to discuss featuring your home on an upcoming tour.

Create a Great Day!

Kelly Gidzinski
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
www.YourLifeMoves.com

FHA Loan Guidelines ARE Changing.... Post Updated 2-5-10

Kelly Gidzinski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMT

According to a New York Times article posted January 19, 2010 FHA is expected to announce changes to the popular mortgage program. An FHA loan is a type of mortgage loan that is insured against loss by the Federal Housing Administration. It traditionally allows a lower down-payment requirement and a larger seller assist amount than conventional loans currently offer. Although FHA is not restricted to 1st time buyers, the loan program is widely popular with 1st time buyers who don't usually have the larger down-payment required by conventional loans.

Highlights of the possible changes as stated in the NY Times article:

Higher upfront mortgage insurance premium from 1.75% to 2.25%.
Lower seller assistance amount from 6% to 3% of the purchase price.
A minimum credit score of 580 for borrowers wishing to take advantage of the low down-payment amount of 3.5%.

If you are thinking about buying your first home, now is the time before these changes are put into effect. If now isn't the best time for you, don't fret. There are 1st time buyer programs available to help fill the gap FHA is surely leaving by lowering the allowable seller assistance amount. Contact me for a list of available programs.

Read the full NY Times article: http://bit.ly/7rPCcg

Update on 2-5-10
The changes to FHA as noted above have been officially announced. The new allowable seller assist amount of 3% will take effect in early April 2010. Check with your mortgage professional about how this may affect you. If you are not already pre-approved for a mortgage, please feel free to contact me for some recommendations to local professional who can assist you.

Create a Great Day!

Kelly Gidzinski
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
www.Kelly.GreaterPhillyAreaHomes.com
www.YourLifeMoves.com

Homebuyer Tax Credits - Move-up / Repeat Buyers Finally Get a Piece of the Action

Kelly Gidzinski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:22:00 GMT

GREAT NEWS!!!! The 1st time buyer $8,000 tax credit has been extended into 2010 but they have also added a $6,500 credit to move-up / repeat buyers. This is something the entire real estate industry has been pushing for for quite some time. Finally everyone else gets a piece of the action!

There are rules of course.... To claim the $6,500 credit you must have owned and used your present home as your principle residence for 5 consecutive years of the last 8 years and you must enter into a contract to purchase by April 30, 2010 and settle on your new home by June 30, 2010. There are income limits as well, $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.

The $8,000 1st time buyer tax credit has been extended for purchases with an executed sales contract by April 30, 2010 and settlement by June 30, 2010. The income limits for this credit have also been increased to be a maximum of $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.

1st time home buyers in Pennsylvania may also be eligible for special 1st time buyer grant programs, closing costs assistance programs and special mortgage financing programs. Purchase price and income limits apply to these programs. Visit my website's 1st time buyer page to learn more. www.FirstTimeBuyersPA.com

Here's a great resource for more information on the homebuyer tax credits. http://federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Browse my website for all kinds of information about buying and selling real estate. Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you may have. I'm happy to help and appreciate your business.

Create a Great Day Today!

Kelly Gidzinski
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
www.YourLifeMoves.com

Joing the DVGBC on a Green Home Tour in Montgomery County, PA

Kelly Gidzinski — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:36:00 GMT

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council is hosting another Green Home Tour on Saturday Dec. 5th. This time the tour will be centered in Montgomery County and will feature three sustainably designed homes. You will be able to talk directly with the design and construction teams involved with building these environmentally responsible homes. Lunch and transportation are included with the tour.

Green features you will see:

Solar Photovoltaic & Solar Hot Water Systems
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Stormwater & Graywater Systems
Rainwater Harvesting
On Demand Hot Water
Natural Landscaping Techniques
Soy Based Spray Foam Insulation

Two out of the three homes featured are LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the certification program was designed and is implemented by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This rating system for "green" homes strives to achieve sustainable building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

Ticket prices are $15 DVGBC members / $20 non-members / $15 students. More information and registration for the Green Home Tour can be found here: http://www.dvgbc.org/education/view/green-home-tour

The DVGBC is a non-profit, member volunteer driven organization whose mission is to transform the Delaware Valley through sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of the region's buildings, landscapes, cities and communities, mindful of the legacy left for future generations. More information on the DVGBC can be found at http://www.DVGBC.org

Kelly Gidzinski
Keystone Property Connections, LLC
http://www.PointMe2Green.com

Media Green Drinks - November 4th - FREE Give Away

Kelly Gidzinski — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:17:00 GMT

It’s that time again for Media Green Drinks!

We have an exciting give away this month for all of our green drinks members and their friends. Bob Seiple of the Why Not Bob Store is giving away a FREE Party Pack Mini each month at Media Green Drinks!!! To enter email Bob at whynotbobstore@gmail.com with “Party Pack Give Away” in the subject line.

This party pack consists of: biodegradable, compostable and sustainable products. 50 count 10" 3 compartment dinner plates, 50 count 6" dessert plates, 50 count 12 oz green stripe cold cups, 50 count fork, spoon, knife wrapped with napkin, 2 count 13 gallon biodegradable trash bags (size 24"x28 .66 Mil) plus shipping if you don’t pick up at Green Drinks. More info. and to order any of his products: http://www.WhyNotBobStore.net Bob will also be donating $1 to *** cancer awareness with the next 8 party pack orders and a pink reusable bag will come free with your order.

Next Media Green Drinks: Wednesday, November 4^th from 6-9 (Ask the hostess where the group is sitting)

Location: Brodeur’s Restaurant at 1 W. State St., Media, PA 19063

Specials: The owners of Brodeur’s have kindly extended their happy hour specials just for us! The specials include $5 select appetizers and $3 on select drinks.

Please RSVP: http://greendrinks.ning.com/events/media-green-drinks-4 This gives Brodeur’s an idea of how many of us to expect. You can RSVP up until 3pm the day of the event!

** Bring a friend, share this email and let’s grow our green drinks network!**

Green Events Newsletter – Email me if you would like to add an event to the Green Events Newsletter OR if you would like to sign up for the Green Events Newsletter. Please put “Green Newsletter” in the subject line of your email.

Visit my website for more information on going green and I hope to see you at the Media Green Drinks event... Until then, create a great day!

Kelly Gidzinski

Keystone Property Connections, LLC

www.PointMe2Green.com

Media Green Drinks Has a New Home.... Brodeur's Restaurant

Kelly Gidzinski — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:56:00 GMT

That's right. We've moved, but only down the street. Brodeur's is a wonderful family owned and run restaurant serving contemporary continental cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere. They even have a selection of organic wines to choose from. Executive Chef, Dan Brodeur, was a superb host at our first Green Drinks gathering on October 7th. He kindly extended their happy hour fare to us for the evening and made sure we had the perfect spot in the restaurant to talk and socialize. The waitress, hostess and bar staff were very accommodating and took care of our every need. Well done! I know all who attended October's meeting will be pleased to return to Brodeur's again in November. http://www.brodeursonstatestreet.com/index.html

Speaking of November... Our next Media Green Drinks meet up will be Wednesday, November 4th from 6 - 9 at Brodeur's, 1 W. State St. in Media, PA. Come one, come all and let's talk Green! Arrive anytime and just ask the hostess where the Green Drinks group is sitting. Please RSVP if you think you will attend at http://greendrinks.ning.com/events/media-green-drinks-4

Hope to see you there!

DVGBC Green Home Tour (Media & Springfield)

Kelly Gidzinski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:42:00 GMT

Join the Delaware Valley Green Building Council's Residential Circle on a Green Home Tour. Visit three examples of green home practives in Springfield and Media, Delaware County. Watch and ask questions during an in-progress energy audit in preperation for an energy saving and sustainable rehabilitation project. Visit a green, single family rental property. Features include passive solar design techniques and a grid-tied solar PV roofing shingle system, generating 96% of the tenant’s electrical usage. Last stop is an award winning LEED for Homes Silver certified home in Media featuring low impact development practices and solar hot water with passive rock storage. Register by 8/22/09. Website: http://bit.ly/yJtHl

When/Where: Springfield & Media, Delaware County / August 29th, 2009 from 10 - 2

Delaware Valley Green Building Council - Green Home Tour

Kelly Gidzinski — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:58:00 GMT

Green Home Tour - Sustainable City - Green Strategies for Urban Living.

Where/When: Tour Begins in South Philly / June 20th, 2009 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: $15 DVGBC Members / $20 Non-Members

Join the Delaware Valley Green Building Council Residential Circle to examine three very different answers to building Green in the City. Thin Flats in Northern Liberties - the first LEED Platinum Duplex in the country. Bancroft Green, just south of South Street, are new energy efficient townhomes; Montrose Green, on nearby Montrose Street, aims for LEED Platinum status and is an innovative re-working of a Philadelphia rowhome. We will also visit New Market, LEED gold pending.

Visit www.DVGBC.org and click events tab then click on events calendar.

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) is a chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and whose mission is to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design and construction in the Delaware Valley. It is a non-profit membership organization formed in 2001 and is comprised of leaders from across the building industry. The Green Home Tours are organized by the Green Residential Circle committee of the DVGBC. The Green Residential Circle seeks to identify ways the DVGBC can serve the needs of the residential sector including homeowners, builders, contractors, realtors and designers, etc. The Green Home Tours are just one of their initiatives to increase awareness around green residential buildings in our area.

Visit my website for more Green information and events. www.PointMe2Green.com

Media Green Drinks - 6/3/09

Kelly Gidzinski — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:41:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Green Drinks is an informal gathering of anyone interested in green, environmental & energy issues/topics to talk, share, collaborate and network. Media Green Drinks meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. Invite anyone you know who is working on environmental issues or studying them or concerned about environmental issues and just wants to come and explore and talk about anything green. Share your experiences and stories. Come anytime from 6-9 and just ask the hostess where the Green Drinks group is sitting.

When/Where: Brodeur's Restaurant, 1 W. State St., Media / 6 - 9 PM

PA Homeowners Have a New Tool When Hiring Contractors - The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act

Kelly Gidzinski — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:39:00 GMT

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act ("HICPA") was adopted by Pennsylvania in 2008. The law establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who offer or perform home improvements in Pennsylvania and takes effect on July 1, 2009. It establishes minimum insurance requirements for contractors; requires contractors to provide their registration number in their ads and contracts; establishes required contract terms for home improvement contracts; prohibits unfair business practices; and creates a criminal penalty for home improvement fraud.

Some highlights from HICPA*:

Mandatory Registration for All Contractors (and Independent and Sub-Contractors) who perform more than $5,000 yearly in Home Improvements
Disclosure of crime, fraud, bankruptcy, license revocation or judgements entered for past 10 years
Proof of Liability Insurance for not less than $50,000
Contactor registration number must be included in every estimate, proposal or contract
Name, address, and telephone number of contractor (NOT PO Box #) must be included
State Toll Free number of the PA Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555 to check if contractor is registered
Description of work, materials, and specifications cannot materially be changed without written order signed by both parties
Sub and Independent Contractors known on project at signing should have listed their Name, address (NOT PO Box #), and telephone number
No Excessive down payment greater than 1/3 of total sales price (PLUS cost of non stock “Special Order Materials”) for jobs over $1,000
Contractors are prohibited until compliant from offering Home Improvements
Criminal felony or misdemeanor Penalties for Home Improvement fraud (enhanced if against persons 60 or older)

Remember to always thoroughly investigate any contractor before hiring. Verify insurance, get estimates in writing, check references and make sure they are registered with the PA Bureau of Consumer Protection (800) 441-2555. Visit this website for Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx?id=4339#What_is_a_home_improvement?

Visit my website for low cost ways to spruce up your home before listing your home for sale... http://www.yourlifemoves.com/Links_and_Online_Reports/page_909436.html

* Some take away highlights of the Act. This is not a complete list of the law and not a legal interpretation. Information is deemed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

Summer Camp - Enviro Education & Fun in the Sun June 22-26

Kelly Gidzinski — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:05:00 GMT

Pennsylvania Resources Council is gearing up for some exciting adventures again this summer working with area children as we explore our environment and our impact on it. PRC will offer fun-filled summer, day camps available to participants of all income levels. Each day features a different environmental theme; crafts and activities revolve around the day’s theme. Programs for children ages 4 - 12. Visit website for more details. http://www.prc.org/summer_camp.html

When/Where: Ridley Creek State Park / 9 - 3 (Before & After Care Available)

See Solar In Action: MSEIA Greater Phila. Area Solar Tour 6/22/09

Kelly Gidzinski — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:22:00 GMT

Choose from four solar tours available throughout the greater Phila. area. Three of the tours are showcasing residential, commercial and municipal solar installations in a choice of an urban, suburban or rural setting. These tours will offer a look at solar PV and thermal systems as well as a variety of green building techniques. The fourth solar tour offers a look at large scale solar systems including the largest PV system in PA. All tours leave and return to the Phila. Convention Center and include a box lunch and tour guide.

Cost: $40 / Students $25.

Visit http://mseia.net/SolarTours.html for more info. & registration.

When/Where: Leaves & Returns from Phila. Convention Center / 10 AM - 4 PM