Why We Need Solar Systems As Standard Home Options

Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are gaining in popularity, especially in the South West United States where, according to SolarBuzz.Com, growth rates for new solar system installations by 2014 will increase by as much as 10 times that of the market size in 2009. One would think that with such phenomenal growth rates, more home manufacturers, factor built builders especially, would add solar pv and solar thermal systems as standard options.
So why don't more manufacturers do this since the solar market seems to be taking off? The answer lies primarily in the development cost of associated with providing new options of any kind to consumers. Developing new home options that require complex engineering plans and designs is not cheap. A home builder that want to add energy efficiency options in to the mix of what they offer consumers can look at having to bankroll a development project for years before they may see any real return on investment. This, primarily, is the reason most installations of solar systems happen on existing homes and not be developers themselves.

Don't Hire a Jack-Of-All-Trades

What is a Jack-of-All-Trades? This is an agent that lists properties then starts working with buyers. Sounds good? Not really. Here is the clincher. If your listing agent is working with buyers, who is marketing your property?
One of the greatest myths in real estate is the Listing Agent will show and SELL your property. This is totally FALSE. The fact is agents that specialize in working with buyers show and sell properties not the listing agent. That is why you never see your listing agent showing your home.
Agents that claim to 'do it all' are misleading their homeowners. According to the National Association of Realtors the biggest complaint homeowners have about their listing agent is the agent listed the property and never heard from the agent again. That's because they are too busy working with buyers and not working on marketing your property to get it sold.
What most people do not understand is there are two agents in a traditional real estate transaction. The listing agent will list the property for 6-7% commission and share the commission at closing with the buyer's agent (if there is an agent involved in the transaction). If there is no buyer's agent involved in the transaction then the listing agent gets paid the 6-7% commission at closing.

Palm Beach Condominium Living

The allure of Palm Beach condominium living is legendary. For those buyers who seek the ultimate in spectacular floor plans, impeccable service and resort-style condominium amenities, the Palm Beaches have an exceptional collection of residential choices.
As one of the most affluent areas in the country, the Palm Beaches have defined the concept of luxury living. Singer Island, with its pristine beaches and breathtaking location, is among the most desirable addresses in this very exclusive area. Charming, yet undeniably chic, Singer Island condominiums offer sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, plus condominium amenities that are similar to those of an elite private club. Singer Island condos are replete with opulent finishes and appointments for the height of luxury living. The condos are designed with gourmet kitchens with Bosch and Sub-Zero appliances, and generously sized baths with imported stone finishes. The elegant lifestyle is enhanced by shared amenities that include resort pools, whirlpools, poolside grilles, and access to a stretch of soft sand beach. Within these luxury enclaves, Singer Island residents enjoy exclusive privileges such as private social rooms and expansive ocean-view fitness centers.
On Singer Island, homebuyers can create their own private oasis of serene luxury that is spacious, elegant, and low maintenance. Real estate that allows owners to enjoy a carefree lifestyle is especially desirable for those buyers looking for a weekend getaway or seasonal residence. The ease of condominium living on Singer Island is complemented by its easy-to-get-to location. Singer Island is a short drive from most points in Florida, and is close to the Palm Beach International Airport, which offers frequent flights to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and many other major cities.

Radon: The Silent Killer Lurking in Your Home

Carbon monoxide is widely recognized as the "Silent Killer" and for good reason. However, there is another silent danger that, up until recently, has managed to fly under the radar. While mostly everyone these days has a carbon monoxide detector mounted right next to their smoke detector, fewer people are aware of the cancer-causing radioactive gas called radon that is actually the second-leading cause of lung cancer in America behind smoking. In fact, almost 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused every year by radon, according to the U.S. Environmental Agency.

So what is this mystery gas and where does it come from? Well, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is both colorless and odorless. Much like carbon monoxide, it is impossible to smell or taste and can only be detected by testing for it. It is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium and can be found naturally in igneous rock and soil and even well water. The main point of human exposure to radon is through inhalation, although ingestion is also possible if radon has infiltrated the water supply.