According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, buildings in the residential and commercial sectors account for 40% of the total energy consumption in the U.S. Green homes and buildings are helping immensely with reducing energy requirements, but homeowners can do even more to help offset dependence on fossil fuels. The solution is to build or […]
Abbie and Rick Sams
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Smart Homes for Smart People
Benefits to automated living
The smartphone is one of the most influential and widely used technology devices today. We’ve watched them grow in popularity since the early 2000s, and now everyone—and their kids—seem to have one. It’s predicted that within this coming decade we’ll see the rise of the smart home—a “connected home” that works together as one system. […]
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Action Plan for Building
Bend Climate Action Committee takes on energy use
“Fire made us human, fossil fuels made us modern, but now we need a new fire that makes us safe, secure, healthy and durable.” -Amory Lovins After Independence Day I was reflecting on our great nation. I’m mostly proud, but also wish we would do better. The continued use of fossil fuels such as coal, […]
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Green is the New Black
Sustainability is trending in all seasons
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” – Buckminster Fuller As parents to young children, as well as realtors and community members, we’re thankful that green building is now a trend growing in popularity—and without a doubt will establish a […]
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Central Oregon’s Housing Crisis
Innovative solutions on the rise
It’s no secret that housing prices continue to rise. In April we saw record highs set for a single-family home in Bend and Redmond, with the rest of the high desert following closely behind. This is great for current homeowners and isn’t deterring the crowds from seeking out Central Oregon as their permanent destination. Most […]
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Spring Real Estate Market Update
Are you feeling the heat?
The summer months are quickly approaching and the real estate market is really heating up in the high desert. Phones are ringing, inboxes are filling up and it’s hard to keep up with all the homebuyers and sellers coming out of the woodwork. Everyone’s trying to get new homes locked down or homes sold, preparing […]
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Earth Advantage
Advancing building standards to benefit the whole
Over the years of touring homes new and old, my focus has evolved from noticing the cosmetic appeal, a functional layout or dazzling finishes to now also paying attention to building practices, efficiency in design or working systems and environmentally responsible products. With my extensive background in construction, I’m well versed in the standard building […]
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Climate Risks for Investors
Impacts of a warming earth on real estate
Most people are no longer questioning the reality of climate change. Along with accepting this truth, we’re faced with taking steps to adapt. Climate change and extreme weather patterns are no longer just a concern for the well-being of our planet and future generations, but on the radar and minds of real estate investors, and […]
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A Smaller Footprint
Affordable housing options in Bend?
Currently in Bend, there’s a broad spectrum of housing development underway, varying from upscale projects in the northwest to more economical options on the east side. Just to the west of Northwest Crossing is a new development called Discovery West, which will have a centralized park streaked through it and will be comparable to Northwest […]
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Going Green This Spring
Cleaning up your home improvement list
Spring is officially here, and many are eager for warmer temps and melting snow. Along with the anticipation of seeing green grass again, the change of seasons commences the time for cleaning and home maintenance or improvements. If you’re prepping your house to get it ready to be sold—or simply doing some necessary maintenance or […]
