Go Green Quad Cities
by Chris Kaufmann
GetSmartBeforeYouBuy.com
Go Green Quad Cities

Mel Foster Announces A New Real Estate Website




Chris Kaufmann and Mel Foster Co. are excited to inform you that we launched our new company website on

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Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 12/18/2009 | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Incorporate Natural Daylighting into your home


Natural daylighting is simply using natural day light to illuminate a home or buildings interior instead of relying on electrical use during the day. Its been proven that people live happier and are more efficient at work when natural light floods their living space. Tests have been done on educational facilities and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration reports that children who were exposed to daylighting in their schools perform better and have a lower absenteeism rate. 

Daylighting technologies are relatively easy to incorporate in new construction. Opportunities also exist in existing buildings but, may require a ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 10/5/2009 | Add Comment

How Does Energy Efficiency Stack Up With Buyers?

In 2007 the National Association of Realtors conducted a survey of home buyers which asked how important energy efficiency was to them in making their purchase. Although they don't specify I suspect the survey was conducted based upon purchases in 2006 vs. 2007.

92% of all home buyers consider energy efficiency at least somewhat important and 46% ranked it as very important when it pertains to a home purchase.

Repeat buyers are more aware and more interested in efficiency then first time buyers. 50% of repeat buyers indicate that efficiency in the home is very important where as only 41% of first time ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 7/7/2009 | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Available homes for sale in Davenport, Iowa

Here is a preview of the many homes the Iowa Quad City real estate market has to offer. If you would like further information on any of these please email: ckaufmann@melfosterco.com

Don't forget about the first time buyer (or those who have not owned in 3 yrs) tax credit of $8,000!!



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Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 4/9/2009 | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Bettendorf, IA Green Home Built for Educational Purposes

A few days ago our local newspaper, the Quad City Times, reported on a story pertaining to future green construction in one of the fastest growing parts of Bettendorf, IA. It was said that members of the Quad City Home Builders Association (QCHBA) were going to donate their time and provide materials at cost for the construction of a 1900sf ranch built to the Silver Award level set forth by the National Association of Home Builders. Ryan Windmiller of Aspen Homes was chosen to oversee ("general") the project. What they didn't elaborate on was what the specific level(s) entailed. Here's my ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 3/18/2009 | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Eagle Ridge Announces Spring (recession) Pricing!

Effective immediately for a limited time Eagle Ridge Subdivision is offering large discounts on many of our lots. We now have an entry level price of $39,900 down from $47,500. Many lots have been reduced by $5,000.


Eagle Ridge is located on the outskirts of Davenport, IA and offer low county taxes. The minimum size lots are nearly ¾’s of an acre on up and allow for detached buildings/garages. The subdivision will accommodate Passive Solar, Natural Daylighting, and has been graded to reduced storm water run off.



Second is a 1,595sf, 3Br, 3Bath, 3 ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 2/17/2009 | Add Comment

New Home Offers 20-30% Savings on Utility Bills

The Quad City, IA real estate market is lacking one thing; the amount of homes which meet or exceed an Energy Efficient Rating System.

Many regions of the country offer different guidelines to build green. Some of which consist of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Built Green Colorado, Green Built Home in Milwaukee or perhaps a more common name, Energy Star. Mid American Energy, our local utility provider even offers an EnergyAdvantage® New Homes Program. My point here is that there are many resources for new ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 2/4/2009 | View Comments (5) | Add Comment

Chris Kaufmann featured in Radish Magazine


The following is taken from the November issue of Radish Magazine.
EcoBrokers

Find a green home with help from the pros

By Steve Trainor

Looking to buy a green home, but not sure exactly where to look or what it should include? You might consider hiring an EcoBroker to help.


EcoBrokers are licensed real estate agents who have been certified by EcoBroker International of Evergreen, Colo. The program teaches agents ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 11/12/2008 | Add Comment

Executive Real Estate Available in Muscatine, IA

The following prestigious home, located between Davenport, IA & Muscatine, IA, has recently been added to Chris Kaufmann's portfolio of homes for sale. We are listed at $389,900 with over 4,000sf ($96/sf), 4 Br's, 6+ car garage and originally built in 2000. Also included are many energy efficient features and a building orientation designed to save you hundreds every year. You can view more pictures at www.3486BigSky.com


This home is maintained by 2 heating and cooling systems allowing the buyer to zone certain parts of the house when not in use. Don’t let the square footage scare you. Both furnaces are 96% ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 11/12/2008 | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Scott County's Plant Some Shade Program

On October 2, 2008, the Scott County Conservation Board is sponsoring a "Plant Some Shade" program funded by MidAmerican Energy and administered by the Iowa Dept of Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry. MidAmerican Energy customers who live in Iowa are eligible to purchase trees for $25 each. Trees available are: Swamp White Oak, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Adams Flowering Crabapple and Norway Spruce. Tree purchase is initially limited to two trees per household to ensure all customers have an opportunity to purchase trees. Advanced purchase is recommended. In ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Chris Kaufmann at 9/30/2008 | View Comments (1) | Add Comment
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