If you are considering building a new greener home here are some tips to consider:

- Energy Star for new homes promotes energy efficient guidelines to enable new home builders and service providers to build homes that exceed the minimum provincial building code standards resulting in savings for future home owners with reduced energy costs. Through a network of regional service organizations Energy Star, EnerGuide and R2000 certified energy advisors and homebuilders can help you with your plans. For more details see Energy Star’s website.

In my office I have framed the Mark Twain quote “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” With the stock markets tossing and turning as they have been for months now, many folks are concerned about securing their investments. By the emails and calls I’m getting lately many are considering real estate as an investment. There are various ways to do that. Some TV shows have buyers thinking about flipping properties and that can be an excellent way to go if you are prepared. It is definitely a different game than buying a home to live in. So here are some tips to consider:

1. There is a skunk smell especially at dusk and dawn.
2. The hum of large ventilation fans.
3. The folks coming and going from the house usually go through the garage.
4. They aren’t friendly with the neighbours.
5. The covered windows usually have condensation on them.
6. Occasionally you see bright lights from within.
7. Warning signs “Guard Dogs” “Beware of Dogs”
8. You see them carrying in rolls of plastic sheeting, big lights, bags of soil, large pots,large fans and construction materials.
9. They come and go at irregular hours.
10. You never see them outside on their deck, barbecuing, gardening, sunbathing or entertaining.

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