New Energy Upgrade CA Rebates Available in Long Beach/ Signal Hill

Long Beach and Signal Hill Now Get Incentives!

Long Beach and Signal Hill residents can now take advantage of Energy Upgrade rebates and incentives of up to $8,000 for qualified upgrades. On October 12, the City of Long Beach Gas and Oil announced its agreement to offer local residents the same rebates and incentives as customers of Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company. The incentive application process is virtually the same as with the Southern California Edison utility process. The only difference is that homeowners will have to sign an additional customer information release form for LBGO to receive their retrofit information, which will be available on the Contractor Resource Library. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available, and are retroactive.

To learn more visit the Energy Upgrade CA website or contact Go Green Lending to get started.

Tip of the Week: Contractors paid half upfront

Home energy audit rebates still available

With funding made available by C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund, the REALTOR®’s Energy Audit Program (REAP) provides a $250 rebate on a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home energy audit when conducted by a certified HERS rater. A home energy audit helps homeowners identify improvements that can be made to the home to help reduce monthly utility bills. Improving the energy efficiency of the home is a great way to counter rising energy costs and makes homeownership more affordable.  To learn more about the REAP Program and get an application for your client, visit http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/site/R?i=iNU_WNTNUiuJjxe7-4yzlA.. Go Green Lending can assist any C.A.R. member with the rebate application and the Energy Efficiency Mortgage financing.

Tip of the Week: You can use the GoGreen Lending Hybrid Loan program to purchase property in its As-Is condition!

City of Long Beach Rebates

The City of Long Beach is providing rebates to owners of single-family homes, condominiums, and live/work units who purchase certain energy efficient appliances. Homeowners who install Energy Star certified windows, doors, skylights, roofs, tankless water heaters and solar water heaters may be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $500. Further, participants may be eligible to receive a no-cost permit to inspect the installation of the qualifying product. Additional requirements exist, and interested Long Beach citizens should visit the website about for full details. READ MORE

Energy Efficiency Mortgage: $16,000 100% financed!

At GoGreen Lending we specialize in Energy Efficiency Mortgages EEM’s and 203ks rehab loans for cosmetic and green upgrades for home owners and home buyers.  We recently completed a HERS audit using the CalCerts Energy Pro software and generated just over $16,000 in cost effective energy efficiency upgrades on a 900 square foot home in Long Beach.

Tip of the week: Termite Report Included

Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts Rebates

All customers of the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts are eligible for rebates on a variety of water-saving devices. READ MORE

Solar Financing is in High Demand

At GoGreen Lending we are receiving several calls a week for solar financing for home owners.  The requests range from $20,000 to $45,000 which covers most solar systems.  The current solar sales people are limited in affordable financing through their traditional solar lenders.  Go Green Lending offers home owners and solar companies another solution to help finance these projects.  We use a Project Financing Request Form and give solar contractors an answer in less than 48 hours if the project will qualify for secured financing.  These loans are below 5% and fixed for 30 years.  With financing like that, it’s a much more cost effective choice for their clients.  Contact our office to find out how you can increase your contracting business with our fast project qualifying system.

Tip of the Week: Faster closings with a General Contractor

SENIOR DISCOUNTS - COST EFFECTIVE LIVING

10,000 plus Baby Boomers reach retirement age each day now that this population bulge from the post WWII years has aged. This means a serious reduction in income across all social-economic strata. Smaller incomes (have you ever looked at social security benefits?  Good luck with that.) means a higher percentage of income spent on Utilities. Which are not going down in the golden years, no matter where you live.

Solution: seniors or near seniors can make - here it comes - Cost Effective improvements to their homes to reduce their long-term financial burden while living in a more comfortable home - regardless of social status or home structure.

Look into Cost Effective Home Improvements.

Pending home sales plummet

HELP AVAILABLE FOR HOME BUYERS OR SELLERS IN DECLINING MARKET

The 11.6% decline in pending house sales from March misses the point. Home prices are lower. Interest rates are still low and lower.

The decline tells us that home owners and sellers don't know about the FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage or the FHA Rehab loans programs. These are the only loan programs that give buyers additional cash at the time of purchase to fix up their homes. Many homes on the market need some attention, but most buyers only consider fixed up houses. The FHA EEM or Rehab loans allow the buyer to fix the house after they purchase it - all in one first montage, at the best available rate.

This expands the number of home a buyer can consider.

Tip of the Week: No HUD Consultant Required!

1776 APPLIED TO 2011

Benjamin Franklin really was not thinking about our utility bills in 2011 when he coined the phrase, "A Penny saved is a penny earned."  We have heard that phrase so many time we overlook the basic concept it offers: cost effective. If you do not waste a penny on unnecessary or trivial expenses then you don't have to exert the effort to generate a penny and the taxes needed to keep the whole penny.

An Energy Efficient Mortgage requires the improvements made in the family home cost less than the energy saved or to apply Franklin's concept - cost effective. The improvements must save the family money over the life of the improvement-- or why bother. So the formula becomes: I < Es (Improvement costs less than Energy saved).

Making 'cost efficient' improvements to a home saves fuel energy and makes the house more comfortable. But it also saves the human energy required to keep paying the rising utility bills and the taxes needed to keep the earning.

Cost effective: a powerful little idea. Thanks Mr. Franklin

Tip of the Week: You can get an FHA 203K Rehab Loan and combine the Energy Efficient Mortgage with it!

Tip of the Week: Every FHA Loan is allowed to have an Energy Efficient Mortgage added to the loan.

VALUATION FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV - FINALLY

FHA has a little-known guideline to value residential for solar PV installations (and even wind). Homeowners, appraisers, lenders and real estate professionals would do well to look it up. To encourage the growth of solar power, HUD has a formula for establishing an appraised value on a residential solar PV system. An appraiser must first see if other homes with solar PV are within the market area. If no market data can be found, FHA permits "the amount of increase which would be paid for a property with a solar system would be the lesser of the actual cost of the solar system installed in the subject house or 20 percent of the market value of the property." 

Energy Upgrade California

Energy Upgrade California is an innovative program for homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency, save water, lower utility bills and create a healthier and more comfortable home. Energy Upgrade California connects homeowners with Participating Contractors READ MORE

Tip of the Week: NAR Buyer Survey

Sunset Designers & Builders

Looking for a good Landscaping and pool contractor?

John Zahn of Sunset Designs & Builders is a very professional contractor specializing in hardscape and pool improvements.

See some of his work on his website.  What I like about him is he responds to calls quickly, shows up on time to appointments and takes the time to help you make decisions.  If you ever want to see a dream back yard, ask John Zahn to give you a personal tour of his home.  You will be amazed.

Real Estate Marketing & Networking

In Long Beach, CA Realtors meet at Khoury’s Restaurant on Thursday mornings at 8:00 AM for a Real Estate marketing session. Aside from the fantastic water view, the networking is the best in town. We share information on the latest regulations and opportunities in the industry and more importantly business. One Realtor, Leslie Stonick of Coldwell Bankers, has shown an interest in the GoGreen Lending Hybrid program for the REO properties she specializes in. She specializes in REO properties in the Greater Long Beach area and with her assistant Susan, they are a dynamic profession team. Find out more about Leslie and the Go Green Lending Hybrid loan program to make your next home purchase a turnkey home and energy efficient.

Direct-Gain Passive Solar

At Go Green Lending we offer Energy Efficiency Mortgages, EEM’s and 203ks financing for home purchases and refinancing. Another added value is the experience and understanding of sustainable strategies for your home. Many believe that going green is expensive, however; once you understand what a going green or better put, sustainable strategy is or can be, you begin to realize it is not expensive as most think and basically is more about product selection. A great example is the purchase of “Dual Pane Windows” or “Low E” windows. Here is a great article explaining how solar heat gain is used to capture heat in a home for the cooler evenings. Keep this is mind when ordering your new windows especially those on the south side of your home.

By Alex Wilson of BuildingGreen, Inc.

Direct-gain passive solar systems rely on south-facing windows to bring solar energy directly into a house. Sunlight is absorbed by materials in the house (the floor, walls, furniture, etc.), which warm up, store some of that heat, and re-radiate it back into the room, warming the space. Read More

Tip of the Week: 70% of all homes were built prior to 1980

New Studies Show a Premium for Green Homes

Two studies from last month show that homes with a green certification – and especially existing homes with a green label – command a higher price premium and spend less time on the market than homes without a certification.

This is good news for green building professionals. These studies indicate that homebuyers are valuing the benefits of a green home – comfort, quality and energy efficiency – more than ever, READ MORE

At Go Green Lending we have the financing, resources and experience to help home buyers purchase a house and upgrade it to be an energy efficient home.

BUILDING SCIENCE = HOME PERFORMANCE RESULTS

Anyone looking for the real skinny on home performance measures should spend time at buildingscience.com. It offers a broad range of articles on the details and fundamental concepts of making a home more healthy, comfortable and efficient. Detailed drawing lay out solutions for even the most complex issues for homes in colder climates. Contractors and homeowners alike can benefit from the easy to read articles. A directory makes finding the right one a breeze.

Attention California Realtors: New 2011 Home Energy Rating System State Law

There is a new law AB1809 effective January 1, 2011. The new law AB1809, does authorize a home inspection to include, if requested by the client, a HERS energy audit. There is no mandatory disclosure requirement of home energy ratings and providing the HERS booklet to the Buyer is optional. For more information..

Green Products at Integrity Windows and Doors

There are many new Green products on the market these days, but Low-E dual pane windows remain one of the most popular energy efficiency upgrades to the mainstream homeowner.  At Marvin they have a great product that has been out for several years called Integrity Windows and Doors.  They are made of pultruded fiberglass and are stronger than almost any window on the market.  They can be purchased as all fiberglass or wood/ fiberglass depending on your preference and needs.  At GoGreen Lending we offer loan programs allowing energy efficient upgrades to be added to your loan, including Low-E Integrity windows and doors, Energy Star Appliances and many other “Green” and cosmetic home improvements included in your home purchase financing. Turn an “As Is” house into an Ideal Energy Efficient Home.

LA County Utility Rebates Now Available

Energy Upgrade California^TM helps Los Angeles County homeowners make home upgrades to reduce energy use, conserve resources and create more comfortable and efficient homes. Participating homeowners may be eligible for up to $4,500 in rebates and incentives. LA County's goal for the Energy Upgrade California Program is to improve the energy efficiency of 30,000 houses in the County by the end of 2012. Read more:

Zero Point 203k Streamline Purchase Loans under 4.00%

Get the word out!!! Rates are now so low you can finance a home purchase under 4.00% using a 203ks rehab loan.

At this rate there would be No Points and the buyer would receive an additional $3,000 toward closing costs on a $300k loan amount.

There is no excuse now!!! GoGreen Lending Hybrid Loan Program provides the purchase financing, plus up to $50,ooo in Cosmetic and Energy upgrade home improvements.  See how you can sell “As Is” properties just like a Cash Buyer with FHA.  Contact me to show you how simple the process is.

We have free marketing sales tools to help you…shoot me an e-mail dennis@gogreenlending.com .

Tip of the Week: Contractors paid half upfront

Energy Efficiency Mortgage: $16,000 100% financed!

At GoGreen Lending we specialize in Energy Efficiency Mortgages EEM’s and 203ks rehab loans for cosmetic and green upgrades for home owners and home buyers.  We recently completed a HERS audit using the CalCerts Energy Pro software and generated just over $16,000 in cost effective energy efficiency upgrades on a 900 square foot home in Long Beach.

Help Create Demand for Green Homes

Ask most homeowners how they can decrease the environmental impact of their home, and they’re likely to think of switching out light bulbs and taking out the recycling. These are good actions to take of course, but they’re not nearly as impactful as green home retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades. Build It Green is educating the public…Read More

VALUATION FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV - FINALLY

FHA has a little-known guideline to value residential for solar PV installations (and even wind). Homeowners, appraisers, lenders and real estate professionals would do well to look it up. To encourage the growth of solar power, HUD has a formula for establishing an appraised value on a residential solar PV system. An appraiser must first see if other homes with solar PV are within the market area. If no market data can be found, FHA permits "the amount of increase which would be paid for a property with a solar system would be the lesser of the actual cost of the solar system installed in the subject house or 20 percent of the market value of the property." 

Tip of the Week: You can use the GoGreen Lending Hybrid Loan program to purchase property in its As-Is condition!

Realtors Help Homebuyers with Energy Audit Rebates

Homeowners who conduct a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home Energy Audit may be eligible for a $250.00 rebate. As part of the California Realtors Energy Audit Program (REAP) new homeowners who conduct a HERS home energy audit may be eligible for a $250.00 rebate. If you are a Green Certified Realtor find out more information at www.carhaf.org.

Help Create Demand for Green Homes

Ask most homeowners how they can decrease the environmental impact of their home, and they’re likely to think of switching out light bulbs and taking out the recycling. These are good actions to take of course, but they’re not nearly as impactful as green home retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades. Build It Green is educating the public…Read More 

Tip of the week: Termite Report Included

Realtors Help Homebuyers with Energy Audit Rebates

Homeowners who conduct a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home Energy Audit may be eligible for a $250.00 rebate. As part of the California Realtors Energy Audit Program (REAP) new homeowners who conduct a HERS home energy audit may be eligible for a $250.00 rebate. If you are a Green Certified Realtor find out more information at www.carhaf.org.

VALUATION FOR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PV - FINALLY

FHA has a little-known guideline to value residential for solar PV installations (and even wind). Homeowners, appraisers, lenders and real estate professionals would do well to look it up. To encourage the growth of solar power, HUD has a formula for establishing an appraised value on a residential solar PV system. An appraiser must first see if other homes with solar PV are within the market area. If no market data can be found, FHA permits "the amount of increase which would be paid for a property with a solar system would be the lesser of the actual cost of the solar system installed in the subject house or 20 percent of the market value of the property." 

Direct-Gain Passive Solar

At GoGreen Lending we offer Energy Efficiency Mortgages, EEM’s and 203ks financing for home purchases and refinancing. Another added value is the experience and understanding of sustainable strategies for your home. Many believe that going green is expensive, however; once you understand what a going green or better put, sustainable strategy is or can be, you begin to realize it is not expensive as most think and basically is more about product selection. A great example is the purchase of “Dual Pane Windows” or “Low E” windows. Here is a great article explaining how solar heat gain is used to capture heat in a home for the cooler evenings. Keep this is mind when ordering your new windows especially those on the south side of your home.

By Alex Wilson of BuildingGreen, Inc.

Direct-gain passive solar systems rely on south-facing windows to bring solar energy directly into a house. Sunlight is absorbed by materials in the house (the floor, walls, furniture, etc.), which warm up, store some of that heat, and re-radiate it back into the room, warming the space. Read More

Real Estate Marketing & Networking

In Long Beach, CA Realtors meet at Khoury’s Restaurant on Thursday mornings at 8:00 AM for a Real Estate marketing session. Aside from the fantastic water view, the networking is the best in town. We share information on the latest regulations and opportunities in the industry and more importantly business. One Realtor, Leslie Stonick of Coldwell Bankers, has shown an interest in the GoGreen Lending Hybrid program for the REO properties she specializes in. She specializes in REO properties in the Greater Long Beach area and with her assistant Susan, they are a dynamic profession team. Find out more about Leslie and the Go Green Lending Hybrid loan program to make your next home purchase a turnkey home and energy efficient.

Tip of the Week: Faster closings with a General Contractor

Tip of the Week: No HUD Consultant Required!

Tip of the Week: You can get an FHA 203K Rehab Loan and combine the Energy Efficient Mortgage with it!

Tip of the Week: Every FHA Loan is allowed to have an Energy Efficient Mortgage added to the loan.

New Studies Show a Premium

Two studies from last month show that homes with a green certification – and especially existing homes with a green label – command a higher price premium and spend less time on the market than homes without a certification.

This is good news for green building professionals. These studies indicate that homebuyers are valuing the benefits of a green home – comfort, quality and energy efficiency – more than ever, READ MORE

At Go Green Lending we have the financing, resources and experience to help home buyers purchase a house and upgrade it to be an energy efficient home.

Tip of the Week: NAR Buyer Survey

Tip of the Week: 70% of all homes were built prior to 1980

EEM’s offered based on 5% of Median home prices or appraisal/sales price:

Several lenders have finally allowed the cost of improvements to exceed the $8,000 limit. The maximum amount of financed energy efficiency improvements using an EEM is now based on 5% of the median home price for the area.  This housing article by C.A.R. shows a chart of the median home values.  However, H.U.D. established their median values in their on-line loan approval platform called FHA Connection.  At Go Green Lending we have found the FHA Connection data to be significantly greater than the reported numbers published in the C.A.R. report. In L.A. County we are eligible up to $22,000 in cost effective improvements or %5 of the appraisal value, whichever is lower.  SEE THE REPORT 

Tip of the Week: Contractors paid half upfront

THE BRITISH ARE COMING - To Insulate America

Since 80+% of British residences have had some level of energy retrofit British companies offering energy efficiency improvements have decided that America is worth a re-visit. According to an article in the NY Times British companies such are Mark Group have established offices in various cities in the US such as Philadelphia. Given that Congress is still debating the proof of climate change (supported by partisan politics and significant lobbyist funds) British firms want to take advantage of the hit-and-miss US energy policies and grab as much of the $5 trillion (that's 't' as in too bad America) business opportunity as they can. Mark Group is already insulating homes in the Philadelphia area with plans for rapid expansion. Liberty Hall may be the Brits next target. Heck, with $5 Trillion they could buy Philadelphia and reduce our national debt.

Increase the Quality & Quantity of Business Referrals with Social Media Prospecting™

Dan Fowler Speaks! Social Media Prospecting™ Basic ClassJuly 21, 2011 @ 10:00AM, Webster University in Irvine

The Social Media Prospecting™ (SMP) Basic Class has been designed to demystify the misconceptions surrounding the entire Social Media universe.  The class is built on an interactive lecture platform READ MORE

Reserve your spot today! For $20 off your admission...enter discount code: GOGREENLENDING

SOLAR GROWTH IN 2010 - CA LEADS

'In calendar year 2010, approximately 880 megawatts (MW)1 of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems were installed in the U.S. (of which approximately 30% were residential), up from 435 MW installed in 2009, yielding a cumulative total of 2,100 MW (SEIA & GTM, 2011). California has been and continues to be the country’s largest market for PV, with nearly 1000 MW of cumulative capacity. California is also approaching 100,000 individual PV systems installed, more than 90% of which are residential.'

Lawarence Berkely Livermore Lab, April 2011

Green Products Buyers Really Want

According to American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey: “Energy efficiency is not on the wish list for home buyers in 2011-it is on the “must” list, “ writes Paul Cardis, CEO of Madison, Wis.-based AVID Ratings, which conducts research on home design preferences. Which eco-friendly amenities are grabbing buyer’s attention?

·         High-efficiency insulation

·         High-efficiency windows

·         Double and triple glazed windows

·         Tankless water heaters

·         Water-conserving devices

·         Products aimed at improving indoor air quality

·         Renewable flooring products, such as bamboo and cork

Tip of the Week: You can use the GoGreen Lending Hybrid Loan program to purchase property in its As-Is condition!

SENIOR DISCOUNTS - COST EFFECTIVE LIVING

10,000 plus Baby Boomers reach retirement age each day now that this population bulge from the post WWII years has aged. This means a serious reduction in income across all social-economic strata. Smaller incomes (have you ever looked at social security benefits?  Good luck with that.) means a higher percentage of income spent on Utilities. Which are not going down in the golden years, no matter where you live.

Solution: seniors or near seniors can make - here it comes - Cost Effective improvements to their homes to reduce their long-term financial burden while living in a more comfortable home - regardless of social status or home structure.

Look into Cost Effective Home Improvements.

1776 APPLIED TO 2011

Benjamin Franklin really was not thinking about our utility bills in 2011 when he coined the phrase, "A Penny saved is a penny earned."  We have heard that phrase so many time we overlook the basic concept it offers: cost effective. If you do not waste a penny on unnecessary or trivial expenses then you don't have to exert the effort to generate a penny and the taxes needed to keep the whole penny.

An Energy Efficient Mortgage requires the improvements made in the family home cost less than the energy saved or to apply Franklin's concept - cost effective. The improvements must save the family money over the life of the improvement-- or why bother. So the formula becomes: I < Es (Improvement costs less than Energy saved).

Making 'cost efficient' improvements to a home saves fuel energy and makes the house more comfortable. But it also saves the human energy required to keep paying the rising utility bills and the taxes needed to keep the earning.

Cost effective: a powerful little idea. Thanks Mr. Franklin

Tip of the week: Termite Report Included

C.A.R. releases Q1 2011 Housing Affordability Index

Low interest rates, home prices contribute to higher affordability throughout California, C.A.R. reports. LOS ANGELES (May 12) – Housing affordability continued to improve throughout the state in the first quarter of 2011, led by low interest rates and home prices, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today. The percentage of buyers who could afford to purchase a median-priced, single-family home in California rose to 53 percent in the first quarter of 2011, up from 50 percent in fourth-quarter 2010 and 50 percent in first- quarter 2010, according to C.A.R.’s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI). C.A.R.’s HAI measures the percentage of all households that can afford to purchase the median-priced, single-family home in California. READ More…

Home energy audit rebates still available

With funding made available by C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund, the REALTOR®’s Energy Audit Program (REAP) provides a $250 rebate on a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) home energy audit when conducted by a certified HERS rater. A home energy audit helps homeowners identify improvements that can be made to the home to help reduce monthly utility bills. Improving the energy efficiency of the home is a great way to counter rising energy costs and makes homeownership more affordable.  To learn more about the REAP Program and get an application for your client, visit http://www2.realtoractioncenter.com/site/R?i=iNU_WNTNUiuJjxe7-4yzlA.. Go Green Lending can assist any C.A.R. member with the rebate application and the Energy Efficiency Mortgage financing.

Tip of the Week: Faster closings with a General Contractor

This is one of the hottest topics in the industry. Get on board.

Homebuyers Getting Help with Energy Retrofits

Source: blog.car.org

As winter wanes and the cool rains subside in California, talk of one issue is sure to heat up. Not that anyone needs an excuse. These days, everyone is concerned about global warming, regardless of the season. Anyone who is in a position to do something about it is trying to do their part. Experts rant about it, activists chant about it, and politicians …well, has anyone considered that they may be one of the causes of global warming? (Can you say hot air? And lots of it.) On an individual level... READ MORE

2011 California Realtor Expo!

The Biggest Realtor event of the year will be here before you know it! 2011 California Realtor Expo, September 20-22, 2011 READ MORE

It’s Not Easy Being Green

Check out this article that was in the California Real Estate Magazine. "It's Not Easy Being Green"

HELP AVAILABLE FOR HOME BUYERS OR SELLERS IN DECLINING MARKET

Pending home sales plummet in April

In regards to the article in the LA Times above...The 11.6% decline in pending house sales from March misses the point. Home prices are lower. Interest rates are still low and lower.

The decline tells us that home owners and sellers don't know about the FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage or the FHA Rehab loans programs. These are the only loan programs that give buyers additional cash at the time of purchase to fix up their homes. Many homes on the market need some attention, but most buyers only consider fixed up houses. The FHA EEM or Rehab loans allow the buyer to fix the house after they purchase it - all in one first montage, at the best available rate.

This expands the number of home a buyer can consider.

Energy Efficient Mortgage allows upgrades of heating, cooling equipment, windows, insulation, water heating - the systems of the house. The Rehab loan program permits 'cosmetic' improvements - like a new kitchen.

If more sellers and buyers used these programs, we would see less decline and a lot more sales of people turning houses into their favorite home.

Tip of the Week: No HUD Consultant Required!

Housing and Home Improvements in Today’s Real Estate Market

This is a great article sharing the demand for home improvement financing for the current housing stock.  The solution is buying a home with a 203k streamline loan and combining it with an energy efficient mortgage.  At GoGreen Lending we offer this Hybrid loan program to turn “As Is” houses into energy efficient homes. READ MORE…

Save Water, Save Money!

The SoCal Water$mart program, originally scheduled to end April 30, 2011, has been extended through June 30, 2011. There will be no downtime between program periods – the new program will launch on July 1, 2011 and end April 30, 2012. READ MORE

Tip of the Week: You can get an FHA 203K Rehab Loan and combine the Energy Efficient Mortgage with it!

Solar Rebates are Highest in Los Angeles County

You may have heard that LADWP put its solar rebate program on hold. But for those of you in Southern California Edison (SCE) territory, your chances at scoring amazing solar rebates are much, much higher. READ MORE

Empowered Nominated For Best of San Diego Awards 2011!

Empowered is one of only four companies selected for a public vote to determine the best solar company in San Diego 2011. Even though solar is only one part of what Empowered does this is a huge honor and we hope you'll take a few moments to vote for us.

You can vote at http://www.signonsandiego.com/bestof/2011/vote/home-improvement/best-solar-panel-company/ and please vote for Empowered Energy Solutions!  You'll have to be logged in to vote but this is a really easy process. Voting closes June 25th.

The best part is you can vote multiple times - once per day. So as the saying goes, please vote early and vote often. : )

Thanks in advance for your help, and for helping to make 2011 Empowered's best year yet!

Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts Rebates

All customers of the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts are eligible for rebates on a variety of water-saving devices. READ MORE

Tip of the Week: Every FHA Loan is allowed to have an Energy Efficient Mortgage added to the loan.

City of Long Beach - Residential Energy Efficiency and Solar Water Heating Rebate Program

The City of Long Beach is providing rebates to owners of single-family homes, condominiums, and live/work units who purchase certain energy efficient appliances. Homeowners who install Energy Star certified windows, doors, skylights, roofs, tankless water heaters and solar water heaters may be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $500. Further, participants may be eligible to receive a no-cost permit to inspect the installation of the qualifying product. Additional requirements exist, and interested Long Beach citizens should visit the website about for full details. READ MORE

The Water Boarding Refinance Experience

Today Kathleen Kosciolek of EFT Guide, published an article under the title of The Water Boarding Refinance Experience". Her opening paragraph reflected her research into a refinance with a big bank lender:

"The average turnaround time for a clean refinance today via a large traditional lending institution is estimated to be 90 plus days. Clean' being defined as a good FICO score of 740 and above, LTV 80% or less, and documented income supporting the 28/36 debt ratio. If you do not place in this squeaky clean category, just ball up the application or make yourself a whimsical paper airplane out of the nice sized legal paper and save yourself the hopeful anguish."

READ MORE

Good news. GoGreen Lending does not use big banks. Our lenders are closing a refinance as describe above in 30 days or less. They understand the concept of performance.

Tip of the Week: NAR Buyer Survey

Appraisers Making Headway in Recognizing Value of Green Home Features

The continuing effort to provide recognition for the added value of energy-saving and other green features in homes will take another step forward around mid-summer when the Appraisal Institute is expected to add a green and energy addendum to its appraisal report form.  READ More…

“Ask 10 appraisers and only one has ever seen a HERS report,”

Tip of the Week: 70% of all homes were built prior to 1980

Solar Financing is in High Demand

At GoGreen Lending we are receiving several calls a week for solar financing for home owners.  The requests range from $20,000 to $45,000 which covers most solar systems.  The current solar sales people are limited in affordable financing through their traditional solar lenders.  Go Green Lending offers home owners and solar companies another solution to help finance these projects.  We use a Project Financing Request Form and give solar contractors an answer in less than 48 hours if the project will qualify for secured financing.  These loans are below 5% and fixed for 30 years.  With financing like that, it’s a much more cost effective choice for their clients.  Contact our office to find out how you can increase your contracting business with our fast project qualifying system.

Power Saver Approves 18 Lenders throughout the Nation

Power Saver is a Pilot program recently rolled out by H.U.D. allowing selected lenders to provide financing for energy efficiency upgrades for homeowners.  This new EEM is a second loan and is secured by real estate.  The loan to value (you need equity!) may not exceed 100% of home value based on appraisal when including this loan and the existing loans.  The maximum loan amount is $25,000.  Because the program is new to the lending market, no lender has the program available at this time.  They must first create the respective compliance loan documents, train their staff and determine the interest rates and fees.  At this time FNMA is going to be the primary purchaser of these loans and is looking at rates between 6-7%.  However; that rate is at PAR, meaning no lender makes any money.  You can almost be assured the rates will be higher than the FNMA pricing by the time it gets to the consumer.  GoGreen Lending is one of the best resources for the availability and loan terms of the Power Saver.  Feel free to e-mail our office to help answer any questions.

Tip of the Week: Termite Report Included!

Real Estate Agent gives home buyer a $250 rebate for Energy Audit

Sue Zaitz of Re/Max College Park helped her buyer receive a $250 rebate through the C.A.R.  energy audit rebate program called R.E.A.P.

Contact GoGreen Lending to receive the details and how to help a Realtor promote HERS audits and EEM financing for their home buyers.

Homeowner uses 203k streamline and EEM Combo at Go Green Lending

A homeowner in San Diego needed funds to finish a master bedroom remodel and receive rebates from the San Diego Energy Upgrade California utility rebate program. Christian Asdal of Get-Green Remodeling and President of the San Diego Efficiency First Performance contractor trade association is the contractor for the project and EUC rebates.

The 203k streamline and EEM GoGreen Lending Hybrid loan program provides cosmetic and energy upgrades for homeowners and home buyers.  This financing in San Diego is funding $36,500 to complete their project.

Tip of the Week: You can use the GoGreen Lending Hybrid Loan program to purchase property in its As-Is condition!

Home Buyer receives $16,000 with EEM for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Our home buyer wanted new windows for the home he was purchasing.  This home was an REO and was rehabbed by an investor.  They did a nice job on the cosmetic upgrades but, did nothing for energy efficiency.  We approved an EEM which finances 100% of cost effective improvements and the borrower is going to receive, new Energy Star HVAC, JELD-WEN windows, insulation in attic and walls, air sealing, wrap of hot water piping and $1,000 in utility rebates.  Wes Harding of Harding Construction was awarded the construction job and John Shipman of Energy Efficiency Management was the HERS Rater.

Energy Efficiency Mortgage: $16,000 100% financed!

At GoGreen Lending we specialize in Energy Efficiency Mortgages EEM’s and 203ks rehab loans for cosmetic and green upgrades for home owners and home buyers.  We recently completed a HERS audit using the CalCerts Energy Pro software and generated just over $16,000 in cost effective energy efficiency upgrades on a 900 square foot home in Long Beach.

SOLAR PV BOOST HOME RESALE VALUE

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released a large-scale study into the re-sale value of homes with a solar PV system as reported in SF Gate.

"The researchers analyzed the sales of about 2,000 solar homes in California from 2000 through mid-2009 and compared the prices to those of 70,000 comparable houses without solar. On average, a solar system added about $5.50 per watt to a home's resale value. For a home with a typical 3.1-kilowatt solar system, that represents an extra $17,000 above the cost of a comparable, nonsolar home.

During the same period, the study found that a typical residential solar system cost about $5 per watt."

The increase in value was more obvious with existing homes, the study showed. The cause of the increase likely has multiple elements, such as the owner asking more for the home, or even the profile of the buyer drawn to the home with solar pv. Read more

Contractors paid half up front...

2640 La Cuesta Drive: Sustainable, Solid, Efficient

Met with Erik Lerner at 2640 La Cuesta Dr off Mulholland Dr in the Hollywood Hills, CA. Newly built sustainable, highly efficient 3435sf home looks over green hills from the comfort of its two-story concrete structure. Modern 'lean' lines and total silence inside. Architect Sarah Graham included everything from radiant heating to integrated solar pv array as shading. Retracting shade screen can be lowered to block out the late afternoon CA sun.  Interior spaces can be altered by sliding panels. Full details can be found at http://www.2640lacuesta.com/. For those who wonder where all the sustainable homes are --- take a look.

Magnolia Courts: Energy Star Active Adult Condos in La Verne

May Hsu, a real estate agent at Treeline Realty in Temple City, CA, is part of the team guiding an Energy Star condo complex that opens this spring. Designed with the most up-to-date efficiency and sustainable amenities Magnolia Courts will cater to the 55+ occupants. It will be a welcome addition to the San Gabriel Valley housing market. May Hsu supports sustainable housing through her http://www.greenandgorgeous.com/ website and outreach. More details on Magnolia Court are at www.LaVerne101.com.

Free Mulch Delivery in the City of Long Beach

I just signed up for a free truck load of mulch for my home in Long Beach. Did you know that one of the Build it Green Certification credits is adding mulch to planted areas.  The Office of Sustainability of Long Beach will deliver free mulch to your home.  Simply order it on line here FREE MULCH

There is a link on my website at

http://www.gogreenlending.com/links.php under the Re-Finance tab for the Long Beach Green Guide site for more information.

Energy Upgrade of California in Full Press Media Campaign

Energy Upgrade California is an innovative program for homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency, save water, lower utility bills and create a healthier and more comfortable home. Energy Upgrade California connects homeowners with Participating Contractors READ MORE