City of Portland's High Performance Green Building Policy Proposal is Launched for Public Comment!
After many months of planning I'm pleased to announce the exciting news that the proposal is now ready for public comment. This means you! If you would please take a few minutes and read the policy then send your comments, I would truly appreciate it.
Mark, David and I all sat on the stakeholders committee and helped to shape the policy. It is a remarkable opportunity to gather with some of the city's most excellent minds to come up with a solution to a huge problem. In the end, the existing homes component had to be set aside. It was believed that the impact on low-income earners would be too great and until there is a financing component to implement, in an effort to move forward, we did not include those properties. At least for now.
Globally, Nationally, and in Oregon, climate change is being addressed; now here in Portland we are doing what we can to make an impact. It is past time to make critical changes in how we use energy and how we design the systems in all of our buildings to be more efficient and healthy for all of the occupants, as well as addressing the huge impact we have on our environment. To reach Portland's goals, steps need to be taken and this is one of those steps.
Even if climate change is not a concept you fully embrace, what this policy will do is help our region's Economic Development. The Portland Metro area has always struggled with jobs, and most of our economy is built on small businesses like Roots Realty, and like many of your businesses. This policy will stimulate our economy in bringing more business to our region and will help to keep businesses here. Investors will see that the political climate is in support of healthy work places and healthy homes for the work force. As more businesses seek opportunity, they will appreciate Portland's commitment to sustainability. The increase in green-collar jobs will also help stimulate our economy and get trained workers back on the job.
I am proud to have served on this committee and hope that you can add your input. Thank you for helping Portland continue to be a great place to live.
www.portlandonline.com/osd/gbpolicy
Daily Journal Of Commerce Interview with Michele
First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Now Available!
Were you a first time home buyer betwwen April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009? If so, you might qualify for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 tax credit. (maximum credit amount is $7500.00). If you are a single taxpayer with income up to $75,000 or a married couple with income up to $150,000 you may qualify for the full tax credit. This credit may come in the form of a refund. This means the home buyer credit may be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability. This tax credit works like an interest-free loan and is repaid over a 15-year period. If this home is sold before then, any remaining balance of the tax credit would be due from the gain on the home sale. If there is insufficient gain, the payback would be forgiven. See your tax professional to find out your specific qualifications, definitions and requirements. Another great reason to buy a house now while rates are low and inventory is high!
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Roots Realty is proud to announce our new workplace which is truly kind to the earth and which represents our company's commitment to sustainability. Here are a few of the highlights from our remodel:
