Real Estate info- buying, selling and everything in between

The Healthy Abode - Countertops

 

 

So, you're in the market for a new countertop, and you want something that is earth-friendly, durable, sanitary, low-maintenance, gorgeous, and won't break the bank.  Where to begin and how in the world can an eco-countertop boast all of these features?  Let's talk. 

 

First, to appreciate what makes a countertop sustainable, it's essential to understand the meaning of sustainability.  According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, sustainability is "a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged."  My 2 cents - a sustainable product should last pretty-much forever, but can be easily reborn, redistributed or repurposed when necessary.  You sometimes may pay a little more up front for sustainability, but will undoubtedly end up saving in the long run. 

 

Sustainability is about the "big picture." It's not just about "going green" - whatever that means.  A truly sustainable product is defined by its content; long-term availability; the manufacturing process; how it's transported, how far, and by whom.  The safety and well-being of workers producing the product is imperative, as well as what happens to the product when its lifetime is over.

 

Ok, so now that we're on the same page, back to countertops.  Probably the first types of countertops that come to mind are inexpensive Laminate; Corian; and of course, the overdone Granite.  Laminate is a thin plastic material that requires a base underlayment (all too often, formaldehyde-emitting particleboard) and is attached to this underlayment with sometimes toxic adhesives.  If choosing laminate, look for one with recycled plastic, nontoxic glues, and formaldehyde-free substrate.  Due to its petroleum base, Corian and other acrylic composite countertops are very poor environmental choices - check those off the list.  Granite countertops, though beautiful and durable, are not a sustainable choice due to the ecological damage incurred by quarrying practices, and the enormous amounts of energy and pollution produced when shipping this heavy material halfway across the globe.  Not to mention the chance of bringing the dangerous carcinogen, radon (among other types of radiation) into your household, emitting from the stone itself.  Yikes!

 

So, let's first examine concrete as a countertop material.  Concrete is durable, local, has low VOC's (volatile organic compounds, which we will discuss in a future post) can be recycled, and is composed of recycled content.  It's extremely versatile, completely customizable, can be any color of the rainbow, and can boast added character when made in conjunction with recycled glass and other materials.  It's easily cleaned with mild soap and water, and you'll want to periodically seal the surface.  Lucky for us St. Louisans, we have a fabulous local concrete resource, CK Designs:  http://www.ckconcretedesign.com/

 

PaperStone is another interesting option, consisting of 100% post-consumer recycled paper fiber and a non-petroleum nut resin.  Who knew how durable paper could be!  It is a non-porous surface that is heat-resistant to 350 degrees, plus resistant to scratches and stains.  It's warm to the touch, and has a slight "yield" that prevents glass objects from breaking when dropped or set down too hard.  PaperStone comes in a variety of shades, and is comparable in price to some granite or quartz surfaces.  A regular application of PaperStone Finish, a natural wax and food grade mineral oil, is recommended for protection against intense heat and moisture, and defends against harmful UV rays that can alter the color.

 

 

A truly stunning earth-friendly option is Eco by Constantino.  This product is comprised of 75 percent recycled glass , mirror, and porcelain, and is bound by a corn oil based resin.  A completely non-porous material, Eco does not require sealing, and is nearly impossible to scratch, scorch, or stain.  Primary maintenance includes simply wiping down with a mild soap and water mixture.  The only precaution with this product is that you will dull your knives when cutting directly on the countertop's surface.  Oh, and don't use products like Draino or floor strippers on it... 

    
 Still haven't found what you're looking for?  How about a countertop with 80 to 95 percent post-consumer recycled glass like Vetrazzo, IceStone, or Enviroglas?  Using glass from reclaimed bottles, dinnerware, construction demolition, even traffic light lenses, and other hard-to-recycle types of glass, these countertops each have a their own, unique history.  Maintenance includes cleaning with warm, soapy water, and regular sealing to prevent against staining.  They are as durable as granite and less porous than marble - and comparable in price to both.

 

 

 

Natural Quartz surfaces like Cambria, Caesarstone, and Silestone are eco-friendly as well.  This material is completely non-porous and nonabsorbent and you will never have to seal it, as with most other natural countertops.  Quartz surfaces are stronger than granite, radon-free, and have no impact on indoor air quality-which means no VOC's.  There are countless color options, in both solid and multi-colored varieties.  Quartz is incredibly heat resistant, and also hard enough to dull your knife if you fail to use a cutting board. 

Bamboo countertops are another option that I must mention, but buyer BEWARE.  Though it is a popular renewable resource because it regenerates approximately every 7 years, you must be extremely vigilant of the source when selecting a bamboo product.  The harvesting practices are not always as sustainable as you may believe.  Some bamboo is harvested too early, resulting in a very soft end product that is not very durable.  On top of that, some countries are actually deforesting their native trees to make way for bamboo forests!  Not to mention that so much bamboo comes from the other side of the world and is shipped across the ocean in polluting freight vessels, consuming enormous amounts of gasoline and energy.  In some cases, bamboo forests are being harvested by private owners who are endangering the lives of animals that are dependent on these plants for survival. For example, the Bamboo Lemur of Madagascar is just one animal that was named on the recent world report of endangered animals - 90 percent of their diet comes from bamboo.  If considering a wood or bamboo countertop, please make sure to use an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified product, like Plyboo, so that you are assured that it comes from a source that employs responsible forest management, and preferably from a local source. 

 

Stainless steel countertops, when made from a good quality Stainless Steel (the lower grade, the better) is long-lasting, hygienic, durable, and low-maintenance.  It is completely recyclable, and on average, is made from 75 percent recycled stainless steel scrap metal.  There is also recycled ceramic tile as a countertop alternative, but make sure you seal that grout!  There are quite a few other environmentally friendly countertops, but I would never finish this blog if I went into detail for each and every one of them.  Of course, you could also find the ultimate sustainable countertop by paying a visit to your local architectural salvage dealer to see what treasures they may have to offer.

 

Coming soon!

TheHealthyAbode.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

And with that date the tax credit expires...sort of. You need to have a home under contract by then in order to qualify. The rules have been expanded and you no longer need to be a "First Time" home buyer in order to capitalize. O'Fallon IL and the surrounding areas have a terrific amount of Real Estate inventory and rates are still very attractive, so now is the time to take advantage of this!

UPDATED & RENOVATED - CONSIDER THIS ONE BRAND NEW - INCLUDING BRICK,SIDING,WALLS,WINDOWS,FLOORING,APPLIANCES,COUNTERTOPS,VANITIES,ROOF,CABINETS,PLUMBING FIXTURES,HVAC & MORE. VAULTED LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM HAS WET BAR, ALL BATHS TILED WITH BACKSAVER VANITIES. SIDE ENTRY OVERSIZED,FINISHED TWO CAR GARAGE. BEST HURRY ON THIS ONE - CONSIDER IT BRAND NEW IN O'FALLON AT AN AFFORDABLE $179,900.

 

 

February...not the most exciting month for Real Estate in O'Fallon IL, but 17 homes did close.  Interesting to note that 17 homes closed in February of 2009 so no downward movement here, GOOD news.

Currently there are 45 homes under contract and 225 for sale so it is still a fantastic time to purchase.  The tax credit is still in place and rates continue to be very competitive.

 

Price range should be no real surprise and...they are not.  Below $300,000 was 100% of the activity.

Looking at the same data from a year to date perspective provides more of the same with 97% of the homes closed in 2010 below $300,000.

 

 

 

 

As mentioned above 17 homes closed in February of 2009 in O'Fallon and the number held steady for 2010.

 

 

 

This is encouraging news but it is difficult to ascertain the true pulse of the market as the tax credit is certainly helping to stabilize home sales on some level.  This was also the case last October/November with inflated numbers when the credit was originally set to expire.

Year to date numbers look good as well with +7 more homes closed in O'Fallon over this same time period last year.

 

 

 

The average sales price for February 2010 was $165,692 with an average market time of 132 days.

 

 

On Sunday March 7th over 1000 people showed to run in the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) 5K run hosted by

Toolen's Running Start in Shiloh IL. Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make this another success! Below is some video from the start of the race along with some of the finishers Enjoy!

An excellent way to recognize sustainably harvested Hardwood or Bamboo is to look for the FSC Certified label.

 

 

FSC is an acronym for "Forest Stewardship Council," which was established in 1993 to change destructive logging practices as an effort to protect the earth's natural habitat and prevent deforestation.  The Forest Stewardship Council represents the world's strongest system for setting Forest Management standards ranging from legal issues, regional scenarios, and environmental impacts surrounding forest management.  Their mission is to promote "environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest management."    

To simplify, think of it this way - with FSC certification, every time a tree gets cut down for something, two get planted in its place.  It goes much deeper than that, but provides an idea of what the Forest Stewardship Council is about.  When a forest manager makes the decision to strive for FSC Certification, they must conform to all applicable FSC rules and practices first.  They cannot use the FSC label without first earning certification.  Practically anything that you can purchase that is manufactured from trees can be FSC Certified.  Not just limited to building materials and finishes; paper, pencils, even musical instruments can be made from FSC certified wood!    

Until recently, Bamboo products were not eligible for FSC Certification, but thankfully, they are now!  Though it is a popular renewable resource because it regenerates approximately every 7 years, the harvesting practices of some bamboo growers are less than sustainable.  Some bamboo is harvested too early, and some countries are actually deforesting their native trees to make way for bamboo forests!  Bamboo absolutely needed to be regulated.

 

For more information, go to the Forest Stewardship Council's website:  http://www.fscus.org/about_us/

Credit to Melanie Holden (Holden Design Group)

 

From time to time my wife (the worlds BEST Interior Designer, yes I may in fact be biased) is asked to contribute to a local Magazine (St.Louis At Home www.STLMag.com ).  In the last few weeks the issue of remodeling and sustainability has come up more than once so thought this article may offer some insight to any of you thinking of starting a project.

For more info visit www.HoldenDesignGroup.com

 

 

By Melanie Holden, LEED AP & DesignSpeak contributor 

     

 

When you make the decision to implement sustainable practices into your life, education is critical in order to understand what you're truly looking for in sustainable products. 

Cabinetry is a big one. One of the largest investments you can put into your home. 

What's the first thing you think when considering "green" cabinets? The material?  Bamboo? Bamboo is a beautiful, durable, option, just remember to be very cautious of where it originates and how it is harvested. There are a few reliable resources for it, but many are not.  Smith and Fong's Ply-Boo is an excellent one.

How about cabinets made from reclaimed materials? Are those reclaimed materials local? How far have they been transported to get to the manufacturer, then to you?  If your cabinets are made from virgin lumber (wood that has come directly from trees that have been cut down to make them), is it FSC Certified?  So much to consider! Luckily, we have an excellent local resource called Greenhaus Cabinets that manufactures cabinetry to meet any and all of those requests.

So, lets say you make the decision to go with the responsibly harvested bamboo or hardwood.  Remember, it is often manufactured as a veneer in lieu of solid wood. Why, you ask? There are a few reasons, but a notable one is to minimize the natural expansion and contraction that wood goes through with changes in temperature and humidity.  Solid wood cabinets aren't always particularly practical in a kitchen or bathroom. 

Want more to consider? 

What is the cabinet made of under that veneer? How is the veneer attached to the substrate underneath?  How is that veneer actually finished? It doesn't make much sense to take a smart product like Ply-Boo, FSC Certified Maple, or Missouri Red Oak-only to use a smelly adhesive to attach the substrate that is laden with more VOC-purging chemicals and then smother it with a beautiful finish that happens to be loaded with yet more VOC's!  The horror! 

Back up... Not so sure what's so awful about VOCs... Or what they actually are for that matter? VOC stands for volatile organic compound. They are (often toxic) gases omitted from various products. They constantly vaporize into the atmosphere around you, polluting and infringing on your fresh air-space.  You know that new carpet smell-blame VOCs. It's no surprise that concentrations of many VOCs are higher indoors than out (one great reason for a well-ventilated house or building). Some common health effects are headaches, various irritations, nausea, or worse. 

Thankfully, there are products like formaldehyde-free Pure Bond, a nontoxic soy-based plywood. Water and Soy-based finishes are available as well. Combined, these factors contribute to a VOC-free end product. Locally, Centorbi Custom Cabinetry does beautiful work, using formaldehyde-free plywood upon request.

    

When seriously considering new products to put into the sanctuary of your home, you need to open yourself to the idea of spending a little more money up front. These cabinets are not always price competitive with the throw-away cabinetry you can pick up at homecenters. However, in return you invest in lifetime quality and contribute to healthy living. 

All of this, above and beyond your contribution to a healthier environment.

Good news!

19 homes closed in January in O'Fallon IL.  Even better, this is up 6 from the January 2009  total of 13.

Of the 19 , all were re-sale.  Average market time was 181 days.

Bad news!

Prices are down.  Average sales price for Jan 2010 was $136,000 down from $157,000 for Jan 2009.

 

 

As I mentioned above 19 homes closed in Jan 2010, this is up from 2009 and in line with 2008 numbers.

 

 

Price still continues to dictate what is selling.  This trend should hold steady thru the first quarter of 2010.

 

 

So all things considered...not bad there are signs of life.  Currently there are 37 homes under contract in O'Fallon IL.  Showing activity is strong and interest rates are still very attractive. 

 

Stay Warm!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings!

 

There is no escaping the images of loss and destruction from the earthquake in Haiti.  The response has been overwhelming to say the least.  In an effort to assist even further we are collecting shoes.  So look in your closet, look under your bed.  In my case take it away from the dog.  

 

Chances are there is something for your feet you no longer need but can be put to very good use.  No worries we won't comment on your choices in footwear.  Both of our offices have been set up as drop off locations or just email us and we will come by and pick them up for you.

 

Thank you in advance for your continued support.

1668 Windham Way

O'Fallon IL 62269 (map it)

 

4 Emerald Terrace

Swansea IL  62226 (map it)

 

Regards,

Real Estate Market Update O'Fallon IL December 2009:

 

After a mild summer winter has arrived.  As I write this it is 8 whole degrees. 

December was a brisk month for Real Estate in O'Fallon.  27 homes closed so a lot of folks got a new home for the holidays.

 

Of the 27 that closed:

25 were pre-owned; these had an average sales price of $156,922 and an average market time of 177 days.

2 were new construction, with an average sales price of $237,907 and 166 days on the market.

Activity has been consistent from 2007-2009 for the month of December.  This is encouraging given the current state of the Real Estate Market.  For example In 2007 26 homes closed, 2008 30 homes closed and in 2009 26 homes closed.

 

While this is good news the average price for homes closed in December has dropped.

In 2006 the average sales price for December was $221,006 this December (2009) it is down to $162,921.

 

 

Price range still holds steady, the bulk of the homes closed fell below the $300,000 mark.  This is a trend that has been consistent during 2009.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the 2009 Year in Review!