Tallahassee, Florida citizens and businesses going “Green”

Long before gas prices began to rise, scientists, students, businesses and citizens in Tallahassee, Florida have had renewable energy on their minds.  In 2010, many of the City and County commissioners who ran for office actually ran on platforms of promises to move towards support of green building, green product development, and renewable energy research.  The voices of concerned and aggravated citizens regarding the high cost of City of Tallahassee utilities clearly resounded as any more citizens have become involved in not only the election, but in becoming a part of the solution to the utility woes of Leon county. We are excited to have Kristen Dozier and Andrew Gillum serving on our commissions. The younger generation is well represented and important to us while carrying out our community’s goals.

One of the solutions proposed by our commissioners was the advent and integration of “Smart Meters.” A huge expenditure was employed, in hopes of consumer savings, but quite the opposite occurred. Many citizens had utility bills now doubling and tripling what had previously been budgeted. Some families now have utility bills actually higher than their mortgage payments! Not much has been said about that with the exception of a few heated comments at selected commission meetings. The debate on the smart meter is likely to continue for a long time.

On the flip side, there is positive movement towards energy consciousness in Tallahassee, Florida. Today, citizens and businesses alike are thinking “Green,” building green to save green! Residents have created and are solving some of their own utility issues. Take a look at one homeowner’s solution to heating a pool while lowering the cost of his utilities and cooling his attic:

The Tallahassee Parade of Homes Showcase starts in May and those touring homes are sure to see homes with green features, some even fully Energy Star rated and fully integrated with energy efficient systems and green products.The City of Tallahassee began a Green Building Pilot Program in March, 2010, giving 51 builders up to $2250 per home for building a green home. At first only a few took advantage of this, now, many more have begun the process as they have seen the rising public demand for more of these features in new construction.

Today, I was talking to a developer about assisting a new company find a site for another green manufacturing company in hopes of trying to keep this business located in Tallahassee, where it will bring jobs, as well as have a positive economic impact, I discovered yet another green initiative, the solar sausage and solar farm. (Thanks FSU! More on solar sausages.) Yes, Tallahassee is on it’s way to becoming ripe for business growth and development. The future I see would include using the resources of our three colleges, the technology centers of Florida State University students and research faculty to work with these companies, and become a training ground for students and technology based workers. It’s exciting to envision my community growing in this direction.  Maybe it’s already happening! Welcome Bing Energy!

I may be a simple technology driven Realtor, but I GET the BIG picture for Tallahassee. Now, to simply help others hop on board. If you are interested in building a Green, energy efficient home, call me today for your Tallahassee new construction referral. If you want to help Tallahassee grow greener, get involved! Contact your City of Tallahassee commissioners and Leon County commissioners and ask to be a part of the solution!

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Stay Connected at Florida State University

I joined Family Connection, formerly the Parent’s Association, at Florida State University in 2003 when my daughter arrived as a freshman. Wilma Rosenbloom, founder of the Parent’s Association and who established the Ben Rosenbloom Scholarship invited me to participate on the Board of Directors. It was an honor and pleasure to serve for 7 years.

From my first daughter’s orientation, and each one after that, I saw a need at that orientation for a local face, a local smile and a local contact to be made between other local parents and the many, many parents who were sending their children to one of the countries largest universities.

Just completing Legislative day on the Capitol hill with Florida Realtors and FSU, on the same day, it was apparent now more than ever that parental support is needed in order for FSU to continue to provide quality education and programs it is known for and strives to uphold. (more…)

Today’s the first day in about 6 weeks that I have not held an open house in Tallahassee. Partly it’s because I’m procrastinating and need to work on my taxes before the drop-deal deadline tomorrow, and partly because I needed a break. As I am preparing for next weekend’s open houses, I had a few thoughts to share on them. Preparing for open houses is time consuming and expensive. With the internet, the success of live bodies in open houses is not what it used to be.

How does your Realtor prepare for an open house? 

Realtors have had to get very creative in promoting open houses. Traditional means of signs and flyers are just not enough in today’s world. Postcards and print advertising are expensive and less productive than ever. Realtors have largely turned to the  Internet to reach more people and to exposure your listing to many more people than ever before. Conversations generated around social media postings, special events are proving to bring buyers to homes and to cause people to inquire about homes than ever before. Because people do search for homes on the Internet, why not offer them every opportunity to find out about your open house on the Internet as well. Advance notice of live virtual tours during open houses are helpful. Signs are also certainly helpful, and placing them out a few days in advance to generate local passer-bys. (IF your community allows that!) (more…)

9019 Eagles Ridge Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312

What will it be fore you here? “Tee”  Time or “Tea” Time? Why not both!  This totally renovated home with beautiful updates is situated on the 15th Fairway of beautiful award winning, Golden Eagle Golf Course. It’s low maintenance, and the interior is just waiting for you with your hot cup of tea as you watch golfers from your back deck or sun room.

• Gorgeous Hand-scraped Cherry Wood Floors
• Brand New Walnut Custom Built Cabinetry in Kitchen in Baths
• Granite Counter-tops
• High-End GE Stainless Appliances
• All New Light Fixtures
• New Walk In Shower with Gorgeous Glass Surround and Custom Tilework
• 12 ft. Ceilings
• Crown Molding and New Base Molding
• Carpeted Bedrooms, Tile Kitchen, Baths, Laundry and Breakfast Area
• Intercom System
• Security System
• Inside Laundry Room with Cabinetry
• 2+ garage with 3rd garage door and room for Golf Cart/workbench
• Professional Landscaping
• Sprinkler System
• All Brick
• Expansive Rear Deck with Built-In Seating
• Gated Community – Eagles Ridge at Golden Eagle

Want to see this home? Want to see other Golf-Course Homes in Tallahassee? How about homes for sale in gated Tallahassee communities?  Search for your Tallahassee home today!