San Francisco Real Estate - Janice Lee

It happens every year at this time. You stand in front of your closet searching for something green to wear to get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day (or, more likely, to ensure you don’t get pinched). You might have an easier time finding something fashionable in the stores this year, because emerald has been named the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year. The color that Pantone describes is “lively, radiant, lush…a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony,” and can even make your home come to life. Whether you’re willing to boldly paint your walls with the regal color or tastefully mix it into your decor with rich-hued accessories, here are three easy ways to introduce emerald into your interiors this year. 1. Jump Right In Want to really make a statement? Paint your walls in emerald green. Although emerald is a vibrant, energetic hue, the color green overall is ...

In celebration of the recent Earth Day, we decided to take a look at solar power for the home.  At one time, the idea of adding solar panels to a house was something only “other people” did. In other words, green people. Green people who had money to burn. High initial costs and unsightly designs were enough to turn people away. Not even the promise of greatly reduced electric bills could sway the unswayable. But yesterday’s novelty is becoming a norm. Solar panels can be found from coast to coast in America—and throughout the world for that matter. Growth in 2012 in the U.S. solar market measured a 76 percent increase from 2011, according to the  U.S. Solar Market Insight  report from the Solar Energy Industries Association. Is 2013 your year to go solar? Here are three recent developments to consider before making a decision: 1. Why Buy When You Can Rent  A 27 percent decrease in installation prices in 2012 undoubtedly pushed growth along. ...

The latest and greatest real estate trend is without a doubt—”green” homes. Thanks to the growing environmental movement, buyers are more knowledgeable than ever about how a green home benefits not only the health of the environment but also their own bank accounts. For those who are in the market for a new home and are specifically looking for green features, they might seek homes with third-party certifications such as  LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), GreenPoint Rated , or  Built Green —or at the very least, look for homes  constructed using sustainable building methods, recycled materials, solar/wind power, water harvesting, and other eco-conscious tactics. With some of the most respected architects in the business onboard with the shift to green, architectural design has not suffered for the sake of saving the Earth’s precious resources. On the contrary, some of the most stunning homes on the market have the green gene. ...