Blog

  • 15 Cheap Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
    Try these tricks to beat the heat. When the weather is hot and humid, turning on the air conditioner at full blast or sticking your head in the freezer sure feels nice – but neither is energy efficient or particularly frugal. The 15 ideas below, however, will help keep your temperature down without sending your electric […]
  • 11 Energy Saving Tips for the Summer
    Energy Saving Tips and Tricks In the last few years, the United States and Canada have experienced some of the hottest summers on record. The nine warmest years on record are 2016, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2009, and 1998. The summer of 2019 already seems to be on its way to continuing […]
  • Data: Market pressure changing millennials from ‘forever home’ to ‘starter home’ buyers
    One of the most prudent moves a potential homebuyer can make to is to get pre-approved for a loan. Nearly half — 46% — of millennial homebuyers are looking to buy their forever home says a new report from Bank of America (NYSE: BAC). “They may not be able to realize that vision, however,” said Kevin O’Toole, Market Leader […]
  • Three new retail centers planned for SA’s Far West Side
    Three multi-tenant developments are in the works More retail work is also slated for the Far West Side of San Antonio as it continues to boom with new development and soaring home prices. Culebra Creek Plaza at 12030 Culebra Road will be a $1.6 million, 10,633-square-foot project. Birju Patel, director of development at Krishna Retail SA, […]
  • Real Estate Questions? We have answers!
    To help reach out to our neighbors, please visit one of our community outreach events. We will have FREE cold water, fruit, balloons, and cookies! PLUS, enter our raffle to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card!** Find out more on our @greenhabliving Facebook Events page 🙂 **Must be present to enter raffle, winners will be […]
  • April 2022 Market Info – San Antonio
  • San Antonio’s retail market solidifies rebound in Q1
    Demand in the retail sector may still exceed supply. By Ramzi Abou Ghalioum and Karly Williams  –  San Antonio Business JournalApr 26, 2022 After a prolonged pandemic slump, San Antonio’s retail market has solidified a strong Q1 return in 2022. According to a quarterly market report recently published by Houston-based NAI Partners, retail space net absorption, or “move-in” minus “move-out” rates, in […]
  • Nationally, renters are paying 30% of their income on housing. In many places, they’re paying more.
    As apartment rents continue to climb nationally, renters are having to fork out more of their earnings on housing. In several parts of the country, renters earning the median income of that market — or less — are having to pay more than 30% of their earnings on housing, which the federal government defines as […]
  • San Antonio real estate market: Stats & trends for 2022
    Last updated on March 7, 2022 San Antonio is ranked by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as one of the top 10 “hidden gem” housing markets for 2022.  Despite the fact that home prices in San Antonio are up about 20% year-over-year, and the median home price exceeded $300,000 for the first time ever, the NAR […]
  • Sustainability And Commercial Real Estate: Four Predictions For 2022
    Cortex Sustainability Intelligence has released its official report detailing four pressing predictions for sustainability in commercial real estate in 2022. Looking at the year ahead, what does the future hold for commercial real estate and sustainability? A new report from Cortex Sustainability Intelligence aims to inform commercial real estate (CRE) leaders across the U.S. of what’s to […]
  • HOPE AND NEED
    East SA navigating history and barriers in pursuit of economic equity By W. Scott Bailey  –  Senior Reporter, San Antonio Business JournalFeb 3, 2022 Updated Feb 3, 2022, 2:58pm CST St. Philip’s College, founded in 1898 as an industrial school for recently freed slaves, is now a microcosm of the hope and hurdles that help define San Antonio’s inner East […]
  • San Antonio among top 10 most popular places to move, driving home prices up, according to Redfin
    Three Texas cities made Redfin’s top ten migration destination list San Antonio was one of the top 10 migration destinations in 2021 and the out-of-town buyers helped drive home prices up, according to Real Estate company Redfin. The Alamo City ranked No. 10 on Redfin’s list that combined Redfin home search data with U.S Census Bureau data. […]
  • San Antonio sparkles as ‘hidden gem’ housing market in 2022, experts predict
    By John Egan For many reasons, residents of San Antonio consider the region a gem. Now, the metro area has been declared a 2022 “hidden gem” among U.S. housing markets. The National Association of Realtors recently identified 10 “hidden gem” housing markets that are expected to see strong appreciation in home prices in 2022 compared with other markets. […]
  • SAN ANTONIO’S FIVE MOST ‘ENERGY BURDENED’ NEIGHBORHOODS
    The concept of ‘energy burden,’ or paying more than six percent of one’s income on home energy, is getting increased attention for its role in maintaining generational poverty. Today, San Antonio’s City Council voted to dedicate $30 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to help residents avoid forced disconnections from power and water utilities. The […]
  • “GROUNDBREAKING” NEWS!!!
    We are elated to announce that we are well under way on our second project! This isn’t a cosmetic, “paint and carpet” remodel, this is a HUGE project. All new electrical, plumbing, foundation, HVAC… basically, everything. Location, Location, Location! We are all thrilled about this house because of the location, location, location! You can almost […]
  • Are Family Real Estate Firms Positioned For The Future Of The Industry?
    In the 1950s, when Moishe Sonenreich first set foot in Colorado, he saw a future in real estate. It started small; he bought a duplex and lived on one side while renting the other out. Later, he tried his hand at buying and operating motels, a tough business. By the ’80s, when his son, Izzy, […]
  • Real Estate Must Become More Liveable, Sustainable And Affordable. Here’s How.
    If the real estate industry wants to resume the growth trajectory of the last decade, it must evolve.   We are all building occupants. We occupy apartments we rent and homes we own. We work in offices our companies lease and we shop in retail stores. We use buildings in a variety of ways and spend […]
  • How climate change creates a ‘new abnormal’ for the real estate market
    A report from the San Francisco Federal Reserve underscores how climate shifts create big investment and economic risks By Patrick Sisson  The publication page for the San Francisco Federal Reserve, part of the nation’s central banking system, isn’t known for light reading. Recent research papers, such as “Yield Curve Responses to Introducing Negative Policy Rates” or […]
  • Meaningful ways individuals can put pressure on corporations to solve the climate crisis
    By Rachel Ramirez and Alexis Benveniste Updated 7:55 AM ET, Tue August 10, 2021 The climate crisis is accelerating at unprecedented pace, according to a new United Nations state-of-the-science report. It is “a code red for humanity,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres — and given that the report concludes the entirety of the warming is due to human […]
  • Embedding Sustainability in Real Estate Transactions
    Acquisitions and dispositions present a significant opportunity to create value through investments in energy efficiency, health, and building resilience. Understanding the potential value of a high-performing, sustainable building allows buyers and sellers to better assess and price the deal going in, to underwrite sustainability investments to drive higher returns, to market the value created by […]
  • Decarbonizing the Built Environment
    10 Principles for Climate Mitigation Policies Report Summary: With leading cities refining their climate action plans and hundreds of more cities preparing to develop plans, the public and private sectors can unite around a set of principles to help accelerate progress toward these shared climate action goals. This recent report from ULI Greenprint, prepared in partnership […]
  • Global Goals: A Primer on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals for Real Estate
    Report Summary: In 2015, the United Nations released the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to end poverty while also improving global health, reducing inequality, and protecting the planet. Adopted by all U.N. Member States, the SDGs require the support of both the public and private sector to achieve and […]
  • Black & Veatch Inaugural Sustainability Report Highlights Workplace Equity, Safety and Net-Zero Carbon Commitments
    Focus on sustainability reflected in decision to exit new-build coal market Northampton, MA –News Direct– Black & Veatch OVERLAND PARK, Kans., July 1, 2021 /3BL Media/ – Engineering, construction and consulting leader Black & Veatch today announced the availability of its inaugural sustainability report. The report details the company’s efforts across seven environmental, social and governance […]
  • Sustainable, healthy buildings: meeting real estate expectations
    The real estate industry is undergoing a global transformation that is altering the way we live, work and play. By Kyle Bolden EY US-East Region Market Segment Leader – Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction Sector In brief Ensuring health, safety and well-being of employees, consumers and tenants are integral to real estate environmental, social and governance […]
  • Why Aren’t Home Efficiency Scores Standard in Online Real Estate Listings?
    Realtors say such scores are useful for buyers and can open the door to broader conversations about home energy use. Consumers rely on labels and scores to understand the attributes and performance of the products they buy. There are miles-per-gallon ratings for cars, nutrition labels for food and Energy Star ratings for appliances. But when it […]
  • THREE PILLARS OF GREEN ECONOMY
    Many people believe that green economy is about not using the resources of the planet. This is simply not true. Green economy is about using the resources we have available to us in such a way that we don’t handicap the opportunities of the future generations.   The idea behind green economy is that the […]
  • 5 surprising things about bees on World Bee Day
    There is a lot to love about bees. They are crucial to growing many of our favorite and healthiest foods as they move pollen from plant to plant, pollinating more than a hundred fruits and vegetables including strawberries, potatoes and apples. Unfortunately, many bee species are under threat as a result of changes in land […]
  • Sustainable Real Estate Development: The Future Is Now
    Sustainable real estate development has carved out its own niche in recent years, and those that have adopted the trend are already reaping the rewards. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s not to late to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, those residential redevelopers intent on commencing sustainable practices may place themselves in a position to […]
  • How hard is it to buy a home right now? “Beyond crazy and frustrating.”
    The pandemic-era real estate market has emerged as a windfall for sellers and a headache for buyers. A shortage of for-sale homes continues to boost prices across the nation by double-digits — and is pushing house hunters to go to extremes to win bids. Take a home near the Microsoft campus outside of Seattle that […]
  • 9 Ways to Save Money and Energy This Summer
    Tips to keep your electric bill chill The heat is on! It’s time to make a game plan for saving energy this summer and avoiding skyrocketing electricity bills. Here are a variety of ways you can offset the season’s rising temperatures. 1. FAN YOURSELF Buying stand, box or ceiling fans is a small investment that can reduce […]
  • How To Sell Zero To Anybody
    By Joe Emerson May 6, 2021   The first step in zero home sales is to sell the benefits of the home like you would any other home — emphasizing beauty, location, finishes, and amenities. These are the bedrock of selling homes. But in addition to that, zero energy homes have many features and benefits, beyond […]
  • Getting Your Home Ready for Summer
    With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s time to get your home ready for the hotter summer months ahead. Given that your home will probably need additional maintenance to keep functioning throughout the summer, starting preparations early can help bring down energy bills, improve the efficiency and life of the components of your home, […]
  • VA Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs)
    The Veteran’s Administration (VA) EEM program enables borrowers to make energy-efficient home improvements and save money on utilities costs all while taking advantage of low VA loan rates. Energy Efficient home improvements such as solar panels and storm or thermal windows can require a lot of money upfront but with an EEM you can finance […]
  • 5 Benefits of a VA Loan
    VA loans are a great way to utilize the VA’s benefits for eligible currently serving military members, certain surviving spouses of military members who have died on active duty (or as a result of active duty), and veterans. When looking to purchase your dream home, consider the many benefits of a VA loan listed below. […]
  • Real Estate Companies Saving the Planet
    Apr 08, 2021 by Liz Brumer Real estate has a tremendous opportunity to do a big part in saving the planet. With continued concerns over the impact corporations have on climate change, there are several real estate companies that are doing their part to save the planet. Reduction in reliance on fossil fuels, utilizing and/or providing renewable energy, […]
  • House Hacking 101: Why Buying a Multifamily Home Can Be the Best Way to Start Investing in Real Estate
    If you’re in the market for a home and want to start investing in real estate, you may want to consider a strategy known as “house hacking.” What’s involved in house hacking? It’s simple: You buy a multifamily property and live in one of the units while renting out the other(s) to generate income. This is a great […]
  • Real Estate Investors Will Need To Focus On Sustainability To Succeed In The Future
    Kellie Rastegar Forbes Councils Member Forbes Real Estate Council Real Estate Kellie Rastegar is Co-Founder and Creative Director at Rastegar Property Group. GETTY With the pandemic causing many to flee densely packed coastal cities, smaller metros have boomed and will be looking to build on that growth in the coming years. With the populations in these areas […]
  • Investing In Our Future
    Here’s why real estate finance needs to build in sustainability: The real estate sector affects – and is affected by – climate change. We must identify solutions to reduce emissions and mitigate climate impacts. This approach can reap financial as well as moral dividends. The real estate sector has a serious impact on climate change. […]
  • Greenhabbing: Additions & Certifications
    Greenhabbing a property is very similar to that of a traditional rehab. Both real estate exit strategies involve the acquisition of a property with the intent to remodel it. The resulting product is then sold for a profit that is greater than both the acquisition and rehab costs. However, there is one particular aspect that prevents these two […]
  • Greenhabbing: Incentives
    Greenhabbing has been promoted as the next evolution in real estate exit strategies. The incorporation of sustainable materials and systems compliments the environment as much it contributes to an investor’s bottom line. It is essentially a win-win scenario for entrepreneurs and the local ecosystem. However, as a relatively new strategy, the greenhabbing concept may have eluded those […]
  • Greenhabbing: Introduction
    Sustainable practices are quickly becoming a priority for every business. The benefits offered by an eco-friendly environment have already supplanted previous trends on nearly every platform. Not only are they more environmentally sustainable, but they are also forecasted to save businesses and homeowners a substantial amount of money over a prolonged period of time. Of […]
  • Top 10 Sustainability Topics For Real Estate in 2021
    The real estate industry will take an increasingly focused view of environmental, social, and governance strategies this year, according to a new Urban Land Institute report. The real estate industry will take an increasingly focused view of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies in 2021, according to a new report from the Urban Land Institute’s […]
  • Green Living Tips You Can Apply at Home
    Green Living Tips You Can Apply at Home People are drawn to a green-living lifestyle for a variety of reasons, whether it’s sound environmental practices, cost-savings initiatives, or the opportunity to instill positive values in the younger generation. Fortunately, green living satisfies all of these areas simultaneously, while offering other benefits at the same time. […]
  • Give Your Home a Morale Makeover
    7 easy ways to revitalize your space and boost your mood.   With many Americans spending a lot more time at home, you may find your house taking on the roles of office, classroom, gym and community center — and it’s easy to feel uninspired by your surroundings after occupying the same space day in, […]
  • Investors: A Real Estate Agent’s Most Powerful Partnership
    As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible.  That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
  • How Pre-Qualification Can Help You Get Your Dream Home
    Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
  • Seven simple things you can do to save the bees on National Honeybee Day
    Like us on Facebook and Subscribe to our YouTube channel to find out more about how we are supporting butterflies, bees, and other crucial wildlife in our communities! Bee lovers are abuzz on National Honeybee Day, the time of year when we honor nature’s hardest-working pollinator. People owe a lot to bees – namely, many of […]
  • Seeking High-Quality Contractors to Join Our Team
    An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
  • Are you Looking to Grow Your Real Estate Investment Opportunities?
    If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
  • Situations We Can Help Home Sellers With
    Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
  • Climate change and the real estate sector
    From pleading guilty to delivering solutions For year’s those in real estate and construction have been aware of the impact their sector has on climate change. But while most acknowledged their culpability, little was being done by them to address the problem… Until now. In the past year, real estate and construction have started to […]
  • Four pillars impacting sustainability in real estate
    By Kyle Bolden EY US-East Region Market Segment Leader – Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction Sector Find out how real estate companies are leveraging non-financial measures to create sustainable long-term value that meets the shifting demands of stakeholder expectations. With climate change, income inequality and social justice front and center in daily headlines, real estate stakeholders […]
  • Huge Changes Coming With VA Loans in 2020
    Veterans, we have some exciting news for you! There are substantial changes coming to the maximum VA loan limits next year. There won’t be any! You can thank the “Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2019” that had some verbiage snuck into it regarding the loan limits for VA Loans. There are some other important […]
  • Real Estate Lead Generation 101
    What are the best real estate lead generation options today? Where and how can real estate agents, investors and other related industry professionals generate more leads for buying, selling and renting properties? What are some of the little known benefits, and pitfalls of common real estate lead generation channels today? Here are 12 ways for real estate […]
  • Technology vs. People Skills: Which Real Estate Strategies Will Win?
    The real estate industry caters to independent strategies. For every investor, there is another way to go about conducting business. Some may prefer to utilize the convenience of technology while others want to maintain personal relationships. However, for one reason or another, there remains a void between these two independent strategies. Smart investors will figure […]
  • Housing Still The Best Investment Tool Of A Lifetime
    Many people are still wondering whether or not real estate is one of the best investment strategies for long-term wealth building. Is investing in homes still a smart investment for the average individual? Is a home still the best investment of a lifetime for most Americans? If so, why are some pessimists still questioning the rebound […]