Why is Biltmore getting into solar power generation? According to Chuck Pickering, Biltmore’s vice president for Agriculture and Government Relations, give the credit to the early vision of George Vanderbilt, who aimed to develop a self-sustaining agricultural operation that emphasized stewardship of the land and its resources. Vanderbilt was interested in cutting-edge technology in every aspect, Pickering argues, from sustainable forestry to advanced agricultural practices to electric lights and laundry drying racks — and all back in the days when electrical power was new.

“We are looking at ways to really make a difference, both within our agricultural operations and our energy supply,” says Pickering. “This particular array is one of the most advanced systems,” he continues, explaining that it was built and engineered by Sun Energy1, a contractor out of Mooresville. “The system uses Bosch panels, chosen for their track record for performing in Europe, where cloudy days can impact solar performance. We finished our testing yesterday,” Pickering reports, “and they’re testing at 12 percent above norm. They’re running great.”

Pickering says the goal is for the entire Biltmore Estate to be net zero — that is, producing as least as much power as Estate operations need, plus excess power that is put back on the grid. “I would like to see that within five years, maybe faster,” he says. “It just depends on technology and the economics of it.”

The power generated by this array will service the buildings at Antler Hill Village, the Estate’s newest commercial development. Situated on about six acres, and visible on the south side of I-40 as it passes the Estate, the array consists of 19 rows of carefully calibrated racks, each holding twenty-eight 240-Watt solar panels, tilted to maximize solar uptake. The installation is laid out on a slight slope that allows the racks of panels to be placed as close together as possible without casting a shadow on the neighboring row.

This power project is just part of Biltmore’s larger sustainability efforts, Pickering points out. “We’ve been working hard for several years to put [green] things into practice,” he says, from the basic principles of reduce-reuse-recycle, to systematic plans for every department to reduce its carbon footprint. Estate staff and owners are now looking at the prospect of a solar thermal installation for the Biltmore Winery.

But they’re taking their time. “We do an extraordinary amount of due diligence on projects like this,” Pickering says.
photos by Bill Rhodes

Click here for full article

Payments Fall 12% Since February 2011 by clewismortgage

Mortgage payments in 2011 As mortgage rates drop, so do housing payments. It’s a good time to consider refinancing your home, or making an offer on a new one. Mortgage payment affordability has never been so high in history.

According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate is now 3.94 percent — an all-time low — with an accompanying 0.8 discount points. This means that in order to get access to the 3.94 percent rate, homeowners and home buyers should expect to pay a loan fee equal to 0.8% of the borrowed amount, plus “normal” closing costs.

Last week, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate was 3.99 percent with an accompanying 0.7 discount points.

Mortgage rates have been in decline for most of the year. Since peaking in early-February, the average home owner’s principal + interest payment on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage had now dropped by 12.2 percent.

Here is how mortgage payments compare, then and now, not accounting for your individual tax-and-insurance escrow:

• February 10, 2011 : Payment of $539.88 per $100,000 borrowed

• December 15, 2011 : Payment of $473.96 per $100,000 borrowed

For existing homeowners, the dramatic drop in payments is reason to reach out to your loan officer. A refinance could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan — especially if you chose to refinance your mortgage into a 15-year program.

The 15-year mortgage, says Freddie Mac, is also at an all-time low, registering 3.21 percent with 0.8 discount points, on average.

For home buyers, today’s low rates present an interesting opportunity.

Mortgage rates are the key factor in determining your monthly housing payment so, with average mortgage rates below 4 percent, it’s no wonder home affordability is cresting. However, the housing market is showing signs of recovery.

Home supplies are dwindling, buyer demand is rising, and the economy appears to be mending.

Home prices are expected to rise in 2012 and, as they do, they’ll take housing payments with them. The best time to buy a home may be now; before the recovery completes.

clewismortgage | December 16, 2011 at 8:45 am | Tags: 30-Year Fixed, Freddie Mac, PMMS | Categories: Mortgage Rates | URL: http://wp.me/p1jKBB-51

Home Sales Increase Across the Country

The National Association of Realtors recently released their 2011 3rd Quarter Housing Report. In the report, they showed that combined sales of single family homes, condos and co-ops increased in EVERY state as compared to the 3rd quarter of last year. Here are the state-by-state numbers.

The next time someone says houses aren’t selling, ask them which state they live in and show them the chart.

There is more and more research coming out showing that it makes great financial sense to purchase a home today . Whether it be rent vs. buy ratios, income-to-price ratios or income-to-mortgage payment ratios, purchasing a home right now is a bargain compared to historic norms. Now we want to look at the COST of a home today compared to pre-peak prices.

According to the most recent S&P Case Shiller price index, residential real estate values have returned to 2003 1Q PRICEs. That, in itself, says something. However, when you factor in mortgage rates, the case for buying a home today becomes even more compelling.

In 2003, 30 year mortgage rates stood at 5.88%. Today, they are 4%. How does that impact the actual COST of a home? On a home purchased for $250,000, here is the difference in monthly cost:

That means you save $285.30 a month, $3,423.60 a year and $102,708 over the life of a 30 year mortgage! You buy the home for the same PRICE but the COST is over $100,000 less.
Bottom Line

This is why so many financial advisors are saying that this may be one of the greatest times in history to purchase a home.
BLOG REPOSTED FROM http://www.kcmblog.com/

Custom Home Builder

Steve Frellick  

828.210.87.97

http://www.frellickbrothers.com

 Mortgage Brokers

Silverton Mortgage Specialists

David Kanis – 828.350.8886 

www.silvertonmortgageasheville.com

American Security Mortgage

 Bill Baggett- 828.350-3793

- www.mortgagewnc.com

 Dog  Groomer

 Waggers Dog Depot

1020 Merrimon Avenue

828.271.4741

www.waggersdogdepot.com

 Spa

A Show of Hands

668 Hendersonville Road #C – Asheville NC 28803

828.274.8611

   Pharmacy

Asheville Discount Pharmacy

76 Patton Avenue Asheville NC 28801

828.258.8511

Manhattan Realtor 

HALSTEAD PROPERTY, LLC

Michael DeRosa

813.381.2364

408 Columbus Avenue

New York, New York 10024

Click here to view his newsletter.

Greenwich Connecticut Realtor

Kaye Lewis

203.249.9603

45 Field Point Road

Greenwich, CT 06830

www.kayelewisgreenwichhomes.com

10 minutes to downtown

sleeps 15-18

click  here  for details.

Powder Creek

10 minutes to downtown

sleeps 8-12

click  here  for details.

Pine Hollow

10 minutes to downtown

sleeps 14-18

click  here  for details.

 In The Heart Of Downtown

Church Street downtown

sleeps 5-8

click  here  for details.

 Luxurious Loft Apartments

Downtown

sleeps 2-4

click here for details

The Haw Creek Community is known for its country feel, right inside the city. Traditionally a farming community, you will find attractive, buildable land and mature trees throughout this quaint neighborhood.  In the 1980’s Interstate 240 was built and Haw Creek became only five minutes to the downtown area.  It was not long before the rolling pastures and fields of Haw Creek became home to many more families in the Asheville Area.

 If you enjoy an old country feel where you can escape the hustle and bustle of every day life, while being minutes to all of the amenities of downtown Asheville, this is the community for you. Here you will find a diverse mix of residential homes from ranchers, to farms, to new construction. Haw Creek boasts a baseball field, and a six acre park that features walking trails and picnic tables perfect for friends and family.

One of our featured homes is located at 20 Arco.  This renovated sun filled ranch so close to town. Open floor plan with wonderful open & covered decks with a running creek in the back. Renovation includes electrical, plumbing, windows, electrical, plumbing, windows, kitchen, baths & hardwood floors. Swimming pool. Can build a second home or guest cottage.

Click here to view details on this great home!

  This home is located at 50 Trinity Chapel Road. This charming move-in home has it all. Open floor plan, split bedroom plan. one floor living plus a lower level family room with a full bath. Enjoy the screened in porch off the dining area, and the wood deck is great for barbecues.

Click here to view details on this charming home!

Click here  for Blue Ridge Parkway Information

Fall is the perfect time to visit Asheville. There are numerous fall harvest adventures in the Asheville area, whether you want to taste apples straight from the orchard, stomp grapes that are used to make wine at America’s most visited winery, or simply indulge in some local seasonal fall menus. One great way to experience all the food Asheville has to offer is to visit a local farmer’s market. There are over 40 tailgate markets in the region, with several running through October.

If you are looking for fun for the whole family, try a corn maze! Western North Carolina is home to several farms and orchards that set up corn mazes and other fun activities each fall.

Asheville is also perfect to enjoy typical farm tastes like apples and pumpkins. At the Orchard at Altapass, visitors can take a scenic fall drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to this 100-year-old orchard to sample apple pies, and unique fall fudge flavors like pumpkin and maple. Nut Gap Farm also features a corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkin patch during fall.

While you visit Asheville, let Asheville Realty Group show you some fabulous Real Estate. Looking for a 2nd home, or a mountain retreat? We can help!

www.ashevillerealtygroup.com

Nestled in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Mars Hill is an ideal location to live, work and play. Mars Hill offers easy access to family activities and mountain sports, as well as interstate access to the edgy, artsy city of Asheville, only 20 miles away. The town offers access to the Blue Ridge Parkway where folks can hike, cycle, enjoy the breath- taking views of the Mountains, and even enjoy a beautiful waterfall.

If small, mountain living with Southern charm is what you are looking for, Mars Hill is the perfect place for you to call home. Please call Bobbie Baxter if you are interested in touring Mars Hill. 828.545.1256        

Click here to see full listing.