How can ancient mythology help us go green?

OC Green Realty is forming an alliance with Icarus Green Energy Solutions, in my due diligence researching their company, I of course, went to the about us section of their website. Here is why they call the company Icarus:

The story of Icarus dates back to the times of Greek Mythology. Icarus was the son of master craftsman Daedalus the inventor of carpentry. Imprisoned on the island of Crete, Icarus and Daedalus needed to plan an escape. Using his skills for building, Daedalus constructed wings made of wax and feathers to be used to fly Icarus and himself off the island. The plan was a success except for one major detail: THE ENERGY FROM THE SUN! In flight after the escape, Icarus flew too close to the sun. The sun melted the wax of his wings and Icarus’ escape ended in tragedy.
What can we learn from an ancient Greek mythological story today? Daedalus could have gone GREEN and utilized the energy of the sun! The 20th century Icarus has gone green and like his father is a master craftsman rebuilding green communities across the world. Icarus’ mission is to spread the word of going green and advocating energy efficiency and energy independence.

This company can help you with an energy audit, an energy efficient mortgage and general tips on going green in your home. I am excited to find them, and to be working with them, as they encompass all the support services I need as an EcoBrokerTM and Green Real Estate Agent to serve my clients with an extra package of services and products they need. I am forming an affiliate program for my clients to receive comlimentary upgrades and services through Icarus.

We have alliances with an Interior Designer, A Feng Shui Master, and Green Architects. Check out our website on the resources link page: http://www.ocgreenrealty.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_links

Green Senior Living in SJC - Yes!

Do you know any seniors looking for housing that are financially challenged at this time?

The City and Redevelopment Agency of San Juan Capistrano along with MacFarlane Costa Housing Partners is accepting applications for the Seasons Senior Affordable Housing Apartments Phase II. The Phase II project was a collaborative effort between the City, Redevelopment Agency and MacFarlane Costa Housing Partners to develop a 38-unit addition to the Season's affordable senior housing complex at the corner of Rancho Viejo Road and Paseo Espada. The $12M project came in under budget, ahead of schedule, and features green building construction techniques including solar power. Whoo Hoo! These apartments are available to seniors who meet the income qualifications. For more information on the apartment availability, contact Season's manager at 949-487-0210. Ican't seem to find a website for them.

There is an amazing nationwide movement of green nursing homes, if you go to youtube and search "green nursing homes" you will see a video of an amazing place where seniors go to live, not to die, and the caretakers are paid more than the administrators, and home cooking is in the air and folks eat family style. They have pets and gardens, it is sooooo cool!

While we are at it, here is a link to a page on the sjc website that lists all the programs for homeownership or rentals for financially challenged folk: http://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/Index.aspx?page=157

Each city has such a page, just go to the city's website and search "homeownership programs."

Portal to Home Buying Heaven & Meeting Heaven

HUD has a great portal with links to all the info on the programs the Federal Housing Administration has for homebuyers. Her eyou can find the Making Home Affordable program description, as well as the energy efficient mortgages (green mortgages) and links to agencies that help you avoid forclosure that are approved by HUD and the FHA. You can even ask a question via e-mail if you don't see what you need.

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/federal_housing_administration

On another note, rather than listing all the green events in So Cal, I urge you to go to http://www.meetup.com/. In Orange County, the group is called "Going Green in Orange County", but you can search within meetup for any topic you are interested in, and you will be directed to all the meetings taking place in your area for that topic. I just went to meetup, and searched "Green Home" and found 186 meetups within 25 miles of Dana Point! Never a dull moment!!!

Going Green in Orange County is organized by Evan Little, who is also a Certified EcoBroker® working with Surterre Properties. Speaking of Evan and the great work he is doing in OC to promote green living, he sent me an e-mail about this event I think is definately worth mentioning (one of 186!!):

A Breath of Fresh Air: Inside and Out

Enjoy an engaging evening in one of Orange County's newest, green luxury homes. Sample consciously prepared hors d'oeuvres & refreshments from some of the county's top chefs while you tour the home. Mingle with leading air quality and environmental toxicity experts while we collectively raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association in California. Celebrity Guests, Organic Wines & Spirits, Consciously Prepared Hors d'Oeuvres, Guided "Green" Home Tours, Mingle with Air Quality Experts, Check out a New Tesla Roadster Electric Car, Learn steps to clean up your air...

Live Presentations by:
• Green Nest • American Lung Association CA • Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D. you have to rsvp, here's the link:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/reg_new/register.asp?ievent=306322&lis=1&kntae306322=78CCF312CEA14252B6A288593B3538EE&teamAction=none

Homebuyer tax credit extension passed the senate!

• A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said senators agreed Wednesday to extend the existing tax credit for first-time homebuyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years. A congressional aide said the tax credits would be available to homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April 2010. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes.
• For first-time homebuyers, the income level to qualify is $75,000/$150,000.
• For move-up buyers, the income level to qualify is $ 125,000/$250,000.
• Move-up buyers must have been living in their primary residence for at least 5 years.
• The credit is equal to 10% of the sale price, and is capped at $7,290.
• The credit extension runs from December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.
• Legitimate sales under contract as of April 30, 2010 have 60 days to close.

Good News! For the full story: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aOcMZU6BreOM