GREEN HOME VALUATIONS
Giving an appropriate valuation to "green" features in residential buildings is a challenge for real estate appraisers.
Punta Gorda-based appraiser Sandra Adomatis, SRA, a national leader in the field of "green appraisals," has written a new book, "Residential Green Valuation Tools," published by The Appraisal Institute.
The book explores the six features that make a home green: proper siting, water usage, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, materials, and operations and maintenance.
The book is a comprehensive overview of the valuation of high-performance homes. It contains case studies illustrating common scenarios and valuation problems.
The book provides instructions for completing the Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum, and presents tips for appraising Energy Star homes, passive solar houses, solar photovoltaic systems and net-zero energy homes.
The price is $60, plus shipping and handling; $50 for members of the Appraisal Institute. Information: 888-756-4624 or appraisalinstitute.org.
FLORIDA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE MONTH
Members of the Florida Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects are celebrating in their communities with outreach, education and public awareness efforts as part of Landscape Architecture Month.
In Sarasota, landscape architect Michael A. Gilkey is teaming with Mariposa Nursery to lead Southside Elementary School's youngest students in the design and construction of their very own shoebox butterfly gardens.
"Educating students about our profession is extremely important to me," says Gilkey. "I serve on the Advisory Council to the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida, and I see firsthand how few students entering their college years have an understanding of what landscape architects do, and how they shape our environment. I am excited to join with others throughout the state and nation to try and change that."
To invite a Florida landscape architect to speak at a school, visit www.flasla.org.
24 PERCENT GAIN FOR SOTHEBY'S
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates' U.S.-affiliated brokers and agents handled 24 percent more transaction sides in 2013 than 2012 — nearly three times better than the 9.2 percent gain in home sales sides reported for the overall market by the National Association of Realtors.
Sotheby's sales volume grew by 29 percent in 2013, compared to 19 percent for the overall market, according to the NAR.
Premier Sotheby's International Realty has 22 offices from Marco Island to St. Petersburg and in Charlotte, N. C. It had more than $2.8 billion in sales through the end of 2013, a 22 percent jump from 2012.
