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Andrea C. Kwapien Realtor®, Accredited Buyer Representative, Green abigbirdhouse.jpg

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Andrea Kwapien
Delap Real Estate
158 North King St
Northampton MA 01060

Phone: 413-559-7175
Email: agent.andreak@gmail.com


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Living GREEN



Choosing to live 'greener' is earth friendly and human friendly.
Green choices can result in better air quality, cleaner water and more beautiful surroundings.


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Every little bit helps... from light green to extreme green!




10 Low Cost Tips

1) Collect rainwater to water plants. 55 gallon rainwater barrels are available for $60-70 from the Northampton DPW.
( http://www.northamptonma.gov/dpw/Recycling/ )

2) Take advantage of daylighting. Using light filtering curtains/shades invites more light into your living space, and painting walls light colors helps reflect the daylight.

3) Replace nighttime exterior lighting with motion sensor lights. Consider CFL or LED bulbs and Energy Star fixtures to save even more.

4) Plug electronics into power strips & turn off every night or when you're away from home to reduce ‘phantom load’.

5) If you're a gardener, start a compost pile! Visit http://www.howtocompost.org/ for more information and tips.

6) Plant a rain garden to manage storm water runoff. Websites like http://www.raingardennetwork.com/ and http://raingardens.org/ have are great for learning about this useful and beautiful tool.

7) Weatherstrip & caulk windows and doors to keep cold air outside in the winter.

8) Plant a tree. Trees reduce air pollution, release oxygen into the air, shade and cool, and can act as a wind break.

9) Insulate the water heater. This could save you 4-10% in energy costs. http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/do-it-yourself/plumbing/insulate-water-heater.aspx?source=web

10) Put up a clothesline. Appliances account for 15-18% of your home's energy costs.





In 2009, Andrea was awarded the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR’s) Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR. Andrea achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS®.  The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Andrea was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president.  NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, Andrea has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for Northampton and surrounding communities. And, it committed to continuing her education to learn more about green concepts, products and practices in order to best serve her clients and customers.

For more information about this National Assocoation of Realtors designation, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org






   

 (413) 559-7175   agent.andreak@gmail.com
'Informed home buyers & sellers make better decisions.'
  
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Servicing: Amherst, Belchertown, Chesterfield, Deerfield, Easthampton, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Holyoke, Montague, Northampton, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Sunderland, West Springfield, Westfield, Westhampton, Whately, Williamsburg