Team Member Sara White recently received her NAR (National Association of REALTORS^®) Green designation. What does this exactly mean? Most might think of a building or home that is “green” will have big ticket items such as solar panels and/or a rain harvesting system. While solar and water harvesting help make a home more environmentally friendly, there are many more aspects to a ‘Green” home.

Sara admitted that she went into the class, like many others, thinking “solar and rain harvesting” were the most important items to a home being “green”, but quickly learned that it goes way beyond major items, such as those. Sara was quick to point out that smart home technology is a huge part of whether a home should, or can be considered “green”. Have you heard of a Nest Thermostat? Sara explained that Nest Thermostats keep you comfortable when you’re at home and turn themselves down when you’re away. Add the app to your favorite device and you can control your thermostat remotely. It automatically adapts as your lifestyle and the seasons change. An easy way to save money on your heating and cooling bill!

Some people make green choices without a conscious thought. Motion detector lights? LED bulbs? Low-flow water faucets? Air sealing? Efficient insulation? Triple pane windows? These are all examples of cost efficient ways that homeowners can make their home more environmentally friendly and save money on utilities at the same time.

How can a realtor who has NAR Green Certification help you? From the moment Sara looks at a home, whether she is helping you buy or sell, the aspects of “going green” will be on her radar. She will assess items and systems that add value to the home. Rest assured that Sara is current and up to date with all trends and green features that make a home a SMART home! It’s a new way of living that is becoming more standard and expected as time passes!

Bizzy Tucson Homes recently had the opportunity to speak with Brian Mueller, of Net Zero Solar.  He gave us lots of great information regarding solar and how it affects the value of your home when selling, or buying a home with solar.

Bizzy Tucson Homes:  What are the advantages and disadvantages between leasing and owning solar.

Homeowners need to be really, really careful when looking at a leased solar system for a couple of reasons. First, the company offering the lease will take the tax credits from the individual who is leasing, so there is no tax advantage to leasing a solar system.  Second, a lot of companies that lease solar systems also have escalators built into the cost of energy year after year, so your lease payment will continue to escalate over time. Customers need to carefully review a contract or proposal from a company that is offering a lease to see what that escalator is. The standard cost of energy has escalated at a rate of about 1-2% a year, historically, in the Tucson area, and sometimes we see leases from other companies that have an escalator of 3-6%, you can do the math. Sooner rather than later, you’ll be upside down on your lease, and paying more for the leased solar system than you would for the cost of energy.  So, definitely review any leased contracts thoroughly. As far as disadvantages to purchasing, really, there are none.  There’s a misconception that there is a lot of maintenance with solar, but the truth is, there isn’t any.  All of the leasing companies will try to sell that they are a maintenance free system.  The truth is, any reputable solar company that does a purchase system is going to have robust monitoring systems. The monitoring systems measure in 5 minute increments, exactly what each single solar panel and inverter are producing, and what they should be producing based on the orientation to the sun, as well as the current weather.  So, anything that would require any maintenance would be a warrantable issue, and that would be covered by the manufacturer. Warranties are usually 25 years for every single solar panel out there in the market, and also 25 years for the Enphase micro inverters that we use at Net Zero Solar.

Are there any roof types you DO NOT do installs on?  What makes a home the best candidate for solar?

The only rooftops that Net Zero Solar would not work on would be terra cotta or clay tile.  They’re just much too brittle and fragile for us to be up there walking around on, so we will not, and really any solar company shouldn’t do installation on a home with clay or terra cotta tiles.

As far as the best candidate for solar,  an optimally south facing roof plane without any obstructions from trees, vent stacks, satellite dishes, etc. is ideal.  So south is best, and then we would move to the east because the easterly sun is actually cooler than the westerly setting sun.  Solar is going to be more efficient to the east.  Lastly we would mount solar panels to the west, and never, ever, ever to the north, despite what some companies may say. So as long as you have an unobstructed rooftop that has good southern exposure first, then eastern exposure, and lastly western exposure, we can do an installation on the rooftop.

How can solar affect the value of a home?

If someone has a grandfathered net metering solar system, it goes with the home. Currently TEP is still offering grandfathered net metered solar systems for a period of 20 years from the date of installation. So if you were to sell your home after 5 years, the new homeowners would also have a grandfathered net metered system for the remainder of that 15 years. Basically, the way a solar system is designed is that during the net metering calendar, which runs from October 1^st to September 30^th, we design a solar system that is going to off set all of your consumption for that time period, leaving you only with the standard connection to the grid. Basically, that would be something the new homeowner would also get. Most new homeowners would only have an electricity bill which would be the standard connection to the grid, which is currently $13 a month plus taxes.  Use an agent who is knowledgeable about solar power, knows that it’s a purchase system, and also that it would be a grid tied, net metered and grandfathered system. Also use a real estate appraiser that understands the value of solar and that a potential homebuyer could be moving in to home that would only be paying the standard connection to the grid, and would not have actual energy usage charges, which depending on the size of the home, can be quite substantial. Here is a great explanation about net metering.

Do you still get rebates from the government?

Technically they’re not rebates, they’re tax credits, they are dollar for dollar tax credits.  The federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of the entire solar system. The Arizona Tax Credit is 25% of the cost of the system, but it maxes out at $1000.  Most people get 30% from the Federal government, and $1000 from the State of Arizona. Please keep in mind these are actual tax credits, not tax deductions, so they are quite valuable when it comes to purchasing a solar system.

What makes Net Zero different than other local solar companies?

Net Zero Solar is the highest rated solar company in the state of Arizona, as rated by Solar Reviews  (Check out reviews here!).   Whether these reviews are on Solar Reviews, Facebook, or Google, they are all 5 stars! We only use top tier equipment from LG Electronics and Enphase Energy.  We keep good people around, have a fun work environment, as well as paying livable wages, healthcare, and paid time off. We live in this community so it’s important for us to get out in front of people. We do that face to face for initial meetings, and we don’t do anything via email. We explain the various nuances of installing a grid tied solar system, what’s currently going on with utility policies and new technologies, and really inform people about solar. This is our community, and we want to do a really good job for the solar industry, the people of Tucson and the greater Tucson area.  I don’t think there’s any other company in town that can match our crew, our experience, our NABCEP certifications (NABCEP), and definitely no one that can match our reviews.

Check out this video about Net Zero Solar Questions about solar? Contact Brian at 520.440.1593 or email him.

Roofs receive the greatest amount of abuse from the elements, more than any other portion of your home.  In the summer, the hot Arizona sun beats down on the roof and causes heat in excess of 120 degrees.  Summer monsoons add to the problem and can cause massive leaks and damage.  In the winter, low temperatures and heavy moisture can cause freeze fractures in the roofing materials.  Proper care and biannual inspections are essential to ensure your roof's longevity.  

If you want to maintain your home's value and keep it looking its best, you should maintain your roof just as you maintain your yard or any other part of your home.  Unfortunately, because roofs are often out of sight, they tend to be out of mind.  The most common roofs in Arizona are tile, foam, and shingle.  Descriptions of each type of roof and the best way to ensure a long roof life are listed below. 

Tile Roofing offers homeowners and architects a beautiful, high-quality, timeless appearance.  It is an extremely durable and affordable option for homeowners.  Roofing tiles come in a variety of types.  Different options include:

• Clay Roof Tiles are strong and durable
• Spanish Roof Tiles are an ancient style, descended from ancient Rome
• Metal Roofing Tiles can be durable but heavy
• Asphalt Roofing Tiles are waterproof, long lasting and affordable

Check for debris -It is really important to remove debris from your tile roof. Debris can decrease water flow and contribute to algae growth that will change the color of your bricks.  At least once a year it's important to make a visual inspection of your roof.  Climb carefully up on your roof (or hire someone) and use a broom to remove twigs, leaves, and other trash. 

Use a Pressure Washer - If you notice algae, bird waste, or dirt, you can use a pressure washer to give your roof a nice scrub. A water bleach solution can be used for further effect.

Cut Nearby Tree Branches - During monsoon season, tree branches can sway fiercely in the wind and cause significant damage to your roof.  Ensure that all nearby tree branches are trimmed.

Tile Roof Repair - You should almost always hire a Roofing Professional to repair loose or damaged tiles.  Improperly secured tiles and underlayment can cause significant damage to not only your roof, but also to your home in general.  Once the underlayment is deteriorated, it often means it's time to re-roof.  Luckily a majority of the tiles can be saved and put back on the home after the underlayment and any damaged sub-roofing materials are replaced.

Foam Roofing - Foam roofs are topped with an elastomeric material that protects it from ultraviolet sunrays and can help the roof last for more than 25 years.  As a result, it is important to recoat your foam roof every two to five years as the protective covering thins. In between coatings, there are several things you can to to ensure the longevity of your roof.

Keep The Roof Clean - At least once a year it's important to make a visual inspection of your roof.  Climb carefully onto to your roof (or hire someone) and remove bird's nests, tree branches, leaves, and debris so there is no cause for the foam to decompose.  An excellent time to schedule a cleaning would be soon after a monsoon when debris may have collected on your roof.

Get Yearly Inspections - A roofer will typically inspect your roof for free, and can tell when it's time to recoat your roof or if any holes need repairing.  WIth foam roofs, it's important to have consistent inspections as the longevity of the roof is directly correlated to the health of the top reflective coating.

Look for Strange Foam Discolorations - When you are removing debris from your roof, look around and notice the texture of the roof.  The texture of the roof should look a bit like an orange peel.  If the texture resembles scrambled eggs or popcorn, the foam has been compromised.  If foam is exposed or deteriorating, you are likely well past due for a roof re-coating. Coating a roof is similar to rolling paint on a wall and it could be a homeowner project.  However, you might choose to have a professional roofer do the job.  They will clean and prepare the roof properly, use the right materials, and ensure that the coat is even and thorough; plus they typically offer a no-leak warranty on the work.

Have a Roofer Inspect for Ponding - Ask your roofer to inspect for water ponding.  If found, your roofer can engineer a system to prevent further water accumulation.

Shingle Roofing is the most popular roofing material.  Part of the popularity is that shingle roofing comes in many different designs and patterns. In fact, you will not find such a wide range to choose from amongst the other options.  This makes this type of roofing very appealing to homeowners.

Inspect for Algae and Moss - Moss and algae can cause significant corrosion to your roof's shingles.  If you find moss or algae growth on your roof, take measures to remove it and control its growth. Visit your local hardware store to find zinc or iron solutions to prevent further outbreaks.

Clean Debris - Debris tends to collect on roofs over time. Inspect your roof for garbage, leaves, and other debris several times per year.  Look under A/C units, near your chimney, and other areas such as protruding pipes.  

Check Roof Flashings - Roof flashings are strips of galvanized steel that are placed over the joints in your roof to prevent leaking.  Check the flashings for cracks or algae as needed.  Roof flashings are one of the most common routes that water enters a house.

Check Shingles - Closely examine your shingles and look for loose tabs.  Loose shingles need to be repaired immediately to prevent damage to your house.  A small amount of cement applied to the underside of the shingle should securely fasten it.

Check for Overgrown Tree Branches - Overgrown tree branches can cause major damage to your shingle roofing.  During storms with heavy winds, branches may crash against your roof, misplacing tiles and damaging others.  Be sure to trim surrounding trees to avoid this issue. 

Check the Gutters - Make sure that your gutters are clean so that water can freely flow away from your roof.  Water accumulation can significantly decrease the life expectancy of your shingles.

Roof Replacement

There inevitably comes a time when the roof of the house needs to be replaced.  Unfortunately Mother Nature will eventually take her toll on any type of roof.  Keep in mind that poor roofing can lead to a great deal of water damage during the rainy and windy seasons.  Keeping roofing tiles in tip top shape can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in the long run. 

When considering your options and looking into hiring a roofing contractor, first get referrals from friends, family, neighbors, and your trusted REALTOR®; and make sure the company has an active contractor license.  You can easily find that information from the AZ Registrar of Contractors website:  https://roc.az.gov Also checking with your local Better Business Bureau is a great idea:  https://www.bbb.org/bbb-locator .

For more information on Arizona roofs and maintenance, see the referenced articles below:

https://arizonanativeroofing.com/phoenix/top-types-roofs-arizona/

http://phoenixroofingteam.com/blog/proper-roof-maintenance/ 

We love showing off Tucson!  When out of town guests arrive, there are many traditional spots and activities that end up on the list.  How about trying something different?  Here is the first in a regular series of fun acitivities in Tucson that may not be on your list right now, but should be.  

Titan Missile Museum is about 25 miles south of Tucson and is a former missile silo turned museum.  The Museum has traditional guided tours but check out these special ways to explore the facility.

Director's Tour - Tour the museum and missile site with Yvonne Morris, Director of the Titan Missile Museum and a former Titan II Missile Combat Crew Commander. Yvonne will share her unique perspective on the museum and visitors will learn about life as a Titan II Missile Combat Crew Commander.

Beyond the Blast Door Tour - Explore areas of the missile site normally closed to the public. See where the crews ate and slept and then descend more than 100 feet underground and enter the launch duct. Experience an unforgettable view directly beneath an actual Titan II missile!

Total Top to Bottom Tour - Along with every area covered in other tours, visitors get to explore all 8 levels of the underground silo — something most people will never see.  From level 1, guests will view the silo closure door opening mechanism, to level 3 where the massive diesel generator is located, to level 8 more than 140 feet (approximately 43 meters) underground, see all the equipment that was necessary to keep the site operational during its lifetime. Other stops include silo level 7 where visitors enter the launch duct and stand directly beneath the missile.

Titan Overnight Experience - What was it like for Titan II crew members to sleep underground only a few feet away from the largest missile ever made by the United States?  Find out first-hand when you and three of your closest friends or family spend the night in the crew quarters at the Titan Missile Museum. This rare and unique experience is offered just a few times a year and can be custom tailored to your interests. Join the elite few who have slept in the Titan's lair.

Check out the Titan Missile Museum Website for hours and rates.  The website also lists dates for the special tours listed above. Titan Missile Museum

Another great activity that’s fun for all ages is the Gaslight Theater.  The Gaslight puts its own unique spin on familiar stories such as current show “Spider-Guy”.  Audience members are encouraged to cheer for the hero and “boo” the villain.  Eat pizza, enjoy a shake, and of course partake in “bottomless” popcorn baskets. Entertaining piano sing-a-longs warm up audiences prior to the show and during set breaks.  Phantom of the Opera is scheduled to open August 31^st and run through November 5^th.  The annual holiday show is “Christmas in the Big Apple” and will close out the calendar year.  Follow the link for more information!

Gaslight Theater