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In an effort to get a pulse on the industry and learn more about the tools available to help real estate agents grow their businesses, I sat down with Robert (Bob) Burns, Real Estate Coach, Trainer and Consultant with Leader’s Edge Training, to discuss the resources they offer for real estate professionals.

While there’s no shortage of training available in the marketplace for agents, I quickly learned that for those real estate agents who want to take their career to the next level there is a vacuum in the real estate training space that few – besides Leader’s Edge – are addressing.

In our discussion, Bob shared the fact that “there’s a whole other side of this conversation [i.e. agent training] that’s not talked about nearly enough, and that’s management…the management side of the real estate business. There’s little to no training available.”

Why is this important?

As an agent, maybe you’re thinking that’s no big deal…I’m great at selling, how hard can it be to manage a brokerage?

Ask anyone who’s done it though, and you’ll quickly realize that it’s a lot tougher. For example, how do you know if your commission plan is truly competitive in the marketplace? 

Or if you have the right financial reports with the key information you need to manage the brokerage well? Are things slipping through the cracks, or are you on top of every little thing that needs done?

Maybe you were in management before you got into real estate. That’s great, but were you managing employees or independent contractors?

It’s different, you know…the dynamics are definitely not the same. 

For example, if you were a sales manager in the retail industry the methods and processes you used to manage employees will not be the same as the ones you need as the manager of a brokerage firm.

“It becomes not about telling people what to do and having, you know, all of that discipline and structure,” said Bob, “it really is an exercise in leadership in generating followership, and building relationships and trust so that these independent contractors that are like, herding cats, will actually follow you to where you want to bring your organization. And that’s a whole other skillset for most people to develop. 

“So I love working with managers to help them with their leadership skills, to build followership and also with the nuts and bolts of actually managing their service delivery, their financials, their process…all the stuff that’s required as kind of foundational to their business so they can do the fun leadership stuff and getting people to follow them and recruit agents to their firm and retain them so they stay and help their agents build their business.”

Interested in learning what makes him tick, I asked Bob about how he got into the business.

“I have basically only ever worked in the real estate business. I came out of college with an education background that I didn’t want to use. I found out that education wasn’t for me and I went in an interview with a local real estate company in South Minneapolis – Coldwell Banker Burnett. 

“They walked me through the process to get licensed. I became licensed and started my career as a 20 year old kid trying to live in an apartment, trying to help people with their most valuable asset – their home – so I had to learn fast.

“What I love the most about it [real estate] is that your output is pretty much in proportion to the input. In other words, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. The harder you work, the more you earn and the better you do.” 

[PULL QUOTE HERE] “It’s really a meritocracy, and I love that about real estate.”

“Anyone with the right drive, and the right work ethic can come into real estate and make a respectable living for themselves and their family.”

But what should real estate agents expect from the training offered by Leader’s Edge Training?

There are four components to the training; learning, practice, implementation and accountability.

“With adult learners,” said Bob, “especially in a professional environment, we’ll tend not to just learn something for the sake of learning…it needs to be applicable.”

Agents who enroll in the training offered by Leader’s Edge will not only learn something new, they’ll have the opportunity to learn in a very specific way that will help them really retain what they learn.

They’ll learn through implementation and practice, in an environment where it’s safe to practice the skill before the stakes get high.

Also, agents will experience accountability. 

Unlike other training programs there’s no “here’s what you need to know, go do it and have a nice day,” agents receive true accountability that will help them implement what they’ve learned in a practical way.

Their coach will question them…“did you do what you said you would? How did it go? What worked? What didn’t work?”, etc.

Bob noted that continuing education for most agents is thought of as “more of a passive, ‘getting my hours in’ type of learning.” Highlighting what makes him different, he notes that, “The training that I provide is more about making a behavioral change in your business, so you can run a more successful practice.”

If you’re an agent who wants to “create change and growth in your business, that leads to making more money and helping more people,” you’re just the kind of agent who would benefit from Leader’s Edge Training.

“The core program that I deliver with Leader’s Edge Training is a “six week, one day a week in-person course,” said Bob. “It’s an advanced course in real estate; everything you need to know and then some to run a successful business. We do before and after measurements; we’re very big on measurement.

“The average participant increases their business 217% versus what they were doing before they took the class,” continued Bob.

“The other component to it, is that while they’re with me during that six week period of high accountability, high motivation – and this really positive environment – the average participant in the class that I deliver will close six transactions that can be traced back to the activities they did with me in the course. It’s very, very measurable.”

In addition to the training, Leader’s Edge offers agents two other resources that can help them grow their business; an app and a podcast.

“The ‘Agent Success’ app that we developed allows you to put in your business goals as a real estate agent,” said Bob. “And it breaks those goals down into quarterly, monthly and weekly activities that you need to complete on a regular basis to reach those goals. 

“So if you want to make a certain amount of money in real estate, you put in those goals; you put in how many weeks a year you want to work, and then every day when you wake up the app tells you exactly what to do, how many calls you need to make, how many mailers you need to do, how many doors you need to knock on, how many social media posts you need to make…it spells it all out for you. 

“And you can keep track of your activities as you do them, much like a fitness app such as My Fitness Pal or Fitbit or whatever…you can track your activities. And it will kind of assign you points based on the activities that you’ve done. And if you do those activities, you’ll reach your goals and the app help you get to where you want to go. 

“It’s available in the iTunes Store and in the Android Google Play Store. We’ve opened it up to everybody; it’s not just Leader’s Edge clients…we want to contribute to the growth of the real estate industry as a whole. 

“We’ve made it available for free to all real estate professionals… they can go out and download it and start using it today.”

Without question, in my experience most real estate professionals love to help others achieve success. One such way they can do that is by sharing their knowledge through podcasts.

Bob’s podcast is called “How They Won” and is available on a number of platforms.

“Every week I interview top real estate professionals, mostly real estate agents,” said Bob, “but also people connected to the real estate industry…and they share the secrets of their success. 

“The interviews are typically around 30 minutes, and while some episodes have gone as long as 60 minutes I try to keep it 30 to 40 minutes so you can listen as you walk around your commute or on the treadmill or the elliptical at the gym. 

“There’s been a tremendous response…real estate agents like to learn from each other.

“And the other thing about about “How They Won”… as I was doing my market research, I noted that there are a handful of real estate podcasts that are out there. 

“I’m a big podcast fan…I love podcasts…but the real estate podcasts that are out there, in general, with the exception of a very, very small few, from a quality and organization standpoint, I just find very difficult to listen to. 

“So my goal with “How They Won” was to launch something that was of a very high, professional, listenable quality,” continued Bob, “and that was organized and succinct in a way that listeners could actually implement in a short period of time. 

“For their time investment, I wanted them to be able to actually implement some of the things that they learned in the podcast.”

At the time of this writing we’re facing a moratorium on physical gatherings, so I asked Bob how he was adapting to the changes brought by the Coronavirus epidemic.

“What I’m doing right now, is a lot of what’s called mindset and motivational work. It’s very hard in this environment for people to do the right things; to hold themselves to a certain standard. They lose track of the discipline of running their business. You’re not going to close as many real estate transactions in this kind of environment.

“So the focus has shifted from a lot of action-based tasks (e.g. make these contacts, knock on these doors, or send out this mailer,) to more of a ‘where are you’, ‘where’s your head at today’. As a real estate agent what are you thinking about? How can we implement some structure in your day so that when we do wake up to a sunrise in the first day of a post COVID-19 real estate market you’re ready…you won’t miss a beat when the light turns green again.”

Taking the cue, I asked a question that I’m sure is on a lot of peoples’ minds; especially those of us in the real estate industry.

“What do you think the real estate industry as a whole is going to look like…at least for the United States after we get the ‘all clear’ so to speak?”

“It’s really hard to say,” said Bob. “I think it comes down to some basic economic factors. The biggest driver historically of real estate, contrary to what almost every written article wants you to believe, is not interest rates. 

“Interest rates are not the biggest driver of the real estate market…it’s employment. 

“Just like, you know, the old adage in real estate is ‘location, location, location’… the economics of this industry is ‘employment, employment employment’. 

“So depending on how quickly we can get home buyers and home sellers back to work is going to shape whether this is a V shaped recovery or a U shaped recovery.

“For example, if you want to buy a house, typically you’re going to need a mortgage to buy it. Mortgage Lenders aren’t going to lend you money if you don’t have a job. 

“So these four levels that we’re seeing in these layoffs; if we’re able to kind of sustain those small, medium and large businesses through however long this is, whether it’s weeks or months, if we’re able to keep those businesses open and they’re able to bring their workforce back to work, then I think this whole thing will have a very little impact on the real estate business as a whole. 

“It’ll be a setback, but we have a whole bunch of built-up demand happening behind this dam. And when we’re back open for business, all of that pent-up demand is going to be satisfied. And we’re going to see a fast and full recovery. 

“If on the other hand, we’re not able to keep these small, medium, large businesses to the point where they’re able to bring their workforce back in, and these unemployment claims that we’re seeing are permanent rather than temporary, I think it’s going to be a much slower recovery as new businesses have to become established to take the place of businesses that didn’t survive. 

“And those business have to grow organically, and eventually get back to the point where they can have a payroll where we did pre COVID-19, then I think you’re looking at a much more protracted recovery or a much, much longer recovery if that happens.”

So what should agents be doing now, as we’re in a state of flux?

Unfortunately, we’re in uncharted territory right now, but one things that is vital for every agent to consider is to take the time to work on their mindset.

Social distancing, and in some cases, stay-at-home orders can wreak havoc on your mindset if you let it.

Pay attention to what you read, and what you listen to. Take care of yourself, your family, and your business and when possible, take advantage of this time to expand your knowledge so that you can hit the ground running when the time is right.

Anita Clark is a Warner Robins Real Estate Agent helping buyers and sellers in middle Georgia with all of their home buying or selling needs.Whether she is selling new construction homes, assisting first-time buyers, or helping military relocating to Houston County, she always puts her customers needs first.
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Source: realtybiznews.com

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Mortgage applications jumped 8.5% for the week ending March 4, as mortgage rates dropped for the first time in three months as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported on Wednesday.

Borrowers’ demand for mortgages increased across the board. The MBA‘s seasonally adjusted refi index rose 8.5% from the previous week, with a larger gain in government refinances. Meanwhile, the purchase index was up 8.6% in the same period.

Compared to the same week one year ago, mortgage apps overall dropped 35.8%, with a sharp decline in refi (-49.9%) compared to purchase (-7.4%). The survey, conducted weekly since 1990, covers over 75% of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications.

According to Joel Kan, MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, the “war in Ukraine spurred an investor flight to quality, which pushed U.S. Treasury yields lower.” Consequently, mortgage rates declined for the first time in 12 weeks, he said.  

The trade group estimates that the average contract 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for conforming loans ($647,200 or less) decreased to 4.09% from 4.15% the week prior. For jumbo mortgage loans (greater than $647,200), rates dropped to 3.79% from 3.88% the week prior.

The survey showed that the refi share of mortgage activity decreased to 49.5% of total applications last week, from 49.9% the previous week. VA apps rose to 10.4% from 10.2% in the same period.

How should the current market impact lenders’ tech adoption?

HousingWire recently sat down with Polly CEO Adam Carmel to discuss how lenders can break old habits and redefine the mortgage process through innovation and modern, advanced technology.

Presented by: Polly

The FHA share of total applications increased to 8.7% from 8.6% the prior week. Meanwhile, the adjustable-rate mortgage share of activity rose from 5.3% to 5.2%. The USDA went from 0.4% to 0.5%.

Regarding purchase applications, Kan said prospective buyers acted on lower rates and the early start of the spring buying season. He added: “The average loan size remained close to record highs, with higher-balance loan applications continuing to dominate growth.”

Experts told HousingWire that the turmoil could lower mortgage rates at least in the short-term, because investors often flee to safer options during periods of conflicts, such as U.S. Treasury notes, bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

On Thursday, Freddie Mac PMMS Mortgage Survey showed its rates at 3.76% for the week ending March 3, down from 3.89% in the previous week. Buyers on average bought 0.8 mortgage points.

“Looking ahead, the potential for higher inflation amidst disruptions in oil and other commodity flows will likely lead to a period of volatility in rates as these effects work against each other,” Kan said in a statement.

Source: housingwire.com

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Apache is functioning normally

From upscale areas of Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Baltimore to waterfront properties on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland offers a wealth of luxurious properties that offer a combination of elegance, comfort, and functionality. But what are the most sought-after home features that luxury homebuyers desire in this upscale market?

In this Redfin article, we will explore the top amenities and popular features that increase the allure and value of luxury homes in Maryland. Whether you’re a potential buyer seeking inspiration or a homeowner looking to enhance your property, join us as we delve into the world of luxury living and discover the must-have features that define Maryland’s most coveted residences. 

7 most popular luxury home features in Maryland

1. Eye-catching curb appeal to attract luxury buyers

Creating excellent curb appeal is crucial when it comes to making a lasting impression on potential buyers in Maryland. The exterior of a home sets the stage for what lies inside, and a well-maintained and inviting exterior can pique buyers’ curiosity and make them eager to explore further. From the moment they step onto the property, buyers can get a sense of the overall aesthetics and condition of the home. 

It’s important to consider the season and make updates accordingly. During the spring and fall, focus on tasks such as freshening up mulch, pruning shrubs, adding seasonal flowers, staining the deck, power washing walkways, and cleaning gutters. These simple yet impactful updates can greatly enhance the overall appearance of the home and create an inviting atmosphere that draws buyers in. 

2. An expansive kitchen for entertaining

Buyers are often drawn to homes with updated kitchens because they recognize the value and enjoyment that comes with a well-appointed culinary space. Whether it’s preparing meals for loved ones or hosting social events, an updated kitchen sets the stage for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.

In luxury Maryland homes, you can expect to find high-end countertops crafted from premium materials such as granite, quartz, or marble. These countertops not only add a touch of elegance but also provide durability and easy maintenance. Additionally, the cabinetry in an updated kitchen is typically designed with a blend of functionality and style, featuring custom-made or semi-custom options that offer ample storage space and sleek designs.

Top-of-the-line appliances are another hallmark of an updated luxury kitchen. From professional-grade stovetops and ovens to built-in refrigerators and dishwashers, these appliances combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance. Homeowners can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of appliances that are designed to meet the demands of modern lifestyles.

3. High-end materials to heighten the luxe effect

In luxury Maryland homes, attention to detail is essential, including the materials used throughout the interior. From the flooring to the smallest fixtures, only the finest materials are chosen to create a truly upscale living environment. In terms of flooring, luxury homes often feature exquisite options such as marble, hardwood, or designer tiles that add elegance and sophistication to each room. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal, but also provide durability and longevity.

When it comes to other aspects of the interior, luxury Maryland homes boast updated features that reflect the latest trends and advancements in technology. From state-of-the-art appliances to high-end light switches and fixtures, every aspect of the home is carefully selected to offer the best in terms of functionality and aesthetics. These modern and upgraded elements not only elevate the overall ambiance, but also provide convenience and efficiency for homeowners.

4. A spa-like bathroom and custom closets

An updated bathroom is a key luxury home feature in Maryland, particularly the primary bath, designed with luxurious finishes and attention to detail to create a spa-like experience.

Luxury bathrooms often feature high-end materials such as marble or granite countertops, exquisite tile work, and premium fixtures. 

The focus of an updated bathroom in a luxury home is to enhance the personal space and lifestyle of the homeowners. It goes beyond mere functionality and incorporates elements of comfort and indulgence. Features such as spacious walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, soaking tubs, heated floors, and smart technology for lighting and temperature control are often included to enhance the overall bathing experience.

Custom-built separate his-and-her walk-in closets are a sought-after addition in luxury homes. These closets are designed to maximize personal space and organization, offering ample storage for clothing, accessories, and personal belongings. With dedicated space for each partner, these closets ensure convenience and ease when getting ready for the day.

5. Smart home innovations for luxury living

Smart home features have become highly desirable and sought-after in luxury Maryland homes. These features encompass a range of technological advancements that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and overall home management.

Updated light fixtures and switches allow homeowners to easily control and customize the lighting ambiance throughout their living spaces. With smart thermostats, temperature control can be managed remotely, optimizing energy usage and providing personalized comfort.

Luxury homes often incorporate energy-efficient appliances, which not only contribute to a greener lifestyle, but also offer the latest advancements in functionality and performance. 

6. A stylized mudroom for convenience 

In today’s fast-paced and busy lifestyles, homeowners value functionality and efficiency. A mudroom offers the perfect solution by providing a designated area to remove and store outerwear, shoes, and other outdoor accessories. This helps keep the main living areas clean and clutter-free, promoting a sense of order and organization. Homeowners can incorporate custom storage solutions such as built-in cubbies, shelves, and cabinets to accommodate individual needs. The materials and finishes selected for the mudroom can complement the overall interior design style of the home, further enhancing its visual appeal.

The increasing popularity of mudrooms among potential homebuyers for Redfin Premier listings is a reflection of the desire for a seamless and well-organized lifestyle. It not only enhances the functionality and convenience of a luxury home, but also adds value and desirability in the competitive real estate market. Homebuyers recognize the practicality and efficiency that a mudroom brings, making it a must-have feature for those seeking a convenient and well-designed living environment.

7. A focus on sustainability 

Sustainably sourced materials for floors and building materials have gained popularity in luxury homes. Homeowners are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices and prefer materials that are eco-friendly and responsibly sourced. These materials not only contribute to a more sustainable home, but also add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the interior design.

High-efficiency heating and cooling units are another important aspect of smart home features in luxury properties. These systems optimize energy consumption, provide precise temperature control, and ensure a comfortable indoor environment year-round. By utilizing advanced technologies and smart controls, these systems offer both energy savings and enhanced comfort.

8. The perfect color palette for your space

Choosing the right paint colors is essential in transforming the look and feel of a home. Today’s contemporary paint colors reflect modern design trends, adding freshness and style to each room. A cohesive color palette creates flow and coordination with furniture and decor, enhancing the overall appeal. Up-to-date paint colors contribute to a sense of modernity and timelessness, attracting potential buyers looking for a well-maintained space. Neutral tones provide versatility and allow buyers to envision their own style. Consider factors like natural light and room size when selecting colors. Consulting with professionals can provide valuable guidance in choosing the perfect paint colors for your home.

Extra features and amenities to help stand out 

In the luxury real estate market, there are several additional features and amenities that can elevate a Redfin Premier listing, making it stand out from other luxury properties. Two such features that have gained popularity are an upper-level laundry room and a butler’s kitchen. These additions not only enhance the functionality and convenience of the home, but also contribute to its overall appeal and desirability among potential buyers who are willing to pay a premium.

An upper-level laundry room

Placing the laundry facilities on the same floor as the bedrooms eliminates the need to carry heavy loads of laundry up and down the stairs, saving time and effort. This feature offers a practical solution for managing household chores and streamlining daily routines. Additionally, an upper-level laundry room can also include custom storage solutions, built-in cabinets, and countertops, further enhancing its functionality and organization.

A butler’s kitchen

This additional kitchen space is designed to facilitate meal preparation, entertaining, and catering without interfering with the main kitchen used for everyday cooking. It typically includes extra countertop space, sink, refrigerator, and storage for cookware and supplies. The butler’s kitchen allows homeowners to entertain guests and host elaborate events with ease, keeping the main kitchen tidy and private. This feature is particularly appealing to those who enjoy hosting gatherings or have a preference for professional-level cooking and entertaining.

Which cities in Maryland are known for luxury homes and features?

If you’re in the market to buy a luxury home, living in Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Potomac are renowned for their exceptional luxury homes and features in the Maryland real estate market. These upscale areas have a reputation for offering an unparalleled lifestyle, combining exquisite architectural designs with top-of-the-line amenities. 

In May 2023, the average median sale price for properties in these cities reached $1,343,500. This figure significantly exceeds both the national median sale price and the state of Maryland’s median sale price by nearly $1 million, highlighting the desirability of these upscale communities.

A final note on luxury home features in Maryland

It’s crucial to consult with your real estate agent about the latest trends that can make a Maryland home feel luxurious. The real estate market is constantly evolving, and what was considered luxurious in the past may not hold the same appeal today. 

If you’re buying a house in Maryland, your agent can provide valuable insights into emerging design styles, sought-after amenities, and popular features that are in demand among luxury homebuyers. Their expertise and knowledge of the luxury market will help you make informed decisions that maximize the appeal and value of your property in the eyes of discerning buyers.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Here in the United States, as is the case in Europe, the term “global perspective” is often overused. The world has become unbelievably interconnected in many ways but remains largely ethnocentric or egocentric in others. Take the scale of the challenge of complexities that make Russia interesting to architects and urban planners, for instance. While the world seems preoccupied with crises and chaos, everywhere urban culture is evolving. And nowhere is this more evident than inside Russia.

Kandinsky House birds eye panorama shows the how perfectly the designers integrated the mixed use luxury high rise into the eclectic urbanscape Photo by Jay Thomas

I was just reading this report from Markus Appenzeller, the Head of the Urbanism at the Academie van Bouwkunst Amsterdam, where he delves into the complex nature of opportunities in big Russian cities outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. For most readers, anyplace besides Moscow or St. Petersburg (perhaps) will seem almost as foreign as another planet. And where real estate, design, and planning are concerned, cities like Kazan, Irkutsk, of even Vladivostok might as well be in another galaxy. That said, for the progressive out there a look at the evolutionary changes inside Russia can be a real eye-opener.

A New Cultural Dynamism

Take Ekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, as an example. Interesting for its post-Soviet era developments, this city on the frontier between Europe and Asia is unbelievable because of the improvisational aspects similar to those in Berlin, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, and other cities where style/cultural dynamism exists. The city is one of those European architects and planners have identified as having not only fantastic future developmental potential but for already being capable of formulating their demand. Of course, this is the perspective from outside. Inside Russia, since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economic ideas came into focus, the country’s most brilliant and innovative developers have thrived. Their work is shining and resilient if you look at the Moscow skyline today, at Sochi, in Kazan, and almost every major urban center.

Ekaterinburg Russia at night Photo by <a href=httpswwwflickrcomphotosalexeya>Alex Alishevskikh<a>

The Appenzeller report for MLA+ also contains an interview conducted with Anton Finogenov, who’s now the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Investment Policy of the Leningrad region, brings to light how the World Cup and other events sped the transformation of Russia’s urban landscape. However, underneath these transformative cases, the country’s creative dynamos build out a lasting future. And Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals, Russia’s third city, home of Russian constructivism and Russian street art, is a special case. Of all the developing centers, Ekaterinburg has the most eclectic heart. Young people migrate here for the university, to seek careers in big industry, technology, and for the arts, but this crossroads of Asia and Europe was once divided by stark cultural/architectural division.

Enter Brusnika, a real estate developer founded in Tyumen, Siberia back in 2004. The firm that started with a new vision of Russian residential development, has grown to be one of the country’s top 5 biggest real estate development firms, according to Forbes. With offices in Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Surgut, and Moscow, Alexei Krukovsky’s company is one of the most successful developers anywhere in Asia or Europe. I have introduced to Russian architectural advances some years ago as the publisher of Our Russia magazine. A recent inquiry by a friend in Ekaterinburg for a world-class photographer led me to Bruniska, a company I’d heard about in passing some years back.

The Kandinsky Lobby design by the incomparable Italian firm Minotti Photo by Jay Thomas

A highlight reel for this fast-growing Russian firm would surely feature one of Brusnika’s most interesting developmental cooperations, Kandinsky House in the center of Ekaterinburg. The fine outline of the edifice is a symbol of what the new Russia so many geopolitical experts talk about. It’s new-age iconic for a fairly simple reason. Its design represents a paradigm shift toward modernity, while at the same time creating the perfect compromise between Ekaterinburg’s incongruent visual perspectives. Given the city’s remaining specs of pre-Soviet architecture, and the sketchy Communist-era buildings, the tasks Bruniska accomplished was no small feat of improvisational genius.

The Kandinsky project came to fruition as a result of the international cooperation between world-renowned players like AHR Architects (previously part of the Aedas Group), Minotti, Lundwall Architects AB, Greenhance landscaping, and Itatech construction management. 

Ad-libbing Meets Excellence

In a report from Elena Trubina of Ural Federal University, she and author Martin Müller encapsulate the essence of what makes Russia’s fourth biggest city so fascinating architecturally and culturally:

“Improvisation arises from the encounter between plan and event. It actualizes the city multiple: the possible other worlds that are immanent in situations and that are always able to dislodge the present one. Situations that people, planners, and politicians anywhere, particularly in Ekaterinburg, are all too familiar with. So there is a richness in improvisation in Ekaterinburg that makes for diversity and nuance in theorizing improvisation.”

Kandinsky upper terrace brings a datcha feel to the cityscape Photo by Jay Thomas

Incidentally, what makes Bruniska’s and AHR’s collaboration at Kandinsky House so meaningful is their embracing of Russian urban improv to patch new luxurious lifestyle into such an opposed urban landscape. This is, in fact, the essence of the new Russia so few westerners know about. Since Vladimir Putin assumed leadership in the late 1990s, Russian cities have exploded, not only in size but in style and character. Few outside Eastern Europe are familiar with traditional Russian homeownership, and fewer still realize the Russian Datcha (a second summer home in the countryside) model.

In America, clusters of homes off major highways became the familiar model, but eastern Europeans grew accustomed to residential flats in the cities and dreamed of country homes set in nature. In the cities, micro districts of high rises surrounding public places are still the modus, only the quality of life, and in the inherent design in these spaces has taken off. So, Brusnika’s Kandinsky House on the Iset River in the historic heart of Ekaterinburg is a prime example of extremely high-quality mixed-use high-rise design.

Advanced materials science aesthetics and greenscapes blend into every Bruniska project Here a rooftop enclave at Kandinsky House exemplies the feeling Bruniska Flickr stream

Though the target clientele of this development is higher than normal income resident, Kandinsky House reflects not only new-age Russian commercial design but a mix of European ideas and neo-classical Russian facets. Advanced materials, technologies, and jaw-dropping Spartan aesthetics are melded into a new kind of minimalism. At least this is my perception.

The overall effect of Kandinsky House, and other Bruniska developments, is a subtle enhancement of the surrounding urban landscape. The developers manage this by combining standardization with amazing customization elements.

AHR Group Design and R+D Director Martin Hyams

To learn more about the project, I caught up with the AHR Director Martin Hyams (above), to ask about the architect’s take on Brusnika’s focus with the Kandinsky House project. Here’s what the project’s lead architect has to say:

“Brusnika is a rare client with a visionary leader and a forward-looking professional team that appreciated the added value of international expertise in their projects and how it could positively steer their target real estate markets both in terms of end-user expectation as well as construction.”

Hyams went on to say how the overall human-centered approach the companies initiated ended up with what he called “a number of market-changing developments that enhance individual lives and create thriving communities.”

Reimagined Russian Urbanism

I mentioned my friend and one of America’s best photographers earlier in this story. Well, the best summary I can offer for this story is what came out of Jay Thomas’ (one of my oldest friends) mouth when he arrived back home after the photoshoot. “Phil, I had no idea how majestic and modern these Russian cities were.” A native of the American south, and an artist who’s shot hundreds of locations and brands in America, he’s not one to be so easily impressed.

The residents entrance at Kandinsky House Photo by Jay Thomas

I mention this to emphasize how brilliant ideas and achievements can be easily lost if we confine ourselves to compartmentalized ideas and ideals. Imagine my friend of 50 years visiting Russia for the first time. This is a guy from a prominent family who graduated high school at 18, took a sabbatical and traveled to Alaska to sign onto a fishing boat, and returned to the lower 48 after a 1,200-mile kayak trip through the wilds – exclaiming Russian achievements. I have other such stories, for those interested.

There’s this Russian saying, I hope I can get it right. Большо́му кораблю́ — большо́е пла́вание, roughly translates to mean: “Remarkable people make a big impact in the world.” This is true whether we see their remarkable accomplishments, or not. And now that I’ve introduced Brusnika’s, Russia’s, and these other companies’ efforts, maybe their progress will come full circle in some future American or European project? At least this is a hopeful possibility during these trying times.

Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.

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Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

As sustainable technologies develop alongside people’s desires to live more sustainably, people have begun turning to their homes to reduce their carbon footprints, But have you ever wondered if you could build a home that wasn’t just ‘less bad’, but instead actually restored the environment around it? You can. Enter the Living Building Challenge.

The Living Building Challenge represents the pinnacle of sustainable development and promotes equity, regeneration, and self-sufficiency. But what is it? How do you certify your home? Is it even possible? 

Whether you live in a house in Bend, OR, or a home in Seattle, WA, read on to learn everything you need to know about Living Building Certification. 

What is the Living Building Challenge?

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a green building certification program administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and was launched in 2006 in Seattle, WA. The program continues to evolve as new research and technology releases, and is currently on its fourth iteration (4.0). 

The goal of the LBC is to encourage designers and homeowners to build structures and projects that contribute positively to their local environment. Structures achieve this by mimicking the ecosystem around them from when before the site was developed, creating a regenerative and sustainable built environment.

Living Building Challenge Petals

The Living Building Challenge organizes its requirements into seven performance areas called Petals. Each Petal is further divided into Imperatives (20 total), which address specific topics related to that Petal. Here’s a brief summary of the seven Petals.

1. Place

This Petal focuses on the location of the project and its relationship to the surrounding community and ecosystem. It includes imperatives such as habitat exchange, urban agriculture, and appropriate siting.

2. Water

The Water Petal emphasizes achieving a water balance within the building’s site. This means that a home or building should meet all its water needs through captured precipitation or recycled water, and manage its wastewater onsite.

3. Energy

100% of the project’s energy must come from on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing the building’s environmental impact. This often includes installing solar panels, small wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources.

There aren’t specific requirements for energy per square foot, but the LBC insists that a building generate 105% of its energy needs.

4. Health and happiness

This Petal recognizes the importance of creating environments that optimize physical and psychological health and well-being. It includes imperatives related to indoor air quality, biophilic environments, and promoting physical activity.

5. Materials

It’s essential to encourage using materials that are non-toxic, transparent, and socially equitable. The Materials Petal requires projects to use safe and sustainable materials, and bans the use of materials that have negative environmental impacts or contain hazardous substances. The LBC has a “Red List” that contains a catalog of their banned materials and a “Watch List” of possibly problematic materials.

6. Equity

The Equity Petal encourages social equity and human rights within the building’s sphere of influence. This includes aspects such as human scale and humane places, universal access to nature and community services, and equitable investment.

7. Beauty

This Petal is about the aesthetic aspect of buildings and sites, recognizing that buildings should delight and inspire. The Beauty Petal insists that buildings incorporate design features intended solely for human delight, helping to connect people to the environment in a meaningful way.

Living Building Challenge for homeowners

While typically for commercial and public buildings, the LBC certifies homes as well. However, the LBC is extremely strict, so it can be time-consuming to design and build a certifiable home. As a result, only four residences in the US have received full certification (fulfilled all seven petals). 

Unlike other green building standards that can be based on projections and simulations at the design stage, LBC certification is based on actual, proven performance after the building has been in operation for at least 12 consecutive months. There are four steps to receiving certification: 

As sustainable technology and techniques advance, cost and building time should fall. The goal of the LBC is to promote sustainable and regenerative building practices, making them more accessible and affordable for all. 

How do you certify your home? 

The Living Building Challenge certification process is the same for all types of buildings, including houses. However, because homes are generally smaller and don’t have the same budgets as large commercial buildings, it can be harder for homeowners to fulfill every requirement. 

Here’s a breakdown of how to certify your home through the LBC:

  1. Registration: Start by registering your project with the International Living Future Institute. You need a premium membership to register, which costs between $50-$250
  2. Design: Next, if you’re aiming for full certification, plan and design your home according to the LBC’s seven Petals and twenty Imperatives. This will likely require working with architects, engineers, and contractors who are experienced with sustainable construction and familiar with the LBC. Remember, the LBC requires that all aspects of the project, from the site choice to the energy systems to the building materials, comply with their standards.
  3. Construction: Construct your home according to the design’s plans. Document your progress and gather evidence of compliance with each of the LBC’s requirements. This might include photos, receipts, contracts, and other documents that can verify your claims.
  4. Performance monitoring: After construction is complete and you’re all moved in, you need to go through a 12-month performance period. During this time, you collect data and demonstrate that your home operates as designed and promised to the ILFI.
  5. Audit and certification: Once your 12-month performance period is over, submit your documentation and data to the ILFI. An LBC Ready auditor will then review it to verify compliance with all the challenge’s requirements. If your home meets all of the requirements, you will be awarded LBC certification. If it only receives three out of seven Petals or just achieves net-zero energy use, it will receive separate certifications. 

Certification levels

Full certification is incredibly difficult, so the LBC has three levels that a home or building can achieve. 

  • Full certification: Full certification is awarded to homes and buildings that meet the requirements of all seven Petals.
  • Petal certification: Given to projects that satisfy the requirements of three Petals, including at least one of either Water, Energy, or Materials.
  • Net-zero energy building certification: Given to projects that achieve net zero energy but don’t meet all the requirements for Full or Petal certification.

The ILFI also offers additional certifications for houses, products, and entire communities.

Tips for homeowners striving for LBC certification

Even if you don’t receive full certification, using LBC’s guidelines can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and create a sustainable, self-sufficient, beautiful home. Additionally, the ILFI offers other certifications such as the Living Home Challenge, which might be a more feasible option for some people.

Also, one of the most difficult Petals to fulfill is energy use. A good tip is to reduce the overall amount of electricity your home requires and limit your usage, instead of simply installing more renewable technology.

Pros and cons of the Living Building Challenge for homeowners

While there are many advantages to pursuing LBC certification for your home, there are a number of challenges and potential drawbacks. Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons:

Pros

  1. Sustainability: LBC-certified homes are incredibly sustainable. They produce all of their own energy with renewable resources, treat all water on site, and are built using non-toxic, locally-sourced materials. This reduces their environmental footprint and contributes positively to their local ecosystems.
  2. Health and well-being: LBC homes are designed with occupants’ health and well-being in mind. They use non-toxic materials, include biophilic elements that connect occupants to nature, and promote active, healthy lifestyles.
  3. Utility savings: By producing their own energy and managing their own water, LBC homes can reduce or even eliminate utility bills. This can lead to significant long-term savings.
  4. Resilience: LBC homes are designed to be resilient, with features such as on-site energy and water systems that allow them to operate independently of municipal utilities. This can be a major advantage in the face of power outages, water shortages, or other disruptions. LBC homes also usually last far longer than non-certified homes.

Cons

  1. Cost: Pursuing LBC certification can be expensive. The cost of implementing renewable energy systems, advanced water treatment systems, and non-toxic materials can be higher than traditional building methods. Additionally, paying for specialized design and landscaping, and resource monitoring can be costly and time-consuming. However, while the cost can be higher upfront, sustainable materials are only marginally more expensive, and you will likely save a huge amount on utilities over the years
  2. Regulatory barriers: In many areas, local building codes and regulations don’t allow some systems that LBC certification requires. This can make it difficult or even impossible to implement certain features of an LBC home, such as composting toilets or on-site water treatment systems.
  3. Technical challenges: Some parts of the LBC, such as achieving net-zero energy or managing all water on site, can be technically challenging, particularly in certain climates or locations. You will likely have to work with specialists to find a solution, or choose another location entirely. 
  4. Availability of materials: Sourcing non-toxic, locally sourced materials can be difficult depending on the location and material. Make sure to do your research before committing to certification.

Final thoughts

There are many green certification programs that you can use to help build a sustainable home, all of which aim to reduce your carbon footprint. The Living Building Challenge is one of the strictest in the world and promotes lasting, beneficial building design. 

For homeowners willing to undertake its rigorous certification process, it offers the opportunity to create a regenerative home, contributing positively to its local ecosystem and promoting the health and well-being of their family. However, pursuing certification also comes with its share of challenges, including time, money, materials, and technical difficulties. 

Ultimately, whether the Living Building Challenge is right for you depends on your personal goals, resources, and commitment to sustainability. Even if you decide not to pursue full certification, the principles and practices of the LBC can provide tips and tricks for creating a sustainable, healthy, and resilient home.

Source: redfin.com