Using Your Energy Wisely: Alternative Energy in the Home

Energy costs are on everyone's mind, and alternatives are a hot property – though many homebuyers aren't sure how to find and evaluate them. There are a number of technologies to choose from which can help make your next house the home of the future.

Alternative energy gives new meaning to the real estate mantra of – what works in sunny California may be different from what works on the windy plains. But just as there are many styles of homes for buyers' diverse tastes, there are varied options in energy systems ® with more than one sometimes working hand-in-hand for the same house.

Wind power – an ancient energy source now seen in high-tech "windmill farms" with tall propeller-like turbines – has come down in the cost for generating electricity by over 80 percent since 1981. Geothermal energy – home heating powered by underground steam warmed up by the temperature of the earth itself – is a source getting more attention in the American West.
Relocating homeowners can choose to move to areas where wind generation is lowering electricity costs, while geothermal energy has applications for both large-scale power plants and individual homes. There has also been progress in residential settings with fuel cells, power systems that convert natural gas fuel to electricity through a chemical reaction with hydrogen, producing just water as a byproduct.

Perhaps the most familiar and popular source of renewable alternative energy remains the sun itself. Photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight to electricity, have shown great energy-bill savings and homeowner satisfaction. These systems, which have been likened to a car that makes its own gas, are now available in the form of roof tiles that can integrate attractively with regular roofing.

Households that use roof tiles have found some 80 percent of their electricity needs supplied by them The homes can remain on the conventional power grid for the rest; at sunnier times when the home produces more energy than it can use, it goes back into the grid and credits the homeowners' account, literally turning back their electric meter. Across the country rebates from utility companies and tax credits from government are available for such setups. It's a way of contributing not only to the global community by using up less nonrenewable energy, but also to your own neighbors by freeing up conventional power.

Solar tiles are growing in popularity with home-development builders, and are seen as paying for themselves in savings and simplicity of maintenance. The savings increase considerably in combination with energy-efficient appliances. For example, in Sylmar, California's Village Green complex, this mix is a standard feature and the average resident has been shown to pay one-tenth in monthly utility bills what other town residents pay.

Your local real estate professional can help advise you on what energy alternatives are most available and may work best in your area. A little shopping around may shed light on options that make yesterday's technological dreams today's homeowner dream-come-true.

Check out www.3347Arrowhead to see a local home for sale that has taken steps to be more energy efficient.

INNOVATIVE NEW TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

Sales Associates Now Able to Respond Within Minutes by Cell Phone toCustomers' Online Inquiries Regarding Property Listings or Profile Pages

According to a nationwide study conducted by Realtor.com, nearly 50 percent of online inquiries from homebuyers and sellers go unanswered after 48 hours. The good news for home buyers and sellers in Manhattan and the surrounding areas is that ERA The Conderman Group has now introduced a faster, more efficient way for its sales associates to respond to the growing number of customers who are using the Internet in their home buying or selling process.

The solution, an innovative lead management system called DirectAccess: Powered by ERA LeadRouter, is a software-based system that instantly converts Internet text or e-mail inquiries on all ERA The Conderman Group listings or profile pages to an automated voice call that is sent to sales associates' cell phones. This enables ERA The Conderman Group sales associates to respond to prospective customers within minutes of receiving the request.

"We're excited about now being able to respond to our potential clients' online inquiries on virtually a real-time basis by telephone," said Katie Wolf, sales associate. "We believe the DirectAccess: Powered by ERA LeadRouter technology platform will enable us to better serve these prospective customers and that it will increase our buyers' and sellers' satisfaction with the exceptional service already delivered by all of our sales professionals."

The National Association of Realtors® recently reported that 74 percent of homebuyers and sellers use the Internet during in their home search or sale process. Accordingly, ERA The Conderman Group has made a significant investment in online marketing for the benefit of its clients. The company's property listings not only appear on its own Web site, www.eramanhatan.com, but on the national ERA.com and Realtor.com sites as well as other sites including www.zillow.com, www.trulia.com and 7 – 10 more!

"This technology is yet another example of how the resources and tools that we have access to through the ERA® brand continue to enhance the homebuying and selling experience, ensuring that our clients receive the best customer service possible."

Kansas State 41 - Texas 21

Kansas State did it to Texas again, this time with spectacular special teams.
Two kick returns for touchdowns and an interception return for another score propelled the Wildcats to a 41-21 win Saturday over the No. 7 Longhorns, handing Texas its worst home defeat in 10 years under coach Mack Brown.

Go Cats!

Oztoberfest 2007 - Wamego, KS

It's that time of year again! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz consumes the locals of Wamego. Get out your ruby red slippers and join in on the fun. Catch the always wonderful theatre production at the Columbian Theatre, meet original munchkins, enjoy the museum and more! Check out a full list of events: http://www.oztoberfest.com/default2.htm Hope to see you there!

Pumpkin Patch Craft Venue - Manhattan, KS

You know it's really fall when the leaves swirl around your tires as you drive through town, there's mist on your windshield in the morning ... and Pumpkin Patch comes to CiCo Park.

The annual Pumpkin Patch is in town at Manhattan. The arts and crafts extravaganza takes place Friday and Saturday, September 28th and 29th. Hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. There will be handmade items from crafters across Kansas and other states.

Come out and enjoy!

Fort Riley Numbers

Whether any of the 9,300 Fort Riley troops deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan would be affected by Gen. David Petraeus' plan to gradually scale down troop levels in Iraq is not yet known, according to Fort Riley officials.

In congressional testimony Monday in Washington, Petraeus outlined his vision for reducing U.S. troop levels, starting this month. He reported that the recent buildup of U.S. troops has yielded enough good results to foresee a transition to Iraqi security control.

Petraeus said he has recommended that in December an Army brigade — numbering 3,500 to 4,000 soldiers — be withdrawn, and that between December and next July four additional Army brigades plus two Marine battalions leave Iraq without being replaced. That would return U.S. force levels to near the 130,000 that were in Iraq before Bush announced his troop buildup in January.

The 1st Infantry Division's 3,500-soldier 4th Infantry Brigade Combat deployed to Iraq in early February of 2007. With the Army's 15-month deployment policy, the brigade would not be scheduled to return to Fort Riley until May of 2008. The brigade left for Iraq a few days early because of the 30,000 troop surge ordered by President Bush.

"We have not been told anything," Fort Riley spokeswoman Deb Skidmore said about the possibility of the brigade returning early. "It takes a little bit of time to set the wheels in motion."

Today's total of 168,000 U.S. troops in Iraq is the highest of the entire war. For Fort Riley, the 9,300 troops currently deployed is the highest total since the war started in March of 2003. The deployment leaves a total of about 6,200 troops on post.

The 1st Infantry Division's 3,700-soldier Combat Aviation Brigade began deploying last week and will be gone within the next 10 days. The 300-troop sustainment brigade has also deployed this fall.

The Fort Riley-based 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division is transitioning into a heavy infantry unit and will eventually reflag as the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. The brigade has been put on the list for possible deployment in 2009, but has received no orders to date.

Kansas State University Still On Top!

Reviews name K-State 'cutting edge,' one of 'Best 366 Colleges'
By: Monica Castro Kansas State Collegian

Issue date: 8/29/07 K-State has been nationally recognized for being "cutting edge" and one of the best universities in the United States. The university is included in Princeton Review's "Best 366 Colleges" and has been rated one of the "25 Most Cutting-Edge Schools in the Nation" by Kaplan Publishing's 2008 edition of "You Are Here: A Guide to Over 380 Colleges and Unlimited Paths to Your Future."Pat Bosco, dean of student life, said he believes K-State has earned the recognition because of the many majors and programs available for students. K-State offers more than 250 academic majors for students."The many organizations make Kansas State University an opportunistic school," Bosco said.Lisa Freeman, College of Veterinary Medicine associate dean of research and graduate programs, also was interviewed for Kaplan Publishing's 2008 edition of "You Are Here: A Guide to Over 380 Colleges and Unlimited Paths to Your Future." At the time, Freeman was the only female associate dean of research for the College of Veterinary Medicine, and a colleague recommended her to Kaplan Publishing. Freeman said she answered questions concerning the courses she took for her major, how she liked her job and was asked to give advice to students about her career.K-State is "cutting edge" because it is student-centered with accessible faculty members, Freeman said. The university also offers its students hands-on research opportunities and other ways for involvement, she said. "Kansas State has degree programs that are unique such as milling science, food safety and security," Freeman said. "The programs are cool and current."Freeman said she thinks K-State will continue to stay ahead of other colleges and universities because of the faculty and staff's responsiveness to the students.While K-State provides students with the most popular career choices, it also maintains a friendly atmosphere. According to the 2008 edition of Princeton Review's "Best 366 Colleges," one of K-State's biggest assets is "the highly friendly nature of the student body." "The academic programs, location and atmosphere are what attract new freshmen to Kansas State," Bosco said.Ben Woner, freshman in open option, said a good atmosphere and educational opportunities brought him to K-State. Though Woner has not yet declared an academic major, he said he is confident that during his time at K-State he will find his career path."I feel honored to be accepted to K-State," Woner said. "It is so high on the list of good schools."

Wamego, Kansas

The OZ Museum Features one of the largest privately owned collections of Oz memorabilia in the world. From the earliest books of Oz creator, L. Frank Baum to today’s collectibles that can be purchased in Auntie Em’s Gift Shop, visitors both young and “young at heart” will treasure a visit to the Oz Museum.511 Lincoln Ave. - (785) 458-8686Mon–Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun Noon to 5pmhttp://www.ozmuseum.com/Admission: $7 (age 13 and up), $4 (age 4 to 12)

Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center Check out the beautifully restored murals, and other artifacts, from the 1893 Columbian Exposition and World’s Fair, or catch a live theatre performance in the Peddicord Playhouse in this renovated 19th Century opera house. The first floor gallery features special exhibits.521 Lincoln Ave.http://www.columbiantheatre.com/ Tues–Fri 10am to 5pmSat 10am to 3pm

Wamego City Park This 12-acre park, just a block east of the business district, features a stone shelter house, 2-acre pond, Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, playground equipment and horseshoe pits. The park, beautifully maintained and groomed, has long been considered one of the best picnic spots in the state.

Schonhoff Dutch Mill The state’s only working stone windmill, stands sentinel on the east edge of picturesque Wamego City Park. The mill, built in 1879, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is still used to grind wheat to flour.

HIstoric Prairie Town On the eastern edge of the City Park sits the historic Prairie Village and Museum, providing visitors a sense of the history of Wamego and the surrounding areas.East 4th St. - (785) 456-2040Mon–Sat 10am to 4pmSun 1 to 4pm and tours by appointment

Ditto Leach House Home of Dr. Bill and Dr. Rose DittoLouis B. Leach, a prominent Wamego businessman, built the Leach House around 1890. Leach designed the house from memory after visiting villas in the suburbs of Messina, on the island of Sicily. Wamego residents, Dr. Bill and Rose Ditto, began the painstaking restoration of the 22-room home in 1987. The stately home now stands beautifully restored and tours are available by appointment. 910 5th St. -- (785) 456-7688

Birthplace of Walter P. Chrysler Wamego is the birthplace of Walter P. Chrysler, the founder of the Chrysler Corporation. Currently the original structure is being restored and renovated in preparation for its move to the corner of highways 24 & 99. After the relocation, the Chrysler home will become the new Pottawatomie County visitors center.Kansas Territorial PressHistoric Printing museum dedicated to printing equipment from the mid-1800’s – 1900’s. The collection includes table top press to large newspaper presses. The collection also displays a rare unitype simplex type setter.Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 pm810 4th St 785-456-7450

Other attractions in the area:

Beecher Bible and Rifle Church A short drive south of town on highway 99, then a jog west on K-18, leads to the historic church established in late June, 1857, by Free State sympathizers. The great minister from Brooklyn, the Reverend Henry Ward Beecher, supplied money for Sharps rifles and 25 Bibles, thus the name, Beecher Bible and Rifle Church.

The Oregon Trail The historic trail, which was instrumental in the movement west, passed just a few miles north of Wamego. Actual ruts of the thousands of wagons traveling through the area can still be seen. Other remnants of the trail include the Louis Vieux Cemetery, near the banks of the Vermilion River east of Louisville. Further east, along Oregon Trail Road, sits the Oregon Trail Nature Park. This spot offers hiking and picnic areas, as well as a panoramic view of the Kansas River valley and the Jeffrey Energy Center lake, which provides a year-round home for water fowl. Check out the unique mural depicting the history of the area on the silo at the entrance of the park.

Homes: Soon on the level?

An abundance of homes on the market in Riley County could mean prices are starting to level off after years of increases. But a jump in national foreclosure rates could make getting a mortgage more challenging for buyers with less than perfect credit ratings. "We have had double digit home price increases for two or three years," said Tom Giller, president of Commerce Bank in Manhattan. "The general statement is that current prices are flat." Recent reports indicate sales of existing homes are declining throughout the country. Sales of existing homes totaled 5.91 million units nationally in the second quarter of 2007, down 10.8 percent from sales in the second quarter of 2006, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors.
Locally, experts say the supply of houses has finally outpaced the demand. "I think Manhattan is still fairly vibrant, although it's slowed down in growth from the last two or three years," Giller said. "I think everyone is keeping an eye on supply and demand." While a leveling of home prices could mean a possible shift from a sellers to a buyers market locally, the uncertainty of home prices in the future and an overabundance of houses has some people want to purchase a home worried. Although buying a home when prices level or lower could mean a good value now; a drop in prices later could mean that buyer might be paying for a home worth less than the purchase price. "There are a lot of concerns with customers of what is going to happen in the Manhattan market," said Michael Brighton, senior mortgage consultant with Capitol Federal Savings in Manhattan. "Some are afraid there will be a downturn in prices." And it's not only home buyers who are worried that market conditions could lead to losses. Mortgage foreclosure filings are rising on a national level, stirring concerns with mortgage investors about poor returns on loans. Foreclosures associated with sub-prime mortgages, which are those often provided to borrowers with weak credit histories are especially high. Foreclosure filings throughout the country are up more than 30 percent from the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, according to RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties. Foreclosure filings in Kansas rose 38 percent during the same period. The result, Brighton said, is that lenders are starting to be more conservative with lending guidelines. "We've had minor changes to our policies this summer as things nationally started hitting the news. "Nationally, we are going through a crunch where it's hard to borrow money in general," he said. "Lenders are more worried about bad loans and foreclosures and are tightening standards a preventative measure to save trouble down the road." Although area lenders said spikes in foreclosure filings haven't appeared to hit the Manhattan/Riley County area the way they have in some major cities, many lenders are tightening up on formerly loose lending practices. "We don't have the same market as a year ago," said Deb Knudsen at Community First National Bank in Manhattan. "It's a tough year for lenders and realtors... I think with all the changes going on in the current market, you're pretty much going to have to have stellar credit." Knudsen said although numbers have dropped from a year ago, business is not stagnant. Giller said Commerce Bank continues to close on mortgages daily, despite slightly tougher lending requirements. One change that even buyers with good credit will likely see is the difficulty of purchasing a home with no down payment. "One-hundred-percent financing is still available," Knudsen said, "but they are toughening up the guideline." Giller also said 100-percent financing is becoming risky in light of market trends, but home buyers with 10- to 20-percent down payments are "ok." "Normal 80 to 90-percent values with good debt ratios are still ok, banks are continuing those," Giller said. "The risky ones are hard to do right now." Changes in lending practices hit the local market within the last three to six months, Giller said, as national default rates went up and housing prices went down on a whole. Purchasing a home with the standard 20-percent down payment provides a cushion to the loan holders in case the value of the home decreases. "I think housing prices nationwide are starting to drop," he said. "If you lent 100-percent (of the home value) and it goes down 10 to 15-percent, whoever has that loan is under water. That makes the holder of the loan nervous." Randall Anderes, president of Sunflower Bank in Manhattan, said lenders are looking forward to troops to return to Fort Riley. "We've had more homes in the market that are for sale than we have had in several years," he said. "We are really looking forward to the return of the military families. That would be a real good thing for our community. I think everyone expects that to happen." In general, lenders said buyers with solid credit and salary history; coupled with a 10 to 20 percent down payment will be most likely approved for loans, while riskier applicants could could run into stumbling blocks. "Buyers who are financially prepared to buy a house will have no problem finding a loan in this market," Brighton said. "In terms of prices — it's anyone's bet of what will happen with home prices. Some are wondering if they should wait a couple years to see if they come down, but there's hardly a guarantee."

Article by Kevin Elliott, The Manhattan Mercury

Fort Riley Online

The Fort Riley Connection www.fortrileyconnection.com is a site launched to serve as a one-stop information source for military personnel and civilians moving to Fort Riley and surrounding area. The site is intended to ease the relocation process for new and soon-to-be residents of this region.

The official Fort Riley web site for complete post info is: www.riley.army.mil

Your local real estate agent for your move to Fort Riley is ME! www.KatieWolf.com

OZtoberfest in Wamego, Kansas

ORIGINAL MUNCHKINS!!!

The individuals who portrayed the Munchkins in "The Wizard of OZ" in 1939 were youngsters, teenagers and young adults. Today there are only a few of these wonderful people still with us. Several of the original Munchkins will appear at OZtoberFest 2007. Most are in their mid 80s but remain full of energy and enthusiasm for the film that made them familiar around the world. The Munchkins will sign autographs and photos at selected locations and at specific times during OZtoberFest.

A joint project of The OZ Museum, The Columbian Theatre,Kansas Children’s Service League and the Wamego Chamber of Commerce/VisitWamego.comFor more information call 1-866-458-TOTO (8686), or Find us on the web at http://www.oztoberfest.com/default2.htm

Kansas State University

• Kansas State University ranks 7th among ALL univerisites in Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Truman Scholars and Goldwater Scholars.
  1. Harvard 2. Yale 3. Princeton 4. Stanford 5. Duke 6. Brown 7. KSU 8. Cornell


• KSU Ranks FIRST nationally among state universities in its number of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater and Udall scholarship shince 1986.


• "Top 100 Most Wired Universities" (yahoo Magazine, 2002)


• "Top 10 Trendiest Schools" (Kaplan Newsweek College Catalog 2001)


• #5 Best Bargain Public Colleges (The Best 357 Colleges, 2005)

What's So Great About Manhattan, Kansas?

Well, just to name a few reasons...

• "Top 10 Best Place to Retire Young" (CNNMoney.com, 2007)
• One of "The 50 Best Places to Live" (Men's Journal, March 2002)
• #23 Quality of Life ranking out of 577 micropolitan areas (Bizjournals.com 2006)
• Tree City USA for 21 consecutive years (National Arbor Day Foundation)
• 76th U.S. City to receive "Clean Cities" designation (U.S. Department of Energy)
• Kansas State University - Go Wildcats!

Welcome to My Blog

The "buzz" is that I should be blogging. So, here it is...my first attempt.

It is my goal to provide useful information for those of you who are interested in area real estate, events, facts and fun. From Kansas State, to Fort Riley, to the Munchkins in Wamego...visit often and make my blog one of your "favorite" daily stops!

Welcome and Enjoy!