All Forum Posts by: Shavon Prophet

@Anna Stephens any updates on your progress? My partner and I are newbies, have recruited some cash investors and are looking for homes to flip. We have some of the same questions you asked about foreclosures, would be interested to know what happened!

@Martin Scherer

I completely understand that point of view, and it's entirely possible to green your way out of making an ROI or making a home so expensive it wouldn't sell. However, every home doesn't have to be Net Zero Energy, and efficient doesn't have to mean a 500K home.

 I would emphasize that making targeted improvements with the help of state incentive programs (like Mass Save here in MA) can cut efficiency improvement costs by thousands of dollars. MA is unique however, and currently has the best energy conservation program in the country. Green-minded investors in other states don't get that extra boost to the bottom line. It also helps to have an unbiased building/energy consultant (ahem, like me) rather than individual HVAC installers or contractors (who are trying to milk as much $ from you as possible) to help prioritize energy renovations.

Here's where  energy modeling and rating systems like the Dept of Energy Home Score helps with marketing and can lessen sticker shock in any state: Imagine there are two homes for sale that are pretty identical in size, location, year built etc. Let's say they were built in the mid 1990's. One home has all original insulation and HVAC equipment, and is $15-20K less than a home with upgraded high R-value insulation, and maybe a nifty mini split heat pump that does heating and cooling. With these tools, I'd be able to project how much money a homeowner would save over decades versus that lower priced home, which would likely need a full replacement of HVAC systems within ten years, and have much higher energy costs. When factoring this in, the higher initial home price is an easy sell when it translates in to tens of thousands of dollars of energy savings. The lower priced home is actually much more expensive in the long run.

Hi All,

I'm Shavon Prophet, I live in the Five College Area of the Pioneer Valley, Western Mass and am an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Systems Consultant. I specialize in green building and high performance homes, as well as utilizing the best state incentives and tax credit programs in the country to make these kinds of improvements cost-effective. Every day, I disprove conceptions that aesthetic improvements are the most important to increase home values, and that efficiency improvements are too expensive to make. What's the use of a pretty kitchen if the heating bills are outrageous? If there's mold hidden in the walls? Did you know a home with a "green" certification sells for about 10% more than other comparable homes? Green isn't just a buzzword, it will become the new standard for construction and renovation. (Don't play catchup, get on the early train!)

So, the facts/market analysis is out there, but not many people are doing this yet. My question to those experienced investors and flippers is- is this a factor for you? If so, what kinds of improvements do you make. If not, why not?There's loads of money to be made and saved in building green, the extra value-added proposition here is that it's good for our planet and our communities. 

 Together with my husband, a general contractor, and another partner, a data and numbers whiz, we have formed Valley Property Partners. Our goal is to flip and rent homes that are beautiful, comfortable, and certified energy efficient. To build up necessary capital, we'll be wholesaling to start with. We are actively seeking cash buyers and private lenders, so reach out! I'd love to know what you're looking for in an investment property. I can also help you add value to your flips by making improvements in energy efficiency and comfort.

Hi All,

I'm Shavon Prophet, I live in the Five College Area of the Pioneer Valley, Western Mass and am originally from the Bay Area, CA. I am an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Systems Consultant. I specialize in green building and high performance homes, as well as utilizing the best state incentives and tax credit programs in the country to make these kinds of improvements cost-effective. Every day, I disprove conceptions that aesthetic improvements are the most important to increase home values, and that efficiency improvements are too expensive to make. What's the use of a pretty kitchen if the heating bills are outrageous? If there's mold hidden in the walls? Did you know a home with a "green" certification sells for about 10% more than other comparable homes? Green isn't just a buzzword, it will become the new standard for construction. Don't play catchup, get on the early train!

  After working so long and hard to get to this point in my career, I steadily realized that I'll never make the kind of living that I want by working for other people. Also, that I already have most of the puzzle pieces needed to be successful in real estate investing. Together with my husband, a general contractor, and another partner, a data and numbers whiz, we have formed Valley Property Partners. Our goal is to flip and rent homes that are beautiful, comfortable, and certified energy efficient. To build up necessary capital, we'll be wholesaling to start with. We are actively seeking cash buyers and private lenders, so reach out! I'd love to know what you're looking for in an investment property. I can also help you add value to your flips by making improvements in energy efficiency and comfort.

Lastly, I'd just like to add that though there's loads of money to be made and saved in building green, the value-added proposition here is that it's good for our planet and our communities.