Really?  Not a short sale?  Not a foreclosure?  It’s called a ” Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure” which actually lets a homeowner voluntarily turn over the deed to their house to the lender!    This is not a new concept, however, neither is foreclosure, but this crazy real estate market we are living in now requires that you cover all you bases before making a final decision on how to get out from under your mortgage.  Even thought the federal government launched some new rules earlier this month concerning short sales, some homeowners might not quality for a short sale because they have no hardship. Could this be you?  Read on please….

A Deed in Lieu options sometimes allows the homeowner to negotiate more favorable exit terms than a foreclosure allows.  It is a signed written legal instrument that is used to grant a right that will convey all interest in your property to the mortgagor to satisfy a loan that is in default, ultimately avoiding foreclosure.  If you have already declared bankruptcy, however, and your home is part of the bankruptcy, a Deed in Lieu will not apply. After talking to a short sale facilitator recently, I found out that If you are contemplating bankruptcy sometimes it’s best to settle your real estate affairs, either with a short sale or deed in lieu prior to filing for bankruptcy.  You should always professional legal and accounting advice before making your final decision.  

Here are few of the advantages that I found for both the borrower and the lender:

Advantages for the homeowner:

• The borrower is immediately released from “most” or all of the personal indebtedness
• The borrower avoids the public notoriety of a foreclosure proceeding
• The borrower may receive more generous terms from the lender than if they went into formal foreclosure
• The borrower’s credit might be hurt less than with a foreclosure, however, if you are concerned about your credit, a short sale is the best alternative.  The bank still has to re-sell your house with a Deed in Lieu to recoup their costs, it’s a close cousin of foreclosure.
• The borrower might be able to stay in the house a few months longer

Advantages for the lender:

• Lender has a reduction in the time and costs of a repossession
• Lender has a lower risk of owner revenge (vandalism before sheriff eviction), although lenders have the option of coming after the homeowner if there has been vandalism). Remember in your mortgage contract….there’s this clause that says..you will maintain the property and not damage it.
• Lender can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and other costs associated with foreclosure

Contact your lender and discuss your options before it gets too far down the road.  As always, communication is “crucial” with your lender to get maximum outcome.  Here are some things you should also know in order to be considered for a Deed in Leiu of foreclosure:

• Both lender and borrower must enter into this agreement voluntarily and in good faith – which means with honest intentions
• The value of the agreement between you and your lender must be at least “fair market value of the home”, which is the estimated value that a knowledgeable, unpressed buyer would pay a seller in the current real estate market.
• Sometimes the lender will agree to a Deed in Lieu even if the amount owed on the mortgage is more than the current fair value, because they will end up with the property anyway
• Lender will want the borrower to sign a written offer of conveyance stating that the offer and negotiation is being done voluntarily.  The will prevent either party from presenting evidence that contradicts or adds to the written contract and will protect the lender from a  possible claim that the lender acted in bad faith or pressured the borrower into the settlement.
• Get in writing from the lender “debt forgiveness”  otherwise they may come back and ask the for difference.

One more important thing to note is  “document everything”, from phone calls to certified letters and please don’t forget to have an attorney help you with the negotiations. I wouldn’t suggest negotiating this alone.

As a Realtor on the Troia Team in Boulder Colorado, we are doing our due diligence to educate ourselves and our clients as to what the options are for them.  We know how hard it can be, we’ve worked with many home owners and understand the complexity, complications and the anxiety that are a part of our real estate world today.  How may we help you?

The Coldwell Banker Story.  I’ve been on a lot of listing appointments lately with spring arriving here in Boulder Colorado and included in the listing presentation are reasons why to choose Coldwell Banker.  I, myself even had to ponder the reasons why to choose one brokerage company over another when becoming a real estate agent.   Upon intensive research and endless appointments with recruiting office managers, I went with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and The Troia Team.  Here’s why I did and why you should as well.

The history of our residential brokerage is fascinating and proves this company comes with experience – over 104 years old in fact!  Yes, legacy has it that the origination of Coldwell Banker began to evolve in 1906 after the devestating earth quake and fire.  Saddened economic times resulted and contemptuous business practices emerged.  Two men sought to change the way companies were operating by creating a real estate firm that was based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.  Our accomplishments to this day are proof that we are the most successful and influential brokerage.  Check out the video.

QUESTION: How did we get our name?

ANSWER: The two men who founded our company were Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Banker.

Why should you list with us?  What sets us apart?

The tangibles: 1) Reality Check from ColdwellBanker.com, Previews (homes over $700,000), Colorado Homes On Demand, and CBAgentInfo (agent’s source for all needed links and resources).

We are ahead of the times and always updating our marketing strategies.  See us on YouTube, social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

Our direct marketing campaign includes CB direct connect which is a monthly promotional email.  Your new listing or open house can also be distributed.

The Troia Team utilizes Proquest which is the 1-800 number on the top of your yard sign.  It allows potential buyers to call on the sign and gather more information regarding the home.  They are immediately contacted by a Troia Team Realtor, making for the quick sale of your home.

Let’s not forget about Leadrouter.  When I put your home in the multiple listing service, it also goes to websites such as coloproperty.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.  Buyers are able to inquire about a listing through the website and again, they are promptly contacted by an agent.

….300 Websites and COUNTING!!!!

Most importantly and as our history demonstrates, our company follows the values you must have in a Realtor: Integrity, Honesty, and Professionalism.  Contact me today for a free market analysis and subscribe to our website for up to date news.

The following is a true story.

  I have a family member who bought her home in 2005.  The economy was better then and real estate was hot in Boulder Colorado.  Prices were high, inventory was low, and banks were more lenient with loan qualifications.  She makes over $50,000 and has a steady job.  However, she just had a baby and would like to buy a bigger home.  As expected, she got her home ready to list and had the home appraised first in order to determine a price. 

What do you guess happened?  Click here to find out.

The home under appraised for the amount she owed.  This means that unless she absolutely has to sell (short sale), then she’s stuck.  It doesn’t matter that her job is secured or that she makes enough money from a stable company or that her credit is unscathed.  Home values went down in her area for whatever reason and she was struggling with what to do.  Renting her home out was one option but in order to loan on a second house, she would need 25% down.  Not impossible, but a stretch.  She thought about short selling then renting a larger home for a couple of years, but why damage her credit? It’s tough out there people, but new hope is imminent as the government plans to “shrink” home loans.  The plan will allow mortgagors who owe more on their mortgages than their properties are worth, get new loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.  Participating mortgage companies such as Bank of America will slash the amount owed and the homeowner will receive an incentive.  Also, the plan includes help to families who have suffered a job loss with temporary assistance.

STATISTIC: Nearly one in three homeowners are under on their loans!

Possible plans: monthly payments would be reduced by lowering mortgage rates to as low as 2 percent for five years and extending loan terms up to 40 years. To complete the program, homeowners need to go through a three month trial period and provide proof of their income, plus a letter documenting their financial hardship.

Though $75 billion in funding is available to the more than 100 lenders who have signed up, only a tiny fraction has been spent. Lenders had received $58 million in incentive payments as of last month, according to the Government Accountability Office.

So, do you suffer from the economic crisis through no fault of your own?  Join the club, but take advantage of this plan!  Subscribe to our site for up to date mortgage and real estate information.  Do you want to know if you qualify?  Let us know and we will help.

Yes, we can help! Short sales are increasingly common as new government acts have passed to find alternatives to foreclosures.  You are not alone.  The economy is tough in Boulder Colorado and elsewhere;  people are losing jobs and it’s been a difficult time in real estate as property values have dropped below mortgages owed on homes.  This makes it difficult to refinance and when it’s hard to pay on that mortgage, you find yourself in a dire situation.  Often times if you qualify, a short sale is a better solution that foreclosing.  It’s not as hurtful to your credit and the bank is willing to accept a payment lower that the borrowed amount in order to avoid foreclosure costs.  The Troia Team has written many blogs on the topic so if you feel you are a candidate for a short sale, let us know.  We can help.   Because we have covered the positives to a short sale and explained the process in detail, I wanted to use this blog to provide examples of short sale hardship letters.  These are necessary to submit to a lender when simultaneously submitting the other necessary documents that go along with a short sale request to the bank.  Click here for hardship letter examples.

EXAMPLE ONE:

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is a explanation of our financial hardship for short sale documentation.

At the time I bought a home, my wife and I were full time employees of long standing companies.  Upon the harsh economic times, lay offs were inevitable and my wife and I both found ourselves laid off.  Not to mention, a baby on the way.  We were unprepared for this unknown fate and as a result, have not been able to make our mortgage payments.

The current market conditions resulted in an under appraised home.  We have both been laid off for almost a year, thus depleting our savings.  Although our efforts to find new jobs has been a full time job in itself, no jobs have become available in this area.  I finally received a  job offer in another state, but the pay is much less and my wife is staying home with our new baby.

I feel certain that a short sale is the best option for us to get out of this situation and hopefully move forward with our lives.

Thank you in advance for allowing us this opportunity to short sale on our home.

Please do not hesitate to contact me and our Realtor who is assisting us in this entire transaction.

Sincerely,

EXAMPLE TWO:

We are writing this letter regarding our property at 123 Martin Road.  Even with the willingness from Bank of America to work with us, we have found ourselves unable to make any more mortgage payments and are behind two months already.  We were a two income family until my husband suffered many medical conditions due to the laborous conditions of his job.  His back ailments have left him unable to work and I can not make enough to support the monthly mortgage payments along with the new medical bills we’ve encountered.  Not to mention our other bills are behind and our bank accounts depleted.

Please accept this short sale offer on account that we are experiencing financial hardship and medical issues.  We would like to downsize to a smaller home near family and rent until our conditions approve.

We have tried every possible avenue to cure our struggles and afford our home, but we are not able to maintain payments at this time.  Please help us avoid foreclosure and accept the attached offer presented by our Realtor.

Regards,

…..Yes, this is a hard action to take and often a short sale is a last resort before foreclosure. The Troia Team of Boulder Colorado is an experienced real estate team and we care about your outcome.  Let us assist you with what we do best.  Contact me for further information.

But worth your while, I guarantee you.  The Troia Team from Boulder Colorado is writing so much on the subject lately because IT IS the subject lately.  Real estate short sales are everywhere and the numerous listings are partially due to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program; go ahead, call it HAFA. 

The information is non-ending.  You can’t write enough about short sales.  As we discussed before, having a knowledgeable Realtor is most important.  One who can walk you through the process.  If I were going through a short sale, here’s what I would want to know from my real estate agent.

What’s first? As a seller, you need to thumb through all those mortgage papers and give your agent the most information possible.  Lender’s name, number, address and your account number.  Social security card number, payment history, and recent balance statement/bill are also helpful.  It’s not always easy to contact the appropriate person at the bank but it’s not impossible.  One of the other pertinent pieces of information I learned at a short sale class is BE NICE.  Courtesy will get you a long way.  Many of the employees working on short sales at the bank are overworked and underpaid.  Ticking them off will get you nowhere fast.

A letter of authorization is necessary so create it before the lender asks.  Your real estate agent will help you write a letter giving the lender permission to talk with those specific interested parties about your loan.  Include your property address, loan reference number, your name, the date, and your agent’s name and contact information.

Conduct a preliminary net sheet or estimated closing statement.  Again, your agent can help and so can the lawyer (which I always advise one).  This will include: 1) sale price approximation, 2) unpaid loan balances, 3) title costs, lawyer fees, lender fees, 4) late fees, and 5) real estate commissions.

The hardship letter.  Be expecting a blog with sample letters.  It’s exactly how it sounds.  Explain why you need a short sale.  What is happening to create financial distress in your life.  Divorce?  Job loss?  BE HONEST!  Dishonesty may get you rejected by the lender and besides, it’s bad karma.

Proof of income and assets.  Again, BE HONEST.  Name all your assets, saving accounts, money market accounts, 401k, any other stocks/bonds, other real estate, income and copies of bank statements.  It’s possible you may not qualify for a short sale if you have enough assets to cover unpaid debt.

Next, your comparative market analysis prepared by your real estate agent which includes active listings on the market, pending sales and solds from the last six months.

Lastly, the lender loves to see the purchase agreement (offer) and listing contract.  You’ll have a listing contract with your real estate agent when you begin and after your home has been on the market, a buyer (or several) will come along and make offers.  Accept one and have it ready to submit with the above information.  Lenders usually try to renegotiate offers and commissions and refuse to pay for inspection items.

It may seem like a lot of documentation but that is why expertise representation is so essential.  The Troia Team can help with these forms and the entire short sale process.  Register with our site and receive updated real estate news and let me know if you have any questions regarding short sales!

What is it when a seller’s lender agrees to accept a lower amount for a property than is owed? 

Yes…a short sale. 

This is big real estate news in Boulder Colorado and throughout the country.  If the owner of a home has an outstanding loan/lien that is greater than the value of the home and they are in financial distress (late on mortgage payments), then a short sale is an option other than foreclosure.  Click here to read all about  it.

What you should know…

Finding a Realtor, like the Troia Team, who specializes in the short sale process is crucial.    A short sale is not the best option for everyone.  Also, there is a stack of required documentation and forms, such as the financial hardship letter and financial statement, from the lender.  Realtors should be certified in listing short sales (as we are) because it can be complex as well as emotional.

Getting an answer from the bank can take awhile depending on who the lender is and how far along they are in the process.  Sometimes they will hold several offers for months, then say no (this would be a worse case scenario).  Usually, you’ll get an answer between 2 weeks to 3 months.  The bailout may help this as the government tries to help homes from going to foreclosure.  It will help accommodate the short sale process and time-lines will be faster.

Short sale homes are usually sold as is.  The home may be partially remodelled, then left incomplete due to the financial nature of the situation.  Inspection items are usually not addressed by the bank and many fees like title insurance are paid by the buyer.

Do you meet any qualifications for a short sale?  These include:

1.  Can’t get your home sold in the current market because the mortgage balance is greater than the market value of your home.

2. You are behind on your mortgage payment and facing default or foreclosure.  You know that you can’t afford your mortgage any longer.

3. Facing financial hardship such as job loss, death or illness in the family, need to relocate, divorce, and/or inquiring more bills.

4. Are you depleting your savings to pay your mortgage?

5. Is selling your home an absolute necessity?!?!

Most of the time, a lender would rather short sale than go to foreclosure and the government is now on board.  Call us today to get the support you need and the expertise of short sale listing agents.  We can help.

A short sale is when the real estate sale proceeds fall short of the balanced owed on the property’s loan.  This happens when the borrower is unable to pay their  property’s mortgage.  Instead of penalizing the mortgagor, the lender agrees to sell the property at a moderate loss.   This is an advantage to both parties as  it allows them to avoid foreclosure, which involves hefty fees for the bank and poorer credit report outcomes for the borrowers. Clients in Boulder ask this all the time and no,  this may not release the mortgagor from their deficiency. Neither foreclosure nor a short sale leaves you free and clear.

Definition made simple of foreclosure: when the borrower is legally removed as owner to their home.  Ownership is terminated due to late payments (default).  The property is sold at a public auction.  Proceeds go to payment of the balance.  When the bank buys the property at the auction, it is then put on the market.

If it’s right for your situation, a short sale would occur before the home goes to auction.  A Realtor lists the home in hopes of selling and presenting an offer to the bank before the sale date.  This date can be extended while the home is listed.  Two basic scenarios: 1) Home receives an offer and the bank accepts = no foreclosure. 2) Property receives no offers or the bank rejects offers = home goes to auction & foreclosure.

CREDIT SCORE

Foreclosure: Can stay on your record for up to 10 years and drastically reduces your credit score 300 points!  vs. Short Sale:  Don’t plan on buying another home in Boulder County (without cash) for two years and the score is lowered about 50 points.

CREDIT HISTORY

Foreclosure: Recorded on public records.  vs. Short Sale: Recorded by mortgage company as “paid”, “paid as negotiated”, “settled in full”.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT

Foreclosure: Because it is on your credit report, it’s possible for employers to check the information and terminate employment as well.  vs. Short Sale: Not on your report – no indication of loss – no employment termination.

FUTURE EMPLOYMENT

Same as above.  Forclosures on your record are public information to future employers; like a DUI.  They may use their discretion. vs. Short Sale: no record = employers can’t know.

DEFICIENCY JUDGEMENT

Foreclosure: the bank has the right to pursue the deficiency of the loan.  vs. Short Sale: It is possible to negotiate with the lender to give up the right to pursue the deficiency.

DEFICIENCY AMOUNT

Foreclosure: If the home does not sale at auction, it will go through the REO bank system.  This results in a prolonged sale process, resulting in possible larger deficiencies. vs. Short Sale: Because they can be sold at near market value, the deficiency could be forgiven.

Why is this information important? 

For several reasons: Being more conscientious is the way to be.  It’s the right choice.  The eco evolution is not only taking over Boulder but it’s blossoming throughout the world.  We drive Priuses, shop locally, and remodel with the consideration of the environment. 

You’re not only saving mother earth but yourself as well; indoor contamination causes health problems and the community is becoming more aware of its harmful risks. 

 It’s really not that more expensive to do a earth loving remodel and it will positively increase the value of your real estate.  Buyers are looking for those green qualities in a home so here are the basics. 

Part One of “What is an eco friendly renovation?” covered flooring because it’s one of the most important investments in a remodel which can tie the whole look together.  There are so many options, I think you’d be surprised.  Part Two is going to cover everything else -from insultation to paint.

Water efficiency

Why Build An Eco House?states that one of the most popular eco friendly building trends is water efficiency. Techniques used to conserve water are dual plumbing, low flush toilets, low flow shower heads, grey water systems that use rain water, and other eco friendly kitchen trends. 

Don’t forget about the Water Heater Timer, digital programmable thermostat, and Tankless Water Heaters.  These not only save on energy, they SAVE you MONEY!!!!   Also, pertinant to this catergory…… Xeriscaping: xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift.

Insulation

Very important and a great way to begin after demolition because when it comes to keeping heating and cooling costs in check, insulation is the first line of defense. Sierra Club agrees and adds: in the winter, heated air moves from living spaces to attics, garages, and the great outdoors making heating systems fire up to replace all that lost heat. In the summer, air conditioners kick on as heat moves from the outside in. Insulation in the attic, exterior walls, and floors can help resist this heat flow, making homes more comfortable and slashing energy bills and pollution. HA! Environmentally friendly!   Homes built today are usually well insulated, but many older homes–even those built as little as ten years ago–can benefit from added insulation.  Types include cotton, recycled, and non-toxic duct work.

Painting

According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors.  Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies.  Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution.  Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home. 

The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution.  Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals.  They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations.  However, VOCscontribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well.  VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.

You’ve got to be convinced by now.  Remodelling with the earth in mind will also increase the value of your real estate.  It’s healthy and trendy.  To learn even more about buying and selling green property, let us know.

  So you are in the market for a HUD home.  What is HUD, where do I find the, how do I get one??????  This can overwhelm you and may seem confusing but trust me it’s not. 

Confused? Don't Be

If a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration or FHA goes in default, the FHA takes certain steps to collect on their loan.  This may result in the lender taking possession of collateral real estate. If this happens the lender may submit a claim against the FHA insurance fund and convey ownership to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.  HUD then in turn lists the property at market value and sells it as fast as possible.  Click this link for more info.  This is the exciting part.

Anyone can buy a HUD home, as long as they have an insured loan or are paying with cash.  To go and look at these homes call a local realtor who has NAID membership and a HUD key to get you into the home.  COLORADO REALTORS WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR A HUD KEY CLICK HERE. Just ask your realtor for details.  After seeing the home and deciding you want to make an offer on it consider yourself “in auction”, only electronically.  Your realtor will make an electronic bid for you within the bidding time frame.  Have your HUD contract 9548 (1/99) in front of you and get on the Internet.  Along with some basic buyer and broker information, this is all you will need to make your electronic bid.

If your bid is accepted you will know the day after the bidding stops by 4 p.m. eastern standard time.  It is now time to get your signed sales contract, lender’s qualification letter, and any addendas signed and delivered to the MCB headquarters in California.  www.mcbreo.com for details.  Get all these signed and taken care of before your submit a bid so you will be ready to send them in when your bid is accepted.  An escrow will be set up to take care of any issues the HUD home may have.  Such as: plumbing, heating, electrical, foundation……..Bad news these need to be fixed out of your pocket, good news you can use your FHA loan to help pay for them. 

Wheather you are first time home buyer or investor, get out there and find your HUD home today.  Call someone at the Troia Team for more details on this process.  You and your fam could be in a HUD home very soon.

Just what defines a home remodel going eco friendly?  It’s important to know if you are a home buyer and a home seller.

If you are a home buyer then this will help you know what to look for when house shopping.  Sellers wanting to increase the value of their home and attract more buyers, need to be aware of what the new earth loving trends are.

Being a real estate expert in Boulder Colorado and Boulder County, we are witnessing a revolution in green building.  This is not a passing trend, but in my opinion, a change in how we build and remodel.

This blog is dedicated entirely to flooring! Yes, aren’t you lucky?  Eco flooring options are numerous and fun to talk about so let’s get started!

From my experience, an eco friendly renovation would be defined as any home improvement that uses sustainable and natural materials.  Supplies were bought locally and independently owned contractors were hired.  Recycled items are used as much as possible . Disposal of items should also be earth friendly; recycling old materials and reselling them as well.  For starters, choosing to remodel instead of building a bigger home somewhere else, is a great start.  That in itself is environmentally friendly.  I see more and more people every day and all around the world becoming more conscientious about the safety of their home and how the earth was considered in its reconstruction.

Floors - a huge selling point in a home.  Do you prefer carpet, tile, or hardwood?  Let’s start with carpets. One brand of green carpeting is called Smartstrand and its made from corn sugar!  Can you believe it?  And it takes 30% less energy to produce than the old nylon carpeting.

Other carpets to consider are made from recycled bottles.  I love it!  Listen to this, according to Mohawk Flooring, they developed a manufacturing process to turn PET containers into carpet. The making of everSTRAND™ starts out by sorting PET bottles and then grinding them into small chips. The cleaned chips are then melted down and extruded into fiber before being spun into carpet yarn. Mohawk also uses the labels and caps from the PET containers to make the carpet core, the roll that carpet is wrapped around on showroom floors. According to their website, since 1999 they have recycled over 17 billion plastic bottles and that’s saved landfills 1 billion pounds of waste.

And what about that cork?  It’s one of my favorite choices.  Surely everyone knows about this ecofriendly flooring by now.  But in case you didn’t know, it’s harvested from a cork tree grown along the Mediterranean.  It’s harvested on a living tree, which is not harmed.  It’s not only a conscientious choice but it’s texture is unique and trendy looking.  Don’t worry….cork comes in over 50 colors and over 5 textures, you won’t compromise style.  Because cork is considered a renewable and sustainable natural resource, they can run a little pricey and their installed cost per square foot can be close to a good quality ceramic tile floor.  To me, the cost is worth it.  You’ll maximize the value of your home with these floors, be the envy of the neighbors, and mother earth will love you.

Next is bamboo.  Yes, the grass that pandas love.  There is enough for everybody because it grows so darn fast.  And, like cork, it can be harvested without harming the roots.  I think bamboo is beautiful and I love when people use it for cabinets as well.  Let the picture speak for itself.

Not so commonly heard of and the latest trend in flooring is eucalyptus.  According to durodesign, plantation-grown eucalyptus comes from sustainable, managed and PEFC-certified European forests. Eucalyptus has a smooth and refined grain with the depth and shimmer of an exotic wood and eucalyptus is 65% harder than white oak.  Sounds fascinating.  HGTV continues to explain that eucalyptus has the appearance of a fine tropical mahogany, yet it has all the “green” benefits of rapidly renewable hardwood. The eucalyptus tree is amazingly renewable and fast growing. Ready to harvest in as little as 14 to 16 years, the eucalyptus tree can grow to 14 inches in diameter and 120 feet tall in that short period of time.

Here are some excellent ideas to get you started.  And if you’re buying or selling a home and would like to know more.