All Forum Posts by: Alex Sloan

@Kelli D., thanks for the reply and glad we can agree on the Bay Area fiasco these days. I would love to learn more about your book and interest in energy efficiency, and really appreciate the offer to help get me in the right direction. Likewise, if you have any questions regarding building efficiency, let me know :)

Hi everyone, what are your thoughts on incorporating comprehensive Energy Efficiency upgrades into residential real estate sales and also investment strategies? For example, upgrading all lightbulbs to LEDs, appliances to Energy Star rated, as well as air sealing & insulation. 

- Have folks out there found that there is increased consumer awareness around efficiency? 

- Are there any members who have adopted a practice of installing (or recommending) high efficiency equipment for their units? 

Here are the barriers I typically hear: 

Home Sale:  Avoiding anything that might slow down a sale without significant return (e.g., add'l construction/rehab time). 

Investors: The landlord-tenant split incentive. Why invest in efficiency if tenants are paying the bills. 

For any local folks - I will be working with some home performance contractors in the Bay Area (Concord, CA Contra Costa County) to put on a networking event next Thursday 11/3 to discuss benefits and barriers.

Hello BP community, I'm finally joining the forums after listening to the BP podcast for a few months and am stoked to get started in real estate. I love that there is a place to receive guidance and feedback in a medium that takes out much of the intimidation. 

I recently moved to Sacramento, CA from the Bay Area and one of the main reasons was to get away from spending a ridiculous % of paychecks on rent. I'm hoping to get my feet wet in real estate through house hacking or live & flip in an effort to stop throwing away money on rent, but am definitely starting from ground zero in terms of locating and financing deals. 

My professional background is in residential Energy Efficiency consulting, so I am familiar with retrofit projects as they relate to occupant comfort, improving energy bills, improving indoor air quality, and health & safety. I also love working with my hands and doing occasional woodworking. My long term goal is to bridge my background in Energy Efficiency with real estate investing to offer clients homes that are efficient, safe, and comfortable. 

Again, I'm thrilled to get started and look forward to establishing my network. I welcome any tips or guidance. Cheers!