Originally posted by Joe Bertolino:
Regarding ACV = it depends on the types of property and area of the country you are in. If you have lower end properties in an area where similar properties are easy to find, then ACV makes sense. Here in CA where prices and inventory swing quickly and cities throw in "green building" requirements regularly... you would be nuts to attempt it.
The only real ugly claim I recall is a investor in Napa with an ACV policy he wouldn't move because my RC quote was $180 high. He had a fire and the new ordinances required interior sprinklers and AFCI electrical. They paid him $160k (the ACV from 12 years before when he bought the policy and never increased coverage) and the quote to rebuilt to current codes was $480k. He took the $160k and sold the lot/burned dwelling for $160k. The new buyer rebuilt for $400k and immediately sold it for $867,000... but hey, he saved $180 on his insurance for a few years.
For the $100 challenge, I am waiting on a quote for solar on two of my four plexes. I was told there is no out of pocket cost and it will save approx $300 per month between the two properties but I am waiting on the dirty details.
Originally posted by Troy Fisher:
Joe Bertolino,
I didn't actually get a quote on solar panels because the research I did said it was gonna cost my 3-5k per roof to install panels on my plexes. Of course the best thing would be to be in an area where you can also install a battery so that you can charge the tenants for power, and then sell the rest back to the power company. The upfront cost is beyond my budget but it could add another revenue stream or two to the property. Plus the tax benefits. I'd be interested in hearing about how the process actually plays out for you.
Here are two articles discussing a new initiative from Honda where they are offering a really great deal to customers of new solar installations:
http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/environment-energy/honda-rolls-out-home-solar-installation-initiative/nWsjD/
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/business/honda-to-offer-customers-a-home-solar-system-option.html?_r=0
Honda makes very favorable financing available to new installation customers thus making your upfront cost zero or near zero.
They're offering it to current or previous owners of a Honda or Acura vehicle as well as those who have simply registered on either of their websites: honda.com or acura.com.
For now, this offer from Honda is only available in 14 states and those states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
