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An architect has designed an 80 story building that continually changes its shape by using the wind.   The “first if its type” building is under construction in Dubai, with a grand opening scheduled in 2010.  There are also plans to construct two more moving buildings, with one located in Moscow and another in  New York City.   

The building design is like nothing we’ve ever seen before.  It offers sweeping and constantly changing views, as the building exterior shape actually moves. 

The downside… being fabulous and cutting edge will not come cheap.   Rumors are circulating that residences will be priced around $3000 per foot.  

Another unforeseen problem buzzing around foreclosures and the bad economy is the dramatic increase in the mosquito and garden pest population. 

Many entire neighborhoods now feel the sting, as millions of vacant properties, along with those owned by cash strapped homeowners, have turned overgrown lawns, swimming pools, hot tubs, water gardens and koi ponds into insect breeding grounds.   

Before you light the citronella candles or coat yourself in insect repellent, consider heading to your local garden center for relief.   Some plants are natural insect repellents and keep summer bugs away, while improving the curb appeal of your home.

NATURAL “BUG OFF” PLANTS

Marigolds–Marigolds don’t have the greatest smell, but mosquito’s and other pests literally hate it.  The bright, inexpensive and easy to grow annual is a proven workhorse in deterring pests around patio’s porches and vegetable gardens.

Catnip– In addition to being a favorite of your beloved feline, catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET when it comes to repelling the universally hated and dangerous mosquito.   The annual plant grows easily in a sunny, dry location like the one found around most patio area’s.

Lemon Thyme–  Smells and Tastes Great to Humans.  Its lemon scent is a wonderful to smell as you walk or brush by and its lemon flavored leaves can be used in salads or recipes calling for lemon or lemon zest.  This perennial grows great in most climate zones, requires little to no watering and thrives with a little sunshine.

Lemon Basil–  Is another plant that smells great to people and is delicious to eat with summer tomato’s.  Lemon Basil is a tender annual that needs watering.  It is does self sow, but buy starter plants versus sowing seed packets for the best results with this yummy option to a pest problem.

To learn more about natural insect deterrents and repellents click here.

One of the unintended consequences of high fuel prices is the apparent effect upon home sales, urban planning and a shift to inner city living, as people flee the suburbs to cut their commute time and expense.

A new report, Driven to the Brink, issued by CEO’s for Cities, a non-profit group, points out the fact that high gas prices have been an overlooked factor when evaluating the reasons behind the housing crisis.   The report finds that the decline in home prices has been more severe in metropolitan areas and suburbs that require lengthy commutes, and where there is a lack of public transportation.

That sentiment was also reflected in a poll of 900 Coldwell Banker agents.  96% of the agents surveyed reported that rising gas prices were a major concern for buyers and 78% said high fuel prices were driving demand for city living.

As real estate prices and sales volumes are studied, it certainly seems that the price of driving a car is changing the definition of location, location, location.   Homes that are close to public transportation, jobs, schools and shopping are selling, even in today’s “buyers market”, as home buyers place greater importance on cutting gas bills and commute times.

What this means to sellers, buyers and investors is that people are looking at where the home is located in a new way.  They are considering the price of gas and driving time before purchasing.   Drivers paying $4.00+ per gallon for gas, do not take commutes for granted, nor will the allure of new construction, granite counters and stainless appliances pull them out to the suburbs, away from their jobs and schools.

In conclusion, gas prices are changing real estate values and the shift appears to be permanent.  Vibrant cities with good public transportation have become a lot more valuable, while rural area’s and suburbs, built on $2.00/gallon gas, have lost their appeal.    This shift is a tremendous opportunity for cities and developers who remix land uses, add higher density housing and better transporataion.

If you are selling or buying a home, you must understand the impact that gas prices have on the definition of location.  You may quickly discover that the rising price of gas means living near the train station is the best thing for your bank account and your home appreciation.

  I have recently addressed the benefits of landscaping and a fresh coat of mulch as it applies to curb appeal and home sales.   In doing my research for the blog, I received a warning about the potential danger of a mulch, made from shredded cocoa shells, that poses a lethal threat to our four-legged friends and I felt compeled to pass the info along to all well meaning homeowners.

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot and other garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called “Theobromine”.   Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate, especially dark or bakers chocolate, all of which are highly toxic to dogs.

Cocoa Mulch is known for its fine texture and sweet smell, which makes it an attractive choice for landscape.    Sadly, the ingredient that provides the nice chocolate smell also attracts pets.

Cocoa beans contain stimulants that may cause gastrointestinal upset, increased heart rate, restlessness, seizures and DEATH.   Puppies are curious by nature and are especially at risk.

Word of Caution:   Check what you are using in your gardens and be aware what your gardener is using around your pets.    If you smell Chocolate Pop Tarts, remove the mulch and reapply with a safe, bark or synthetic mulch.

Learn about rebates, loans and subsidies for energy saving upgrades to your home at the non-profit website http://www.dsireusa.org/ .    

The Database of State and Federal Incentives for energy efficiency is comprehensive, well organized and a great resource for the “ever changing” programs available to taxpayers.   It features easy links for federal, state, local rebates and loan programs for a variety of home improvements from adding insulation to replacing an old water heater.

Readers would be wise to check with the DSIREUSA website before making decisions about home improvements or home building.    Also, if you have made home improvements during 2007, verify with your accountant that all deductions and credits for qualified improvements have been included on your tax return before April 15th.

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