Barbara Ann's Blog

Many investment experts advise it's time to buy. With prices falling, it is a once-in-a-generation chance to load up on property, they say.How much of an investment portfolio should be devoted to real estate? David Swensen, who manages Yale University's endowment, says 20 percent is a smart numb...

Green Tip of the Week: What’s your water footprint?To learn how water-intensive your lifestyle is and how to lessen your“water footprint,” visit Waterfootprint.org "Making Real Estate Simple!"Barbara Ann Paul Wibe, e-PRO, REALTORCell: 619.850.4174 e-Fax: 619.512.5156www.MyRealtorBarbie.comBarbar...

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: TELECONFERENCE ONLINE AND SAVELog in and save money, drive time, and gasoline when a face-to-face meeting is not necessary. There are many ways to conference online, including using Skype, which offers free calls and free conferencing. If visuals are required, try GoToMeeti...

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: CONFUSED ABOUT PLASTICS?You're not alone. Experts have reached a consensus and recommend that you avoid these varieties -- identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers -- for the following reasons:#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-eh...

If water-saving or dual-flush toilets are not in your office or home improvement budget, then place one or two plastic containers filled with stones in your toilet's tank. This intermediary step will displace a significant amount of water use over the course of a year. Barbara Wibe, e-PRO, REALTO...

After years of public protest and mounting scientific evidence, the government of Canada made a precedent-setting announcement by banning a known toxic chemical from baby bottles. The chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), is commonly found in plastic baby bottles, hard plastic sippy cups, reusable water b...

It's a fact: Christmas decorations will cause a spike in your electricity bill. This year, consider purchasing strings and strands that contain light-emitting diodes, which use 99 percent less electricity than traditional bulbs.     "​Makin​g Real Estat​e Simpl​e"​ MyRea​ltorB​arbie​.​ comBarba​r...

GREEN TIP: CLEAN YOUR FRIDGE'S COILSCleaning the back of your office fridge--the coils and electric circuitry--increases energy efficiency. A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and that means an extra 25 percent more energy use and CO2 emissions as compared with a fridge with clean coils.

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK: RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES PLUG INTO USB PORTS Want an alternative to using disposable batteries, which leak toxic wastes into landfills and ground water? USB Cell produces rechargeable AA batteries that do not require adapters or cables, but instead can be inserted into your ...

Central Banks Coordinate Global Cut in Interest RatesHoping to thaw the current credit freeze, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the central banks of Canada and Sweden reduced their primary lending rates by a half percentage point Wednesday. The Chinese cen...