
News You Can Use
We now have 3 offices to serve you!
Fall Branch
1714 Hwy 93, Suite 11B
Fall Branch, TN 37656
Johnson City
1805 W State of Franklin Rd #900
Johnson City, TN 37604
Greeneville
104 Sam Doak Street
Greeneville, TN 37745
![]() Principal Broker, Fall Branch Office Arbella Properties Inc. 423-534-3827 Cell 423-446-8154 Office www.arbellatn.com janie@arbellatn.com License # 00327481 |
![]() Affiliate Broker, CMCA/AMS, Johnson City Arbella Properties Inc. 423-446-8154 Office www.arbellatn.com karen@arbellatn.com |

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Can I Get My Home LEED Certified?
Yes, you can. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED certification is a green building rating system developed to promote water and energy efficiency and savings, waste reduction, air quality improvement and more.
For certification, your home is inspected by a LEED for Homes Provider or Green Rater and points are earned based on your home’s features. A minimum of 45 points are needed, with higher points giving you Silver (60-74), Gold (75-89) or Platinum (90-126) certifications. Points are awarded for features such as: improved insulation of pipes, ductwork, walls and ceilings; plumbing fixtures such as water-saving toilets, showerheads and faucets; nontoxic paints, primers, adhesives and carpets; renewable building materials; proper ventilation and many other aspects. When you build a new home or remodel, you can follow the LEED guidelines to make your home as green as possible and ensure you reach the points needed for certification.
With LEED certification, you’ll be rewarded with possible tax benefits, increased home value and a home that stands out in the market when you sell.

Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump in Your Home
The advent of Earth Day on April 22 reminds everyone of the need to protect the environment for future generations. One way you can contribute to protecting the earth is to replace your home’s conventional heating and cooling system with a heat pump. It helps the environment and has other benefits as well.
Traditional heating systems use gas or propane with high carbon emissions. Heat pumps rely on electricity, which is cleaner and tends to be more stable in its month-to-month cost. The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) has determined that a heat pump transfers 300% more energy than it consumes. Despite the up-front cost of installing a heat pump, there are cost savings over the long term. According to Rewiring America, installing a heat pump will save in the range of $800-$1,000 per year in utility costs over baseboard heating, electric furnaces and the like.
There are financial incentives from federal, state and local governments that make the installation of heat pumps more attractive. Depending on your income, there is a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that may cover 50% to 100% of the cost of switching to a heat pump. If your income doesn’t qualify you, there is also a 30% tax credit for home energy projects.
Results from a survey performed by the CGS indicate that a heat pump can increase the value of a home by $10,400 to $17,000. Please contact me for more information on this valuable asset for your home and our environment.

3 Young Activists Fighting for the Planet’s Future
In our present age, in which humans have permanently altered the course of nature, the number of people fighting for the future of our planet is growing exponentially. This is none more true than for the younger generation who will be inheriting the earth we leave behind. In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, here are three inspiring young environmental activists making a difference.
Timoci Naulusala. At the age of just 12, Fijian Timoci Naulusala addressed world leaders at the COP23 climate conference after winning a climate speech competition in his homeland. Calling on the global community to stop blaming, stop waiting and start taking action, his inspiring phrase “Speeches and talks won’t solve the problem but walk the talk is more effective” was a stark message to the powers that be.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez. The activist and hip-hop artist also known as “X” is the youth director of Earth Guardians, an organization that works to remove pesticides from public parks across America. He has addressed the United Nations, jointly led a lawsuit against the US government for failing to mitigate damage to the atmosphere, and appeared at TEDx as a performer.
Jaden Anthony. By the age of 11, Jaden had already found a novel way to introduce other children to the issues faced by the environment. He created a graphic novel series in which a superhero fights to save the world from environmental catastrophes and the evil corporations behind them, inspiring the next generation of climate activists.
Wondering What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood?
How has the price of your home changed in today’s market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
These are all critical questions that shouldn’t be overlooked when thinking about buying or selling your home. Whether you’re curious about prices in your area, whether it’s an excellent time to sell, or just need an expert to answer your questions, I can give you the tools and offer guidance through the entire buying or selling process.
Let me know how I can help by simply giving my office a call at 423-446-8154 to set up a time to connect.
Parmesan Broccoli Bites
Ingredients
Salad:
1 bunch asparagus, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 cups of salad greens
2 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/4 cup toasted pistachios, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, mint or chives)
Dressing:
1/4 cup fresh basil
1 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus 1/2 teaspoon zest
Bring large pot of salted water to boil and set bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch asparagus for 1 minute until tender but still bright green. Transfer to ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow asparagus to dry and transfer it back to bowl and add peas. In food processor, pulse together herbs, garlic, salt, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Add half the dressing to bowl with asparagus. Toss to coat. Arrange salad greens on a platter, layer asparagus/pea mixture, radishes, avocado, pistachios, feta, chickpeas and herbs. Drizzle remaining dressing, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
4 Reasons to Consider a Green Remodel
While any green changes we make around the home will undoubtedly protect the planet, did you know that it can also have a positive impact on the value of your property while also reducing your costs? Here are four reasons to consider a green remodeling of your house in celebration of Earth Day.
A well-modeled layout can help heat your home. Modeling your living room to face south and therefore trap the sun during winter will reduce your overall energy consumption and, as a result, your costs. Likewise, having a skylight will maximize the light in and around your home and reduce the need to turn on the lights.
The color of exterior walls can naturally regulate temperature. Outer walls painted in light colors help to deflect heat, reducing the need for air conditioning, while dark colors help to keep heat in and reduce the need for heating energy. Using a color appropriate for your local climate can be a huge money saver and also aesthetically pleasing.
Sealing your home saves your heating system. Making sure that gaps and drafts are properly eliminated means that your home will heat more quickly and you won’t have to have your heat turned on too long for a toasty home. This could be done with simple weather-stripping around doorways and windows or more extensive work such as installing airtight drywalls.
Reuse items for a rustic look. Vintage is in, so using reclaimed or repurposed materials at home, whether it is retro furniture items or upcycled decorations, will not only reduce your usage of raw materials for new items, but if you have a keen eye, it can also help create a unique and pleasing environment to be in.
If you would like tips on green remodeling to increase your property value, call us today to discuss your options.

4 Ways You Can Help the Environment Right Now
With Earth Day falling on April 22, it’s worth remembering that no small actions to protect the planet are insignificant. If you’re looking for ways in which you can personally make your own small difference, here are a few ideas you could try.
Reduce electrical energy use. Leaving appliances plugged in when not in use actually causes them to still take in, and therefore waste, energy. This unnecessary demand for electricity prolongs the usage of the coal-fired power plants that generate it or wastes the energy generated by cleaner renewable sources. Unplug things when they aren’t needed and turn off lights when you’re out.
Rethink your driving habits. Unless you have an electric car, every drive contributes to the buildup of fossil fuels in the atmosphere, which causes climate change. Consider cycling, walking or using public transport when possible, or if you know other people heading to the same destination, organize a carpool.
Lower your water usage. We’re not talking about drinking water here. You’d be amazed at the amount of water wasted through seemingly small actions such as leaving the tap on while brushing your teeth, using the dishwasher when it’s not fully loaded or showering for longer than you need to. Small habits to save water are a huge boost to our world’s natural resources.
Cook “root to stem.” The stems, leaves and roots that many people cut off their vegetables when cooking are actually just as edible and delicious as the supposedly more desirable parts. Avoid food waste by cooking these too, either in the same way you’d normally cook the rest of the vegetable or by using recipes specifically tailored to using the whole plant.

This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.