Realtors and energy efficient homes.

[Rdjntx]

this is true. I used to work in Server Engineering with DELL in Texas … have seen the same type of thing many times. when they work they work well, when they go south they go south hard … I do think APPLE is in the cat birds seat for sure

Years ago, I worked for Microsoft, so I know the strategic partner thing very well.

In the case of Apple and GT Advanced, Apple owns the real estate, Apple is fronting the start-up/ramp-up money, and Apple is the exclusive buyer of the product. So, Apple definitely has the upper hand. In the world of just-in-time supply and manufacturing, companies like Apple have learned to be very involved with suppliers. If GT Advanced doesn't work out, Apple will likely kick them to the curb and move another company into the facility.

That is a good situation, since any case makes a modern high-efficience home attractive. I wouldn't build this sort of home in the Iowa factory town I grew up in, because it would never sell. While there are technical and practical merits to energy efficiency everywhere, marketability varies widely.

[SoftwareEngineer]

My wife once worked for Taligent, the software joint venture between Apple and IBM. In terms of corporate culture, the joke was
Q: "What do you get when you cross Apple and IBM?"

A: "IBM".

Bahahahahahahahahah classic …

reminds me of when Lockheed Martin merged with Loral. the joke was "What do you get when you merge Lockheed Marin with Loral? … Answer: "Lowmoral"

Years ago, I worked for Microsoft, so I know the strategic partner thing very well.

In the case of Apple and GT Advanced, Apple owns the real estate, Apple is fronting the start-up/ramp-up money, and Apple is the exclusive buyer of the product. So, Apple definitely has the upper hand. In the world of just-in-time supply and manufacturing, companies like Apple have learned to be very involved with suppliers. If GT Advanced doesn't work out, Apple will likely kick them to the curb and move another company into the facility.

That is a good situation, since any case makes a modern high-efficience home attractive. I wouldn't build this sort of home in the Iowa factory town I grew up in, because it would never sell. While there are technical and practical merits to energy efficiency everywhere, marketability varies widely.

[Rdjntx]

My wife once worked for Taligent, the software joint venture between Apple and IBM. In terms of corporate culture, the joke was
Q: "What do you get when you cross Apple and IBM?"

A: "IBM".

Bahahahahahahahahah classic …

reminds me of when Lockheed Martin merged with Loral. the joke was "What do you get when you merge Lockheed Marin with Loral? … Answer: "Lowmoral"

[inetdog]

Actually it is a little more than an apple supplier, It is more of a joint venture between the two companies.

My wife once worked for Taligent, the software joint venture between Apple and IBM. In terms of corporate culture, the joke was
Q: "What do you get when you cross Apple and IBM?"

A: "IBM".

[SoftwareEngineer]

I'm doing exactly that. The construction people chat a bit. However, for the time being, the engineers and business people are keeping a super low profile. From what I've been told, anyone caught telling anything is likely to get fired. I can understand that, since industrial spies will go to extreme lengths to scam some information. So, I'm limited to dropping a hint here and there.

[Rdjntx]

Thanks. The ramp-up will continue for a couple of years.

I think if I were you I would see if I could find where the employees are hanging out after work or lunch time and try to make a few new friends. Then when the time comes they could help you get the word out about your house. There are bulletin boards, employee new letters, word of mouth, and some potentially undisclosed housing person in the HR dept that might all become accessable to you where they are not right now.

[SoftwareEngineer]

Actually it is a little more than an apple supplier, It is more of a joint venture between the two companies. not to hijack the thread but here is an update which may be useful to the op and answer some of the other questions about the project. http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/...ction-imminent

Thanks. The ramp-up will continue for a couple of years.

[Rdjntx]

Actually it is a little more than an apple supplier, It is more of a joint venture between the two companies. not to hijack the thread but here is an update which may be useful to the op and answer some of the other questions about the project. http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/...ction-imminent

RDJNTX, "Seem" is the correct word. It's an Apple supplier. Nothing more. They more than likely probably don't have any customers other than Apple, however. Everyone on TV here is talking "That Apple Plant" yadda yadda. It just sounds better than "GT sapphire". Most people wouldn't know sapphire from syphilis, so they tout "APPLE IS COMING TO THE VALLEY, YAY!"

I have a friend who worked there for a while, Yeah, Apple does have probably more than an arms length there, but it is a separate supplier. They could screw up at any time and lose the contract, just like any supplier can.

I have several customers (Not GT) who are also apple suppliers, but on the chip side of things.

It is not uncommon for companies to have contractors on site permanently and vice-versa. I spent a good chunk of my life at Intel as a supplier. The distinction tends to meld away after a while.

SE, OK so you evap cool and it sounds like you use updux vents to make it work right. Good on you. Most people don't understand how to make swamp cooler work. I personally don't like the humidity, and my wife has allergies which prevent it. but I'd probably have it too if it were not for that.

[SoftwareEngineer]

RDJNTX,...
SE, OK so you evap cool and it sounds like you use updux vents to make it work right. Good on you. Most people don't understand how to make swamp cooler work. I personally don't like the humidity, and my wife has allergies which prevent it. but I'd probably have it too if it were not for that.

You understand the principle. I built my own one-way barometric flapper valves, which are larger and quicker than the commercially available units. Plus, I was able to adjust them for balanced flow. My indoor humidity ranges from about 33% to 55%. Dust mites start growing if humidity is 58% or above for a prolonged period and mildews can form a 62% and above. Last summer, during a huge downpour, the indoor humidity hit 66% for a few hours. I have minor allergies to mold and mildew, so I keep special blocks in the cooler to prevent algae, molds, etc. And, they work well - in three years, I've had absolutely no growth in my cooler. So, I describe the inside of my home as generally varying from a perfect day in San Diego to a lazy day in San Diego, which turns out to be a very pleasing contrast to the Arizona outdoor climate. Of course, that presumes you like the weather in San Diego. Most people who grew up in very dry climates would find my home a bit too humid. However, people from humid areas go nuts if their skin gets dry and they get lots of static electricity zaps. Plus, wooden furniture in best somewhere between 25% and 55% humidity, with 35% considered ideal. For the Australian folks, I'm using a Bonaire Durango evaporative cooler built in Australia.

[russ]

Here in Izmir there is a NATO installation - years back there was a rumour started that NATO would build a new base come 60 kilometers to the west. To this date all anyone needs to see is a foreigner that may be American in the general area of the prospective base and the rumour comes to life again.

There never has been any possibility of that base but the common mind can not let it go.

[ZoNiE]

RDJNTX, "Seem" is the correct word. It's an Apple supplier. Nothing more. They more than likely probably don't have any customers other than Apple, however. Everyone on TV here is talking "That Apple Plant" yadda yadda. It just sounds better than "GT sapphire". Most people wouldn't know sapphire from syphilis, so they tout "APPLE IS COMING TO THE VALLEY, YAY!"

I have a friend who worked there for a while, Yeah, Apple does have probably more than an arms length there, but it is a separate supplier. They could screw up at any time and lose the contract, just like any supplier can.

I have several customers (Not GT) who are also apple suppliers, but on the chip side of things.

It is not uncommon for companies to have contractors on site permanently and vice-versa. I spent a good chunk of my life at Intel as a supplier. The distinction tends to meld away after a while.

SE, OK so you evap cool and it sounds like you use updux vents to make it work right. Good on you. Most people don't understand how to make swamp cooler work. I personally don't like the humidity, and my wife has allergies which prevent it. but I'd probably have it too if it were not for that.

[EEMLoanGuy]

Thanks! I'll use that info.

Sure thing. I have a vested interest in making sure that homes in the valley with solar PV sell for the highest dollar so feel free to reach out anytime.

[SoftwareEngineer]

There are only a few realtors in the valley that know how to properly value and market solar. Preferably you want a realtor with their Green and Ecobroker designations. There are a few realtors in the valley that are working to create a "green MLS", but for now it's all about working with a realtor that is a known commodity in the "green" marketplace as they tend to work with buyers that value design elements like Solar PV.

Mod note - removed ad link All are extremely knowledgeable and as current and past leaders in the U.S. Green Building Council Arizona Chapter they are willing to share their knowledge with others.

Additionally, I'd suggest investing in a HERS report. The HERS report is a great addition to the listing documents as it will document energy savings and provide a net present value.

Facebook advertising can be a great way to get the added attention your property needs. You can create a free landing page that has a video and pertinent facts and you can create a lead form where people need to fill in their contact information to download a copy of the HERS report. The realtors and loan officers I know in the valley that are using FB are also having great success.

Thanks! I'll use that info.

[EEMLoanGuy]

I told you before - no advertising unless you pay - next time I ban you

[SoftwareEngineer]

This is an interesting article about the ramp-up at the plant.

http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/04/apples-sapphire-volume-production/

This discusses that some Apple employees will be assigned to the plant. The article says only three are new hires, but my understanding is others are being transferred.

http://www.macrumors.com/2014/01/14/apple-hiring-arizona-sapphire/

This shows Apple negotiating for a tax deal. As a side note, the land was purchased from GM and the building constructed by First Solar using stimulus money designated for renewable energy. First Solar sunk the cash into something that could be sold later. It was legal, but stinky.

http://www.macrumors.com/2013/11/19/apple-gets-tax-break-approval-for-arizona-sapphire-glass-facility/

Most of the workers are hush-hush about everything and even outside vendors who deliver food won't tell you anything. However, just enough leaks out to know there will be more than a few Apple blue badges in the area. Again, it's an odd situation. The people at the local Apple stores will tell you Apple simply owns the property. Realtors tell you Apple employees will be coming off rental reimbursement after the first of the year. And "I don't know" is on third. I don't blame anyone for being confused.

In Parkwood Ranch, where I live, realtors walk around knocking on doors asking to sell houses. I've had eight different realtors knock on my door since last February - some multiple times. However, none seem to understand the solar system has any value. And, none seems to believe that home buyers care about total cost of ownership. Folks, we are in the slim minority of people who do practical math.