Green Homes
Today's consumers are more aware than ever before of how their home choices affect the environment. People are starting to look for energy-efficient homes as well as houses that utilize the latest eco-friendly technologies like solar and wind power to supplement their household's energy supply. Green home buyers are also looking for real estate in neighborhoods that have been designed with the environment in mind.
Search our real estate listings to find your dream "green" home today.
Green Real Estate: Eco-Friendly Design
A green home starts with a green neighborhood. Developers are becoming more environmentally conscious, carefully choosing and designing neighborhoods to avoid building in environmentally sensitive areas. They're also concerned with minimizing the "footprint" of the neighborhood itself, which results in an area that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
A green neighborhood is also a walkable one. Many neighborhoods today are being planned to maximize walking and cycling routes, and to provide safe, easy access to parks, shopping and schools.
A well-designed green home will take advantage of the property's natural features. Window placement for natural lighting, use of vegetation for natural protection from sun and rain, and roof materials that help keep the home at a comfortable temperature are all examples of great eco-friendly home design.
Earth-Friendly Materials
As we learn more about how chemicals and other materials impact the environment, many home buyers are looking for homes that are constructed with "green" materials. These are as diverse as bamboo flooring (a quickly renewable resource) to low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, sealant and other protectants. Reclaimed wood and other materials salvaged from former buildings are also being used more frequently to produce homes without putting more of a strain on our natural resources.
The ENERGY STAR Rating
ENERGY STAR is the standard for energy efficient appliances and homes around the nation. This program was established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy wastage and to stem greenhouse gases. More and more developers are building homes to ENERGY STAR standards and installing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. Many homeowners are looking for these, as they save energy and money spent on heating and cooling bills.
Green Landscaping
Another sign of an environmentally friendly home is its landscaping. As water shortages can be a serious problem in some areas, "xeriscaping" (using native plants that don't require extra watering) is becoming more popular, especially in places where a healthy lawn requires huge amounts of water to stay lush.
There are new technologies and materials entering the market every year that can be used to turn new construction and existing homes into environmentally-friendly sanctuaries. Let us help you navigate the green home revolution, and guide you to properties that have been designed with Nature in mind.
Contact us to find out more about our "green" homes.
