Eco Home Tips – Checklist For Your Next Green Home

April 9, 2009 · Filed Under Green Real Estate · Comment 

Looking to buy or rent a green home? These days, lots of green homes are going on the market as sellers and landlords recognise they’re in demand. But how is one to know which homes are truly green?

Here’s a checklist of features to look out for and questions to ask to determine the green quality of your next home.

Eco Home Tip 1 – Location Location Location – pick a location that’s convenient and easy to get to. Close to shops, amenities and public transport will reduce the amount of emissions that come from getting around. Inquire about the council’s recycling program.

Read more

Three Things to Consider When Evaluating Homes For Solar Power

April 7, 2009 · Filed Under Green Real Estate · Comment 

If you are in the market for a new home and you’re interested in adding a solar array, there are some things that you’ll want to keep in mind as you visit perspective homes. Properly evaluating homes before you buy can save you money and headaches later.

First, research the available subsidies. The Federal Government offers a generous tax credit on solar arrays installed after the beginning of 2009 and it is applicable anywhere in the US. Subsidies offered by states and utilities vary from absolutely nothing to very generous amounts (sometimes as much as half of the installed cost of the system). In particular, pay attention to what subsidies different utilities in your state offer. Some may be generous, others stingy. Find out which utility serves the property you’re considering buying.

Read more

Find Out Why Designing Eco Friendly Homes is a Great Choice

April 5, 2009 · Filed Under Green Real Estate · Comment 

Eco friendly homes can be great investments. Not only are they helpful to the environment, they are also very valuable financial wise. Homeowners who go green can save a lot of money on their electric bill each month. They can also increase the worth of their home and sell it for a lot of money.

If you want an eco friendly home, you’ll be glad to know that customization has never been easier. You can even build your own solar panels or wind generators if you wish. The plans are on the internet, and the parts aren’t hard to come by at all. You can order kits online that contain all the parts necessary for getting started.

Read more

What to Look For in a Green Home

April 3, 2009 · Filed Under Green Real Estate · Comment 

When you hear the suggestion to buy a “green” home, bear in mind it doesn’t mean you should buy a house that is physically painted green. Living green these days refers to being more mindful of the environment and working to lessen your carbon footprint. If you have the opportunity to move into a new home, why not consider making a fresh start by doing everything you can to create an environmentally-friendly place to live? You’ll find it’s not expensive to do, and it can help reduce clutter and increase homeowner satisfaction when you discover how much money you can save.

Searching for a Green Home

As real estate agencies become more knowledgeable on green living, you may find it easy to spot the most important elements needed to make an environmentally-friendly house. As you tour potential residences with a Realtor, look for the more obvious signs:

Read more

Downtown Living Offers Greener Options For Residents

April 1, 2009 · Filed Under Green Real Estate · Comment 

Preference in home ownership tends to be cyclical. For decades people looked to the suburbs and outlying areas of major cities for living options, generally because larger properties could be had at reasonable costs. These days, however, we see a shift toward urban residency and a down-scaling of personal items. Choosing to live downtown, in fact, can make for a greener existence and help lessen your carbon footprint.

The Advantages of Downtown Living – the Green Way

Commuting to work seemed less of a hassle when gas prices were affordable. If you work in the downtown area, chances are buying or renting a condo or loft may have greater appeal. A shorter trip to work, augmented by public transportation or merely the chance at some exercise, definitely proves a more eco-friendly lifestyle. As downtown residences develop, so do surrounding city blocks by establishing grocery stores, boutiques, doctors’ offices, and other services. Read more