Green Homes

 There is a growing trend for home builders to build green home plans or at least implement green home design in their new home plans.  They are doing this because their is a growing demand for green homes.  So, what is a green home?  A Green Home is a home that is usually certified based on criteria set up by a third party program such as ENERGY STAR or the NAHB NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM.

Why would someone want a green home?  The answer to this question falls into two camps depending on what you want to save.  Some want to save the planet while others just want to save money.  During our current recessionary times I think most are focused on the latter while saving the planet is just a perk.

Currently I am marketing a green home for sale at 8604 SW 57th ST.  (embarrassing plug I know OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 12-5 PM).  This home is being certified by both of the aforementioned programs.  Some of the money saving features are low-E windows, Energy Star appliances, energy efficient HVAC, and energy efficient tankless hot water heaters. Some of the planet saving features are the use of indigenous materials and low VOC carpet.   It gives the best of both worlds. Save the planet and save money.  The save the planet push is important to many people and may and should endure but I think we can agree that all people are interested in saving money and that the desire to save money will definitely endure.  This is an idea that is definitely here to stay.  As an example the green home mentioned above was designed to cut utility bills by one half of what they would be on a non-green home.  At 3300 SF it is assumed the bills would be about $500.  If you save half of that you would be saving $250 a month.  The additional cost to make this home green is about $9,000 which financed in the purchase would equal about $50 a month.  So you are spending $50 a month to save $250 a month plus you are helping your environment and your health.  Not a bad deal at all. 

I believe this trend will endure and at some point will become the standard.  If you are buying a new home you should definitely consider buying a green home.  Else, you may find yourself spending money to update your home to green just to be able to sell it.