The benefits of going green when buying your next home really add up. Most of us assume the major benefit of buying a green home is for the cost savings, and while that’s true, it just the tip of the iceberg.
There are the hidden personal health benefits for the occupants of a green home. Sustainable design and technologies reduce the pollution of off-gassing and other air quality features. Green-certified homes offer reduced exposure to mold and other indoor toxins, and anyone who suffers from allergies can certainly attest to the relief of living in one of these special homes. Green homes reduce noise pollution inside and promote water quality both inside and out of the home.
Green homes are just plain good for the environment. We have all woken up to the fact that we are living globally, not just locally, and our lifestyles affect everyone on the planet. We know the raw resources of the planet are finite while humans just seem to keep on multiplying, and buying green helps ensure the same standard of living for our grandchildren that we are enjoying now.
For example, using Xeriscaping and native plants in your landscaping reduces the amount of water for irrigation purposes and that has a local and global benefit.
And the bigger picture yet? Living in a green home means you are helping to reduce climate change and depending on the building materials your builder uses, you may even be helping out in Fair Trade and human rights issues across the globe.
OK let’s admit it; what really piques our interest is the cost savings. Green systems and materials reduce energy consumption, in turn, reducing your energy bills, and who doesn’t want to stretch their hard-earned dollars in today’s economy? A solar hot water heater selected over a traditional one? You don’t pay a penny for the free energy from the sun! And energy-efficient appliances shave hundreds of dollars of off your electric bill each year.
What most homeowners don’t realize is it costs less to maintain a green home and when you go to sell you have a higher resale value. When you’re in the market to purchase green, you’ll want to give your Realtor a heads up at the earliest possible time, as there is more demand than supply and the homes don’t stay on the market long.
There are also tax benefits and state incentives for energy efficient upgrades and in some areas of the state your utility company may be willing to buy back the excess renewable energy that you are producing with your home solar system.
Also, ask your realtor about The Energy Star Program, LEED Certification and the point system that is the hallmark of a green home.
Have we sold you yet on a green home? And you thought it was just about your energy bill.
Looking for DC Ranch homes for sale? Contact me at 480-360-0281 to set up an appointment to view properties.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
