Eco-friendly homes are a growing segment of today’s real estate market. Tap into that environmentally conscious mindset with these tips for both buyers and sellers.
Green agents. In most markets across the country, agents are earning a “green” designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. Already, close to 5,000 agents have been trained. If environmental concerns are of major importance to you, ask prospective agents about their experience, if any, in listing and selling green homes. Have they had any special training in this area or do they have a database of potential green buyers or green homes currently on the market?
Green sellers. If you’re a seller, make sure your agent is listing all of the environmentally friendly aspects of your home on the Multiple Listing Service or MLS. In some areas of the country, special fields have been created to identify green features. If not, list them in the comments section.
Green buyers. If you’re a green buyer, spell out to your agent what you’re looking for. Solar panels, extra insulation, double-pane windows, native species landscaping, bamboo flooring, and LED lighting are all features that can be included in a search.
Green neighborhoods. Entire communities are being developed as eco-friendly and energy-saving. Not only are homes built with sustainable or recycled materials and outfitted with energy-saving appliances and devices, but the neighborhood is designed to enhance walking and bike riding with the inclusion of nearby shop and businesses. An added benefit: Your neighbors are almost certainly guaranteed to share the same environmental values.
