I had the opportunity last week to attend the National Association of Realtors Green Designation course. The two day course, held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Manchester, VT, was taught by Craig Foley, a broker with RE/MAX Leading Edge in Sommerville, MA. Craig is an industry leader in sustainable energy solutions and energy management.
I learned so much at the course. Homes with green features and benefits are rapidly moving into the mainstream. It makes more sense to refer to these properties as High Performance Homes. They are the highest quality homes being built today. It is also possible to retrofit existing homes to incorporate many of the same features and benefits. Some of the benefits of high performance homes include greater comfort, lower operating costs, reduced carbon footprint, better air quality, greater quality and durability.
Through a combination of proper insulation and air sealing, energy efficient heating systems, and solar photovoltaic (PV) it is now entirely possible to achieve a zero energy home, that is a home that produces as much energy as it consumes. Solar PV is available to the homeowner thru multiple owning and leasing options. It is important for the homeowner to understand these different options and how they impact a home's value.
It is also important for buyers and sellers who are interested in high performance homes to work with a real estate professional who has been properly trained to understand the unique value proposition that these homes offer. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about green homes, high performance homes, solar PV or any related questions. If I don't know the answer I know someone who does.