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Buying a green home can save you a lot of money. For example, we recently showed a home on the market with geothermal heating that will cost the buyer an average of no more than $70 a month. How does that compare to your heating bills? Another major savings is the taxes for the year are $600, saving $9,000 annually for the next 15 years. It translates into true value for the consumer. Sound interesting?
So if you’re looking to save
money and want a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family,
a green home is right for you. These
homes have lower utility bills, use less water, are associated with fewer
asthma attacks and are at lower risk for mold and mildew. Top off these benefits with the fact that
they are affordable and better for the environment. Keep in mind that houses in the U.S. are
responsible for 21% of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions which contribute
to climate change.
To determine the best green
home for you, look for the mark of excellence in building green homes that
comes from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED, a third-party
certification system based on measurable results. LEED recognizes the highest-quality in green home
building. LEED-certified homes are energy
efficient, use nontoxic materials, are water smart and respect the environment. The U.S. Green Building Council created LEED
and includes 14,000 member organizations dedicated to sustainability in
building design and construction. The commercial
construction industry has used this system for more than seven years, and currently
more than 3.2 billion square feet of real estate is seeking certification.
Think of LEED as a nutrition
label for your home that gives you confidence in its specific features that
will contribute to your quality of life.
To sum up the benefits, they are economic, environmental and
health-related, including:
- Lower energy and water bills. (You may also be eligible for financial benefits such as lower fees for financing and lower insurance rates.)
- Reduced green house emissions.
- Reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other toxins.
If you’d like to learn more
about homes on the market, including LEED-certified properties, please contact
us at 513.368.3719 or kackerman@kw.com or
513.289.2320 or cherylferry@kw.com.
