Usually, I spend Tuesdays previewing properties, and provide a weekly column describing good deals and not so good deals so you won’t have to do the legwork. This week, I was busy taking coursework to obtain the National Association of Realtors GREEN Designation. This program, along with membership in its Green Resource Council, provides advanced training in “Green” issues affecting real estate, including energy efficiency and sustainable homes. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, let me tell you why the knowledge I obtained through this program can make a difference to your wallet.
A property with “Green features” is desirable for many reasons- you may want to feel that you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve the environment; or you simply want to ensure that you get a premium sales price if you are a seller; or that you are saving money on utility bills as a buyer/new owner.
What are “Green features”? You may be surprised to hear that, although they fall into the category, solar panels are far from the top of the list. There are so many things that you can do for your home, ranging from inexpensive to substantial expenditures, but each one makes a difference. In fact, you may already have more Green features than you realize- Maybe you have some energy efficient appliances, are in a neighborhood with a good “walkability” score, have a programmable thermostat, or simply have effective insulation. Obtaining different “Green Certifications” depends on adding up these Resource-Efficient features. Some people even sell their house without realizing that it is or can be “Green Certified”, something that should always be highlighted to market your property. Why? Studies show that these homes obtain higher sales prices and sell faster.
I will be continuing to provide information on these issues in the future- there is simply too much information to put in one article, so look forward to a series of articles that will provide you with information on how to benefit from and create energy efficiency in your home. There are so many rebates, government grants and financing programs, and even Energy Efficient Mortgages available to encourage homeowners to get on board. The two most important aspect of home energy efficiency are proper sealing and ventilation. If you improve these two aspects, you won’t even be worrying about whether you need solar panels because you will already have reduced your utility costs significantly! Have an energy audit done in your home, through private auditors or ask your utility company.
If you are considering selling your home soon- whether it’s tomorrow or a more flexible timeline, give me a call first and I will, at no cost to you, assist with arranging an energy audit, provide advice on how to maximize your home value by adding and/or highlighting certain features -green, smart, and otherwise. If you are considering buying a home, I will educate you on many of these same features- to identify them in homes that are on the market, and to help you obtain and create a home that is healthier, cost-efficient, and helping the planet, even just a little bit. If I can pass on just a little of the inspiration and information that I learned this week, I’ve done my job.
That’s it for today, fair readers. Disclaimer: This article includes my personal opinions, semi-facts, estimates, and jokes. Not to be taken as gospel. Meant to be semi-informative entertainment. Facts are available- call for information.
ABOUT LISA PHILLIPS, ESQ / CA Bureau of Real Estate Lic# 01189413
Lisa Phillips is an active Realtor in the Los Angeles area, with more than twenty years as a practicing real estate broker and attorney. Her unparalleled knowledge of real estate, from local markets and pricing to legal issues and deal-making, has made her a trusted and valuable asset to her clients. In addition to her real estate and business savvy, Lisa is passionate about helping others, and works tirelessly to achieve the best results for her clients. For more information, please visit www.LisaPhillipsRealEstate.com
