Perhaps looking into the environmentally friendly real estate deserves your consideration since such type of home uses less energy, are built with sustainable materials, and presents healthy environment for their occupants. In addition, the prices of eco friendly homes in most market are so affordable. A few years ago, building an eco-friendly home requires a premium of 11 to 25 percent. But these are not the scenarios today as homeowners could only expect paying three to five percent. Here are some things to look for when purchasing an eco-friendly home.
o First thing to consider when buying an eco -friendly home is to work with a buyer’s agent specialized in eco-friendly homes or designated as eco broker. Working with the right person on this particular real estate market will provide you with the right details and help you in choosing a home that has green features.
o To make sure that you are looking at an eco-friendly home look at homes that have “GREEN” rating. Since this rating system is newly introduced, it may not be easy to find homes that have ratings. Even if you cannot find a home with green ratings, it is important that you know what a home with eco-friendly features looks like.
o Functional windows are good. This will help with natural cooling as it allows good air flow into the home. Low E rating windows keeps harmful UV rays out of your home which can also assist in keeping your home cooler.
o Ceiling fans are a plus in cooling the home. Also, pay attention to insulation as it supports both heating and cooling a home.
o The attic space should have good air flow which lets hot air to escape.
o The driveway and roofing materials should be light colored because dark colors absorb sun rays and will increase solar heat gain.
o Check out the landscaped areas of a home as it helps reduce solar heat gains. Planting beds near the home can lessen heat build up. Check to see if there is drip irrigation system as it is an excellent water saving system. If the location of the home doesn’t get much rain, it would be unwise to have a large lawn area that will require a lot of water usage.
o If there are appliances left with the home, see if they have Energy Star ratings. Appliances with Energy Star ratings consume less energy and will help lower your bills.
o See if the windows are located on the north and south facing sides of the home. Properly positioned windows will prevent your home being heated by the sun during morning and evening hours.
o Eco-friendly homes make use of winds for natural cooling so give attention to the orientation of the home. See if you can make use of the prevailing winds when you open the windows. Windows positioned on opposite walls brings good cross ventilation.
o Other good items that you should look for eco-friendly homes are solar panels, wind turbines, or any other renewable energy source.
Remember that you can update some of these items easily and change yourself. Above all, consider the overall construction of the home.
