Similar references are sustainable living, natural building, ecodevelopment, or cultural creative environment. Most brokers resistthese categories, but recent research proves that the wave of thefuture lies in healthy living. That influences real estate.
Yeah, right! If eco developments are so popular, profitable andmarketable, why aren't all Realtors screaming green? The primaryreason is lack of opportunity awareness. Green developments takemore initial time to pursue. Education, planning and design arerequired investments to acknowledge long-term savings for superiorand more marketable products, like green real estate.
So what exactly is green real estate? Examples are new homesettlements that preserve acreage with wildlife habitats and naturalsources of water. Building codes are in place for the unusual, suchas straw building, solar heating or windmill power. Landscapesinclude edible and medicinal plants. Appropriate retailers, like foodco-ops, are carefully integrated into the plans. Community farmersare supported with composting and recycling programs. Buyersrange from vacation home owners to full time residents. Is all thistoo ideal?
Of course it’s nice if you can find such a development where youwant to live. Sustainable lifestyle opportunities are growing, buthardly mainstream yet. Are there any other pathways? One option isto forego the development search and find a green broker to buildon your chosen property.
Today you can find both unknown and national brokers listingsustainable properties on websites that focus on this niche.Discover green building community directories, books, calendar ofevents, and discussion areas. Everywhere, U.S.A. is embarking ongreen developments and countryside this way, but what aboutproperty seekers who don’t cruise the net?
Finding a “green broker” professional may not be an easy searchfor some areas. Green consumers in general are in the westernU.S., and slightly less likely to live in the southern U.S., according torecent surveys. But interestingly, research summarizes that over30% of the U.S. population have sustainable living dreams.
What is tricky about this market for Realtors is that over 80% of ourU.S. population says they’re willing to pay more for a healthy andsustainable product. Yet this group is not in the higher incomebracket. Brokers aren’t certain where to advertise.
No doubt about it, your average broker isn’t focused on green realestate and may not have the foggiest idea what you’re trying to tellthem. You’re especially incapable of explaining it if you haven’t doneyour own homework. Familiarity with the green market is importantto both buyer and seller. Knowledge may have an effect on pricestoo. Talk to your potential Realtor about your marketing visionbefore signing any agreements.
Builders have it a little easier. You surely know, for example, thatenergy efficient appliances are essential in green model homes.Features such as reserving water methods or creative functionalfencing for domestic animals and wildlife, are important, valuableand resourceful assets. It doesn’t take much calculating to figure thelong-term savings and labor of such fundamental refinements.
Yes, you can be your own builder, but you’ll need to scope helpbefore you start. The land you are about to buy, or have to workwith, may have contaminants not recommended for gardening, foodor children’s play. Will the run-off water from the roof you wantcontain toxins that are unsuitable for plants or deadly to wildlife? Arethere present health ailments to consider? Will you search for anenvironmental architect, experienced in sustainable building? Doesthe landscape properly manage building temperatures with trees?
Many experienced builders have decided to share their testedexperiences. From consulting firms to government agencies, thereis help for individuals or entire cities. Although the Internet is yourbest searching tool, books, videos, blueprints and system kits canbe purchased from varied outlets. In summary, you can get as littleor as much help as you want. The key is to educate yourself.
There are many ways to go about this, as the need for smart growthand cleaner living is increasingly recognized. For those who areunclear on how to achieve it, guidance is thankfully increasing. Theearth is our united real estate, and creating a sustainable world forour children and for future generations is our common task.
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Written by: Delia Montgomery, Chíc Eco
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