How to Find Green Homes

Green homes are environmentally friendly, energy efficient homes. Most would not be easily recognized just by looking at the exterior or touring the inside. What makes green homes so different are the materials used in construction and special energy conserving features like passive solar design, programmable thermostats and the avoidance of PVC and vinyl piping throughout the home. Green homes typically use less energy and create less waste.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick up a copy of "Green Builder Magazine" or visit greenbuildermag.com to find builders in your area who specialize in green homes. Although "Green Builder Magazine" is geared toward building professionals, consumers can find a wealth of information and resources about green homes as well.

2. Find a builder who specializes in building green homes such as Greenhaus Builders and Terra Sol Eco Homes, LLC. They also have green home resources and information available on their websites to educate builders and consumers about the benefits of going green.

3. Perform a nationwide search by clicking on homes-across-america.org and selecting the "Explore Homes" option to find green homes across the country by region.

4. Contact public and private organizations in your region who are willing to help you find green homes. Go to homes-across-america.org and click on "Find Assistance," select your region and hit "Execute Search" and you'll be given a list of regional resources available to help you find a green home or builder.

5. Search for a specialized green realtor who is certified through the Association of Energy and Environmental Real Estate Professionals (AEEREP) to find a green home. They'll be aware of green homes for sale as well as the advanced technology available and particular features of green homes that other realtors may not be aware of.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a green mortgage lender. The increased demand for green housing has spurred some lenders to institute special lending programs offering incentives for consumers whose homes meet particular green and energy efficiency criteria for added savings.
• Decide what type of home you want. Just because you decide to purchase a green home doesn't mean that you should sacrifice your personal style. You still have expectations about what you want your home to be like and you should consider them. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, if you'd like an eat-in kitchen and the overall layout that meets you family's needs. As green homes become more available, so do the amenities and style options.

Resources

• Click here to visit Resource Efficient Homes Across America.
• Check out Green Builder Magazine online for more resources.

[garynsmith]

on 6/16/2009 search green homes for sale listed at: http://www.greenverifiedhomes.com ...they only list homes that have been verified and certified green by a third party.