A green building is designed to conserve resources and reduce negative impacts on the environment. A residence or commercial structure built "green" promotes energy conservation, uses environmentally friendly construction products in a sensible way and creates a healthier living or work environment.

Until recent years, location, aesthetics and investment potential were a home buyers primary considerations when selecting a new home. However, the state of the national economy has caused homebuyers' interests to shift slightly when considering a property. The rising prices of energy and fuel has increased concern about everyday living expenses and has led buyers to consider the operating costs of homes, the proximity of a home to their work, and the overall efficiency of a home's systems.

In addition to the current state of the economy, environmental awareness has also increased significantly in recent years as the scientific community's concerns for global warming have reached the public spotlight. The general consensus around the world is that now is the time for nations and individuals alike to begin to do their part to preserve natural resources and show respect for the environment.

Energy efficient home systems including high efficiency water heating systems, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, and renewable energy sources such as solar lighting.

Physical Health Benefits:

Green homes utilize fresh air ventilation systems and high performance filtration systems that provide for better quality air in the home.

A more structurally sound home:

Green buildings utilize tighter construction methods and high performance windows, reducing drafts in the home. Improved moisture control plans for both the home's interior and exterior reduce the likeliness of mold. Green homes are designed with surface water management in mind, reducing the potential for problems caused by improper drainage around a home.

Green homes consume approximately 30% less energy and water than non-green homes. Less construction waste is generated during the construction of a green home and more environmentally friendly products are used. Other green designs, including green roofs, actively contribute back to the environment.

Better performing, "planet-friendly" green homes are gaining a public reputation of being higher-quality homes than non-green homes. Sellers and builders alike are beginning to take advantage of this growing market for green products.

Back in 2006, the National Association of Home Builders conducted a survey of their builder members regarding green building. The survey showed that 50% of their membership stated that they planned to build green homes in 2006. The number continues to increase every year.

Green homes stand out in the market, and can be marketed at a higher price than non-green homes. It makes economic sense for buyers to spend slightly more on a green home as opposed to a non-green home because of the long term financial benefits to owning one. In early 2008, the CoStar group reported that Green buildings command rent premiums of $11.33 more per square foot and sell for an average of $171 more per square that non-green buildings.

With over eighty widely varying local and regional green building programs, there is a lot of confusion in the marketplace about what constitutes a green home. The Geo team will educate buyers about the green market and guide buyers in what to look for to determine whether or not a home is really green.

Sellers and builders that offer green homes often have difficulty reaching their target market. The Geo team can help sellers and builders effectively communicate to the community that their green homes are different from their competitors' homes and what the advantages are to buying green.

Geo Properties prides itself as being on the forefront of green building endorsement and community encouragement of environmental awareness. Our agents are highly trained in all aspects of green building, and whether you plan to build, sell or purchase a green home, our team is eager to aid you in your contribution to creating a healthy, prosperous, and socially responsible environment that improves the quality of life in your community.