eGlobalBroker.com - Empowering Independent Real Estate Brokers

eGlobalBroker.com is poised on the leading edge of the industry when it comes to green real estate and sustainability in homes. We are committed to providing our members with access to the necessary resources to assist their clients to make educated decisions when purchasing homes that exemplify the green lifestyle.

What is green real estate?
As with many industries these days, the latest revolution in real estate revolves around "Going Green."
Green homes are better-built and offer a broad array of benefits to homeowners. From the inside-out, these homes are more energy efficient. They also boast increased water conservation and improved indoor air quality. During construction, green homes leverage more environmentally-friendly materials and reduced construction waste.

Third-party programs like Earth Advantage, ENERGY STAR and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) have established rating systems and certification requirements that encourage these green building practices. These certifications assure homeowners that their family's health and the health of the environment are better protected, while saving them money on energy, water and transportation bills.

How "green" is your home?
From a home's air quality, energy efficiency and water usage to construction materials and environmental responsibility, "green" can mean a variety of things.

Are green homes worth more?
Since green real estate is still a fairly new practice, the research is limited. The most recent studies have shown, however, that new construction green-certified homes sold in 18% less time, sold for 4% more and were 25% smaller than traditional, non-certified homes. Green homes have a smaller footprint and are thus, more tightly constructed and require less energy to heat and cool. Studies have also shown that when priced per square foot, green-certified homes were 37% more valuable. This equates to a higher return on investment for homeowners.

Whether homebuyers are looking at a home built with an Earth Advantage or LEEDs rating or you are interested in existing homes with sustainable features, it is important to understand the varying degrees of “Green-ness”. From the inside-out – air quality, energy efficiency and water usage to construction materials and environmental responsibility – Green can mean a variety of things. Here is a list of features in your home that will help you understand these varying degrees:

INDOOR AIR QUALITY
No/low-VOC: paint, sealers, wood finishes, adhesives, carpet, pad
Formaldehyde-free: cabinets, shelving, woodwork, insulation
No vinyl: flooring, baseboards, other surfaces
Ventilation: kitchen fan, bathroom fan, whole-house fan, sealed ducts
Furnace filter: MERV filter rating 8-11 or high-performance filter
Mold, lead paint, asbestos, radon, and carbon monoxide also greatly affect your quality of life. Test for these elements and eliminate safety hazards and health risks.

ENERGY
Energy use: How much electricity, natural gas, and/or oil do you use a month?
Building orientation: Does your home have: good southern exposure, shade trees, windbreak
Insulation: What kind of insulation is in your home: post-1974 construction or pre-1974 construction (current codes: Walls R-21, Ceiling R-38, Basement R-15)
Windows: What kind of windows do you have? single-pane, storm, dual-pane, high-performance
Heating and cooling: 90 % or higher efficiency furnace, insulated ducts, heat pump, radiant floor heating, ceiling fan, energy-efficient air conditioner (SEER 13 or more)
Energy-efficient appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, water heater
Lighting: daylighting, fluorescent, skylights/tubes, motion detectors
Solar: electric, passive, water heater

WATER
Fixtures and appliances: low-flow toilet (1.6 gpf or less), dual flush, low-flow showerhead (2.5 gpm or less), low-flow faucets (<2.5 gpm), front-loading clothes washer, dishwasher w/water saving settings
Landscape: no/limited lawn, native plants, drip irrigation, rainwater catch
Stormwater: land sloped away from foundation, permeable paving, disconnected downspouts to bio-swales/drywells
CONSTRUCTION: advanced framing, FSC certified lumber, engineered lumber, SIPs/ICFs, metal roof, eco roof, natural building techniques

ADDITIONAL GREEN MATERIALS
Durable: solid wood cabinetry, refinishable flooring, other
Recycled content: carpet, insulation, drywall, paint, tile, plastic lumber, counter tops
Reuse and salvage: wood, cabinetry, doors, kitchen fixtures, bath fixtures
Rapidly renewable: bamboo, cork, wool, other
Locally or regionally produced: cabinetry, tile, lighting, paint