Becoming eco friendly is the newest favorite pastime but while everyone has their own reasons for “going green” the underlying theme is green could be your wallet’s ally.
Everything from conserving water and energy to other essential environmentally conscious choices can put more money back in your pocket, and home buyers are considering these options when purchasing a home.
How much money could you be saving?
o Alternative powered homes like solar, wind or geo-thermal are easier to locate and much more affordable today. The initial costs of these systems can be high but when seeking a new home to buy consider streamlining your choices to include homes with alternative generated energy. A top energy saving item is the Owl Energy Monitor; this device shows you how much energy you use in your home and how much its costing you. Take for instance the solar energy systems. Many are portable systems that are utilized in high traffic areas of the home such as the family room. You could cut your energy usage in that room up to 40%. There are many other items that are surprisingly simple to install and again while the initial costs are quite high, looking for a home that is already comprised of these items can save you a bundle. Less money towards the utilities and more disposable income for you wallet.
o Indoor air quality can make a big impact on your medical expenses. Studies show that asthmatics and allergy sufferers have fewer to no breathing problems when using eco friendly materials like green flooring and low VOC paint materials. You can rid your home of most dust mites, allergens and sometimes mold just by disposing of the carpet and installing hard wood flooring. While searching for your new home you can look for greener components that will cost you less for maintenance and help keep your family healthy. A healthier home life means less money spent on medicines, doctor visits and absences from work.
o Traditional appliances have been outsourced with newer energy efficient models. Water heaters can account for 15% of your water bill and if more than 10 years old it will only work at 50% of its capacity. Toilets and shower heads, faucets and other energy efficient appliances that conserve water can be advantageous to a new home owner. While utility bills continue to increase everyone should look for ways to safeguard their money.
New home buyers can realize the positive effects of buying green with a little pre-planning. Looking for ways to save money before selecting your new home is a valid safeguard for future expenses. By seeking out those homes that already have green components installed, you’ll save a tremendous amount of time and money for years to come. And while many people believe going green is just too expensive and time-intensive the way to get around those concerns are by starting out small. Look for those items that will make the deal and save you lots of money in the long run.
See us at:Â http://RalphandTricia.com
Ralph Bredahl is an Associate Broker with West USA Realty in the metro Phoenix area.
His 12 years of experience make him a top choice for all your real estate needs in the Valley of the Sun.
See him at http://RalphandTricia.com
