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Newest Trend in Real Estate is Green Living

By Liz Miller

Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage SA552583000

May 15, 2009 09:56 AM

Spring is the time of year our minds think of renewing our homes and landscaping. If you are considering making improvements to your home, keep the color green in mind. The newest trend in real estate is green living homes. Recent studies find that buyers are drawn to homes with green living standards. Homes which feature green living standards receive more showings, are on the market for a shorter period and bring in a higher sales prices than competitive homes.

Some buyers are asking sellers about their utility costs. Making a few lifestyle change and upgrading electrical appliances can reduce your electricity bill, which may influence a buyer's choice when deciding which home to purchase.

Here are some energy and money saving green living tips:

    * Change light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (up to 25% energy savings).
    * Upgrade your tube-based TV to an LCD flat panel (30% energy savings).
    * Replace your desktop computer with a laptop (75% energy savings).
    * Use cold water when washing clothes (80%+ energy savings).
    * Only use your dishwasher when full and air dry your dishes.
    * Install ceiling fans (up to 40% energy savings and you will feel 5 degrees cooler).
    * Paint your walls and ceilings with insulating paint (up to 30% energy savings).
    * Weatherize your windows and doors with caulk and/or weather stripping.
    * Set your refrigerator to 37 degrees F and your freezer to 3 degrees F.
    * Replace appliances with Energy-Star rated appliances. Compare ratings for best savings.
    * Replace your washer with a front loading washer (60%+ energy savings).
    * Set your AC to 78 degreesF. Clean your system and replace filters.
    * Wrap your water heater.
    * Replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head.

Lake Havasu homeowners can also take advantage of a tax credit being offered by the government for larger green living improvements. There are two tax credits available for certain home improvements.

Tax credit of 30% of the improvement cost with a cap of $1,500 until 2010:

    * Windows and Doors
    * Insulation, Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
    * HVAC, Water Heaters (non-solar)
    * Biomass Stoves

Tax Credit of 30% of the improvement with no cap until 2016:

    * Geothermal Heat Pumps
    * Solar Panels
    * Solar Water Heaters
    * Small Wind Energy Systems
    * Fuel Cells

Even in a recession, some Lake Havasu homeowners will consider purchasing a new car for the family. The government is also offering a tax credit for green living hybrid cars (or trucks). The tax credit is capped at $7,500.

Every little bit helps when it comes to green living; whether you are making a few simple lifestyle changes, upgrading appliances, making some simple home repairs or making larger improvements which qualify for a tax credit, you can make Lake Havasu a very green place to live.