Home owners as well as second/vacation home investors in Asheville’s “Green” real estate market have certain advantages. In the Greater Asheville area, where using green technology is becoming more in demand each year, there are 374 “Green” homes currently being built and 24 on the market.
The demand for NC Healthy Built® Homes has not been lost on a group of 200 or so local REALTORS® ECO Agents(like the two Brokers shown in the photo toyour left) who are educating themselves on the benefits and features of environmentally responsible construction.
In fact, a number of ECO certified real estate professionals have completed the 36 hour ECO agent course . These professionals have chosen to better understand the factors that go beyond the monthly reductions in energy bills.They know that sustainable homes reflect attention to detail which ultimately results in a top notch product in high demand by residential property clients.
Top Green Points that score big for real estate investors.
Top Green Points
- Efficiency --Energy efficiency is based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use achieved through a combination of tightly sealed building envelopes, high performance windows, controlled air infiltration, heating and air conditioning systems, tight duct systems, and water-heating equipment-- Look for:
Energy Star appliances
florescent bulbs
high efficiency water heaters
fifty year shingles
low flow faucets and showerheads
sealed crawl spaces
cellulose and icynene insulation
solar preheat for hot water - Low Toxicity
Low VOC paints
Bamboo, hardwood or Marmoleum® a natural linoleum floor that is made with 100% natural ingredients: linseed oil, cork, limestone, tree rosin and natural minerals
Fly ash concrete mixture .This uses far less fossil fuel to produce than conventional concrete. It is a byproduct of coal-burning power plants. The ash is created at high temperatures and becomes tiny, beady glass particles. According to UC Berkeley, of the 60 million tons produced every year in this country, about 75 percent of fly ash is trucked off to landfills rather than converted into building material.
Benefits Checklist
Lower utility bills for heating and cooling
Improved indoor air quality
Lasting value
Lower Environmental Impact
Resource: For interesting information about Healthy Built Homes including the Gold, Silver and Bronze Ratings Scale click here.
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