Commercial real estate in Charlotte has embraced the green movement by initiating organizations like Sustain Charlotte, and requiring corporate partners and organization to become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. How does the sustainable market translate to the Charlotte residential market, and what (if any) is our role as Realtors in the “green “residential market? For starters, what does green mean? Is it energy efficient appliances, water filters in lieu of bottled water, recycled building materials, high performance insulation? That’s a start, but what about the future of green? Did you know that electric clothes dryers consume the most energy in your home? What if you decided to hang your clothes on a clothes line to dry? Whoaaaa, there goes the neighborhood (if the HOA doesn’t get you first)!!! How about if a homeowner decides to have a green yard that requires no water? The use of native plants, and rocky or organic material would alleviate our need for irrigation systems. But what would the neighbors say, and how would it affect the value of the home? Positively or negatively? I don’t have the answers to these questions, but I do think we need to start asking them, because it’s coming!
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