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I came across an article the other day that stated a homes performance was as equal to...

By Don McCoy

Real Estate Agent with John L. Scott Real Estate

March 03, 2008 11:30 AM

the aesthetics of the home. It caused me to reflect, "are people still concerned about the style of the home or have they shifted at least a bit to the performance of the home." Energy bills are getting noticed perhaps more then what a home looks like or is it still to soon for that tipping point?

Now I realise there will always be people that don't care what their bills are..they live in that life style. But there are some that are concerned about the carbon footprint of their home and the stress on the grid I believe.

I am not sure what to think exactly!

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John Cilladi

Keller Williams Real Estate - Exton, PA

REALTOR, EcoBroker, e-PRO

I think that performance wins the day! Very little is being said by our presidential candidates about environmental issues, but the one who is willing to tackle the issue will find the golden goose!

Mar 03, 2008 11:44 AM

Alex Mordas

EarthSTEPS - Tallahassee, FL

Green Building Consultant

You know, home performance may well be on the minds of more and more folks these days... but i doubt VERY much that it is considered equal to the aesthetics of the home for most. In other words, for most Americans, given the option between an energy efficient boring box, vs. a lovely home that exudes character, status, etc... I'm guessing the choice is a relatively simple, albeit unfortunate, one.

Then again, it might be easier to upgrade a home on energy efficiency, than it would be to improve the character of a dull, or stuffy home.. so maybe not that unfortunate.

Mar 03, 2008 11:44 AM

Todd and Danielle Millar

Glenn Simon Inc. - Edmonton, AB

Nineteen years of excellence!

As an investor I have to say performance is key. Of course I am buying properties with a completely different perspective as a "home buyer" but even when I bought my own home I saw past the aesthetics and went for the building's efficiency. It's not dull or stuffy at all!

Mar 04, 2008 10:12 AM

Don McCoy

John L. Scott Real Estate - Medford, OR

Southern Oregon EcoBroker for John L. Scott R E

John, Alex & Todd

Thanks for the responses. Each of you agree it is the performance of the home that is the most important. I wonder if it has always been important and generally we just didn't care that much because energy prices were bearable?

Mar 05, 2008 10:14 AM

Jenny Persha

Keller Williams - Madison, WI

I think the question is framed wrong. Performance can be pretty too!!! We are getting closer every day. The key is to make the non-environmental buyers choose between pretty or pretty that works great!

Am I just a dreamer?

Mar 06, 2008 06:43 AM

Don McCoy

John L. Scott Real Estate - Medford, OR

Southern Oregon EcoBroker for John L. Scott R E

Hi Jenny...I agree. The article I ran across (a Realty Time writer) actually said it this way, a homes aesthetics was equal to performance."

I was judging some Certified Green Homes and performance last summer in Bend OR. The judging for aesthetics crossed our path as we were judging for performance. It hit me very clear that in our present environment of high energy bills and health concerns etc. we had the weightier concern.

Mar 06, 2008 08:09 AM

Mark Hall

Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA

Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

I have always been a firm believer that "Form follows Function" in all aspects of life. So, by definition, a green built home is a beautiful thing!

Keep up the good work!

mark hall vancouver wa real estate www.ernw.org

Jul 30, 2008 04:13 AM

Karen Cooper

Karen Cooper | Sr Mortgage Loan Originator ! NMLS # 223305 | First Federal Bank of Florida, Ocala, FL - The Villages, FL

Helping Homeowners w/Home Loans in 27 US States

Don - Personally, we've followed the "function first" in our decision making when it comes to our home. Looking out at the hills on which perch many very large homes, it is apparent that there are at least an equal number of people balancing on the "form first" side.

Nov 14, 2008 05:59 AM