Looking beyond the décor, consider the location, size and style of your house and take advantage of government grants for home energy audits for a resale home.
You may wish to consider a new EnergyStar home.
Find a Green Realtor
Find a Realtor with good knowledge of environmental issues and programs and services available to assist homeowners to reduce energy. You may review real estate agent profiles at DoorFly.com and use private message boards to ask them about their ‘green’ knowledge.
Conduct an energy audit
The Home Energy audit is such a new concept that most resale homes will not be energy rated. & Again, if you are considering a new home purchase, and if it’s available, consider an Energy Star certified home.
Location is Imperative
Consider how close the house is to shops, school, Church, entertainment, workplace and other amenities that you often utilize. Think in relation to all members of the household. Choose your location very carefully.
Size Matters
Although large houses are still popular, the trend will be for smaller homes and more efficient floor plans with no space wasted. The smaller the home, the less energy needed for heat and light and the less you money spent on utilities.
Expect to Upgrade
Once you have found the home you want, go ahead with a professional energy audit and expect to upgrade and implement some of the suggested changes. Re-decorate with low-VOC paint, upgrade the air system, remove old carpet and replace with wood floor. Renovate according to your ecological principles. The Canadian government will pay 50% (up to $150.00 max) towards the audit and provide grants towards certain upgrades. Visit the Home Energy Savings website http://www.homeenergyontario.ca
Remember: Anything upgraded will add value to your investment and create a greener, healthier home.
Research your renewable-energy potential
Another new trend – depending on where you live there is an exciting possibility of generating some or all of your own electricity with rooftop solar panels or a backyard wind-turbine. The costs of solar, wind, and geo-thermal power are falling and becoming easier to find. This may not be attainable immediately in your area so keep an ear to the ground for news to come.
The Yard
Just as smaller houses are becoming popular, so too are smaller yards. Less lawn means less water. A small space for a garden is ideal to grow some of your own fruits, vegetables and herbs. Some vegetables may be grown in containers- so yards do not need to be acres to produce enough for an average household. Also, consider a space for compost pile or bin, if you don’t need to worry about wildlife. & look for shady trees to help conserve energy in hot weather.
It is a home buyers market right now, but there are still concerns for the average family about real estate affordability. We encourage you to take advantage of the current market to find your dream home at an affordable price. To find a real estate agent and negotiate the real estate agent fees, use DoorFly.com – a fresh start to home buying.
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