The GREEN Resource

Are you thinking about taking steps to buy a more energy efficient home? Make some green updates to your home? To save some money on your utility bills?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should take some steps to be more informed about some of the options that are out there. The following is summary of some resources that you can use to help you, and your home, become more environmentally friendly.   

Did you know the cost of green improvements to your home can be significantly offset through federal, state, local, and utility credits and incentives?

 

Federal    

      Home Improvements – Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

        Efficient Cars – Federal Tax Credit Options

Improvements / Purchases made in 2010 will be claimed on your 2010 taxes (filed by April 15, 2011)

        Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) – Appliances, New Homes, Retrofits to Existing Homes

        Brochure: Residential Energy Efficiency Incentives (TIAP)

State

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

US Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by State

National Association of State Energy Officials – Funding Opportunities and Resources

Local

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

Energy Star's Appliance Rebate Locator (by zip code)

Utility

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

Programs and Incentives Information from the Edison Electric Institute

Did you know special financing and funding is available for green home purchase and improvements?

Financing and Funding for Green Homes and Improvements

Energy Efficient Mortgages – from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Energy Efficient Mortgages – from Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

Green Financing Programs – from myEnergyLoan

Funding Opportunities – directory from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Other Home Guidelines and Resources

Air Quality at Home - from EPA’s Indoor air PLUS Program

Saving Water at Home - from EPA's Water Program

Waste Reduction at Home - from EPA's Waste Program

Find Recycling Centers for Various Home Items – from Earth 911

HOME ENERGY AUDITS:

The first step towards an energy-efficient home is to conduct an energy audit to find out where your home    is losing energy.  They range around $500 depending on the size of your home.  An audit performed by a Certified Rater can include many different tests.  A report is generated with recommendations.  Verification of improvements developed from the report can be a major selling point.  Remember to check with your local utility to see if they offer free or discounted energy audits for their customers.

More information on Home Energy Audits – from ENERGY STAR®

Find a Certified Rater – from RESNET

As an NAR Green Designee, BPI Analyst and overall earth lover, I have advanced training in seeking out, understanding, and marketing homes with green features.  I can help you separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions regarding green real estate. My training in green industry information and resources equips me to provide you with real green knowledge. Feel free to contact me with any questions about greening your life and home.

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN, BPI Analyst
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cellwww.erikhart.lnf.com
www.topofthemarket.blogspot.com

Smog Eating Roof Tiles

You've probably heard about all sorts of neat green "toys" that are both smart and functional. More and more practical,dual-purpose items are hitting the market as green building continues to pick up speed. 

One such technology is something that any homeowner can use and benefit from daily. If you're looking to upgrade your roof, take a look at a recent post from the Bits and Bytes blog from the National Association of REALTORS® Center for REALTOR Technology® and see what champion of sustainability, Laura Stukel, has to say about this emerging technology. You can also go a bit deeper into this nifty green technology by watching the 3 minute video.

It's simple really. Let's use items that are healthier for us, more durable for the homes we live in, and more responsible for our communities. These concrete roof tiles do just that. And they have an Energy Star rating for added efficiency, which means less money to the utility companies every month.

Until next time, stay on Top of the Market.

Erik Hart
REALTOR®, GREEN, BPI Analyst
Severna Park Sales 
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
http://www.erikhart.lnf.com/
http://www.topofthemarket.blogspot.com/