Green Investment in Vacant Lots for Homes

     Many potential green homebuyers often try to balance cost and sustainability of their home choices. Having a green home not only helps the Earth, but it will also help your overall well being, your wallet, and your quality of life. When you have a vacant lot, you have the freedom of being able to design your own home, so why not make it a green one?

     The net cost of building a green home is comparable to, or even cheaper than, building a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don’t have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you’re getting the best-quality work possible. The housing market goes through cycles. When selling a home in a depressed cycle it is important to think of how well and how fast a home will sell. The good news is that green homes sell faster. Since energy costs are at an all time high, the low cost of operating and the easy maintenance of the green building will make for much lower vacancy rates along with much higher property values.

     The green buildings have temperature control and ventilation control, along with increased natural lighting. This allows for a much healthier indoor environment. It has been found that these types of improvements lower your health care costs because they reduce indoor air pollution that cause asthma, allergies, and other common ailments. Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as mechanical ventilation systems, filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keeping residents breathing easier. It also has been known to create a much happier environment for occupants so that they are more active, joyful, and have more social, fulfilling lifestyles.

     Another advantage to building a green home is that it will cost less to insure than a standard home. An increasing number of insurance companies are offering discounts on policies covering green homes. Similarly, several mortgage companies offer discounted loan rates for homebuyers buying green. This is because a green home is often more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs. Local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home. Look up your state, county and local government websites to learn more about how you can save the Earth and help lighten your tax load.