Green Home Improvements: Appealing to Buyers and Sellers

Everyone wants to go green these days, and home owners are no exception. Whether you're buying or selling your home, if you have property that's considered "green," you have a home whose value is at a premium. When you're selling or renting your property, mentioning the many green features of your condo or townhouse is a definite selling point that appeals to eco-friendly prospective buyers.

If you're ready to buy a townhouse or condo, keep in mind the many benefits of purchasing a home that includes green home improvements. They are not only good for the environment; they can lower your bills on everything from heating and cooling to water.

How Do You Find Homes With Green Improvements?

There are a wide range of green home improvements that you can find in today's contemporary condos and townhouses, but not all are created equal. One great way to determine if a house is truly green is to look for certification from the National Association of Home Builders. Their National Green Building Silver Standard Certification indicates that single family or multi-family housing have passed significant and rigorous standards for green living. This is the only green building certification system that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The Green Building Silver Standard Certification is an impressive selling point if your home is going to be listed in the market, and potential buyers should be made aware of the many benefits of owning a home that meets the NAHM's green standards. A silver certification indicates that the home has met certain green standards in each of the following categories:

• Lot and site development
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Resource efficiency
• Indoor environmental quality
• Home owner education

Green Improvements: Saving You Money as a Homeowner, Making You Money as a Home Seller

If your house is on the market, the Green Building Silver Standard Certification is one way to make sure potential buyers know what your house is really worth. They'll be willing to pay a premium when they learn just how much money these improvements can save them as homeowners.

Nearly everyone has heard of the government's Energy Star Rating System these days. It's one of the most common green home designations that potential home buyers look for in a variety of major appliances as well as other home features.

Some of the best Energy Star Rating System features that are popular in today's green homes include:

• Energy Star appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters and more.
• Blown-in insulation, which not only reduces heating and cooling costs, but provides a barrier against allergens and protection against mold.
• Furnaces with a high energy efficiency rating (homes in Parks Edge feature 90% efficiency furnaces, a major money saver during harsh winters).
• Low E windows that let in natural light without cold spots or draft
• Low flow plumbing fixtures, which conserve both water and heat
• Tankless hot water heaters
• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints for cleaner, healthier indoor air without fumes.

Shared Walls = Savings and Community

Multi-family units that feature condo or townhouse arrangements such as shared interior walls are increasingly popular because they provide so many advantages at a reduced construction cost. Eco-friendly home buyers will understand the way multi-family units improve outdoor spaces for everyone by maximizing the outdoor green areas for landscaping and relaxation with a reduced environmental impact.

Home owners will discover that their fuels costs are significantly lower because of the shared walls, but the real prize may be in the sense of friendship and community that is fostered in premium, green homes. With a shared goal of living greenly and preserving the environment, green condo and townhouse owners will appreciate every aspect of Park's Edge's green home improvements.

Jason Carter is a freelance writer for Parks Edge Park City. A townhouse or condo at Park’s Edge makes a perfect Park City home. The Park City real estate value makes it a great investing opportunity, the views are fantastic and these Park City homes offer a great value. The weather is great in the summer and the skiing is amazing in the winter.