Color them green
The Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, which is 150 this year, is marking that anniversary by holding what it says will be the "first eco-friendly" gala at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore in April. (What does that mean, you ask? The Realtors say “'green' cuisine" such as locally and organically grown food.)
The group also says it's promoting an EcoBroker certification program that teaches agents about green building products and how to deal with environmental issues like mold; is working to get an option on the local multiple-listing service for noting green features in homes for sale; and is collaborating on efforts to improve mass transit.
This was, believe it or not, the second green real estate announcement I've had today -- so far. The Home Builders Association of Maryland says it will hold a "green building" class next month.
All you homeowners and prospective buyers out there: Are green features -- energy-efficiency or otherwise -- on your radar? Does this matter to you?
Comments
We recycle as much as we can and try to limit our energy use, so being green is important to us but ultimately it's also about the financials. A green building is nice if it uses less electricity but if I can't recoup the cost within, say, 5-10 years, then it's going to be less appealing.
Posted by: jim | February 19, 2008 4:44 PM
being 'green' is definitely an investment, personally and for the earth. I am curious as to the resale value of homes that are 'green' or have been audited to become 'green'. if you make an initial investment of making the house 'green', such as solar power or green rooftops, does that make your house worth more?
Posted by: kevin | February 20, 2008 8:55 AM