Investors, rehabbers getting on green bandwagon
If you missed it, I wrote a story today about some local guys at A+ Neighborhood Homebuyers LLC who have discovered the virtues of greening up their investment properties. They were put onto the idea by their lender, Bridge Private Lending LLC. Both target low and middle income homes.
It show how far this trend has come, that these real estate types have joined with homeowners, governments and nonprofits in weatherizing, buying Energy Star appliances and taking other steps to cut energy use.
Those who live in the homes know they are saving on utility bills and doing their part for the environment. But those selling them houses see that their properties are worth more and sell faster. Both sets can also qualify for various tax breaks. (There's a primer on those at dsireusa.org.)
So, anyone got some tips for fellow homeowners on easy -- and relatively inexpensive -- ways to green the house? Or know of other investors doing such things?
Baltimore Sun photo of Michael D. Jones of A+ Neighborhood Homebuyers/Kenneth K. Lam
Comments
Your article on the Lorraine Ave green rehab captured the spirit of the undertaking. Regarding resources for others, we are writing a best practices handbook, the first draft of which will be on our www.onegreenhomeatatime.com website sometime in the next week or so. We intend to include drawings, video and other interactive features. If we sense there is interest, we will open it up to contributions using the wiki format. Regarding homeowners not planning a major rehab, the state is gearing up to give weatherization money to homeowners. BG&E also has programs. There are private firms, Terra Logos being the most well known in the Baltimore area, that do very hi tech energy audits of existing homes. They then hold your hand, that is, refer you to competent vendors, in implementing the recommendations they make.
David Borinsky, Bridge Private Lending
Posted by: David Borinsky | June 20, 2009 7:47 PM
Easy and inexpensive ways to green your home and save on utility bills are...
1.Make sure all doors and windows are well sealed. Inspect glass & frames, especially around the corners, to minimize drafts.
2. Turn your AC / Heat up or down depending on the season when you're not home.
3. Stop using plastic as much as possible. It takes 10,000 years to decompose. Your grocery store will happily take back your shopping bags.
4. Let as much light in through windows during winter as possible, and the opposite---keep your shades and blinds drawn in summer to prevent solar heat gain.
5. Buy Energy Star appliances if you're replacing something. The higher upfront cost is paid back within a year or two.
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