Southwest Florida is not only a model region in the ongoing housing market recovery but also a burgeoning center of green real estate thanks to master planned communities like Lakewood Ranch. Green homes are energy-efficient; green communities focus on environmental preservation and quality of life. Real estate professionals know that the green aspect of a home or community is usually a good marketing point, but truly green homes often present higher upfront costs that make them a bit more expensive.
A June 2012 column by Harold Bubil in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune touched on the issue of the costs of energy-efficiency and sustainability and how some home buyers may be put off by the high costs of truly green homes. Mr. Bubil cited solar panels as an example. A comprehensive solar panel system for a typical three-bedroom suburban home can easily cost $30,000. Such a system can shave off considerable amounts from the Florida Power & Light monthly bill, but even with such a proposition a little less than 15 percent of home buyers think that the cost is justifiable.
Not all green homes will have solar panels, however, and thus it is important for real estate professionals to understand just how green a home can be, as well as being able to educate home buyers on the true advantages of green real estate. Energy Efficiency Mortgages, utility savings, health benefits, and quality of life are important factors to highlight.
A Green MLS
The Sunshine State could soon see green details about homes listed on the regional multiple listing service (MLS). According to a recent article by Jennifer Rich on the Bradenton Herald, a Florida real estate industry group is working on a way to augment the MLS with specific green features of each listing. A water-saving toilet is green, and so are certain types of insulation. Lush landscaping and mature trees that provide lots of shade are also part of what makes real estate green.
Individual green fields in the MLS are a great idea since they promote truth in advertising. The most important new field is for each home’s green certification, if they have one. There are various green home certifications, from our state’s own Florida Green Building Coalition to the familiar blue Energy Star, but the certification that merits special attention as the true measurement of energy efficiency is the HERS index.
Please feel free to contact me if you wish to preview any of these beautiful “Green” homes below.
Manatee County FGBC Green Real Estate for Sale
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See all FGBC Green Homes for Sale in Manatee County.
(all data current as of
11/22/2024)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Sarasota County FGBC Green Real Estate for Sale
- List View
- Map View
- Grid View
See all FGBC Green Homes for Sale in Sarasota County.
(all data current as of
11/22/2024)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
