Fredericksburg TX real estate going green

Real Estate is "Going Green"

With energy prices at historic highs and the financial markets in free-fall you may think that the effort to "go green" is one that you cannot currently afford to address. While it is often true that incorporating "green thinking" into our everyday lives by opting for eco-friendly alternatives has been relatively more expensive, the new reality is that green options are falling in price and the savings they generate over their lifetime far outweigh any initial price premium. Many programs, rebates, tax deductions and credits exist to help offset some of the costs of "going green", a comprehensive list of these can be found here.

As with most new technologies and philosophies it takes time for the marketplace to grow comfortable new behaviors. As this comfort level grows, so does the competition to cater to the "new ways". Just as competition lowers prices and increases our choices it facilitates a wider acceptance of the "new" and "new" transitions to the commonplace.

The green movement has been with us for a long time and has gained momentum as energy prices have soared and the media has focused our attention on things like "global warming" and "global climate change". No matter where you may fall in the spectrum of belief in man's causes or contributions to these issues, you surely have adapted changes in your lifestyle (knowingly or unknowingly) that can be categorized as "green". Perhaps you've bought a hybrid car or replaced some incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or perhaps you simply ease up on the gas pedal from time to time. You may be "going green" and not even know it!

The real estate business has been a leader and innovator within the green movement. As providers of products (homes, office buildings, condo towers, etc.) that consume tremendous amounts of resources (both to build, operate and maintain) it is incumbent upon on this industry to lead by example and provide consumers with products that leave less of a footprint and afford for more efficient operation as a means to conserving our precious resources.

While the trend in Fredericksburg, TX towards "green" (in general) and "green building" (in particular) seriously lags behind larger metropolitan areas there are signs that progress is being made. Several builders routinely incorporate "green features" into new construction and the demand for items such as tankless hotwater heaters and rainwater collection systems are reported to be on the increase.

As the first certified EcoBroker in Fredericksburg, TX AND the first agent in our community to earn the "Green Designation" from the National Association of Realtors, I have evidenced the initiative to learn about and inform consumers, partners, clients, builders, etc. on the very real benefits of "going green". From lower utility bills to special financing for energy improvements to improving indoor air quality the "green lifestyle" is becoming ever-more affordable and ever-more commonplace. Please call me to see how we may incorporate a green way of thinking into the purchase or sale of your next property.