If you are at a crossroads in life with home ownership, consider these incredible benefits of buying or building a LEED certified green home rather than opting for a traditionally built home.   LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification program for green building.  Here we examine some reasons to consider buying or building a LEED certified home.

Green Homes are Healthier and Safer

A major health concern with regard to homes is indoor air quality.  The Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air quality is 2-10 times more polluted than outdoor air quality due to things like mold, mildew and off-gassing from furniture and carpet.  LEED certified homes are designed to improve indoor air quality through features that minimize airborne toxins and pollutants through high-efficiency air filters and proper ventilation.  

LEED-certified homes undergo a rigorous process of inspections, performance testing and review of documentations related to green features to make sure that the homeowners are safe.

Green Homes Create Value

LEED certified homes are designed to use 30-60% less energy than a traditionally built home.  With an average energy expenditure of around $2,150 per year, this amounts to significant savings each year, and thousands of dollars in savings if you stay in the home for a number of years.  Additionally, there are state and federal tax credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Importantly, green homes hold their value when you are ready to sell.  They tend to sell more quickly than other homes and yield a higher sales price.

Green Homes Help Our Environment Immensely

Green Homes are built with conservation of natural resources in mind.  With the tight envelope of green built homes, indoor air temperatures stay fairly consistent.  The energy that goes into heating or cooling these types of homes is greatly reduced due to high tech insulation, energy-efficient appliances, weather stripping and high quality materials.  Often these homes employ alternative energy sources as well.  Water is conserved through low flow fixtures.  Chemical off-gassing is reduced through low or no -VOC paints, and materials selection is often local.

Green Homes are a Growing Choice in Asheville

The United States Green Building Council states that it is estimated that green single family residences will represent about one third of the housing market and that almost 90% of all new residential construction will include green features.

According to our year-end 2016 market analysis, green homes are an increasingly popular choice in Asheville as well as other major markets.  Inventory of green homes in the city of Asheville was at only 2.88 months, and these homes were returning a median price per square foot of $223.

For more information on green homes and real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com  or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

Search: View all Green Homes for Sale in Asheville

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Sources and Further Reading: WNC Green Building Council