According to the National Association of Realtors, when homebuyers are shopping for a new home, sustainable features are now a priority. The NAR is responsible for identifying buyer and seller behavior, breaking down trends by generations. Builder Online published metrics identifying which generation comprises the largest...
When it comes to selling a green home, your marketing needs to be different than what you would do for a typical home, which competes on price and features. Green homes are won over with their value (lower utility bills, less toxins). So how do you...
Builders may view attracting today’s eco-friendly young renters as expensive and annoying, but the payoffs are becoming more evident every day. By being greener, operating costs can be lowered and rents can be raised with more convenient, walkable spaces for renters. Renters are looking for communities where...
Builder Online recently reported that two HUD programs are currently underway aimed at attracting private investors to energy efficient incentives. The first is The Energy Innovation Fund, which plans to award $25 million in funding through a grant process that will seed up to $200...
Recently college enrollment has exploded and campuses are struggling to keep up with housing demand. More and more builders are starting to dabble in student housing. The lure is pretty basic: as students stay in college longer to graduate, the need for on- and near-campus housing has...
Millennials… the coveted demographic. Wikipedia says characteristics of the generation vary by region, depending on social and economic conditions. However, it is generally marked by an increased use and familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies. It is believed that they will save the housing market,...
Downsizing has been a trend over the last several years, whether you are an empty nester eliminating yard work or a family adversely affected by past economic conditions. Builders are making this trend work for them with new designs and plans. Today buyers aren’t looking...
Smart land use typically talks about choosing an appropriate site for constructing a new building. Choosing plant species native to the area for landscaping and plant nontoxic varieties for households with children or pets are two common solutions. Planting shade trees to help keep homes...
There are actually many programs available to help homeowners make energy-saving improvements to their homes without getting an additional mortgage just for the cost of them. The FHA’s Energy Efficient Loan program helps current or potential homeowners significantly lower their monthly utility bills by enabling...
Green building used to be for an elite group of choosy environmentalists; in 2011 it’s nearing the new standard. Here aresome tips to help you figure out how to build “green” in your community. Size matters: The best green homes have just enough space and no...