Thursday, 2 February 2012

JG Real Estate

These days, ?Green? is a huge buzzword, often haphazardly thrown into listings descriptions and into conversations real estate agents have with property owners and prospective buyers. According to Wikipedia, a green building ?(also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building?s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort?.

Philadelphia Real Estate agents should take a good hard look at that description and read it?over and over again until they completely comprehend it. I?ll often see a new listing pop up on Trend which goes like this:

?Fresh rehab in blah blah blah neighborhood. This property is GREEN because it features bamboo hardwood floors and low VOC paint. Priced to sell!?

Sure, the property may have bamboo hardwood and low VOC paint, but did the investor / builder take time to green the property behind the scenes? Is everything they are calling Green cosmetic in nature while nothing is related to the mechanical or structure?

I?ll be the first to admit as a real estate investor and developer that I don?t rehab every property in a green way. Green building makes sense for certain properties, depending on budget, and the end occupants which are sought. When I build green, here are some of the techniques I like to use:

  • Framing: Use 2?6 lumber rather than 2x4s. This allows a deeper pocket in the wall enabling me to stuff more insulation in, which reduces heat loss. Additionally, walls can be framed 24 on center rather than the conventional 16 inch.
  • HVAC: Use higher efficiency units to cut down on waste. At the very least, change the filter!
  • 5/8 drywall over 1/2 inch: Yes, its a minute difference, but the little bit of extra thickness can?t hurt.
  • CFL light bulbs over incandescent
  • Thermostat connected to Wifi ? I haven?t put this in any of my investments yet, but I have it at my home. The thermostat is always connected to the internet and I have an iPhone app which lets me monitor and control the temerature at all times. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you?re as forgetful as I am, it is! I often leave the house in the morning for work having left the thermostat on 65 mistakenly, and can adjust it when I remember. I can also heat my home up before I get home so it?s comfortable.

So, agents, be wary of what you call Green ? and take some steps to educate your sellers and buyers about what Green really means and ways to implement the philosophy.

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Green building diagram

Source: http://jg-realestate.com/blog/how-green-is-used-in-listing-descriptions-some-green-building-tips/

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