From localism.com
As first time home buyers step into the real estate market they are looking at things very differently then their parents did. Trends that make a home stylish now go beyond curb appeal. As Builder magazine reports, today, first time buyers are looking for a house that is above all, energy efficient.
As the sustainability movement grows we see it having a greater affect on the home structure in addition to lifestyle changes. Indicators show a rise in demand for greener built and designed homes is everywhere, and one of the most notable examples is the 2010 HGTV Green Home. The home in Plymouth, Mass. features all of the trending eco-home characteristics from the inside out. Today we’ve taken a close look at the elements of a green home these new buyers are looking for.
Smaller Homes – First time homebuyers are willing to sacrifice square footage for higher quality. Smaller homes and urban living is becoming more attractive to new home buyers. With a compact space, less energy is used and has a smaller footprint. Buying a home in the city also allows residents to put more sustainable and efficient practices into action, like their daily commute and ability to walk to retailers, restaurants and farmers markets.
Green Construction - As PATH points out in this article, green construction is expected to grow to represent between 5 and 10 percent of all housing starts in 2010. This means that more alternative building practices and material options are being presented to first time homebuyers, and one of those options is prefab homes. Though once seen as less pleasing to the eye, there are a number of green benefits to prefab homes making them appealing, and most important is the cost savings.
Interior Design Materials – Living in a sustainable home goes beyond the building structure. First time homebuyers are looking for sustainable elements incorporated into the interior design as well. A number of materials are top of mind for new homebuyers and interior designers alike including bamboo, organic cotton and low VOC paints.
Redefining Amenities – To buyers of the past pools, hot tubs and multicar garages are among the long list of amenities desired in a new home. Today that list has dramatically changed to incorporate elements that allow for dwellers to live a greener, more efficient lifestyle. Green homes that attract new buyers include space for separate recycling and trash receptacles, composting and rainwater collection stations and solar panels.
There are many ways first time homebuyers are looking to make greener purchases in today’s economy; the above aspects are small sample of the criteria. This article from Planet Green lists a number of tips and hints on how to find the best green home possible.
Though there are different ways for homebuyers to approach their search and many elements they should look for, it is consistently important for these purchasers to find a house that has sustainable features from the inside out, and will serve as more than just a shell to live in by allowing dwellers to adopt a fully eco-conscious lifestyle.
