In today’s real estate market, green is gold

2009 May 18

by Daytonadiva

Both tenants and owners know that energy costs in recent years have become outrageous. Complaints about escalating residential power bills are common. If that weren’t enough to get us to grumble, we are constantly bombarded by warnings that global warming will soon put our very existence in jeopardy.

While we can’t cure all of the planet’s ills, we can make some changes to our homes and living habits that are environmentally positive and economically sound.

The real estate experts at Waverly Property Group, led by broker/owner Ramara Garrett, are ready to help tenants and owners find a greener way to live. Premium waterfront properties in the Daytona Beach area that already have solar hot water and eco-friendly pool filtration systems are available. Buying or renting a high-rise condo with northern and eastern exposures will provide some cool, natural and free ventilation on hot summer days. The Waverly Property Group team is eager to share their invaluable tips on selecting a more sustainable property and also for making little changes to a house or condo that will reap big, green rewards.

From simple upgrades to more efficient lighting - indoors and outdoors - to adding just the right type of landscaping, a homeowner or renter can save money and feel good, too.

Here are just a few tips that Waverly Property Group would like to share:

1. Replace old incandescent light bulbs with new CFLs and LEDs. Less energy is consumed and savings add up. Not only do these new bulbs cut down on power usage, they give off less heat. Less heat added to the home will help with those summer air conditioning costs.

2. Plant bushes and trees on the southern and western sides of a house. Much of the late-day heat will be blocked and the home will be cooler. For both homeowners and renters, the addition of light-and-heat-blocking window treatments - drapes or shades - will also keep things cooler.

3. Solar lights by the patio or along pathways are inexpensive and attractive, and can cut down on electricity costs. Installation is simple - stick a stake in the ground. And if you are a renter, you can pull these lights out and take them with you when you move.

4. Run the dishwasher and other heat-producing appliances at night. That will lessen the strain on the air conditioner and lower your power bill.

5. Tenants and owners can save on water consumption and the cost of hot water heating by replacing old shower heads and faucet filters with low-flow models. Again, the expense is minimal.

We can all sit back and complain. But green is the way to go. By making some simple changes now, we will be securing a better future for ourselves and for generations that follow, too.

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