Keeping Up with the Greens

So I mentioned Xeriscaping to a neighbor the other day and was told about concern for "property values," especially if folks turn their front yards into desert-stricken pebble gardens. Considering that the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is offering free Xeriscaping classes and that Lake Lanier, from where we get our water, is the lowest it has been since 1957 (when it was man-made), I found this comment surprising (will I ever cease to be surprised?!)

Property values. It all comes down to that, doesn't it? Well, guess what? Those who are making eco-improvements in their homes are most likely improving their property values. Soon, it's not going to be about keeping up with the Jones. It's going to be about keeping up with the Greens. And here's why. According to the National Society of Green Agents and Brokers, a home with eco-improvements can save money on energy and utility bills, is more comfortable with climate fluctuations, has better air quality and other health-enhancing benefits, and helps do its part to repair the world.

A recent study in Canada found that:

Green friendly home improvements will likely yield a solid return on investment come selling time as almost three quarters of Canadians (72%) say they will look for a green-improved property in their next home purchase, and 63 per cent will be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home, according to the Royal LePage Eco Home Survey released today.

The joint Royal LePage National Association of Green Agents and Brokers Eco Home Survey, which examines the attitudes and opinions of Canadians with respect to green living, found that Canadians are willing to pony up cash for greener home features. In fact, 62 per cent of respondents are willing to pay between $5,000 and $20,000, for green features, while eight per cent (8%) of respondents are willing to spend $20,000 or more on a home deemed green.

In the United States, a group called EcoBrokers offers brokers courses ranging from wind and solar energy to indoor air quality to rainwater retention systems in order to become certified as an EcoBroker (here's the blog of a certified EcoBroker in Atlanta). There are currently about 300 certified EcoBrokers nationwide and they are particularly alert to features other agents may overlook--reclaimed materials in renovations, native plantings, the value of a solar water heating system, the peace of mind a parent or pet owner can enjoy from a pesticide-free lawn.

With the current mortgage lending crisis and the downturn in home sales, many people are renovating instead of relocating. If you are replacing carpeting, painting or adding on to your house, why not at least consider more environmentally-friendly choices? Consumer interest in a healthy home environment is increasing exponentially, and you're bound to be asked about it if you sell in the future. What's more, if you are trying to sell right now or will be trying soon, it's a great way to differentiate your property from the glut of other homes for sale.

As for Xeriscaping, less lawn and more native plantings means reduced work, reduced water, and increased savings. And if it's done right, it should actually increase property values. What's not to love about that?

See you next week on FoodShed Planet for:

* Earth Day!

* A Tale of Two Worm Bins (and the exciting return of Richard of the Worms!)

* How to Party with the Planet in Mind

* and Food for Thought from My Suburban Kitchen Garden!