Eco-Friendly House Hunting Tips

Everyone has their own unique list of attributes that they are looking for in a home. And in recent years, eco-friendly homes have become a keen interest for many first-time buyers entering the market.

Whether you are still on the hunt for an energy-efficient house, or you are looking to update your home with environmentally friendly improvements, we are exploring ways you can become an eco-friendly homeowner.

What is eco-friendly housing?

Many alternative housing options are growing in popularity with first-time buyers. Eco-houses, also referred to as sustainable homes, are properties built with several environmentally friendly factors in mind in order to reduce your carbon footprint. These factors can include the building materials used during construction or additional technology added, such as solar panels.

What makes a home eco-friendly?

Deciding to purchase a home is a big commitment, and the process can become overwhelming. If you are intentionally seeking an eco-friendly house, that can add an extra layer of complexity. However, knowing what to look for and understanding what makes a home environmentally friendly will go a long way in reducing your stress as you house hunt.

Features to look for when buying an environmentally friendly house

First, let us break down exactly what constitutes an eco-friendly home. Here are a few green criteria to add to your scouting list as you search the market:

• Sustainable construction materials: These include non-toxic and recyclable materials that have low environmental impacts. Bamboo is a great example of a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods, as it grows rapidly and harvesting it does not have the same detrimental effect as cutting down trees.

Other examples of sustainable materials include:

• • Reclaimed wood

  • Recycled steel

  • Insulated concrete forms (ICF) 

• Energy-efficient installations: Features like solar panels, LED light installations, and other energy-efficient appliances limit electricity usage and reduce energy bills.

Here are some more green-home features to look for:

• • Energy star appliances (refrigerators or HVAC systems designed to cut down energy consumption)

  • Green flooring (such as recycled tiles, cork, linoleum, and more)

  • Dual pane windows

  • Smart thermostat and lights

  • Tankless water heaters

• Water conservation features: If you are committed to greener living, then it is important to look for homes that are equipped with water-saving systems, such as rain harvesting captures or flow-efficient faucets.

• Waste management systems: Any ideal green property or community will also include systems dedicated to composting organic waste and recycling for paper, glass, and plastics. These include homes with built-in composting units or proximity to recycling facilities.

LEED certification

If you are in the market for an eco-friendly home, look for houses that are LEED certified. Also known as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, this globally recognized rating system is used to measure the sustainability of buildings, their construction, and the surrounding environment. LEED certification is a valuable indicator for homeowners and buyers looking for sustainable homes, ensuring your home provides benefits like:

• Lower utility bills

• Healthier living environment

• Reduced environmental impact

• Decreased waste

• Increased home value and marketability

In order to become LEED certified, construction companies and individuals must pass the LEED Green Associate exam. It is administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).

Is location an important eco-friendly factor?

Once you know what features make a home eco-friendly, the next step is finding a location that helps foster green initiatives. Research cities or areas that actively promote sustainable living spaces. There are a number of townships and municipalities with local policies that encourage eco-friendly housing developments. Some even have mandates for new construction houses that require the use of sustainable materials or energy-efficient installations.

It is also important to consider how you want your green lifestyle to look. For you, that may mean choosing a home located closer to nature preserves where the air quality is better. If you want to live sustainably, but still desire an urban setting, consider neighborhoods with community gardens. These shared spaces encourage organic farming for residents.

The location you choose to live in is just as important as the home you decide to buy, so it is vital to do your research.

Eco-friendly home improvements

Even if you are already a homeowner, it is never too late to incorporate eco-friendly features into your home. Making green upgrades to your home can be beneficial for long-term saving, increasing your home’s value, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are some environmentally conscious ways to improve your home:

• Reduce water wastage by fixing leaks and installing shower timers and efficient faucets.

• Invest in a smart meter to measure your household’s energy use.

• Set up your own composting system or bin in an outdoor space.

• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.

• Consider installing solar panels and investing in other clean energy home improvements.

Financing for eco-friendly homes

Whether your goal is to adopt a greener lifestyle or to save more money through energy-efficient strategies, many homeowners and buyers may feel put off by the initial costs required for the upgrades needed.

For homeowners looking to fund eco-friendly home improvements, you may consider using a HELOC or home equity loan. There are also government incentives created to make sustainable-living upgrades more affordable.

Clean energy incentives: The Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed, offering American homeowners funds designed to help make eco-friendly home improvements more affordable. The new law also includes a range of rebates and tax credits for homeowners with lower- to middle-income who purchase sustainable homes or upgrade to more eco-friendly technology.

These rebates and incentives include:

• • Home energy rebates, which return specific sums for specific initiatives.

• • Tax credits for energy efficiency projects, designed to make the expense of solar panels, heat pumps, and other eco-friendly technologies more affordable.

For buyers entering the market with a greener mindset, there are home loan options available. The VA offers energy efficient-mortgages that are available to veterans and servicemembers, enabling borrowers to purchase a home and includes the cost of energy-efficient improvements within the loan balance. An FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) loan also allows homeowners to finance energy-efficient improvements to their homes.

There are a variety of ways for homebuyers and homeowners to start incorporating sustainable-living practices into their homes. Whether you are starting your search for a new home with an environmentally friendly attitude or embracing sustainable upgrades, it is important to do your research and choose options that will benefit your home goals.

Good luck, and happy homebuying!