MY GREEN BLOG

Go Green recently had our first training session with Aaron Adelstein from Built Green. We wanted to learn more about their organization and where their focus was heading in this recession. Built Green is a non-profit associated with the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. They help to designate standards for green building within the 2 counties as well as around the state of Washington. They certify residential projects on a 5 star scale based on their checklist. You can learn more about Built Green at www.builtgreen.net.

One of the main focuses of Built Green over the next 6 months is certifying remodeling projects. This is great info for our staff at Go Green Mortgage because that is where we want to help borrower’s the most. In most mortgage transactions there are monies leftover after the closing. Typical rule of thumb is there can be no more than 2% or $2,000 (whichever is less) in cash back to borrowers on non-cash out transactions. This additional cash presents a great opportunity for borrower’s to make Green upgrades to their homes with this extra money.

If you are anything like me… then you realize that going green can be expensive. This is why I have adopted a 1 project every 6 months to a year policy. We at Go Green believe that every little bit helps, and with this method, every person can do their part and non break the bank. Please feel free to give us a call to learn where to best spend that $2,000 for your home in a Green upgrade. Maybe it’s new appliances… maybe a new water heater… maybe insulation for your attic.

You may be like me as well in the fact that you have no interest in selling your home in this market. So what better time to start making those little upgrades to differentiate your home once the market turns?? During our training, Aaron mentioned that studies are now showing that “Green” or “Greener” homes are selling for more per square foot (especially on the east side), are more resistant to depreciating changes in the market, and are being preferred by buyers over similar homes that do not have green upgrades. That’s great news for everyone!!!!

Keep all these things in mind over the next year. Look around your home and decide on your next project. Keep it simple… a rainwater collection system costs under $100 and a little manual labor to install. You’ll also be doing your part for economic recovery by investing in sustainable products, a key to recovery and our future American industry.

Till Next Time,

Jeff