When given the option to build green, will Buyers take it?

My bet is that they will. As more local builders such as Barry Meade (archived: 2013), Church Hill (archived: 2016) and Stonehaus build green, the question soon will not be, “is this house green?” It will be, “Why don’t you build green?”

Don’t underestimate the power of both the market and shame, as well as Buyers’ focus on resale value. A house regarded as being green today will likely be more valuable when buyers go to sell.

Referencing the Belvedere development in Charlottesville (no longer available) –

Each of Belvedere’s houses will be Energy Star and Earthcraft certified – recognitions of a home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.

Moreover, the development will include an organic farm, a dog park, a village green and amphitheater, grassy parks, a storm water park, a system of biking and hiking trails and the preservation of a flood plain and more than 40 percent of the site’s green space, trees and vegetation.
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The project also will incorporate wind- and solar-powered multi-family buildings and commercial structures, as well as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified buildings in the project’s civic core.

Now, if only they would provide effective public transport …

Soon it may be time to change the MLS to reflect the green aspects of building. As Buyers demand LEED certified homes, shouldn’t the MLS be able to adapt? Currently, the best way to search for green homes is to search the public remarks for either “Earthcraft (no longer available)” or “Energy Star (no longer available),” neither of which is wholly effective.

Note: I have added this Daily Progress article to to this blog’s Press Page.

Update 5/1/2007 – C-Ville has a good article on Belvedere’s green features (archived: 2010).
Update 5/1/2007 #2 – This is the Belvedere project’s website.
Update 5/1/2007 #3 – Cvillenews has a story, which is sure to lead to a lively discussion.