HeraldNet: Controversy in Eco-Land



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Eco Geek

August 25, 2008

Controversy in Eco-Land

Posted at 11:23 am

If you’re in the market for a new home, pay close attention to the certifications real estate agents tout while you’re taking the tour.

Real Estate reporter Debra Smith wrote Sunday that some real estate agents have been listing their homes as “certified” green residences, but few of those homes have been inspected by a third party.

Smith found that in a group of 18 homes listed as “certified,” just four had been verified by Built Green, Energy Star or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

The idea of green-certified homes is a relatively new concept in this area, so some real estate agents argue that the definition is open to interpretation. Real estate experts say some agents simply need to be educated, but home buyers can’t ignore the fact that “certified” green homes usually sell for more than standard homes. In King County, certified homes have been found to sell 18 percent faster and for 30 percent more than others.

To learn more about green-certified homes and how to avoid getting duped into buying a home that hasn’t bee third-party verified, go to the Built Green Web site. In Snohomish County, check outGreening Properties.

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