#2 Do I have a knowledgeable appraiser? Did you know you can request that the lender use a certified green appraiser? Well you can. If you know a green appraiser like those at Southern California Appraisal Services. You can request your lender reach out to them.
How old is the roof? How much is the monthly utility bill? Has the sewer ever backed up? In many ways, the questions you should be asking before buying a house seem pretty obvious, but what if you’re checking out eco-friendly homes? New products and technologies and innovative design are bumping up the eco-factor in many homes across the country, but are all green homes created equal? Of course not. That’s why it’s extra important to know your stuff before making any offers. You’ll likely pay a premium for a green home and you’ll want to know that you’re getting what you pay for. Here’s a list of 8 essential questions to ask before buying a green home, so you can confidently make an offer with your eyes wide open.
#1 Is this home certified?
The easiest way to tell if a home is more sustainable is if it has a credible certification. Energy Star and LEED both offer certifications; LEED has several different sustainability categories while Energy Star is more focused on energy efficiency. To become LEED-certified, homeowners must gain a certain amount of credits in categories like water efficiency, location and transportation, innovation, and more. To have an Energy Star home, owners must commit to a defined set of energy measures that make it more sustainable. Of course, not all sellers bother to get their green homes certified, so just because it doesn’t have a stamp of approval, doesn’t mean it’s not energy efficient or built with sustainable building materials. Clearly, you’ll have to ask some questions to make sure. There are a few websites out there, such as Green Homes for Sale, that list homes specifically by their certifications and make it easier for you to find already certified homes.
#2 Do I have a knowledgeable realtor/appraiser?
Your realtor should be the one giving you the low-down on your new potential home, right? Well, if he or she has no background knowledge of green homes, you might not get all the information you need. A realtor who has experience selling homes with eco features or who has a green credential can make a world of difference in the buying process. Other substantial credentials to look for are a National Association of Realtor’s Green Designation or the LEED Green Associate certification. Use the online resource, Realty Sage Pro, to get a referral to local agents who have the expertise, connections, and who can help you make the decisions which are right for your lifestyle, priorities, and budget.
Another important factor is the appraiser. Does he or she understand the actual value of a green home? An appraiser who doesn’t factor in the benefits of an eco-friendly home may undervalue it and price it as they would a standard-built home. Get an appraisal by someone certified so that you fully understand the investment you’re making.
read more at: https://elemental.green/8-essential-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-green-home/
Green Real Estate Appraiser 