Real estate agents ride wave of future: Green home building.
Frank Ungaro just got his real estate license this year, but the 29 year old is already enrolled in more courses on energy efficiency in homes and LEED ratings.
LEED - or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - is a national rating system that helps classify how energy efficient a home is through the U.S. Green Building Council.
Ungaro will soon join at least 15 real estate agents in Loveland and Fort Collins who are EcoBrokers. Nationwide, membership has tripled to about 200 the past three years with the Evergreen-based EcoBroker International. The program trains real estate agents in energy efficiency and environmental issues.
"It's the wave of the future. Eventually we'll have to start building this way," said Ungaro. "It'll be more and more difficult to sustain the current lifestyle, with all the waste, and not using resources to the fullest."
Though some home buyers specifically look for energy efficient houses in Northern Colorado, they are not the norm. Ungaro sees his role as educator.
"Beyond the hippie side of it, this is a business decision," Ungaro said. "When you're looking at a house where you will live for 10 to 15 years, it's better in to make the initial investment that saves money in the long run."
Ungaro bought his first home this summer on Kill Deer Drive in Fort Collins. He replaced old windows with energy efficient windows.
A monthly heating bill of $200 can be reduced by $60-$80 per month with energy-efficient windows, according to EcoBroker data. A capital investment of $5,000-$7,000 to replace windows throughout an average house can pay for itself in reduced utility bills in about seven years.
Of course, investments in energy efficiency go beyond windows. Solar power, energy-efficient appliances, in-floor radiant heating and geothermal systems and spray foam insulation are a few other options.
Green home building can cost 2-5 percent more up front, according to an October 2005 issue of Realtor Magazine Online. While energy savings occur right away, assessors and assessed valuation does not always respond.
"Some see it like a swimming pool, a bonus that's a pain to take care of. But if you crunch the numbers, you can also factor in the rising energy costs," Ungaro said. "Some people see it as, 'Get those (solar) panels off the roof.'"
More and more, however, solar panel designers are considering the appearance.
"Solar has evolved. The technology is better. When you use a company like Solar Solutions, who have been around 13 years, you know the system they install is going to run correctly," Ungaro said.
The placement of a new house, and positioning of windows, can also affect utility bills. South facing windows let in more sun during the winter, and less sun during the summer. Known as passive solar heating, design efforts can take an estimated $80 off a $200 monthly heating bill, according to EcoBroker data.
Ungaro recommends home builders who use more environmental materials and processes. Tons of construction waste goes to the landfill from the average new home.
LEED is not the only energy efficiency rating for homes and buildings. Three others include Energy Star, BuiltGreen Colorado, Environments and Living and National Association of Homebuilders Green Home Buildings. A study is under way in Colorado to compare and contrast the ratings systems and is partly funded by the governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation.
Real estate agents are not the only professionals learning about energy-efficient homes. Construction managers, architects and even finance officers are as well. In addition to easing utility costs, tax breaks and special financing are available to those who qualify - a greening of the wallet and environment alike.
Green homes don't necessarily have to cost more. They just have to be better thought out, said architect Peter Pfeiffer in the October Realtor publication.
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