by Coco Clayman-Cook
This year we will all find ourselves noticing a little more green than last year, and I'm not talking about the lush landscape of Spring in Los Angeles. I'm referring to our society's commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
More and more consumers are requesting environmentally friendly residences and development companies are taking note. In fact some of the larger real estate companies are using the "green" concept to explain why they are cutting back on their advertising dollars. Interesting how when the market was flourishing the ads were plentiful. Each week LA Condo Lifestyles features a full page ad and we have not cut back on our advertising at all. In fact in a market like this you need to spend more and spend it wisely.
All across the country builders have begun constructing energy-efficient developments. We are seeing more and more of them applying for certification by the United States Green Building Council as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects.
Buildings with this certification offer a wide range of energy efficient amenities, everything from green roofs, to water and energy saving appliances. On February 15th an ordinance was passed in Los Angeles to require all new large developments to meet the LEED standard. This Is a huge commitment to making Los Angeles green year round.
Coco, we had buyers requesting green building practices with sustainable/renewable materials. One of our builders was brave and added bamboo floors, paperstone countertops, wool carpet, Low VOC paint and energy saving appliances/heating units and so far that house is still on the market. It is expensive to build green and even though consumers say they want it, in our market, just outside of Salem, Oregon, at least, consumers are not willing to pay for it.
I hope it goes well in your market. Your market trends take a long time for us to pick up. Good Luck!