Going Green-Green Building
These days “going green” is considered the norm. Just like hybrid cars and organically grown food in recent years, building eco-friendly homes has become one of the latest trends in real estate. A few years ago, those building environmentally friendly homes were considered tree-huggers or hippies. There were also expenses and downsides associated with these homes like the unsightly solar panels and poor water pressure. Luckily today, those things are no longer true. According to a recent survey by Green Builder Media, homebuyers are willing to pay premium for newly built “green” homes. Builders surveyed also plan to incorporate more green building processes and materials into their projects as well.
The U.S. Green Building Council reports that in the United States buildings account for 39 percent of total energy use, 68 percent of total electricity consumption, 30 percent landfill waster, 12 percent of total water consumption, and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. The numbers are incredibly high. It would be great if we could decrease environmental waste, energy consumption, save money and get healthier all at the same time! That is where green building comes into play. It provides economic benefits like tax credits, lower water & energy bills, conservation of natural resources and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention the health benefits such as exposure to mold, mildew and other toxins. Having already taken a hold nationwide, green building is increasing in popularity in North Carolina as well.
In March of 2004, the North Carolina Solar Center, the State Energy Office, the N.C. Department of Administration and several professional building organizations collaborated to create the NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program. You can visit their website at www.healthybuilthomes.org. According to estimates from the program an eco-friendly home generates an average cost savings of $400 per year compared to a home of normal construction. During the entire lifespan of a green built home, it can be estimated that $48,320 can be saved by a homeowner.
These statistics alone can make any buyer want to build an environmentally friendly home. Since the start of the NC HealthyBuilt Homes program 65 builders across the state have already enrolled. This eco-friendly approach to home building can only continue to preserve our beautiful lake and forests at Lake James that we are so lucky to call home.
Hawksbill Grand Opening
Please be sure to join us on June 30th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for our Grand Opening Celebration of Hawksbill at Lake James. This community offers the best of all worlds-a wood and stone community, mountains, water and wooded privacy. Just minutes from Lake James and the Pisgah National Forest, this private gated community is being offered by Lake James Real Estate. Come see for yourself why this is the perfect place to live year-round or to build a vacation home nestled in the woods. This peaceful 250-acre community has awe-inspiring views, mature trees, streams and 60 acres of open space just for residents. Stop by to learn more about this opportunity and enjoy some food, refreshments and family entertainment. Hawksbill is located on Highway 126 just outside of Morganton. Take 1-40 to exit 100 and travel north on Jamestown Road. Turn left at the third light onto NC 126 and travel approximately 7 miles to the stone & timber entrance of the right. Hope to see you there!
Water in our Veins–Meet Lake James Real Estate
Please call us if we can help with any of your real estate needs at Lake James – who better to help you than people who live, play and work here!
Polly Leadbetter – Owner/Broker P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-443-5407
Shane Cook – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-3205
Rhonda Edge – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-6595
Amanda Hotchkiss – Sales P/ 828-584-9999 C/ 828-335-3001
Marc Parham – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-443-1337
Denice Rechtiene – Sales P/828-584-9999 C/828-432-6976
