| Looking to buy or rent a green home? These | | | | resources in both construction and maintenance, |
| days, lots of eco friendly homes are going on the | | | | while smaller dwellings are cleverly conceived can |
| market as sellers and landlords recognise they're | | | | feel quite spacious. |
| in demand. But how is one to know which homes | | | | Eco Home Tip #10 Inquire about insulation - ask |
| are truly green? | | | | about the insulation. Higher R values means the |
| Here's a checklist of features to look out for and | | | | house will better protected against extreme |
| questions to ask to determine the green quality | | | | weather elements. See if the windows are double |
| of your next eco home. | | | | glazed. While you're at it, ask about other green |
| Eco Home Tip #7 Location Location Location - | | | | home features such as solar panels and solar hot |
| pick a location that's convenient and easy to get | | | | water. Make your message loud and clear! |
| to. Close to shops, amenities and public transport | | | | Eco Home Tip #11 Good green help - there are a |
| will reduce the amount of emissions that come | | | | few Australian green realtors, such as |
| from getting around. Inquire about the council's | | | | ecoproperty, who specialise in green listings. Check |
| recycling program. | | | | the Green Pages green directory for real estate |
| Eco Home Tip #8 Orient yourself with the right | | | | agents who will help you find the perfect green |
| orientation - if a house is to have good eco | | | | home. |
| principles, it will designed with the right orientation. | | | | The important thing is to ask before you buy. |
| This means that the living areas will face due | | | | Even if the real estate agent can't tell you |
| north, to make the most of the winter sun while | | | | upfront, it's important to let the market know |
| allowing the hotter summer sun to pass overhead. | | | | that buyers and renters are looking for this bit of |
| Sleeping rooms, meanwhile, will be oriented | | | | information. While no single home will have all of |
| towards to the South to capture cool summer | | | | the sustainable features listed, at least you can |
| breezes. | | | | get a clear picture of what the potential home |
| Eco Home tip #9 Cosy is not a four letter word - | | | | has to offer. |
| consider how the space is used as much as the | | | | For great green building products for your eco |
| size of it. Oversized houses utilises more | | | | home, visit the Green Pages green directory. |