NOTE: This article is part of the forthcoming book, the Gotcha Guide™ to Buying or Investing in Real Estate. by DeeinAustin™

Today, we're continuing with Green Week here at Texas Realty Blog. If you haven't already read our first post, take a look at Green Real Estate Events in Austin and Texas in Spring 2008.

QUICK INTRO TO GREEN BUILDING AND GREEN REMODELING

Green homes don't have to be odd-shaped and made out of materials that aren't normally seen in your neighborhood. According to EcoManor the most efficient green homes have the following characteristics:

Environmentally-sound materials
 Energy-efficient appliances
 Recycled & Locally-sourced materials
 Rain water collection
 Drought-resistant landscaping
 Natural, chemical-free insulation
 Low-flush toilets
 Natural cleaning products

TOP 5 QUICK, LOW-COST FIXES THAT YOU CAN DO TODAY FOR BETTER GREEN LIVING

5. Use a programmable thermostat. Most newer homes have one, but do you use it? Rule #1 of green living...USE your energy-saving programmable thermostat to accommodate when you're actually home. If you don't already have one, they're under $100 and are easy to install. If you have one, it's FREE to start saving today.

4. Check your Outdoor Sprinklers. Have you ever seen automatic sprinklers turn on when it's raining because it's on a timer? If you have a relatively new system (3 years or newer), add a rain sensor. Check out this rain sensor from Rainbird, which is only about $25. Also make sure all sprinklers not located near the driveway or other paved areas and that you water in the evening.

3. Lower your Light-bulb Wattage. I use compact fluorescent bulbs. They are lower wattage, but provide the similar light levels to incandescent ones. Even better, they last much longer and cost is typically under $3-$5 each, up to $10.

2.. Lower your Indoor Water usage. According to GreenBuilding.com, efficient toilets and shower heads are the best way to save green-backs and conserve our best natural resource. Replacing the entire toilet can cost $100 or more but a low-flow kit is about $25-40.

The #1. Green Fix You Can Do Today is...

Wrap your hot water heater with a Hot Water Heater Blanket. Spend $25 today and save yourself an estimated $30 per year!

ADDITIONAL READING FOR A GREENER SOUL

Photo of green living below from KeysGlee.com. Click to see a larger version.

• One of the best green remodeling websites on the net along with TreeHugger.com.
• Read this great Green Building Guide and book.
• Learn more about your local Green Building Council or American Institute of Architects (AIA).
• See inside and out of Low-E window coating explained.
• Read more about Energy Star appliances.
• Read about modern prefab and modular homes, which are often green. 
• National Association of REALTORS green home and green mortgage guide.

All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008 © Dee Copeland.