D.C. Gut Rehab Proves Value of Green Homes

NPR aired a story on a gut rehab in Washington, D.C. that is projected to earn LEED Platinum status in the LEED for Homes category.  LEED is a third party certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, awarded by the USGBC.  Built in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C., it is one of only a few buildings in this category in the U.S., and the first in Washington, D.C. But it's the story of the value that green homes have in this down market that really caught my attention.  Says the owner, Amy Levin in an article in BuildingGreen.com:

"When 1834 Ingleside Terrace was listed, my offer was the first of many great ones," says Amy. "But it was the fact that I wanted to do a green renovation that convinced the owner to accept mine."   

Not only that, but:

• An appraiser valued her townhome at about 10% higher than comparable properties
• Interested buyers made offers (even though the property wasn't even listed) that more than covered the green investments she had made
• Prospective renters were "more than willing" to pay a premium for the "health, energy benefits, and "cool factor"  of the home

Speaking of cool, check out the Interactive Green Kitchen Tour on NPR's website.