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27Sep/100

Green Condos

There are thousands of homeowners discovering the benefits of environmentally conscious construction and green condos. Building experts and local developers predict that, as the cost of energy rises, consumer demand for so-called “green buildings” will grow.  Also, as new building technologies come into wider use, the overhead cost of developing green buildings will drop and become the industry standard.  Because green building results in energy cost-saving, healthier surroundings and more durable construction, they’re the future of condo construction.   But there are two stumbling blocks.  For green condos to catch on, developers have to gain experience working with the new energy-efficient, cleaner technologies to break the cost barrier.  Second, realtors and developers have to educate consumers on what they are getting when they buy green.

Most consumers want what is considered today as a high-performance home.  In the context of green condos it means a home that is safe, healthy and durable using resources efficiently.  Green condos are actually greener than the greenest single family homes.  With their high residential densities, they take up less space and preserve open land.  In addition, urban condos are closer to metro stations, bus stops and bike trails which discourage people from relying on cars to go everywhere.  Additionally, multi-family buildings are inherently green because fewer resources per unit are used to construct and to operate.

The technology today has exploded to cover almost every aspect of construction, materials, landscaping and energy renewal.  Home and condo builders today boast many green features, including healthier paint and carpeting, recycling of construction waste, lots of natural light, high efficiency appliances and systems, water conserving fixtures, use of renewable materials, minimal water use landscaping and “green roofs” that help moderate temperature while reducing and filtering water runoff.  Architects, developers and builders are all looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and waste with the long term goal of creating buildings and technologies that produce more energy than they consume.  Builders are aiming to offer condo buyers green buildings in the same price range as what they would expect to pay for an old fashioned, non-green condo in the area.   It is a bold step for the building trades but they are up to the task to produce a high quality product that is cost effective and the market will ultimately embrace green condos.

Today some buyers are questioning investing in green condos.  Green condos are not only fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly but save a lot of money.  Who knew that being green could be so economically rewarding?  So what’s the question!

22Jul/100

Eco-friendly condos

The idea of “going green,” or having an eco-friendly condo or house is becoming increasingly popular these days, and people who would like to get on the bandwagon need not be afraid of it costing too much money.

Sure, there are expensive options, such as adding solar panels. They do conserve energy and may pay off down the line at some point, depending how long you stay in the house. But there are simpler, less expensive ways to "live green," and give back to the environment.

For instance, using compact florescent light bulbs rather than the more common incandescent light bulbs is a good start. The florescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy, and last much longer too, so the higher price is well worth it. Of course, just turning off lights when you leave a room, is a help too. Many people don’t realize that unplugging things like TVs, toasters, and other items cuts down on usage too, because if they are plugged in, they draw electricity whether they are turned on or not.

Buying energy-efficient appliances when you buy your condo is also helpful, and all the major companies are touting them so the prices are not too steep either. They will save you money, and conserve water and energy in your eco-friendly condo too. Planting a garden, even a small one for flowers, or better yet—herbs, spices and vegetables on your patio or balcony, will also benefit the environment, and your diet. Besides brightening up a home, plants give off oxygen and consume carbon dioxide so they benefit the environment. You would be surprised how little space you need to grow tomatoes and other types of vegetables. For instance, tomatoes can even be grown upside down now too, with the pots hanging from the ceiling.

 Recycling is another good, cost-free activity too. If your community does not provide homes with recycling containers to deposit paper, plastic, aluminum and other items, most if not all communities at least have drop-off points for recyclables. Perhaps at a condo board meeting, you can lobby your fellow residents and encourage them to join you in your efforts. You might all be able to band together and multiply your efforts. For big issues that would affect the whole complex, such as using the fluorescent bulbs in the hallways or regulating the amount of water used on the landscaping, you can bring your requests the management company. That way, you can be sure to have an eco-friendly condo development.

11Nov/09Off

Miami Green Condos

There are thousands of homeowners discovering the benefits of environmentally conscious construction and Miami green condos.  Building experts and local developers predict that, as the cost of energy rises, consumer demand for so-called "green buildings" will grow.  Also, as new building technologies come into wider use, the overhead cost of developing green buildings will drop and become the industry standard.  Because green building results in energy cost-saving, healthier surroundings and more durable construction, they're the future of condo construction.   But there are two stumbling blocks.  For green condos to catch on, developers have to gain experience working with the new energy-efficient, cleaner technologies to break the cost barrier.  Second, realtors and developers have to educate consumers on what they are getting when they buy green.

Most consumers want what is considered today as a high-performance home.  In the context of Miami green condos it means a home that is safe, healthy and durable using resources efficiently.  Green condos are actually greener than the greenest single family homes.  With their high residential densities, they take up less space and preserve open land.  In addition, urban condos are closer to metro stations, bus stops and bike trails which discourage people from relying on cars to go everywhere.  Additionally, multi-family buildings are inherently green because fewer resources per unit are used to construct and to operate.

The technology today has exploded to cover almost every aspect of construction, materials, landscaping and energy renewal.  Home and condo builders today boast many green features, including healthier paint and carpeting, recycling of construction waste, lots of natural light, high efficiency appliances and systems, water conserving fixtures, use of renewable materials, minimal water use landscaping and "green roofs" that help moderate temperature while reducing and filtering water runoff.  Architects, developers and builders are all looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and waste with the long term goal of creating buildings and technologies that produce more energy than they consume.  Builders are aiming to offer condo buyers green buildings in the same price range as what they would expect to pay for an old fashioned, non-green condo in the area.   It is a bold step for the building trades but they are up to the task to produce a high quality product that is cost effective and the market will ultimately embrace Miami green condos

Today some buyers are questioning investing in green condos.  Green condos are not only fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly but save a lot of money.  Who knew that being green could be so economically rewarding?  So what's the question!

28Sep/09Off

Green Condos

There are thousands of homeowners discovering the benefits of environmentally conscious construction and green condos.  Building experts and local developers predict that, as the cost of energy rises, consumer demand for so-called "green buildings" will grow.  Also, as new building technologies come into wider use, the overhead cost of developing green buildings will drop and become the industry standard.  Because green building results in energy cost-saving, healthier surroundings and more durable construction, they're the future of condo construction.   But there are two stumbling blocks.  For green condos to catch on, developers have to gain experience working with the new energy-efficient, cleaner technologies to break the cost barrier.  Second, realtors and developers have to educate consumers on what they are getting when they buy green.

Most consumers want what is considered today as a high-performance home.  In the context of green condos it means a home that is safe, healthy and durable using resources efficiently.  Green condos are actually greener than the greenest single family homes.  With their high residential densities, they take up less space and preserve open land.  In addition, urban condos are closer to metro stations, bus stops and bike trails which discourage people from relying on cars to go everywhere.  Additionally, multi-family buildings are inherently green because fewer resources per unit are used to construct and to operate.

The technology today has exploded to cover almost every aspect of construction, materials, landscaping and energy renewal.  Home and condo builders today boast many green features, including healthier paint and carpeting, recycling of construction waste, lots of natural light, high efficiency appliances and systems, water conserving fixtures, use of renewable materials, minimal water use landscaping and "green roofs" that help moderate temperature while reducing and filtering water runoff.  Architects, developers and builders are all looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and waste with the long term goal of creating buildings and technologies that produce more energy than they consume.  Builders are aiming to offer condo buyers green buildings in the same price range as what they would expect to pay for an old fashioned, non-green condo in the area.   It is a bold step for the building trades but they are up to the task to produce a high quality product that is cost effective and the market will ultimately embrace green condos.

Today some buyers are questioning investing in green condos.  Green condos are not only fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly but save a lot of money.  Who knew that being green could be so economically rewarding?  So what's the question!

26Sep/09Off

Live Green

You’ve probably noticed that green living is everywhere these days. Not only do you hear about people who live green in the news and through politics, but it is in fashion and even technology.  Going green has become a lifestyle choice for most of the Gen-X buyers. When searching for a condo/house, the consumers who are conscious about the environment seem to live by the idea of building Green Condos. Others, who are not looking to buy, simply go green by changing their lifestyle.

You are probably wondering what the difference is between a condo that is green and one that is not? Green buildings include a green roof, natural water and air cooling systems, wind turbine for generating buildings own power, solar paneling,  natural insulation and many more energy saving techniques.  Find a Condo that is green for your next home.

Individuals who are not looking to purchase simply live green by changing the way they do things around their home. There are some simple principles to live by that will help you move toward being green. Try to buy energy star appliances.  Upgrading your kitchen with energy saving appliances will save you money in the end. Try to keep your home "closed up". By this I mean, close the fireplace damper when you are not using it. Insulate your home properly and make sure that all your windows are sealed properly. Plug all holes and check air ducts for any leaks.  Another way to stay green is to maintaining your heating and cooling system. Clean your filters regularly and consider upgrading to the latest energy efficient furnaces.  An inexpensive method to stay green is to replace your light bulbs with fluorescents and you’ll save about 50% of you lighting energy bill. As far as the exterior-try to choose indigenous plants with deciduous trees planted on the south and west side of your house to keep your house cool in summer and allow the sun to shine through your windows in the winter.

These examples are just some of the ways that you can help our environment and live green! Educate yourself on being green and search for Chicago condos  that are built with green materials. Although some of the methods may seem costly at first, you will end up saving money in the long run by choosing to go green. Make the choice to go green and make an impact on the environment.

28Jul/09Off

Chicago Green Condos

There are thousands of homeowners discovering the benefits of environmentally conscious construction and Chicago green condos.  Building experts and local developers predict that, as the cost of energy rises, consumer demand for so-called "green buildings" will grow.  Also, as new building technologies come into wider use, the overhead cost of developing green buildings will drop and become the industry standard.  Because green building results in energy cost-saving, healthier surroundings and more durable construction, they're the future of condo construction.   But there are two stumbling blocks.  For green condos to catch on, developers have to gain experience working with the new energy-efficient, cleaner technologies to break the cost barrier.  Second, realtors and developers have to educate consumers on what they are getting when they buy green.

Most consumers want what is considered today as a high-performance home.  In the context of Chicago green condos it means a home that is safe, healthy and durable using resources efficiently.  Green condos are actually greener than the greenest single family homes.  With their high residential densities, they take up less space and preserve open land.  In addition, urban condos are closer to metro stations, bus stops and bike trails which discourage people from relying on cars to go everywhere.  Additionally, multi-family buildings are inherently green because fewer resources per unit are used to construct and to operate.

The technology today has exploded to cover almost every aspect of construction, materials, landscaping and energy renewal.  Home and condo builders today boast many green features, including healthier paint and carpeting, recycling of construction waste, lots of natural light, high efficiency appliances and systems, water conserving fixtures, use of renewable materials, minimal water use landscaping and "green roofs" that help moderate temperature while reducing and filtering water runoff.  Architects, developers and builders are all looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and waste with the long term goal of creating buildings and technologies that produce more energy than they consume.  Builders are aiming to offer condo buyers green buildings in the same price range as what they would expect to pay for an old fashioned, non-green condo in the area.   It is a bold step for the building trades but they are up to the task to produce a high quality product that is cost effective and the market will ultimately embrace Chicago green condos

Today some buyers are questioning investing in green condos.  Green condos are not only fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly but save a lot of money.  Who knew that being green could be so economically rewarding?  So what's the question!

6Jul/09Off

Green Condos in Chicago

We hear it on the radio and television.  We see it in the newspapers and magazines.  Going green seems to be the buzz word for this decade but many people just don't know how important and what it all means.  It is much more than recycling, turning off your lights when not in use, buying energy efficient vehicles, or insulating your attic.  Green means construction materials, building and development techniques and many other technologies unheard of just a few years ago.  There are even standards and programs for eco-certification designed to reduce the impact on our planet, the most popular being Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  For years condo design has been incorporating green living and we are currently seeing many green condos in Chicago being built in the city and suburbs. 

Many people think it is too expensive to live in a LEED home or condo but it normally pays for itself with all the energy saving features.  Some condo owners have experienced a 50 per cent decrease in utility bills immediately upon incorporating green technology. Customers today are demanding energy saving technology not only because of their own cost savings but the satisfaction they are doing their part for the planet.  Energy prices are extremely volatile and unpredictable, so people are naturally interested in purchasing a green condo in Chicago.  Developers and builders are happy with this trend because green construction seems to be insulated from the downturn in the real estate market. 

As mentioned earlier in the article going green is more than recycling and insulating your attic.  The technology today has exploded to cover almost every aspect of construction, materials, landscaping and energy renewal.  Home and condo builders today boast many green features, including healthier paint and carpeting, recycling of construction waste, lots of natural light, high efficiency appliances and systems, water conserving fixtures, use of renewable materials, minimal water use landscaping and "green roofs" that help moderate temperature while reducing and filtering water runoff.  Architects, developers and builders are all looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and waste with the long term goal of creating buildings and technologies that produce more energy than they consume.  Builders are aiming to offer condo buyers green buildings in the same price range as what they would expect to pay for an old fashioned, non-green condo in the area.   It is a bold step for the building trades but they are up to the task to produce a high quality product that is cost effective and the market will ultimately embrace green condos in Chicago.

29Mar/09Off

Chicago Green Condos

Have you ever wondered what it means to be green? It can be used to describe something organic or it can be used when describing something environmentally friendly. Not only in everyday living, but In today’s real estate market, green is becoming more and more popular. Homeowners are making changes for the good of the environment. Chicago Green Condos are what is hip and what is hot. Condo buyers are seeking environmentally friendly places to call home.

From using materials that are made from recycled products like countertops and tile, to selecting faucets and fixtures that save water, to heating, cooling and appliances that saves energy, finding a Chicago Green Condo may not be as difficult as it sounds. Even if you cannot find the ideal Chicago green condo it is easy to take something ordinary and make it green. And even the smallest of changes can benefit the environment and save money. This past weekend marked the second year of Earth Hour where countries across the globe were asked to turn off their lights for one hour. This year Commonwealth Edison utility announced after Earth Hour 2009, that the demand for electricity fell by 1 percent in Chicago and northern Illinois, reducing about 139,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Here are a few tips to make your Chicago condo a Chicago Green Condo:

First, change the appliances to Energy-Star appliances. In 1992, in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the United States Environmental Protection Agency created Energy Star. Changing to Energy Star refrigerator can reduce energy consumption by as much as 20% while an Energy Star dishwasher can save as much as 41%.
And a simple change of your light bulbs to fluorescent lighting can save reduce energy consumption by 75 % and the bulbs will last up to ten times longer than normal incandescent lights.

Home electronics are also rated for energy efficiency.

From changing the appliances to Energy-Star appliances, changing the water faucets and fixtures to water saving models to selecting light colors for your surroundings that reflect the light and not absorb the light, changing bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, adding insulation, replacing windows and even the roof are all ways that can make Chicago Green Condos a great place to call home. Not only would you be saving energy, but the savings of money can really add up annually.

Consult a Realtor at OwnACondo.com to begin your search for a green condo.

12Mar/090

Environmentally Friendly Condos

Environmentally Friendly Condos

How do you find environmentally friendly condos?  If you’re the type of person that wants to live in space that takes into consideration everything green, it’s important to hook up with a condo specialist that has a designation that certifies them a specialist in this field.  There are many realtors in the Chicago area that specialize in this.

In Chicago you can find environmentally green condos by doing a google search, but more importantly, through your local realtor.  Many times an office will have one or two realtors that focus primarily on this type of real estate. 

The cost for buying an environmentally friendly condo now is a tad more expensive upfront, but in the long run, may save you thousands of dollars in the future. Some of the significant savings will be on your electric and heating bills. 

There are many developers that are moving in the direction of being environmentally friendly.  You’ll see several advertisements with “green condos” or “environmentally friendly condos” phrases attached.  If you have trouble finding any of these condo developments, the best thing to do is call a specialized Realtor that focuses on this.  There are “green realtors” that will be able to pin point all the green developments in the Chicago condo arena.

Chicago condos have felt a tremendous downturn in value over the last three years with the real estate market collapsing allowing great opportunities to buy green condos everywhere.  Condo developments are sitting with green inventory everywhere allowing condo buyers to pick up deals at 50 cents to 75 cents on the dollar.  It’s really an incredible time to buy right now.  Interest rates are at an all time low, financing for condos can be easy if you have the right down payment and the deals are everywhere.

Environmentally friendly condos will enhance your way of life and you’ll find that you’ll have much to show to your friends when you own one of these Chicago condominiums.  Take the time and make sure you research the Chicago real estate market thoroughly before moving forward with your real estate investment.  This will be one of the biggest purchase of your life.  Seek out a Chicago realtor.

6Jun/080

Green Chicago Condos

Green Chicago CondosThe green craze has hit nearly every industry imaginable, and Chicago's condo market is no exception.

The green building boom is in full swing in Chicago, with eco-friendly condo buildings popping up all over the city. These new condos boast an impressive lineup of eco-features, including green roofs, solar paneling, natural water and air cooling and energy-conserving appliances and insulation. Most eco-friendly condos also are LEED certified, which means they've got the U.S. Green Building Council's official stamp of eco-approval.

A few buildings, like Bucktown's EcoLogic Lofts, live up to the Windy City moniker by using wind turbines to generate some of the building's power. And The Emerald, in the West Loop, is even located on Green Street. You can't get much greener than that.

Many developments encourage eco-consciousness in other ways, too. Eco18, in the South Loop, and EcoLogic both offer priority parking for hybrid cars, along with bicycle storage and easy access to public transportation. And with on-site recycling programs in most of these condo developments, you've got no reason to toss that milk carton in the trash.

Although the asking price for a green condo may be a bit higher than a conventional one, the extra cost is likely to pay for itself in energy savings. Eco-friendly condos are designed to maximize energy efficiency, making them an attractive option for buyers concerned with rising energy costs. Plus, there's no need to sacrifice style for sustainable living. Many of Chicago's green condos are built by acclaimed architects and feature the same great design as other condos but with a much smaller carbon footprint.

Green building materials. Green appliances. Green amenities. Pretty cool, huh? It's enough to make all other condos green with envy. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist.)