What’s LEED certification? If you’ve never heard of this acronym, it may be time to familiarize yourself with this new environmental housing standard that’s spreading across the nation.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. As a third-party, green building Rating System, LEED has become a nationally accepted standard for environmentally friendly buildings. While LEED certified buildings promote an overall eco-conscious mindset, the focus is on five areas in particular—sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

LEED certification is taking off with residential homes. According to the EPA, “indoor air quality is now two to five times worse than outdoor air quality.” This knowledge is prompting individuals to come to terms with indoor air pollution as a major health concern. To create healthier residential living spaces, consider investing your time and money in LEED certification. There are four levels of LEED certification for homes—certified, silver, gold and platinum—all of which are based on a point scale with a maximum of 136 points. Certification can be attained by application through the United States Green Building Council.    

The LEED home checklist covers everything from air quality to appliance efficiency. Here are some standards LEED lays out for those interested in becoming certified:

·        Reduced demand for irrigation

·        Drought-tolerant vegetation

·        High-efficiency fixtures and fittings

·        ENERGY STAR appliances

·        Radon-resistant construction

·        Effective insulation

Having your home LEED certified drastically cuts down on energy and water bills. It adds resale value to your home and helps the environment. Some individuals are apprehensive about financing such an expensive undertaking. But over time, the initial costs are balanced out by the money saved in utilities and resale.

For more information on how to “green” your home, check out Real Living’s Green Program or investigate USGBC’s Green Home Guide.

To become LEED certified, there’s a small fee for registration and another nominal fee for certification. To access these rates and additional information, check out the U.S. Green Building Council’s Web site or contact your local agent!

COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 31, 2008)–Real Living Inc., the first women-focused brand in real estate, announced the opening of new offices in Massachusetts, Texas and its first office in Georgia.

Are you considering installing a fence in your yard? Are you looking for a little more privacy? Read on to find the perfect fence to fit your home and your family’s needs!

Chain-link fences

These fences may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but you’ll find that they get the job done for a minimal cost! All in all, they’re practical, cost-effective and durable. The chain links in this particular structure allow plenty of air-flow through the fence so heavy gusts of wind don’t destroy it.   

Picket fences

Are you looking for the traditional white, picket fence? They’re classic, quaint and a great addition to a house. There are lots of options when it comes to picket fences—types of slats, wood and a variety of colors from which to choose. Get a consultation or do some research to make sure you’re making the right choice based on the style of your home and its visual appeal.

Living fences

A living fence can be a collection of bushes, flowers, shrubs or other natural materials. These natural fences provide privacy and pleasure, but aren’t necessarily intended for security. Their primary function is to create a barrier around your yard or patio that designates the property.

Lastly, make sure to check all your city laws and regulations before getting started. Information can be found on your city’s website under the department of development

For more tips about fences visit hgtv.com or contact me today!

Alright, so you recycle paper and plastic, limit your water usage and conserve gas. You’re taking strides for the environment, but maybe you’re ready for a more progressive leap. Try incorporating these principles into the foundation of your home by using eco-friendly building materials to spruce-up your space and add value. Here are some “green” products to blend into the interior and exterior of your home:

Accoya™

Accoya™ has recently gained a reputation for its durability and resourcefulness. A process called acetylation gives Accoya™ its competitive advantage—resistance. Accoya™ withstands water deterioration and UV damage for long periods of time. In fact, it has even been used to line canals. The self-sustainable nature of this product classifies it as an eco-friendly, renewable resource. If you’re looking for a great environmentally-friendly building material for boat decks, patio furniture, sheds or tree houses, Accoya™ is a great candidate for the job.

Bamboo

Consider using a dynamic and versatile material like bamboo to create an eastern aesthetic that works well in urban spaces. As a great organic alternative to plastics and carpets with high VOCs and toxic adhesives, bamboo is being used more frequently as an alternative to wood. It quickly regenerates after the stalk is cut, and provides a sturdy frame for sleek furniture and rugs. It can also be spun into yarn for bedding and drapery.  Small urban spaces are an ideal setting for the clean, contemporary lines of bamboo furnishings.

Ekobe®

Looking for an eco-friendly, yet exotic flair? Look no further than Ekobe® tiles. These tiles add an organic feel to sleek, contemporary spaces as they provide the utmost durability. The texture of a coconut shell can provide an array of eclectic designs and subtle style. Bring the tropics to your home through Ekobe® tiles.

Teak

From the forests of South Asia, teak is one material you don’t want to overlook. It’s durable, eco-friendly and in high demand. Purchase new teak or search for old pieces to refurbish. Either way, teak is a great choice for living room furniture or backyard patio displays.

X-Board

It’s used in aerospace engineering, packaging and automotives, but it can also be an eco-friendly addition to your home. This extreme building material boasts a core composed of 100% recycled paper and 100% natural fibers. X-board’s light, but durable composition makes it a great candidate for tables, benches, partitions and countertops. Look no further if you want durable shelves or a cutting-edge side table.

If you have the option, try and reupholster furniture and reuse old materials. This is a simple, but effective way to promote eco-friendly living. It will also increase resale value. For more information on eco-friendly building materials, check out Real Living’s Green Program or contact your local agent today!