Nowadays, it is more accessible to think green in terms of everyday necessities.  Cleaning products are all going natural, there are Nature’s Markets in grocery stores to make more natural and less processed food choices, and hybrid cars are becoming more affordable as well.  The Houston, Texas real estate market is also dabbling in greener building, as buyers are becoming more aware of what they can do for the planet.

A Houston Architect, Richard Muller is dreaming big in terms of green building and hopes to create the first green neighborhood, and he has his eye set on an area in the Heights, known for its grass-roots preservation techniques and green conscious residents.  His contemporary home designs feature over-sized windows to maximize light, energy efficient mechanics, and local recyclable materials; all homes to be LEED Certified.  This green neighborhood of 50 houses, he hopes, would be a collaborative effort of different architects’ designs to attract various different types of buyers.

His prototype house will go on the market for about $700,000, but Muller hopes it will pay for itself in the way of significantly reduced utility bills. The home’s design, with its open central living area, maximizes the use of natural light and good ventilation, while giving the home an airy feel.  Even the outside living space is meant to co-exist with the landscape, as opposed to previous landscaping concepts which almost break with the harmony of how nature intended it.

All the materials in the house are recycled, including the kitchen counters (recycled glass from window shields), some of the cabinetry (bamboo and recycled steel) and floors (hickory wood).  Plus these materials are collected within a 500 mile radius promoting sustainability in communities.  Even the excess or scrap materials were organized to be picked up by recycling companies; all leaving with full truck loads – to ensure not even the truck’s gas was wasted.

For more about Muller and his architecture firm, visit www.mullerarchitecture.com

While the idea of owning a totally green home from the ground up is a dream-come-true, it may not be attainable for buyers with more modest budgets.  However, that doesn’t mean those who have to buy a resale home cannot make it a greener place to live!

• Install rain barrels to collect runoff and use that water for irrigation.

• Replace water thirsty plants with landscaping that requires less water.

• Replace windows with energy efficient windows and seal the air leaks around any windows, doors or other areas that might have gaps.

• Seal air ducts.

• Install more insulation.

• Replace appliances with newer models that have earned the Energy Star designation.

• Replace heating and cooling units.

• Replace the water heater with a more energy efficient model or tankless system.

• Change out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.

These changes will not only benefit the environment, they will also save you money in the long run.  They may seem costly in the beginning, but will pay for themselves with the lower utility bills you will enjoy in the hot summer months!

Did you know Don Puryear has the Nation Association of Realtors Green Designation?  This designation means that Don can help you make the best decisions with your green choices or needs and answer any green questions.  Let Don Puryear and his team help you make the best decision you can in the diverse Houston, Texas real estate market!