One of the tired questions that keeps lingering in the real estate world is... "what is a greened up home worth?". We know that in new construction the value and profitability of green homes is there. We have studies that prove that there are fewer callbacks, higher prices, faster home sales, superior customer satisfaction and reduced energy usage. But this is for new homes. What about the existing housing stock?

Last February I had a chance to present on the valuation of greened up homes to a group of Fresno area Appraisal Institute members at Fort Washington Country Club.I was joined by Bruce Barnes from Sustainable Fresno and Dave Robinson, Chair at CBPCA and Principal at Green Earth Equities.

We have little to no data on how solar PV and DHW, HVAC remediation, air sealing, comfort, and indoor air quality affect a home's monetary value. Yes, I know, the 1998 study from the Appraisal Institute is there. But it's not resonating with underwriter's or appraisers. There is some movement in the dierection of green valuation. But it's adoption is slow.

This presentation was intended to begin a dialog with the Fresno area real estate appraisers and the energy efficiency community.

The bottom line is a home is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Education and marketing is key; If thinking home owners knew the implications of an inefficient home they would demand that the house was fixed either through borrowing a bit more on the mortgage or negotiating with the seller. I know I would.

The audio below is from the February presentation.

Listen to Bruce Barnes here (MP3 15MB)

Listen to Dave Robinson here (MP3 33MB)

Listen to John Richau here (MP3_40MB)