Investing in Sustainable Housing
Is it time for more real estate investors to embrace sustainable housing? More importantly, is there really a market for it? As the housing sector inches towards recovery, how can savvy investors take advantage of the latest “green” trends and carve out a niche for themselves? Green trends have become a major player in sustainable building, eco-friendly housing and off the grid living scenarios. While the proponents of green homes have been acknowledging their advantages for years and home builders have been facilitating more eco-friendly elements into their projects, the transition has been anything but fast. The fight for a more sustainable housing sector has been fraught with too many obstacles. It has often been an uphill struggle to raise awareness, to compete with quality and to get the public to choose the more sustainable option. It is particularly difficult to convince people to go green when costs are intimidating. However, dynamic changes in various industries and overall public opinion have made the need for sustainable houses more apparent. In recent years, this trend has gained a significant amount of traction. So as an investor, how do you take advantage of this green trend and capitalize on where it is going? How green do you go? There are many degrees in which sustainable or eco-friendly housing may be achieved. It can be as simple as the location of the property or a community effort that witnesses an entire neighborhood incorporate green practices. Home builders have embraced the recent trend and have incorporated many elements into their projects. These elements may include, but are not limited to: insulation, materials for building structures, paint, carpet, energy efficient appliances, air quality, low flow spigots and more. Some builders are even taking green projects a step further. Living off the grid is becoming increasingly popular. This, however, isn’t as rudimentary as it once was. A myriad of sustainable units are being equipped with 100% sustainable features like solar power and rain water purification systems. However, for those less inclined to live off the grid, there are other ways to achieve the green label. These practices are becoming a commodity of sorts and there are people that will pay to have them in their home. Why bother with green real estate investing? The world in general is becoming far more environmentally conscious, even if many are not aware of the predicament we are in. However, even for those on the outside looking in, renewable energy sources are the future. This includes adaptations in the housing sector. Real estate is preparing for a sustainable push and those who neglect to recognize this trend as a viable alternative will be left behind. Responsible investors already know that a successful business needs to adapt to evolving trends. At this point, you should already be considering sustainable housing inventories. Sustainable housing is where the rising profits are, but soon there may not even be a choice. At the rate things are changing, investors may be forced to move green inventory. Why not start now and stay ahead of the curve? Don’t believe me? Look at the most popular brands on Facebook that you follow and then look at how many hundreds of thousands of people are actively talking about sustainable housing. Starting Smaller No matter your current real estate investing strategy, sustainability can be built in. Flipping houses, buying and holding land, acquiring rentals or developing new apartments; it doesn’t matter. Of course, many may not be ready for the leap or feel they can afford to make dramatic changes in business plans. Fear not. There are several ways to get started at your own pace. Include green homes in your property searches. Not all of your properties need to be green. Start off with one. You can even go green in the office. Paperless investing is recommended and you can even think of several ways to save energy. These will ultimately contribute to your bottom line while simultaneously helping the environment.