There is a lot of deceptive "green-washing" in real estate advertising claims these days. Some of these misleading claims are deliberate exaggerations. But some if it results also from the fact that very few real estate agents have sufficient background in science, engineering and building systems to recognize when they are making or simply repeating false "green" claims. And, it requires much specialized training and experience to be able to recognize some green-building features that your typical real estate agent might miss. As a licensed Realtor® I am not licensed to certify engineering advice, but as a Ph.D. engineer and a physicist I feel prepared to help you ask some of the right questions about "green homes."

There are few if any consumer protections regulations for the green movement. "Greenwashing" runs rampant. No one regulates who can claim a home is "green" or "energy efficient" or "solar" or "sustainable" or conserves water. One of my toughest challenges has been helping people sort through these mis-informed and sometimes misleading green-washing claims.

Most home buyers are not aware of the huge extent of high quality Federal and industry-wide information, building guidelines, performance-standards, and measurement methods available regarding green living and saving money with green homes. Some home builders "get it" and carry on very dedicated programs to meet Federal guidelines and industry research about "green building" methods. But some other builders use the same marketing phrases and advertising slogans with minimal understanding or limited intent to actually jump through the hoops to build truly "green" homes.

This web site can help you sort through the claims and decide which home features to insist on, how to evaluate what the builder did (or did not) do, which features you need most, and how to identify and work with those builders who are providing legitimate, positive-return green homes.

If you want to learn more about Green Building and "Green Mortages" please consider downloading or subscribing to our seminars, podcasts and newsletters.