Going Green with Caruso

Breathe Easier

While reading I came acorss an interesting fact that indoor air quality (IAQ) has become an increasingly important element in home buyers' decision-making, and buyers have become more attuned to mold, radon and other issues that affect air quality.

Many air quality dangers once were invisible and difficult to quantify, but thanks to evolving technology, detecting and rating IAQ has gotten easier. In addition, new programs have emerged to inspect and rate homes' IAQ. One such program is the EPA's Indoor airPlus.

airPlus is a sister label to ENERGY STAR and to get the label, a home first must meet ENERGY STAR requirements. Gaining the airPLUS label requires up to 30 additional home design and construction features, the goal of which is to protect homes from moisture and mold, radon, pest-related contaminants, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants that affect air quality.

A home is then inspected and verified by an independent third-party to ensure that a home complies with the program requirements.

Some of the illnesses that can stem from or be exacerbated by poor IAQ, include lung cancer and asthma. In an effort to improve IAQ, American consumers spend about $1 billion per year on air cleaners, duct cleaning and IAQ testing.

Although home builders of new homes are most attuned to airPlus, real estate practitioners also play a role in improving the housing stock's IAQ.

Practitioners can:

• Discuss the potential for better health that comes from living in a house with good IAQ and educate consumers about IAQ.
  


• Assess buyers' concerns about IAQ and determine whether it's a priority, and then point them properties that feature the EPA label.
  


• Explain the various green home labeling systems and help consumers see what benefits each provides.
  

In addition, practitioners can become an allied program partner and use the airPlus promotional and educational resources

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection

http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900