Green Homes in San Diego: What Buyers Should Know

Recently, there have been significant shifts in the housing market, with many remote workers leaving urban centers for smaller, more affordable markets. However, employers are working to bring workers back to urban offices. Even if you have the luxury of working remotely, you may be keen to enjoy the many benefits of life in San Diego, from fine dining and endless entertainment opportunities to proximity to the beach and temperate weather year-round.

As a buyer looking to purchase a home in the appealing San Diego area, you might be interested in properties that offer the opportunity to offset your carbon footprint and reduce your monthly expenses. The right real estate purchase could deliver on both scores. Here’s what buyers should know about green homes in San Diego before they start house hunting.

The Green Building Incentive Program

California has long supported green initiatives, including taxpayer incentives to upgrade properties with eco-friendly additions like solar panels and energy-efficient windows, doors, appliances, and more. San Diego is no exception, thanks to the Green Building Incentive Program.

With an eye toward sustainability and energy efficiency, this program promotes green building and construction in the county, generating benefits like:

• Conservation of water, energy, and natural resources
• Reduced costs for electric and water utilities
• Use of sustainable construction materials and practices
• Reduced environmental impact of construction
• Health benefits
• Economic returns over time

As a result, it may be easier to find green homes in San Diego than in other cities. What eco-friendly amenities are you likely to come across when searching for sustainable properties?

Sustainable Housing Attributes

Solar panels are practically a given for eco-friendly housing in sunny Southern California, but what other amenities might you find when searching for green homes? Energy-efficient windows, doors, and insulation offer a great way to regulate interior temps and reduce AC and heating demand.

Programmable thermostats also offer opportunities to minimize energy waste, as do smart controls for lighting and other electronics in the home. Regarding water conservation, you may find options for gray water systems that use recycled water for landscaping, along with cisterns for water collection and storage.

Drought-resistant landscaping enjoyed a significant surge during California’s recent and extended drought. Finally, sustainable construction may feature a range of recycled materials designed to subvert the linear consumer model from production to landfill.

Finding Your Eco Dream Home

While San Diego may offer more opportunities for sustainable housing than the average city, your best bet to find what you’re looking for is with the help of a trusted local real estate agency that knows the city inside and out. Whether you’re happy with solar panels and drought-resistant landscaping or looking for a certified LEED or Passive House property, the right realtor can help you find options that meet your every need.

Contact The Selby Team to get started on finding your new home.