Green Livin’ and Recycled Houses

Portland gets another merit badge for their green, eco-friendly reputation.

The RMLS, the area’s multiple listing service, has released its latest database incarnation and it provides the ability to market homes with environment-friendly features, such as renewable flooring materials (cork or bamboo), solar energy, or 90%-efficient furnaces, for example.

Also, if a new construction home qualifies for Earth Advantage, Energy Star, or LEED standards for energy efficiency, agents can denote that as well in the listing. Potential buyers may be interested in the energy savings, but it remains to be seen if mortgages, appraisals, or home insurance rates will be positively affected.

I’m not sure if RMLS is the first multiple listing service to adopt ‘green’ features, but reports are that it is likely the largest. The green features aren’t searchable on the RMLS public website, but your agent or broker can filter for properties by your preferred criteria.

Here’s coverage by the Oregonian.

Meanwhile the Brits are taking home recycling to a whole new level:

Technorati Tags: environment, MLS, green, LEED, Energy Star, homes, Portland, Oregon, REALTOR

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2 comments February 28th, 2007