What You’re Looking For: An energy-efficient home built with nontoxic materials.
How to Find it: Thanks largely to the very active Green Build program of the Grand Traverse Home Builders Association, green homes are being built (or getting green makeovers) all over the North. But in the past it’s been difficult to differentiate them from other properties on the MLS. In the first such program in the country, Green Build teamed up with the Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR) to add searchable green features to the MLS descriptions of homes in the five-county Traverse region. Realtors who are TAAR members can search the listings for eco-friendly certifications including LEED, NAHB Green, Energy Star and HERS. Sellers may also list eco-friendly features like low-V.O.C. paint, adhesives and caulk, and high-efficiency heating and plumbing.
Want to know more? taar.com.