Is it possible to insure and resell a sustainably designed home?
A. Yes. In fact, meeting the standards of green building programs can be an indication to lenders of the quality of a home s construction. The major housing financier Fannie Mae has developed a program that recognizes sustainable design of homes. This vote of endorsement from a major national financing entity has helped set a strong precedent of approval for loans on sustainably-designed houses. Some lenders may even offer special loan rates for energy-efficient homes or houses located adjacent to public transportation. Similarly, insurance companies may recognize the benefits of a sustainably-built home in terms of durability and disaster resistance. Finally, surveys of home buyers consistently indicate a desire for energy-efficient homes with good indoor air quality. Brisk sales in green developments at all income levels indicate that the resale value of a sustainably designed home will be good. Village Homes, a solar housing development in California, often is cited as an example of
