It is fairly safe to say that most of us could stand to be a little “greener” in our everyday lives. I tend to think from a real estate perspective, so I know that a simple way to make a big impact on your carbon footprint is to make your home more energy efficient. Doing so can be expensive and, frankly, is not as much fun as remodeling a bathroom or putting in pretty new floors – solar panels just are not that glamorous! Fortunately here in Miami-Dade County we can utilize the Ygrene program to finance certain environmentally-friendly home improvements that we might not consider doing otherwise.
The Ygrene Energy Fund is available to commercial and residential property owners in parts of Florida and California. It provides Property Assessed Clean Energy (P.A.C.E.) financing that allows you to finance specified home improvements and place the sum financed on your tax bill. The benefit in doing so is that you can pay off this debt over a long period of time, at a low fixed interest rate: 5 years is 6.5%; 10 years, 7.49%; 15 years, 8%; and 20 years, 8.25%. Additionally, if you move the payments could stay with the house, meaning that you are not stuck paying off a home improvement that you no longer get to enjoy.
There are a variety of home improvements that are eligible for Ygrene financing, but all must be performed by a specially trained and certified contractor who knows the process. Some examples of items that could qualify are: insulation, tankless water heaters, hurricane impact windows, and low flow showerheads. Like I said before, these aren’t the “fun” renovation projects, but they are the ones that will keep your energy costs low, your carbon footprint small, and that will effortlessly make your life a little bit greener.
If you need help buying or selling a home give Ashley Cusack a call at 305.798.8665, or visit her website at: Luxury Miami Real Estate.
My focused dedication as a realtor in my home town of Miami for over 25 years, consistently puts me at the top of my field. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell your home, let me help you from start to finish with my results-proven: professional marketing, excellent property exposure and comprehensive experience.
As the #7 Realtor company-wide at EWM in 2014, my focus is on Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest and South Miami — specializing in luxury real estate and waterfront properties. Call me today and let’s get started!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Ashley Cusack at {305.798.8685, email and website}. EWM Realtors.