Since I represent one of the few truly green home builders in the OKC metro, and I’m involved with OKCMAR’s new Green Resource Council, I’m learning every day that ‘GREEN’ means many different things to many different people. To some, it means minimalistic living and re-use of everything possible. To others, it means energy efficiency and carrying the recycle bin to the curb each week. Then there’s everyone in-between.

I’m curious how many Americans would be willing to live in a house like this one:

Green building and/or improvements is one of the biggest waves I see these days in real estate, so it’s fun to read about what’s out there and what’s coming in the future.

I remember growing up (70′s & 80′s), seeing a few select homes in our neighborhood with those huge solar panels attached to the roof. Even as a kid, I thought they were ugly, and wondered why anyone would want something like that on their home.

Obviously, as I grew older, I began to understand a little more, but there are still very few aesthetically-pleasing options out there.

How about this as an alternative? Solar Shingles are a reality. Could this be the next wave of home improvement?

Thinking of making some improvements to your home?

Making the right ones might yield you some big savings on Uncle Sam’s dime.

Truth is, going green is a matter of the heart for some, but for most, it’s a matter of the wallet.

Whether you’re going green, or getting green, you might be wondering what rebates and tax credits are currently available?

High-tech renewable home energy features are a big topic these days, and if you’re thinking about upgrading any of your homes systems, some of these options may pay you back for a portion of your expenses, via tax credits.

“My wife read about it and said, ‘We’ve been talking about doing [solar upgrades] long enough. Let’s just do it.’ People worry about the money you have to put out up front, but you’re getting big-ticket items like solar panels for a third less and you will save money on your energy bill forever,” Silva says–not to mention the boost it gives to the value of the house.

With summer coming in Oklahoma, you may be thinking about upgrading your home’s HVAC system.  If so, be sure you check out the tax credit you may qualify for if you do it right.

There’s never been a better time to invest in energy-conserving upgrades to your house–that’s the word from the White House. And Congress is backing up the message with billions of dollars being made available to homeowners who want to bring down their energy bills.

With the weather we’ve had lately, the annual Edmond Jazz & Blues Festival couldn’t have come at a better time, so grab your blankets, lawn chairs and sunscreen and head to Stephenson Park this weekend for some great, FREE outdoor family fun! Want to see the

One of the more common complaints I hear lately is ‘Hey, why is the new tax credit only for first-time home buyers?  I should get a piece of the pie too,’ which I can’t disagree with.  I personally would have liked to see the $8,000 tax credit opened up for all homes purchased for personal use this year, but for some reason the powers that be don’t seem to listen much to me 

On the bright side though, there are other tax credits out there for the rest of us.  Did you know there are tax credits being created for home owners who are making the move toward more environmentally-friendly homes?  You can read more about these incentives here.  It appears that going green may save you some green, so don’t give up on your stimulus just yet.