Sustainable Real Estate

Sustainable Real Estate

Developer · Grand Rapids, MI · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 5 votes

Today we live in a more transparent world than ever before. People are becoming aware of what is going on and how things are done, given the access to information via the internet. Everyone is directly affected by real estate every day, and as we grow as a civilization, I think it is important to discuss how real estate should move forward to advance our world. I believe sustainability is the key component to this. Before the value was solely on capital as a valuable resource for why people did something. However, with technology we have freed ourselves from more than just this short term mindset to also taking into account people and the planet. A focus on these as value could create a new way of investing, and when investing into properties, these should be taken into account. I believe we need to find a way, to make these a vital element to the ROI when investing in real estate. If there were incentives, breaks, credibility, and other items that reward sustainable real estate investments, we would transform our world into a healthy, happy, prosperous ecosystem that thrives. With sustainable practices and technology, there is no reason that we can not achieve a higher level of abundance for the human race. What are everyone's thoughts?

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Investor · Thousand Oaks, CA · Member since 2017 · 302 posts · 123 votes
9y

I practice Economic Enviromentalism and focus on the Triple bottom line. I do not like the Marginal costs needed with old systems. Im creating our Own Sustainable Living program on the existing Apartments I manage . The Rents are higher on Sustainable Living Apartments and its a win win with Tenants since while we charge $70 more the Tenant saves $100 from living in a identical Apartment with higher utility costs. Adding Solar this year to take advantage of net metering laws. Also will purchase not lease so ROI is 6 years for me. We also Measure and Test the Water Quality as anyone can do for $20 with an EPA certified lab.

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  • Investor · Buffalo, NY · Member since 2016 · 668 posts · 209 votes
    9y

    Is there a question about real estate investing somewhere in there?

  • Developer · Grand Rapids, MI · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 5 votes
    9y

    Do you value the triple bottom line, people, planet, and profit when making investment decisions? If so, how do you base your valuation? If not, why don't you? 

  • Investor · Thousand Oaks, CA · Member since 2017 · 302 posts · 123 votes
    9y

    I practice Economic Enviromentalism and focus on the Triple bottom line. I do not like the Marginal costs needed with old systems. Im creating our Own Sustainable Living program on the existing Apartments I manage . The Rents are higher on Sustainable Living Apartments and its a win win with Tenants since while we charge $70 more the Tenant saves $100 from living in a identical Apartment with higher utility costs. Adding Solar this year to take advantage of net metering laws. Also will purchase not lease so ROI is 6 years for me. We also Measure and Test the Water Quality as anyone can do for $20 with an EPA certified lab.

  • Developer · Grand Rapids, MI · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 5 votes
    9y

    Alan this is very interesting, what does your sustainable living program entail? 

  • Investor · Thousand Oaks, CA · Member since 2017 · 302 posts · 123 votes
    9y

    We are always re writing it currently a property can be improved by 5-% of its current value and still be appraised at 20% over market in our Area. (Califonria) Prices are high but so are rents. We never use Banks and operate without debit. This allows us to continue year over year without downsides in economy.Simple rule to never leverage more then we can afford in a downturn 30% minimum equity should be maintained. Currently making all properties self sufficient as practical using Economic Environmentalism. We do little things like test our Tenants tap water at multiple intervals. to avoid fure costly lawsuits. We have very low turn over of Tenants allowing me to have a life zero vaccines in one four pled in the last 8 years. Have Planted Fruit Threes to subsidize tenants and my self that continue to pay a premium in lifestyle. 2017 this year we go Solar in a big way assuring all Properties produce what they use. Adding Smart home Network to buildings so Security cameras and Sensors can report back via our new smart phone app. We like to fix things like Leaks before the Tenant call us.

  • Investor · Thousand Oaks, CA · Member since 2017 · 302 posts · 123 votes
    9y

    Funny how people can buy rental property and not see all the other revenue streams except rent. Real Estate investing requires you watch the Triple Bottom line otherwise your just in the business temporarily. My Fruit trees generate wealth for me and tenants who are most likely to pay me when they can still eat. The solar ROI is 6 years and then 20% accelerated depreciation in the 1st year. After 6 years the increased rent and property value is mine. Not spending money on Marginal costs like common area maintenance saves me. My Tenant do much of the Gardening for their own self interest picking fruit and planting their own areas. my Led Common area lighting and extra security camera cost a little to start with but we have drastically lower energy cost and near zero problems. The absolute worst Tenant I ever had a perfect Credit rating and a letter from his Uncle at Country Wide, way before the melt down. got out of the house of cards game when a leander in 2007 said he could loan money to anyone with a pulse.

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