Additionally I have seen various other title related fees tacked on such as lenders coverage premiums, owners coverage premium, lender policy fee, title endorsement fees, environmental fee than can be between an extra $350-$1,200 from when I looked at the closing statements.

However, the main problem that people are starting to experience with insurance is when we have environmental claims that will almost always be excluded from coverage.

Very similar situation, permits were issued, then some national agency came in and stopped work for environmental reasons.

If you want to learn more look up architect Oscar Newman, Jane Jacobs' book the death and life of great American cities, broken window theory, and CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design).

I use to work in environmental toxins in the Army.  

Well we have an impassee with people at water dept that want $2.5k for environmental study for water and another $2.5k for sewer etc.

When we encounter a property with oil heat we discount it in our offer ... for us it is the environmental liability of having several hundred or thousand gallons of heating oil stored on site.Regardless of your heating fuel choice the best way to improve efficiency is to reduce fuel consumption via better air sealing and additional insulation.

Great question about outsourcing David and I love your larger question pertaining to the "neoAmerican illusion" - where too much is never enough.It is a very complex issue that involves consideration of our social and environmental impact at home and globally.

CPTED.... crime prevention through environmental design.... good ideas for making properties less prone to crime.....worth looking into.We had a tenant who wanted a deck (wood) added to the back of the house he was renting from us, we approved it (in writing) and the tenant paid for it and did all the work (he was skilled at making decks).

Does anyone know of any "Green" Eco-friendly communities anywhere in the US or beyond? Beyond solar panel roofs, I'm interested in investing in a conscious community, perhaps LEED certified for example.Ideally a place...