Sellers Use Rebates to Upgrade Properties for Re-Sale as Green Homes

Online, September 11, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Following a recent study's findings that green upgrades increase the value of homes by up to 9 percent, Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County (https://energyupgradeca/LACounty.org) will showcase two GreenPoint Rated Label homes on September 12, 2012. By taking advantage of up to $8,000 in available rebates from Energy Upgrade California in LA County for home energy improvements, the owners of these properties were able to recover a lot of the extra cost spent upgrading their homes. The newly completed GreenPoint Rated Label homes are listed and have an advantage in the highly competitive real estate market.

To complete the home energy upgrades, the homeowners sought the services of Energy Efficiency Management, Inc. and its Principal, John Shipman, to upgrade the existing properties. The homes' new green features include low-e windows, tankless water heaters, dual flush toilets, highly efficient bathroom fixtures, and blown-in cellulose insulation in attics, walls and ceilings. Zero-VOC (non-toxic) paints and minimal adhesives ensure optimal indoor air quality. Shipman and his contractors also sealed all leaks in the houses and made sure all combustion appliances were either re-located outside the home or were vented properly for improved health and safety.

In addition to the upgrades, the owners used LA County's Green Label Rebate program to get a GreenPoint Rating for the homes. The homes are the first in their respective cities (Hawaiian Gardens and La Mirada) to earn the GreenPoint Rated Label with the purpose of placing them on the market as a green labeled home.

"These homes are great examples of green homes in average communities remodeled on average budgets," said Shipman. "We want buyers and sellers to know that they can take advantage of available financing and rebates to make this happen." Shipman will be available to answer questions about the homes and available financing during the open house events on Wednesday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12133 215th St. in Hawaiian Gardens, CA, and 15414 Ashgrove Dr. in La Mirada, CA.

For investors looking to make green upgrades to a property, there has never been a better time. Local governments and utilities are now offering attractive rebates for green and energy upgrades. Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County is offering up to $8,000 in energy upgrade rebates until September 28, 2012 and up to $2,000 in green label rebates to Los Angeles County homeowners. Real estate professionals can also get a $200 referral fee for any project they refer that results in a green label. Learn more at www.GreenPointRated.com.

About Energy Upgrade California
Energy Upgrade California Los Angeles is administered and overseen by an alliance among L.A. County, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Los Angeles County was one of the first counties in California to roll out this program. Locally, the program provides homeowners with information on home upgrade benefits, available financing, incentives and rebates, and help with finding participating contractors. For more information, visit www.energyupgradeCA.org/LACounty.