Markham is currently going through a major remodel that will allow them to have a downtown core with parks, shops, restaurants, and additional housing. One of the main components in this revitalization is to increase and preserve the green space in the area. Everyone seems to be getting more and more concerned with what is going on with the environment and it makes sense that you would make it a priority when choosing a new home in the area. Luckily, there are many homes for sale in Markham that include green improvements. And the best part is that there are several green options that are kind to your wallet as well as to the Earth.

One of the first things that you should look for in a new home is, energy efficient appliances. Most homes come with the kitchen appliances included and you want to make sure to look for the Energy Star symbol on fridges, ovens, dishwashers and laundry machines. You can also check to see if the home uses a tankless water heater and if the furnace has a programmable thermostat. Elements like these in your new Markham Ontario real estate could save you as much as fifty percent on your energy bills.

The next thing that you can do is to see if sustainable building materials and green options were used in the home during building and renovations. This could include bamboo flooring, recycled carpets, or energy efficient windows. When you’re initially browsing through Markham MLS listings, see if any green home improvements are included on the home’s profile. You may not be able to tell with your naked eye whether or not green materials were used so don’t be afraid to ask the sellers or your Markham real estate agent for more information.

If you’re planning to do renovations to the property after purchase, you can also look for a home style that will support green improvements well. You can easily disguise new roof solar panels among most asphalt colours and could replace an entire kitchen with sustainable and low energy products. If you’re building your own home you should consult with a local Markham architect who specializes in green design.

If you’re looking at Markham homes for sale of the condo variety than you should check to see if the developers were following LEED standards. LEED stands for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and there are many buildings in the town of Markham that have LEED certification, especially near what will be the new downtown area. If you’re very interested in the LEED projects currently under construction in the Markham area, you can check out the Canada Green Building Council website. There were sixteen certified developments as of December 2009.