Green Mortgage Northwest

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Does up to $20,000 in fees to convert your garage into a living space sound steep? In the past, such a thing was not uncommon. Thanks to some hard work from local believers, the City of Portland recently voted unanimously on a resolution to suspend System Development Charges (SDCs) for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Portland. Commissioner Randy Leonard’s blog has more information and a link to the resolution.

One way to think of ADUs is as affordable housing. With a strict urban growth boundary and the resulting scarcity of land, ADUs are a great alternative for Portland. Also known as mother-in-law units, they are an option for adding extra, private living space to a property without buying a new house. And it isn’t just limited to converting garages – you can build an entirely new structure if you’d like, or perhaps convert a basement space into separate living quarters.

The benefits are many:

• Small buildings require comparatively little energy to heat or cool versus McMansions;
• In-fill development keeps housing close to transit lines or within the new 20-minute neighborhoods that Portland’s city planners are embracing;
• Families can assist one another as parents age;
• More open space can be devoted to parks and community spaces.

There are probably some downsides – perhaps a neighbor who doesn’t want to look at your new building? – but it seems a small price to pay. I look forward to seeing more ADUs popping up backyards in the coming years!

I had the honor of being one of six inaugural members of the GreenLending Specialist course earlier this week. Created by Seattle-area-based PorterWorks, GLS is a great 2-day course to educate mortgage lenders, appraisers and other real estate professionals regarding green in general, green building and green as it relates to lending.

You’ll learn about green building, the different certifying institutions, what it means to be green, how it relates to lending and much more. Totally worth two days of your time.

Check out the website at www.greenlendingspecialist.com and sign up for a class. I’ll be guest teaching at the Portland course on November 3rd and 4th – come on down.

Bonus: To get 5% off your course registration, use the promotional code PW325682.

Portland’s Build It Green home tour is happening next weekend, September 19-20, between 8-5 on Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday. Take a look at some of the finest examples of green building in the Portland area.

Visit the Portland Online website for more information and to see which homes are available for viewing.

I am working with three of the projects on the list as a preferred lender: Eightx17, K4 Condos and Ash Creek Home. All offer a variety of different green features and their own take on green building. Check ‘em out!