The current economic advantage for buyers who want to build new homes can be multiplied with new, energy-saving construction technologies, according to Brandon Goodman, co-owner of Red/Brand in Rockingham.

“Over the past couple of years, we have seen homeowners paying a lot more attention to energy efficiency. When we build a home, there are several things we can do to add to that efficiency without increasing the cost of the home at all.”

When Tim Morrissey and his wife, Sharon bought their newly constructed home in Richmond County, they went “greener” than most people.

“We have moved around so much that we know what we want in a house. We looked at five or six different places in Richmond County, and she fell in love with this floor plan. Red/Brand had already incorporated energy-efficient features during construction, like special framing and caulking techniques; then we wanted to add more stuff.”

The Morrissey residence is outfitted with a solar-powered, tankless hot water heater, which uses the sun’s heat to warm only the water that is being used at the time instead of constantly maintaining a tank of hot water. Goodman estimates that the tankless heater is entirely solar-powered for about 80 percent of the calendar year, which makes for a three-to four-year payback on the original cost of the unit.

Morrissey said he was also able to get federal and state tax credits on both the water heater and the solar panels that power it, putting 35 percent of the up-front cost back in his pocket. He also received money back on a new, high-efficiency heat pump through a rebate from Pee Dee Electric.

“You spend extra money to get these things, but you get a payback. If you’re going to be living in a house for five or more years, why not?”

Morrissey also purchased an energy-efficient, magnetic induction stove on a recommendation from Red/Brand. He had it special ordered and installed by local furniture and appliance retailer R.W. Goodman Company in Rockingham.

“People are so much more aware of energy-efficiency now, and that is increasing. It can be a selling point.”

Tim Hayden, president of Hayden Construction in Rockingham, agrees that green has become more than an eco-luxury.

“As people become more conscious of the environment, there will be increases in both green building and energy efficiency building practices not only to save money in the long run but to help with the environment as well. Builders will have to adopt these practices to remain competitive in the future.”

From construction to real estate to retail, all Richmond County residents benefit from the tax revenues of local businesses.

“We use local labor and we get all of our materials locally when possible,” said Goodman. “And all of our construction waste is put in a container and taken to Greensboro to be recycled.”

So while television headlines advertise crisis, Richmond County Realtors and builders are seizing opportunities to flex their catalytic potential, with hopes that they, and their customers, can help boost the county’s economic - and environmental - well-being.

“Unfortunately, there has been so much negativity in the national media that we are seeing a self-fulfilling prophecy take place in the real estate market,” said Hayden. “Regardless of what the economic conditions are, life goes on. People get married, babies are born, employees are transferred, and older couples decide to downsize. While we are currently in a slower market based on fear, there is a pent up demand building that will show itself at some point in the near future.”

“When you buy a home, you become a part of that neighborhood and that community, and the money that you spend there goes back to Richmond County,” said Thomas.

“That’s good for everyone.”