Building a new home is a big move for any person or family and in today's market its even more important to buy or build the right home. One that will be comfortable, affordable and eventually resalable. Add in the complexity of going green and most people become overwhelmed.

As a builder and contractor, I feel it is my responsibility to educate the home buyer on what they are getting, why it is important and varying strategies to ensure success. I don't expect them to always listen though. Some of the ideas I present are contrary to the market trends and home buyers just aren't going to budge. The biggest examples of this are when I tell a home buyer, that they don't need a kitchen or that the home they want might be too large for them. The market is driven by one set of forces, but the comfort and enjoyment of the home is driven by much different forces.

When you build a home, the finances are important, but the enjoyment of the home is MUCH MUCH more important as it will determine how much stress and dysfunction a home brings into your life. Your home is more than an investment, it is more than a shelter. It is your nest, your safe place, your inner sanctum. Designing and building your home is one of the most important decisions you will make.

BTB, Do you find that there are less people who are resistant to what you want to teach them? Do you just find clients that are already open to the ideas of green building. I know in my company we have mostly clients that just want a house and don't care how green it is. They want nice appliances and great finishes, and every now and then they drop a green catch phrase, but nothing they are too serious about.

How do you address those home buyers? Do you just play to their level or try to increase their level of knowledge and interest?