New NAHB study of consumers reports that 51 percent willing to pay up to $11,000 more if energy costs are reduced $1,000 annually.

Home buyers are willing to pay for energy efficiency, prefer smaller homes with high-quality products and amenities, and for the first time, listed outdoor features such as exterior lighting and fenced yards in their top 10 essential "must have" features. Industry veteran Gopal Ahluwalia, the National Association of Home Builder's (NAHB) staff vice president for economics research, shared these and other findings from the trade group's recent consumer preferences research at a press conference and panel discussion yesterday at the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla.

Lenders Push Mortgages With Discounts and Credits For Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Environmentally conscious homeowners can trick out their homes with a bevy of "green" products, including carpets, windows -- even dog beds. Now, they can pay for those homes with green mortgages.