Eco-Friendly Features Can Increase the Value of Your House
Are you selling your home? Or are you simply trying to make your house more appealing and valuable for when you do? You should be aware that more and more consumers are searching for houses that are more environmentally designed.
Which Energy-Efficient Features Are Desired by Buyers?
According to recent statistics from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), when buyers consider eco-friendly characteristics, they look for (see image below):
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Heating and cooling costs: 82% of buyers believe heating and cooling costs to be one of the most important considerations when purchasing a property. Additionally, efficient heating and cooling systems with programmable thermostats can dramatically reduce monthly energy expenses.
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Windows and doors with sufficient insulation: Assits in maintaining an acceptable indoor temperature without overworking the HVAC system, resulting in lower energy bills.
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Energy-efficient lights and appliances: This can help you save money on your power bills while also reducing your home's overall energy consumption.
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Commuting costs and eco-friendly neighborhood features: Living in an energy-efficient community with shorter commutes can help you save money and decrease your impact on the environment.
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Landscaping for energy conservation: Strategically placed trees and bushes help reduce summer cooling costs.
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Solar panels: Solar panels can give long-term savings and are a desirable feature for environmentally aware customers.
What is the common theme? Buyers like environmentally friendly features because they help them save money while also making their houses more comfortable to live in. However, making some of these upgrades before selling your home benefits you as much as that next home owner.
Green Features Benefit YOU
If your appliances or systems are getting old, updating them now allows you to enjoy the savings and comfort while still living in the house.
Home Energy Rebates, which are offered by the U.S. Department of Energy, can save households up to $14,000 on energy-efficient improvements. This covers heat pumps, duct sealing, insulation, and other things. Increasing the efficiency of your house is now more inexpensive than ever thanks to these rebates.
When you decide to sell, you will reap the benefits again. Energy-efficient homes stand out in a competitive market and appeal to an increasing number of environmentally concerned home buyers.
Additionally, research indicates that homes with energy-efficient upgrades—such as modern insulation or high-efficiency HVAC systems—are more appealing to buyers and typically fetch a higher price. According to Freddie Mac research, properties with high energy efficiency ratings typically sold for 2.7% more than those without these improvements.
To Increase Value, Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent.
Uncertain about which upgrades should come first? A local real estate agent can help with that. They can assist you with determining which environmentally friendly attributes local home buyers find most valuable. They will help you make the best decisions for your home and your budget, whether that means upgrading insulation or installing Energy Star appliances.
In Conclusion
There are several benefits to upgrading in an environmentally friendly manner. You can now take advantage of increased comfort and lower energy costs. Along with increasing the value of your house, you'll also feel good about helping create a more sustainable future. Are you eager to find out more about how to differentiate your home? Let's get in touch.
References:
Freddie Mac (n.d.). Do Energy-Efficient improvements increase resale value? Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/homeownership/20200825-selling-green-home
National Association of Realtors (2024, November 4). Highlights from the profile of home buyers and sellers. Retrieved January 8, 2025, from https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
U.S. Department of Energy (n.d.). Additional states receive and apply for program funding, Penobscot Nation First Tribal Applicant. Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://www.energy.gov/scep/articles/additional-states-receive-and-apply-program-funding-penobscot-nation-first-tribal
U.S. Department of Energy (2025, January 6). Home energy rebates programs. Retrieved January 9, 2025, from https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebates-programs
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