Are you planning tosellyour house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true assummerofficially kicks off.
In fact, the2023 Realtors and Sustainability Reportfrom theNational Association of Realtors(NAR) shows 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability.
So, if youre considering selling your house, why does this matter to you? It helps you know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to todays buyers.Accordingto Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR:
Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their environmental footprint or reduce their monthly energy costs.There is value in promoting green features and energy information to future home buyers.
Consider Upgrading Your Home To Make It More Appealing
If you want to upgrade your house in a way that maximizes its green appeal, you need to work with a local agent to understand what buyers in your area are looking for. The same NARreportidentifies the following green home features as most important to buyers at a national level:
- Windows, doors, and siding
- Proximity to frequently visited places
- A comfortable living space
- A homes utility bills and operating costs
While you cant change the location of your house, you can take action to make sure its as comfortable as possible while also setting up the next owners for lower operating costs.ENERGY STARsharessome suggested upgrades as ones that may be worth considering:
- Heating and cooling: Ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained and regularly serviced to maximize its efficiency. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model, if needed.
- Water heater: Your water heater uses a lot of energy. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater can significantly reduce energy consumption and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
- Smart thermostat: A big part of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling. Install a programmable thermostat to better regulate temperature settings. This not only enhances comfort but can also lower energy usage.
- Attic insulation: Proper sealing and insulation in your attic help prevent air leaks and maintain a comfortable temperature, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems.
- Energy-efficient windows: Replacing old, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones can minimize heat transfer and lower your energy bills.
Its worth noting that you may be able to take advantage oftax credits and rebatesforenergy-efficienthome installations and upgrades. These incentives could help offset a portion of the costs associated with eco-friendly home improvements.
As you prepare tosellyour house, its important to recognize that real estate agents are valuable resources. They can help you determine which upgrades would be most appealing for buyers in your area and provide guidance on which green features to highlight in your listing. If youve already made these updates recently, tell your agent so they can feature them in your listing.
Bottom Line
Focusing on energy efficiency and eco-friendly features can help make your house more appealing to buyers today. Connect with a local real estate agent to ensure youre choosing the right upgrades for your area.
When you are ready to buy or sell real estate, please call me, Marie McLaughlin 727-858-7569.
Source:https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/06/21/eco-friendly-energy-efficient-homes-attract-buyers/
