Are you planning to sell? You may be surprised at how much energy efficiency and eco friendly features are valued by buyers today. This is particularly true as summer officially begins. In fact, the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report shows that 48% of agents and brokers have noticed consumers’ interest in sustainability. Why is this important to you if you are considering selling your home? It will help you to know what you can change to make your home more attractive to buyers today. Jessica Lautz is a Deputy Chief Economist at NAR and Vice President of Research. She says that buyers are looking for homes that reduce their carbon footprint or monthly energy costs. There is value in promoting energy and green features to future homebuyers.” Consider Upgrading Your House To Make It More AppealingIf you want your house to have maximum green appeal, work with a local realtor to understand what buyers are looking for in your area. The same NAR report identified the following green home features that buyers find most important at a national scale: Windows, Doors, and Siding
Proximity of frequently visited places
A comfortable living space
The cost of utilities and operating costs for a home
ENERGY STAR offers some suggestions for upgrades that may be worth considering. ENERGY STAR suggests some upgrades that are worth considering. Upgrade to a higher-efficiency model if necessary.
Water heater: Your heater consumes a lot of power. Upgrade to a heat-pump water heater to reduce energy consumption.
Smart thermostat: Heating and cooling account for a large part of your energy bill. Install a thermostat that can be programmed to regulate the temperature. This will not only improve comfort, but also reduce energy consumption.
Attic insulation: Proper sealing in your attic will prevent air leaks, and help maintain a comfortable temperature. This will reduce the strain on your heating and cooling system.
Energy-efficient Windows: Replacing old drafty windows with new energy-efficient windows can reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills.
You may be eligible for tax credits and rebates on energy-efficient upgrades and installations. These incentives may help offset some of the costs associated eco-friendly home upgrades. As you prepare to sell, real estate agents can be a valuable resource. They can help you decide which upgrades are most attractive to buyers in your area, and give advice on what green features to highlight in the listing. Tell your agent if you’ve made any of these upgrades recently so they can include them in your listing. Connect with a local agent to make sure you’re making the right upgrades in your area.
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