Enhancing Your Homes Appeal with Energy Efficiency: A Guide for Potential Sellers

Are you pondering the sale of your home? If that's the case, you might be surprised to learn how much potential buyers today appreciate energy-efficient and eco-conscious attributes, especially as we transition into summer.

In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals that nearly half of all realtors or brokers have noticed a growing consumer interest in sustainable living.

As a prospective home seller, why is this information significant to you? It gives you an idea of what steps you could take to increase the appeal of your property for contemporary buyers. In the words of Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR:

"Home buyers often gravitate towards properties that help minimize their environmental impact or lower their recurring energy expenses. Hence, highlighting energy-efficient features and related information can be valuable in attracting prospective buyers."

Suggestions to Boost the Attraction Factor of Your Home

If you're keen on sprucing up your home to enhance its 'green' appeal, you should collaborate with a local agent to gain insights into what features buyers in your region prioritize. The aforementioned NAR report identifies the following eco-friendly home features as top draws for buyers nationwide:

• High-efficiency windows, doors, and siding
• Proximity to commonly frequented spots
• Comfortable living quarters
• Home's utility bills and operating costs

While your home's location is unalterable, you can certainly take steps to make the living space as comfortable as possible, besides setting up future occupants for reduced operating expenses. ENERGY STAR recommends certain upgrades as potentially worthwhile considerations:

• Heating and Cooling: Regular servicing and proper maintenance of your HVAC system can greatly enhance its efficiency. An upgrade to a high-efficiency model could be a smart move if required.
• Water Heater: Since water heaters consume a significant amount of energy, upgrading to a heat pump water heater could significantly cut energy usage and attract eco-conscious buyers.
• Smart Thermostat: A sizable chunk of your energy bill goes towards heating and cooling. Installing a programmable thermostat can facilitate better temperature regulation, thereby improving comfort and decreasing energy consumption.
• Attic Insulation: Appropriate attic sealing and insulation can prevent air leakage and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, thus reducing the load on the HVAC system.
• Energy-Efficient Windows: Replacing old, leaky windows with energy-efficient ones can reduce heat transfer and cut down your energy bills.

It's noteworthy that tax credits and rebates may be available for certain energy-efficient home installations and upgrades. Such incentives could help you recoup some of the expenses associated with eco-friendly home improvements.

As you gear up to sell your house, bear in mind that real estate agents are excellent sources of information. They can guide you about the most attractive upgrades for buyers in your area and suggest which green features to emphasize in your listing. If you have recently made these upgrades, inform your agent so they can highlight them in your listing.

In Conclusion

Emphasizing energy efficiency and eco-friendly features can help make your home more enticing to today's buyers. Let’s collaborate to ensure you're making the most appropriate upgrades for our local market.

6-21-2023