The Green Upgrades Attracting Today's Buyers
Many clients looking to sell their home ask me what they “need” to do to get their home ready for the real estate market. Is it painting the interior of the home, sprucing up the exterior or new flooring? Yes, those can be true. Many are surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off.
In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 48% of agents have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability when it comes to home buyers.
So, if you’re considering selling your house, why should this matter to you? It helps to know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to today’s buyers. According to 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."
If you want to upgrade your house in a way that maximizes its green appeal, it’s advantageous to work with a local agent that understands what buyers in your area are looking for. The same NAR report identifies 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 home’s utility bills and operating costs
While you can’t change the location of your house, you can take action to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible while also setting up the next owners for lower operating costs. ENERGY STAR shares some 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.
Water heater: Older water heaters use a lot of energy and upgrading it can lower cost with a more cost efficient unit.
Smart thermostat: A big part of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling. Install a programmable thermostat to better regulate temperature settings when at home or away. This enhances comfort and can lower energy usage.
Attic insulation: Proper sealing and insulation in your attic help prevent air leaks and maintain a comfortable temperature while 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.
It's worth noting that you may be able to take advantage of tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient home installations and upgrades. These incentives could help offset a portion of the costs associated with eco-friendly home improvements.
As you prepare to sell your house, it's important to have a real estate professional as your advisor. They can help you determine which upgrades would be most appealing for buyers in your area and provide guidance as to which items can use some attention. If you’ve 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. Let’s connect to ensure you’re choosing the right upgrades for our area.