Now more than ever, people around the world are thinking about how they can do their part to help our planet thrive. As discussions on climate change dominate our news and politics, people are looking to make personal changes that will have a big impact.
One way that we can do our part is by integrating green energy and sustainable upgrades with our homes. Doing so will help the planet, and if you are selling your home, it could mean a higher sales price. Right now, potential home buyers are willing to pay big bucks to move into a house they are proud to call home. By upgrading lighting and appliances, creating green energy, and finding a realtor who can present your home as the ultimate dwelling for a clean climate, you may hit the resale jackpot.
Spending Cash to Go Green
Green houses are especially appealing to new buyers for a variety of reasons. For starters, buyers understand there is an issue with our country’s carbon footprint. If buyers purposely search for a home that can decrease that damage, they want to be a part of the solution. Green houses use less energy, which not only helps the planet but also our pocketbooks. By using electricity less often, our utility bills decrease.
Demand for green energy is so high, new careers are being created for urban planners, who seek to make entire communities more energy-efficient. If your home is in one of these neighborhoods, the price could go even higher.
To get a higher resale value, those looking to sell their homes need to make their green modifications known to buyers. To do so, you will need a good realtor who knows how to market green houses. Find a real estate agent who has a Green Designation, a certification that notes your agent understands the benefits of sustainable homes and how to market them. If you’re listing your house on your own, the leading bullet points should mention the upgrades that separate your home from others.
Creating Green Energy
There are many ways that homeowners can incorporate green energy into their homes. Some are more mainstream than others, but any of them will be a great selling point when you list your home. For instance, homeowners with running water on their properties can supplement their electricity usage with micro-hydropower systems and water turbines to get free energy 24-hours a day.
One of the more popular options is going with solar panels. By going solar, you are taking advantage of the power of the sun to absorb rays all day long. This is a great way to use less electricity and offset the electric bill. The government will now give the owner a tax credit for having them installed. On top of that, having them on your roof is like a billboard to the world that says that you care about the planet and want to do your part.
Integrating new technology to increase the flow of green energy is only one part of the equation. Homeowners can also reduce the waste of energy with smart building design. For instance, houses that have large windows create natural light, which reduces the need to turn on lights or use the heater in the winter. In the summer, Energy Star-rated windows with multiple panes can reduce heat build-up so the air conditioner is on less often. Below the house, an insulated foundation can reduce temperature loss. These and any other energy-saving components should be in the listing.
Upgrade the Interior
Homeowners who want to add more attention-grabbing points to their listing should replace some of the older components of the home. In many cases, these improvements will not only create a more environmentally friendly home but will also save the buyers money. As a beginning step, replace all your incandescent lighting with LED options. These last longer and also use less electricity for noticeable cost savings for the year.
Next, consider adding modern upgrades such as smart devices and Internet of Things components that help run your house more efficiently. Additionally, Energy Star refrigerators use less energy than non-qualified models. Energy Star dishwashers use less water than the competitors. Instead of supercharging the air conditioner, you can also use ceiling fans with large blades that will move more air and create that cooling effect for less.
Water conservation is another big part of helping the environment, so consider making some adjustments in the kitchen and bathroom, such as new low-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. Buyers will be excited by the idea of getting brand new fixtures and they will love the energy efficiency of it all. While you are working, make sure to fix any leaks or cracks around the shower or bath so water isn’t wasted.
If you want to sell your house for more, going green is the answer. Take the time to update your lights, plumbing, and the efficiency of your appliances and you will see a larger sum come sales time.
