Many buyers seek eco-friendly homes
Eco-friendly real estate trends are growing in popularity as more homebuyers look for ways to protect the planet and reduce the often-considerable costs associated with homeownership.
In a survey of more than 1,000 consumers in the United States, SurveyMonkey.
com, working in conjunction with Blueshift Research, found that one in three consumers prefer eco-friendly products, and 35 percent of people polled said they are willing to spend more money on products that are good for the environment.
Such trends are reflected in the real estate industry, where many buyers are looking for smaller homes that produce smaller carbon footprints.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average new home built in 2015 was expected to be roughly 2,200 square feet. That’s roughly 10 percent smaller than the average new home built in 2010.
These smaller homes usually consume less energy than larger abodes. This factor appeals to many homeowners who are looking to save money and live more eco-friendly lifestyles.
In addition to smaller homes, homeowners are increasingly looking to sustainable materials when building or renovating their homes. Products that conserve water, including lowflow toilets and water-conserving showerheads, have also grown in popularity.