Do Green Features Yield More Greenbacks?
Californians are known for their passion about protecting the environment, living an eco-friendly lifestyle, and bringing conservation practices into their homes. But do green features really make a difference when it comes to buying and selling a home? The answer is a resounding yes! Here are a few of the most appealing additions you can make to your home:
• Solar panels – this generates significant savings on electricity costs; note: some of these panels are leased so there are some challenges when a home is transferred to a new owner
• Water conservation fixtures – low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads can reduce your water bills and they help California’s water shortage crisis
• Smart thermostats – products like the Nest help to manage your energy consumption by regulating usage when you really need it, and when you don’t
• Drought-friendly landscaping – switching to succulents, artificial turf, or synthetic grass will make lawn maintenance easier and lower your water bills While it’s still difficult to nail down a specific ROI in dollars and cents, energy conserving or sustainable features matter to many buyers and are an important marketing point for sellers. Listing forms now provide an area to highlight green features and your agent or broker can work with you to promote these differentiating assets. Going green remains a personal choice and a move most people make out of their concern for the environment and doing their part to make a difference. But the changes you make to your home will have appeal to buyers when it comes time to sell.