Buy or Sell an Energy Efficient Home
Buyers and sellers alike have taken to the importance of implementing smarter, more efficient appliances and systems into their homes.
Whether you’re buying or selling, energyefficient homes are commodities on both sides of the market. Properties that are already equipped with environmentally friendly appliances can speak to buyers on a budget and those who are cautious of their carbon footprint. As a seller, upgrading your home’s equipment can differentiate between a sale at the asking price or a lower offer.
Check out a few interesting statistics discovered in the 2019 Energy-Efficient Home Design Trends Survey, conducted by Fixr.
• The majority of homeowners are personally motivated to save energy to save money.
• Ducts and windows are the two most effective places to save through air sealing.
• Heat pumps are the most popular method used to heat an energy-efficient home.
• Solar power is the most common way to utilize renewable energy in a property.
Find out more about top energy-efficient home trends that home buyers expect, as reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Energy Star Appliances
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves appliances that boast the Energy Star logo as the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. The equipment ranges from machines like refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers to household necessities like doors and windows.
Ensuring your home is equipped with certified devices can be a selling point in your listing that attracts more buyers.
HVAC Equipment
The home’s HVAC system can be a significant investment and an expensive repair if it isn’t working correctly. Suppose you do not perform regular maintenance on your equipment. In that case, it’s essential to hire a licensed expert to conduct an inspection.
If you skip the assessment and go forward with the sale, a home inspector may discover it is on the brink of failure, leaving the buyer’s perception of you as dishonest.
Solar Panels
Equipping the home with power-generating solar panels can lower the electricity bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Make sure you can pay off the installation cost as even after the property sells, some loans can’t be transferred.