Did you know that 71% of today’s home shoppers are willing to pay more for an energy efficient home?
Today’s buyer is an environmentally-minded buyer and your home’s carbon footprint is just as likely to impress them as your curb appeal.
If you’re looking to sell or flip a home, here are the 4 best ways to make sure your house looks “green” to would-be buyers.
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Upgrade an Old Furnace
An old furnace can be a massive energy-waster, which can be as expensive as it is wasteful. Whereas ENERGY STAR certified furnaces can have a big impact on a home’s overall efficiency, and this certification is a big deal to most homebuyers.
You can take things to the next level by adding a smart thermostat to show that you’re serious about the planet. You can start today with an in home air conditioning consultation at no cost with a certified HVAC expert.
There are also several rebates available for homeowners who upgrade to “greener” appliances and equipment. You can click here to use ENERGY STAR’s rebate finder, or you can ask your HVAC technician.
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Update The Windows
The most efficient climate control system in the world doesn’t stand a chance against leaky windows. Your heat, your AC, and your money can literally leak out the little nooks and crannies. If you have a tough time keeping the temperature in certain rooms regulated, your windows are most likely to blame.
This may be one of the more costly ways to improve your home’s efficiency, at about $200-$1,000 per window. But, it’s definitely impactful, particularly if you’re selling in a climate that gets both sweltering summers and brutal winters.
This is certainly another instance where your would-be buyers will be looking for the ENERGY STAR certification.
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Update Your Appliances
Filling your kitchen and laundry room with energy efficient appliances is a two-pronged attack that gives your home a modern facelift with high-end appliances, while boosting the “green appeal.”
Not everyone has the same design tastes, so play it safe and stick to classic looks for your fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Also, remember to always look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances, because your buyers almost certainly will.
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Update the Garage Door
The garage door is often forgotten about, even though it takes up as much as a third of your home’s front facade. That means it’s a huge factor in your home’s ability to retain your heat and air conditioning.
Upgrading the garage door to an insulated model will actually show you one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project.
All of these improvements can help you stand out in your local housing market, which can reduce how long it takes you to sell your home and increase the final sale price.
If you’re in a highly competitive buyer’s market, these improvements are quickly becoming a “must have” instead of a “nice to have.” But, as utility rates continue to climb across North America, they will likely soon become a must in nearly all markets.