If you are considering selling your home, then it is important to know what current buyers are looking for so you can get the best return on your investment. When it comes to making your house more attractive to buyers in 2022, you should focus on curb appeal, the quality of your kitchen, and making sure your home features eco-friendly home renovations.
Many homeowners aren't sure what to do to make their homes more sustainable, so we are here to help. Below we will talk about the importance of improving your property before a sale and the changes you can make today to lure in environmentally conscious buyers.
Why Eco-Friendly Home Renovations?
The main reason it is so important to upgrade your home before a sale is because that is what most people are looking for in today's modern market. Sustainable homes are popular, with 77% of people aiming to live more sustainably.
In addition to saving money and contributing to a healthier planet, a sustainable lifestyle is also a healthy lifestyle. People who are around clean energy, plants, and sunlight are generally happier. An eco-friendly home can also benefit your children as kids that grow up in green spaces also generally have higher IQs.
Most importantly, your sustainability efforts can also help you make more money. Green homes sell for more, bringing in prices that are, on average, 2.7% higher than their non-sustainable counterparts. Further, they sell faster than properties that are not energy-efficient.
If you are wondering where to start, then begin with the solutions that will offer the best return on investment. For instance, installing new windows throughout the home is a great idea. Efficient windows prevent energy leakage, so your heating and air conditioning systems don't have to work as hard, resulting in lower utility bills. Along with the windows, you can also replace your front door with an ENERGY STAR-certified model that can also reduce energy leakage over time, paying for itself.
Save the Planet Without Overspending
The beauty of making eco-friendly home renovations is that you can make necessary changes without breaking the bank. For instance, you can replace all of your incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives. In addition to costing the same as a standard bulb, LEDs will also provide more vivid light and last longer.
You can also make minor modifications to your bathrooms and plumbing to reduce your potential water and energy waste. You can do that by replacing your current faucets and showerhead with low-flow alternatives. Both options are great because they will reduce your water consumption while keeping your showers just as efficient.
As long as you are reducing waste, also consider investing in a smart thermostat that you can set depending on what is happening in and around your home. If the house is empty, then you can raise the indoor temperature a few degrees to waste less energy. Then, you can program the thermostat to adjust at the time when everyone returns home for maximum comfort.
Another option is to install solar panels on your home. While it may be a bit costly up front, solar panels will make up a large portion of your energy production. After you pay them off, your monthly utility bills will be exponentially smaller than the typical electricity bill. Plus, you won't require the burning of fossil fuels to get your energy. It's possible to remain budget-friendly while making sustainable upgrades, especially when playing the long game for a better return on investment.
Make Repairs
While it is important to upgrade wherever possible, you should also make it a point to make any necessary repairs before selling your home so buyers have less to worry about. For starters, consider replacing or fixing the seals and caulking around all windows so that you are not letting energy slip away. Also, add or replace the weatherstripping in the attic and around doors — even the garage door.
Next, have a professional come to your home to check out your HVAC system and ensure that it is running properly. If your heating or cooling systems are not working at peak efficiency, then you could be making them work harder than necessary, running up your energy costs. A faulty HVAC system could also result in declining air quality, which could put your family in danger.
Finally, consider using this time to replace any older appliances with new, energy-efficient models. An ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher will use less energy and less water, while a sustainable washer and dryer will work half as hard while still making your clothes just as clean. If you need new appliances then consider switching them out, as the idea of offering brand new items that are still under warranty can be a great selling point.
As you can see, there are many ways you can become more eco-friendly before you put your home on the market. Consider these tips, and you could get top dollar at your closing date.
About the Publisher
Bo Kauffmann is a residential real estate agent with over 18 yrs experience in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Inducted into the REMAX Hall of Fame in 2010 and receiving the REMAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Bo has sold over 500 houses and condos in the Greater Winnipeg market. He is an accredited buyer representative (A.B.R.) and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
Bo provides exceptional service to First-Time Home-Buyers, Seniors looking to downsize and Home Sellers of all ages.
He can be reached easily By E-Mail or call/text him Call/Text Here
Never miss an episode of our real estate podcast. Install our FREE Podcast App available on iOS and Android. For your Apple Devices, click here to install our iOS App. For your Android Devices, click here to install our Android App. Check my videos on Youtube
Polestar
I like the idea of installing low-flow plumbing fixtures. I also suggest replacing all the older plumbing fixtures in a home with new efficient options. Even though they are more expensive to buy than traditional models, they can save you a lot of money in the long run. The EPA estimates that homeowners save as much as $110 per year on their water bills simply by switching to low-flow toilets.
ESCO
Yes, bathroom renovation is always a good idea when it comes to increasing a home’s value. I also recommend checking the pipes. I know that piping repairs may be pretty troublesome and expensive, but it’s worth it. Leaking pipes are the last thing a new homeowner wants to face. Furthermore, it’s not recommended to buy houses with old or faulty plumbing. Surely the news that all pipes are in good condition will please a potential buyer.