Going GREEN for Profit and Marketability in Real Estate
By Mike Fickling
Until recently, you could be considered “GREEN” or eco-friendly for simply recycling your garbage and conserving water. With the new public awareness campaign, however, you will find there are literally thousands of conservation practices that will not only save you money, but will make you much more competitive in the Real Estate market.
Whether you are planning to purchase a new home, sell your current home, or a combination of both, focusing on “GREEN” features will save you money and give you an important competitive edge in a tight market.
Selling “GREEN” features
Increasing the energy efficiency of your current home makes it much more attractive to today’s consumer. Some of the most prominent ways you can add value to your home include:
· upgrading kitchen appliances to the newer and more energy efficient models
· increasing the amount of insulation and adding a radiant barrier in the attic
· installing tankless water heaters
· replacing older air conditioning units with the newer and more efficient models with a SEER rating of 13 or greater
· checking the insulation material on the air ducts of your home
· change filters on air conditioning unit regularly
· planting shade trees or shrubs to reduce the direct exposure of your home
· replacing windows with damaged seals with newer thermal windows
· replace older or damaged doors with insulated models with proper weather strips
· changing your thermostat with a programmable or digital model that will keep the home comfortable only when it is occupied
· follow general water conservation practices
· calibrating irrigation systems properly
· plant landscaping that requires a reduced amount of irrigation
· install ceiling fans
· reduce carpeted areas of your home to tile, wood, or laminate material and utilize area rugs made of natural fiber
· check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home
Correcting as many of these common household problem areas will prove to be money well spent when the time comes to put your house on the market.
The Department of Energy is scheduled to publish a new set of guidelines that will allow homeowners to grade their homes in the coming months.
When BUYING a new home
As a Realtor in the DFW area, we are acutely aware of what today’s homebuyer is looking for when they look at homes for sale, and a tremendous amount of attention is given to the energy efficient features. The same holds true for marketing homes in today’s market; green features are not to be overlooked or discounted.
In addition to all the features listed above, homebuyers have a few special GREEN features to consider:
· finding a home that is located as close as possible to the workplace, schools, shopping and recreational amenities will reduce the amount of fuel and travel time, as well as reducing the pollution is the biggest consideration. The age of the long-distance commuter is coming to an end.
· single-story homes are far more efficient to heat and cool
· buyers need to consider the changes in their energy needs when moving from distant location with dramatically different climates and geographic features.
· smaller homes with larger living spaces and open floor plans are more desirable
· formal spaces are giving way to home offices and more functional living areas
· low maintenance means lower costs
· proximity to public transportation is becoming more appealing to buyers
Whether you are buying or selling a home, or just interested in saving money, these are just a few considerations to be aware of. There are thousands more. In fact, you can be as green as you want to be, whether to save money, buy or sell a home, or to do your part to clean up our state, this nation, and this earth.
If you have any questions or have some tips you would like to share, send me an email or give me a call. If you are considering buying or selling a home in the DFW area, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and be your Realtor.
Mike Fickling 972-948-0660 mikefickling@kw.com
Here are some useful articles and web sites for more information:
