Going green is becoming increasingly popular. As such, it should come as no surprise to learn that homebuyers are regularly looking for homes with green features as they try to determine which one to buy. Therefore, if you are planning to put your home on the market, you might want to consider implementing these 5 low cost ways to create a green home in order to increase your chances of selling your home quickly and at the price you desire.
Green Home Tip #1: Replace Appliances
If you need to update your appliances, you should seriously consider purchasing those that are EnergyStar qualified. In general, these appliances do not cost any more than those that are not energy-efficient. Yet, they can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year in terms of energy cost.
Green Home Tip #2: Install a Programmable Thermostat
Turning your thermostat down when the weather is cold and up when the weather is warm can save as much as 3 to 5 percent of your bill for each degree that is adjusted. It is also a good idea to make adjustments to the thermostat while away at work or while sleeping at night. To make it easier to make these adjustments and to enjoy the energy savings, installing a programmable thermostat is a good idea that will certainly appeal to potential buyers.
Green Home Tip #3: Install Aerators and Low-Flow Toilets
Taking steps to reduce water usage will go a long way toward winning over potential buyers. To that end, you might want to consider installing aerators on your faucets and replacing the toilets with low-flow models.
Green Home Tip #4: Replace Your Bulbs
Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs that are EnergyStar-rated will certainly please potential buyers. While this won’t necessarily increase the value of the home, it will help create a positive impression on the eco-conscious buyer.
Green Home Tip #5: Check the Insulation
Replacing insulation that has been compressed or damaged will increase the energy-efficiency of your home while also reducing your chances of getting hit with a bad mark on your home inspection. If you have less than seven inches of fiber glass insulation or less than six inches of cellulose insulation, you should add more in order to increase the overall effectiveness of your insulation. Putting an insulating jacket around the hot water heater and pipes will also help save on heating costs.
Of course, some of these eco-friendly changes might not be noticed by potential buyers unless your real estate agent points them out to them. Therefore, you should be certain to point them out to your agent in order to make sure he or she accentuates these features when showing them to a potential buyer. By making a point of showcasing all of the little steps you took toward making your home more eco-friendly, you will leave a positive impression on those who are looking on your home. In the end, these green features might be just the thing that sways a buyer to make an offer on your home instead of the other ones that are being considered.
Visit BuySarasota.com for your Sarasota real estate search. View comprehensive information on hundreds of condos and neighborhoods in Sarasota, FL. View details on thousands of MLS listings including downtown Sarasota condos and properties on all of the barrier islands.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by You Post Denver, Cherry Creek Buzz. Cherry Creek Buzz said: 5 Low Cost Ways to Create a Green Home: Going green is becoming increasingly popular. As such, it should come as no… http://dlvr.it/4hCCG [...]