Kelly's Healthy Home

Everyone I know and work with want to have lower bills. Don’t you? I see this first hand while helping both single buyers and families buy a home. Clients often ask, “can you get a copy of the utilities costs from the owner”, or “I want to avoid X since it’s not as efficient.” If you’re thinking about selling your property in the near future, I would suggest you consider updating your home to conserve energy to make it more marketable. You’ll reap the reward when selling and also see a reduction in your monthly bills while still occupying the home, a win-win!

If you still aren’t convinced, I came across this interesting article on The National Association of Realtors website that notes “Energy efficiency was found to be very or somewhat valuable in marketing home listings by 70% of the member respondents, according to the 2020 Realtors® and Sustainability Report. That number increased to 72% among Realtors® in the Northeast.” Living and working in the Northeast I definitely agree with the articles next paragraph, “Homes that are in the Northeast tend to not only be impacted by cold weather, but also are typically older which can add to monthly utilities,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR vice president of demographics and behavioral insights. “If a home is more efficient, a homebuyer may be able to buy a larger home or a home that is closer to their ideal location by cutting utility costs.”

So where do you focus your wallet when making these updates?

1. Energy efficient HVAC. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for nearly half of all energy use in the average home. So if your HVAC is one of the biggest consumers of energy, it should be at the top of your list for energy efficient improvements. 
2. Insulation. Insulation is an essential part of temperature maintenance in your home. And is often overlooked. Reducing your energy consumption is only possible if you increase your insulation. Check your attic, walls, and any opportunities for air sealing.
3. Energy Efficient lighting. If you haven’t upgraded to LED lightbulbs, you’re certainly wasting energy with older, more inefficient options. Lights account for 12-14% of your overall electric bill. Providing more light and less heat ultimately helps you reduce energy waste by not contributing to warming your home’s temperature. Better yet, use natural light more often than flipping that switch.
4. Windows and Doors. Swapping out of those super old, inefficient windows with energy-efficient windows is really impactful for both the look of the home and on your utility bill. If the cost to replace all your windows is too high, focus on the rooms that are lived in the most, Living/Family rooms, bedrooms and kitchen.

Yes, buyers love updated kitchen and bathrooms- we know those help sell homes too. But I don’t always recommend a kitchen renovation to a seller since a buyer may want to renovate to their own taste. The majority of buyers appreciate new windows, new mechanicals and adequate insulation.

Consult with your Realtor, even years in advance to selling to see what makes the most sense for you, your home and your budget. Aim for a GREEN certified agent so they are more experienced in the needs and wants of home buyers in this growing eco-conscious world.