Energy-Efficient Home Improvements Light the Way to Real Estate SuccessBy Keith Loria
While wants and needs vary from buyer to buyer, energy-efficient features are typically at the top of every buyer’s list when it comes to searching for their dream home. However, if you’re in the process of getting your home ready to sell, it’s important to take into consideration that eco-friendly home improvements need not cost an arm and a leg.
When it comes to energy efficiency, taking steps to improve your home’s carbon footprint will go a long way toward attracting green-conscious buyers. And switching out your bulbs is one of the easiest ways to incorporate energy savings into your space. Recent studies have reported that 85 percent of all homebuyers identify energy savings and comfortable surroundings as key factors when deciding between listings, so more agents today are working with sellers on innovative energy, environmental and ecological approaches and opportunities for selling their home. Homes that are listed with energy improvements are also clicked on much more when it comes to prospective buyers perusing listings on the Internet. If you’re interested in incorporating energy efficient features into your home—without cleaning out your wallet—your home’s lighting is one simple change that can’t be overlooked. Today’s green lighting isn’t limited to the fluorescent light bulbs that most people have been quick to adapt to. In fact, there are plenty of other options with LEDs gaining in popularity as a viable and affordable home lighting source. It wasn’t until 2007 when this energy-efficient, semi-conducting light source started to become more prevalent in the home. In the past, LED lighting appeared as unattractive blue hues, but in just six year’s time, LED lighting now offers the same bright white output as incandescent lighting. Not only is there an affordable price tag to go along with LED lighting, but people understand the value of incorporating this type of lighting into the home more fully than before. LED lighting can also be used to better showcase specific features within the home. From track lighting over the fireplace to under counter cabinet lighting to can lighting in the hall, LEDs have an amazing future that translates into an amazing sellable house. Energy-efficient lighting can also provide a unique advantage when it comes to specific exterior areas such as the deck, pool, patio and garden. These low-energy emitting lights are perfect complements to any outdoor features you want to show off. There are plenty of other benefits as well. LED lighting uses 75 percent less electricity than the standard incandescent light bulbs, resulting in a sharp decrease in electricity bills over time. LED bulbs also last 50 times longer than normal light bulbs, again, saving you money. While these changes are easy enough to make once you’re out of the house and the new owner has moved in, savvy real estate agents will tell you that prospective buyers will judge your eco-friendly actions in a positive light and may be more inclined to work with you throughout the process if you incorporate these features ahead of time. To learn more about incorporating eco-friendly features into your home, contact our office today. |
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