Energy Efficiency Payoff

Ever wonder if re-calking the windows was worth the effort?

Buyers today are looking for energy efficient homes.  As the article for Al Clark's HomeAgain Newsletter points out, buyers are looking for new home builders that have low carbon footprint.   From expensive geo-thermal HVAC systems and high efficiency windows to reclaiming rain water for yard and garden watering are considered as "needs" by many buyers.

Energy efficiency is a minimum requirement!!!

If your home was built 20 years ago, you and I know it can't have the carbon foot print of a brand new home designed to minimize the environmental impact. Yet, anything you or I can do to reduce heat loss, add insulation or lower energy usage in any way, the buyer will seek that house over one that is wasting energy.

Read and apply!

ENERGY-EFFICIENCY FEATURES PAY OFF AT RESALE

Energy-Efficiency Features Pay Off At Resale Adding energy efficiency features like attic insulation or a highly efficient furnace may help you when you're ready to resell your home. According to the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, nearly nine out of 10 recent homebuyers said heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important when considering a home for purchase. "Going green has proven to be more than a trend," says NAR President Gary Thomas. "Many people now seek out this way of living and want homes and communities that are more resource efficient and sensitive to the environment." Often, the higher a home's energy efficiency, the more money the homeowner saves in monthly heating and cooling costs. NAR found 49% of buyers thought a home's heating and cooling costs were very important when considering a home for purchase, followed by energy-efficient appliances and lighting, each at 24%. Landscaping for energy conservation and environmentally friendly community features were less important but were still a factor in the minds of homebuyers. Nearly half of buyers found these features very or somewhat important. Regionally, buyers in the North and South placed a greater importance on heating and cooling costs, probably due to more extreme temperatures in those areas of the country. The survey also found buyers who purchased more recently built homes placed greater importance on environmentally friendly features than buyers who purchased older homes. Nearly 60% of buyers who bought homes built in 2011 said heating and cooling costs were very important, compared to less than 30% of buyers whose homes were built before 1910.