Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

Thinking about selling your home this summer? Here’s something you may not have considered — buyers are paying close attention to energy efficiency and eco-friendly features. And as temperatures rise, that interest is only heating up.

In fact, according to the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly half (48%) of real estate agents and brokers say their clients are showing increased interest in sustainable living and green home features.

Why does this matter if you’re selling? Because it gives you a major opportunity to make your home stand out.

🌱 What Today’s Buyers Are Looking For

As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR, explains:

“Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their environmental footprint or reduce their monthly energy costs. There is value in promoting green features and energy information to future home buyers.”

Here are the top green home features buyers care about most, according to the NAR report:

✅ Energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding
✅ Proximity to frequently visited places
✅ A comfortable, temperature-controlled living space
✅ Low utility bills and operating costs

While you can’t move your home to a better location, you can take steps to improve its comfort, energy efficiency, and appeal.

🔧 Upgrades That Make a Green Impression

If you’re wondering where to start, ENERGY STAR recommends these smart upgrades that help reduce energy use and boost buyer appeal:

💨 HVAC Tune-Up or Upgrade
Regular service helps your system run efficiently. If it's outdated, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency unit.

🔥 Heat Pump Water Heater
Traditional water heaters consume a lot of energy. A heat pump version uses less energy and appeals to eco-conscious buyers.

📱 Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps maintain comfort while saving on energy bills — a simple but impactful upgrade.

🧱 Attic Insulation and Sealing
Prevent air leaks and keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

🪟 Energy-Efficient Windows
Replacing old windows can drastically reduce heating and cooling loss — and improve aesthetics too.

💡 Bonus: You might qualify for tax credits or local rebates when you install energy-efficient upgrades. Be sure to check for current incentives in your area!

🏡 Make Sure Buyers Know What You’ve Done

If you’ve already made eco-friendly upgrades, be sure to let your real estate agent know. They can showcase those features in your listing — and highlight them during showings to help your home stand out in a crowded market.

✅ Bottom Line

Energy efficiency sells. And today’s buyers are more informed and environmentally conscious than ever. By focusing on upgrades that lower utility costs and reduce environmental impact, you’ll increase your home’s value — and make it more attractive to motivated summer buyers.

Let’s connect and talk about which energy-saving features matter most in our local market. Together, we’ll make sure your home is both smart and sell-ready.

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