Make Your Home Greener to Appeal to Buyers

In today's real estate market, sellers are looking for more ways to set their homes apart from the droves of other properties for sale. But how do you get buyers to look twice when your home is comparable to other listings in your neighborhood in the same price range?

Here's a thought: Go green.

Many homeowners are looking for eco-friendly ways to reduce their family's impact on the environment - and save money! Appealing to this sensibility not only differentiates your home from the rest, but it also saves you money on monthly utility bills.

People sometimes have a misconception of what being green is all about. There are three elements to it: 1 - Saving money through energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources 2 - Using sustainable products that are good for our planet 3 - Understanding how certain products and materials can be unhealthy to people

Here are some basic tips for greening your home at various costs:

Minimal-cost green updates

• Install more insulation, which helps reduce energy and heating costs.
• Properly seal the envelope of your home (windows, doors, etc.) with caulking and weather stripping.
• Install low-flow water fixtures on faucets and showers, and dual-flushing toilets to reduce water consumption.
• Choose products and paints with reduced Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs).
• Unplug electronics when not in use, which will lower the utility bills potential buyers will see. These items use power when plugged in, even if they're not turned on.

Moderate-cost green updates

• Choose earth-friendly, wood alternative flooring, furniture, cabinetry and other materials made locally, which lessens the carbon footprint of having items manufactured and transported from abroad.
• Replace heating and cooling systems with high-efficiency HVAC units.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances, which use up to 40 percent less energy than conventional appliances.
• Install a high-efficiency water heater and keep the setting down a few degrees. Many local and state governments offer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

The key to successfully buying or selling a green home is to work with The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team with specialized training.