Think About Energy Consumption When Listing Your House For Sale

Buyers often ask questions! How old is this house? Do you know why the owners are selling? How soon are the sellers willing to close? Their questions sometimes seem unending. Of course, this is good because as a Realtor, I want buyers to ask questions.

One question I am often asked by buyers when showing homes is in reference to Utilities. Specifically, how much do utilities cost on this home and will you ask the sellers for the utility numbers for the previous twelve months? 

Why do they ask this? Most prospective buyers want to know up front if their average utility cost on the house they are thinking of buying, will be below average, average or if the utility bills might simply make the house cost prohibitive. In other words, they may not be able to afford the upkeep on the home...

As a Realtor, I've discovered that sellers often want to fix up their house a bit before listing it for sale. Since you the reader might be thinking of selling, I have a suggestion that might just speed up the selling process. Regardless of which side of the Global Warming issue you are on, think green when fixing up your home and perhaps even focus on making your house more energy efficient! 

Some suggestions: 
1. Seal your home with Insulation that doesn't let the cool air in or the heat out. 
2. Make sure you choose Energy Star appliances. I've linked this point to an explanation of these kinds of appliances.
3. If you are replacing your windows, use Double-Paned. 
4. Low Flush Toilets and Water Saving Shower Heads will make a difference on water and sewer bills. 
5. Don't forget to Change your Main Lighting; ceiling lights, dining, etc.... to energy saving bulbs.

For certain, any or all of the improvements mentioned above could make a difference on the time it takes to sell your home. It could also make it more marketable!

I urge my readers today, especially home owners and sellers to Think About Energy Consumption When Listing Your House For Sale.