A Little Green Can Mean A Lot of Gold

If you're getting ready to sell your older home, you've no doubt run through the laundry list of most popular improvements: wood floors versus carpeting, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, crown molding, larger bathrooms, etc., etc., etc.
But, one category you may have overlooked is energy conservation.

Whether it's the current buzz about global warming, rising gasoline prices or escalating utilities bills, highlighting your home's "green" features can be a very appealing marketing tool.
And, surprisingly, some of the most money saving ideas can be incorporated on the exterior of your home.
Go Native! If your lawn is less than golf-course-green and your planter boxes are full of mangled old growth and last seasons attempt at pansies, you already know your home's curb appeal isn't going to entice any potential buyers.
"Enviroscaping" takes into consideration your local climate and native vegetation in designing an outdoor palette that is both pleasing to the eye and to the wallet.
Desert climates, like southern California, benefit from "xeriscaping," incorporating low-maintenance, drought tolerant native plants and vegetation. Local conservation groups usually offer native plants for free or nominal cost, and some cities and counties allow residents to take clippings of native vegetation from specified areas, for free. This can save the average homeowner hundreds of dollars in water bills - and sellers the costly prospect of upgrading a dilapidated sprinkler system.
Planting the correct types of trees can provide an even bigger savings.
Shading and evapotranspiration (the process by which a plant actively moves and releases water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9 degrees F.
Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25 degrees cooler than air temperatures above patios and decks. A well-planned landscape can reduce an unshaded home's summer air-conditioning costs by 15% to 50%.
If heating bills in winter are a bigger concern than cooling bills in summer, trees can also make a substantial impact. A study found that windbreaks to the north, west, and east of houses cut fuel consumption by an average of 40%. Houses with windbreaks placed only on the windward side (the side from which the wind is coming) averaged 25% less fuel consumption than similar but unprotected homes. If you live in a windy climate, your well-planned landscape can reduce your winter heating bills by approximately one-third

Lighten up!
 While you're outside, take a look at the lighting.
True, most potential buyers will view your house during daylight hours, but they'll still be impressed if a well-designed exterior lighting plan exists - especially one that incorporates solar power.
Styles for exterior solar lighting have come a long way from the familiar "mushroom." Full-size lampposts, colorful tiles, attached-to-house - pretty much any style available in wired lighting fixtures is now available in solar powered ones. (And, you'll never have to worry about setting a timer to turn them on, or forgetting to turn them off!)

Pool your resources!
If you need to replace your in-ground pool, consider changing to a "fun pool."
These pools have a depth of 4-feet from end to end, allowing for enough buoyancy for swimming. Heating costs are cut as much as 75%; 100% in very hot climates. And, "fun pools" offer another hidden benefit - increased safety. (Of course, you'll have to practice your Olympic diving someplace else).
The trending indicates that energy efficient upgrades are becoming more and more important to homeowners.

Make sure your Realtor knows about any upgrades you've made and promotes them enthusiastically. To learn more about the homes in Oak Park and River Forest, contact Gary Mancuso Today!