With the high inventory of homes on the market in most areas of the country, sellers are looking for ways that they can obtain the highest price for their home in the shortest amount of time. Going green may be the answer!
An increasing number of people these days are concerned with the environment and one of the things that have the biggest impact on the environment are our homes. In addition, due to the rising costs of fuel and everything else that we buy, the public is looking for ways to lower their energy bills. Plus green homes are healthier. This all adds up to a good market for a "green" home. Green homes are known to sell faster and for more money than other homes that are listed.
If your home is a resale there are several things that you can do to make your home greener and appeal to this segment of the real estate market. Many people fix up their homes before putting them on the market; so wouldn't it make sense to use eco-friendly materials. An easy example is to use low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints when you are repainting rooms and refinish floors with a low VOC finish. Low VOC paints and finishes do not off gas like standard paints and finishes. Also if you are replacing worn carpeting choose PET carpet which is made from recycled soda bottles instead of nylon carpet.
If you have to replace major appliances be sure to replace them with Energy Star models. For a low cost fix wrap your hot water heater to keep it from losing heat, or better still replace it with a tankless hot water heater. Low flush toilets and low flow shower heads are standard in new homes, but need to be mentioned if you put them in an older home.
Ceiling fans and cfl light bulbs also give a green message, as does the use of rain barrels and native plants in the landscaping.
Whatever eco-friendly features you add to your home, be sure that your agent uses it in your home's marketing materials; it can result in a greener pocketbook for you, the seller.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you would like to either purchase or sell a Central Virginia green built or Energy Star home and want to work with an expert with local knowledge, get in touch with me right away.
Contact Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD, REALTOR®, Real Estate III, Charlottesville, Virginia at 434 960-0161 , pam@JumpintoGreenerPastures.com, to list your property for sale or to buy a property in the following areas in Central Virginia: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Keswick, Glenmore, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Free Union, Cismont, Scottsville, Fluvanna County, Troy, Palmyra, Lake Monticello, Louisa County, Louisa, Mineral, Spring Creek, Orange County, Gordonsville, Orange, Barboursville, Greene County, Ruckersville.
To view all of the Charlottesville, Virginia and Central Virginia Homes for Sale click here and click on the mls search button.
Visit my website Jump into Greener Pastures or visit my other blog Charlottesville Horse Farms and Country Homes for more information on Central Virginia and the local real estate market.
Comments(7)