Greening A Resale Home Can Attract Buyers and Add Value

Homeowners are looking for the maximum dollars out of their home when they go to sell it. They also want it to sell quickly once they have made the decision. By greening their home prior to listing it, they can do both. 

Simply put, a home with some green features, is better than and distinguishes itself from a similar home absent of any green features. It becomes more memorable, gives a sense of a healthier environment and that it was taken care of and enjoyed by the current owner.

Paint, flooring and light bulbs are easy places to start, but heating and air systems are often replaced prior to selling and can offer a big bang for the buck as it can help lower the new buyers total monthly expenses so it perceived as a differentiator and added value to the home. Additional insulation, particularly when marketing a home in a cold climate, will make the home cozier and can help reduce drafts and outside sounds. A tankless water heater, is a feature that stands out in a less then exciting basement or mechanical room. If updating appliances make sure they are Energy Star Rated. Even if they are not part of the home purchase, Energy Star appliances can help tell the story.

Adding native and low-maintenance landscaping features adds unique curb appeal and differentiates the home right from the start. Clean gutters, and replace any weak gutters. Repair any areas of the drainage grade that have diminished over the years.

Green staging can also benefit the seller. Reducing clutter and too many personal items is always a good idea, but so is adding plants, and other green touch-points throughout the house. Items such as organic soaps, natural fiber rugs and bowls of fruit add to the overall green sense of the home. So does unplugging non essential electronics and appliances. Does a mixer really need to be plug in all the time?

Buyers want the best value in a new home and sellers want the maximum out of it. Adding some green features can help bring the two closer together and that is what selling is all about.