Will Your Power Bills Scare Off the Buyers??

I agree with Joan #27. Everyone's energy usage is different.  And, I don't think it is a bad idea to get an energy evaluation. Simple furnace or a/c maintenance can ensure these appliances are being used to their efficient potential. Thanks for the blog!

I think it mean quite a bit these days. Energy costs are a bit up! :)

Love and light,

Laura

Nancy, I fully agree with you. As much as it all depends on the habits and requirements, this is something that should be a concern for buyers!

We have 'MASS SAVE' program that does a thorough check on how one can save energy.

I'd also suggest those buyers who move from a condo to a house research more about utilities costs( not to have any surprises in future). I remember, when I moved to a house, my first bill for electricity/water/trash was a huge shock.

Energy efficient appliances and a proper home isolation is the must to keep some utilities payments low.

Energy useage is very personal; different families have different sensitivities to how much they use. That being said, locally homeowners can get a free energy audit and use those results to help sell their homes.

Good mornng Nancy. Great topic and accurate. In my experience both personally and professionally, heating and cooling costs do matter: a lot.

Nancy, I think buyers do want to know what their utility expenses will run when purchasing a home. Although different life styles will dictate how much is used, it will still give the purchaser an idea of the costs.

Around my home, we just bundle up when it gets cold but not everyone takes that approach...Definitely a factor but can be handled

I perform Home Inspections and Energy Audits here in Reno andit is very rare for people to ask for utility info. While it's a great idea it's true that occupants do have an impact on this. If your touring a house look for some signs that might give you a clue to how the house performs. Electric heaters, plastic on windows lots or wood or pellets stored up, and old heating or cooling systems. I know FHA loans are not as desireable as they once were but doing an Energy Efficient Mortgage is a great option for those older houses. 

Nancy:  Ironic .. my brother-in-law just told us that he is planning on having the utility companies come to perform an energy audit next week.  Truly makes sense for a whole host of reasons ...

Gene

Buyers want to see these costs. It can make or break a sale.

Great point, Nancy. Energy efficiency is bigger on the radar than it used to be, especially in urban areas with high energy costs. On the flip side, energy-efficient improvements can be a great selling point. One of my co-workers lives in a historic Nashville neighborhood; when he and his wife sold their first house there a few years ago, the buyers told their agent they were really drawn by the new windows and HVAC system.

Another useful energy saving tip I forgot, an electric blanket.  A programmable thermostat lowers the room temperature overnight, but an electric blanket keeps you warm while sleeping.  Then the programmable thermostat raises the room temperature again before the morning alarm clock goes off.