Earth Day has just passed and the topic of climate change couldn’t be hotter right now. So what kind of environmentally friendly footprint in your home are you leaving behind for your children and generations after? And are green home features worth the investment?
We’ll sift through the eco-friendly home enhancements that could increase your home’s value – and those that are probably not worth it.
Good Buys
New Insulation
Upgrading your insulation with today’s advanced products can drastically improve your utility bills and prevent any loss of heat or cool air. According to Energy Star, in fact, homeowners can save an estimated average of 11 percent on energy costs by upgrading insulation. The price of investment depends on the size of your home, of course, but it will quickly pay for itself.
Smart Home Technology
If you’ve just bought a home, an upgrade to smart home technology is a smart move to impact the family’s carbon footprint. While it probably won’t increase the property value, it’s still a good, affordable option for eco-conscious buyers, with technology like Nest thermostats, and Wi-Fi power outlets or apps that adjust lighting and more for homeowners on the go.
Maybes
Energy-Efficient Windows
Upgrading your windows can be expensive, and seeing the energy-cost savings can be delayed – it could be as long as 15 years. Experts instead recommend updating an out-of-date furnace that’s decades old, which will immediately impact your monthly heating/cooling bill.
Solar Panels
These have been controversial recently, thanks to some companies out there who have scammed some customers by not living up to promises. Do extensive research and seek out a trusted expert in the field before installing solar panels. Buyers could see them as a nice bonus feature of the property, but make sure the technology will deliver the right green-friendly results in your area of the world.
Just Say No
Eco-Friendly Remodeling
This is a better option for buyers, not sellers. That’s because these eco-friendly remodeling elements are very specific – not for the average customer – like sustainable hardwood floors or renewable materials for kitchen cabinets or countertops. One eco-friendly, affordable route that is a good bet for sellers: using paint labeled “low VOC” or “no VOC” (volatile organic compounds) if they plan to repaint any rooms before listing.
Are you ready to sell your home? Trust Paige Bird, the #1 South Carolina RE/MAX agent for the last eight years. In 2021 she: negotiated the sales price for her clients to get 1.27% more than the area’s MLS; sold 115 homes for a total of $33.9 million; sold 68 of those above sales price, with an average list to sales price of 99.08%; and sold listings ranging from $8500 to $1.495 million.
Contact Paige Bird today so she can sit down with you to get started in the home selling process at 843-450-4773.
