Go Green When Buying A Home

         The more we learn about global warming and watch the world around us change, the clearer it becomes that we all need to become more aware of the carbon footprint we are leaving behind. Statistics are showing us that despite location or style of home, buyers have one thing on their minds: sustainability and climate change. According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 69% of their members said energy efficiency promotion in listings had value, and 59% of those Realtors found clients had interest in sustainability. If you are looking to buy, or a homeowner looking to make your property more appealing to buyers, the following are some things to keep in mind.

• Does the home have energy efficient appliances? Look for the energy star or refer to my previous post for the top energy efficient appliances
• Are the windows & doors energy efficient? Look for double pane, fogging in the window & condition of the frame & sealant inside/outside of the house.
• Which direction is the house facing? The house’s orientation determines how much sun exposure it gets, which affects heating and air-conditioning use.
• Buy a home close to work and places you travel frequently. The less your car in on the road, the green house gases are being contributed to the environment.
• Make sure the home is insulated by paying close attention to the properties disclosures. Ask questions like what type of insulation was used, is each room/level insulated. If there is an attic, is there proper ventilation?
• Pay attention to the landscaping. Are the plants/trees budget friendly? Will they require less or more watering during the summer months?

     Are you looking to buy or sell your home this year and would like more information on how to make sure your property is sustainable? Send an email to [email protected] for more information.