Eco-Friendly Tips to Attract Green Buyers This Spring

 April 13, 2015

The green movement has influenced every industry, from fashion to real estate. As people look for more ways to decrease their carbon footprint, organizations are raising their game. Today’s homes don’t just have expansive backyards and numerous windows, they are built with the environment in mind. Green buyers want eco-friendly homes which help them to save energy. If your sellers want to attract green buyers but don’t know how to go about it, share these tips with them.

Invest in Solar Panels

Solar panels present the best way to produce clean, renewable energy. They also help homeowners to minimize utility costs such as electricity bills. Sellers with big budgets can install solar panels in their swimming pools to heat them. While the initial installation costs of solar panels are quite high, the return on interest is worthwhile. Homes with solar panels have higher chances of selling than those without. Experts say that homes with solar panels sell for 5% more and 25% faster.

Make Smart Updates

While not everything in a home can be recycled, sellers can make their homes eco-friendly through smart updates. For example, they can replace their worn carpeting with bamboo flooring which is eco-friendly and cost-efficient. It is a better option than pine or oak. Sellers who decide to repaint their homes should buy zero or low VOC paints. Such paints have no toxic chemicals which pollute the environment or cause smog.

Get Recycled Products

Tell your sellers to think outside the box when looking for home products. Big-name stores aren’t the only places to buy appliances and fittings. There are many companies which sell home products made with recycled materials like plumbing fixtures, paneling, cabinets, and windows. Recycled products reduce carbon footprint and add personality and interest to a home. Home sellers who get recycled products for their homes will stand out from the crowd.

Have a Green Garden

Many homeowners are not aware of the fact that even their gardens can damage the environment. Plants require fertilizers to thrive and some fertilizers contain harmful chemicals. In addition, some homeowners have gardens with exotic plants and flowers. For these plants and flowers to be available locally, a lot of energy is expended.

Advise homeowners to make their gardens green by utilizing natural fertilizers and buying local plants and flowers. They should also avoid bug zappers and insecticides which pollute the environment. To conserve energy and reduce their utility bills, they should water their gardens once a day.

Install Energy-Efficient Fixtures

Air conditioners, dishwashers, electric kettles, traditional toilets, and refrigerators are energy guzzlers. Electricity experts say that while an average American household has about 200 appliances, the five major ones – tumble dryer, water heater, electric kettle, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer – account for approximately 70% of the electricity.

Tell your clients to ditch air conditioners for ceiling fans and to install low-flow toilets which use less water. They should buy eco-friendly water heaters and new jug kettles which are equipped with inspection glasses. Those buying new appliances should look for the “Energy Star” label. Lastly, sellers should substitute conventional light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs which consume less energy and last longer.

A green makeover can greatly benefit homes that have stayed on the market for long periods. Talk to your sellers about the benefits of energy-efficient upgrades. No buyer wants to move into a home with high utility bills. In fact, most buyers prioritize homes with eco-friendly appliances and fittings. Sellers should embrace green living to stay ahead of the competition. Without a doubt, they will sell their homes before their counterparts do.

 


Ronique Gibson

By Ronique Gibson

Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.