Homebuyers Seeking Green Features
Saving money on summer electricity bills is pretty important to most North Texans. And using less electricity in the summer is a great way to start living greener, too. But how many homebuyers are actively seeking green features, and what are they looking for?
In North Texas, the most popular green features do tend to revolve around keeping the summer cooling bills to a minimum. Updates MetroTex Realtors report seeing most often include 16+ SEER air conditioning units, extra insulation in the attic, solar screens, and energy efficient windows. Less costly updates for the DIY set include blankets on water heaters, low flow shower heads and dual flush toilets. Bigger investments are beginning to make headway in the area, too. A recent search on the local MLS revealed more than 100 homes on the market with solar panels, and about 1850 with tankless water heaters. MetroTex Realtosrs also report that buyers do appreciate green features that are perceived to save them money on utility bills, and will more often perceive homes with green features as a better value.
According to research by the National Association of REALTORS®, 11 percent of new homes are bought for green/energy efficient reasons. As for which features buyers of new homes desire, buyers ranked the following as very or somewhat important: heating and cooling costs (84 percent); energy-efficient appliances (67 percent); energy-efficient lighting (67 percent); landscaping for energy conservation (47 percent); environmentally friendly community features (44 percent); and solar panels on a home (11 percent). And while all generations seem to be going green for environmental and financial reasons, 14 percent of those between the ages of 36 and 50, and 13 percent under the age of 35, bought a newly built home for green/energy efficient reasons.
If you’re considering updating your home, it makes sense to incorporate green features where you can: changing out a toilet to a dual flush system, using LED lighting, replacing windows with broken seals to more energy efficient models. You’ll be more comfortable in your home, save on energy bills every month, and your future buyers will appreciate your efforts.
The MetroTex Association of REALTORS® is comprised of more than 16,000 licensed agents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more information on buying, selling, and leasing property in Texas, speak with a MetroTex REALTOR or visit www.dfwrealestate.com.