Friday, September 5, 2014

7 Tips for Home Sellers Regarding Energy!

From "Ready. Set. Sell. How Energy Efficiency Can Help Sell Your Home"

  1. Get a home energy evaluation to spot ways to make your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.  It will give you a plan for energy efficiency, an attractive selling point.
  2. Swap in high-efficiency, compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs that will cut your utility bills immediately.
  3. Improve insulation which can trim up to 20% off heating and cooling bills, according to Energy Star.
  4. Install low-flow faucets and shower heads and save between 25% - 60% on water.
  5. Use programmable thermostats to help cut heating and cooling costs by 5% - 15%.  Check out Nest thermostats.
  6. Consider investing in solar power to save up to 25% on electric bills and add $20,000 to the value of a home for each $1,000 in annual energy savings.  Massachusetts currently offers some tax incentives to install solar panels.
  7. Document your improvements and energy savings so real estate agents can give that info to buyers.
Check out the website NextStepLiving.com for more information.

This article was in the Bay State Realtor magazine, a benefit of being a Realtor.  Hire a professional.