When the time comes to sell your home, one of the essential steps is to get it ready to attract buyers. That means home improvements to help your home look its best. You’ll want to make repairs and also work on what real estate agents call staging — giving your home an interior design look that will attract a wide range of buyers. As more and more buyers are interested in homes with green upgrades, making these environmentally-conscious home improvements can help you attract buyers.
Install eco-friendly water systems
One of the number one concerns for environmentally-conscious buyers is conserving water, and there are easy upgrades to make on your home to make sure you aren’t unknowingly wasting water. You can start by installing low-flow toilets and faucets. While low-flow toilets might cost a bit more, the water savings is worth it — by replacing an older model toilet with a low-flow toilet, you could reduce your bathroom water usage by 50 percent. Low-flow aerators for showers and faucets are easy to install yourself and could also lead to 30 to 50 percent water savings.
Renovate with non-toxic paints and sustainable flooring
When you are updating your home to sell, chances are repainting and adding new flooring will be on your list. Some flooring and paints are better for the environment than others, so while you are at it, why not upgrade with sustainable options. Carpets will be free of toxic chemicals such as are used for mothproofing, stain repellents, fire retardants, and synthetic dyes — and the same goes for carpet padding. For wood and its alternatives, there are options in bamboo, natural linoleum, and reclaimed wood. Paints should be classified as low-VOC. VOC are volatile organic compounds, which can off-gas and contribute to breathing problems. These healthier and green choices can be selling points for potential buyers.
Assess your home’s energy efficiency
If you’ve lived in your home for 10 years or more, regardless of whether you are selling or not, it’s probably time for an energy audit. You might be thinking about installing solar panels, but that’s a major investment that will take time to see financial benefits. You can start by replacing weather stripping on windows and doors and upgrading your home’s insulation — all of which can remove air leaks to help your home better maintain its temperature control. If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, dual-paned models will also improve energy efficiency. A programmable thermostat and energy star appliances are other upgrades worth considering.
When you are updating your home to sell anyway, why not make changes that are good for the environment and will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Making green-focused upgrades may cost a bit more, but they will pay off as you could end up getting more for your home at sale time. While you are living in your home, you could also benefit from lower energy bills.
