There is no doubt the green campaign is here to stay and in real estate there is a growing demand. This environmental concern has been around for years but the next generation is even more informed. According to First Research for April 2009, today’s teenagers, estimated at thirty-one million, represent one of the nation’s fastest growing consumer segments. Although most teens are not quite ready to buy homes today, the requirements they will want in a home should be in our minds when building and improving homes. Who is buying homes right now? The U.S. baby boomers will begin retiring by 2010 and the following generation is about half the size. This generation is environmentally savvy and many are willing to pay a premium for an environmentally and energy efficient home. Although a “green†home can cost 5% more than a conventional house, some lenders offer mortgage incentives for energy-efficient homes. “Green†building innovations include more porous materials in walkways and patios to prevent erosion from rain runoff, engineered recycled lumber in building and the conversion of wood or drywall construction waste outside into landscape mulch. In December 2007, the US Green Building Council launched LEED for Homes, a green home rating system for assuring that homes are designed and built to be energy and resource efficient and healthy for occupants. Over seven hundred builders across the U.S. are participating in the LEED for Homes program. (First Research Report, April 2009)
There have been many articles reflecting homebuyers going green to cut bills. In this economy, consumers are even more frugal and are looking for ways to save even after they purchase a home. If your home already has some of these features or you can easily obtain them, it would be another way to stand apart. Make sure this information is on the MLS and on any marketing material that is made. (An advantage in a down market)
In addition, builders are being requested to use more energy savvy features such as better insulation and tighter-fitting windows. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal (February 12, 2009) the shift for consumers is now they are more interested in saving money on their energy costs over time. One builder, Kevin Enyert in Lee Springs, Missouri, says he has picked up two contracts and possibly a third over the past six months to buyers who specifically requested energy saving features. According to Anjali Atharally in another article in the Wall Street Journal (February 12, 2009) people are willing to pay $1,299 for a washer that will save them $90 a year. At the International Builders show in January 2009, many companies showcased their new energy efficient models. General Electric Company, for example, says their hybrid electric water heater will save consumers about $250 annually. Whirlpool Corporation says its Cabrio HE washer can save up to $900 in lifetime water and energy costs or $90 a year. Kohler Company also introduced new toilets and faucets that save a family of four between $90 to $200 a year. There are several other companies going this direction. According to Mark Delaney, director of the home industry sector at NPD Group, a market research firm, says, “If people can see in black and white that there is a cost savings involved, they are more inclined to buy it.â€
Some builders are also retrofitting existing homes to use energy better. There are some builders using an infrared camera to detect leaks in a house. By sealing the home, it could reduce energy usage by a significant amount.
There are many ways we can improve our homes and help give yet another edge to the competition by being eco-friendly.
If you are remodeling, check with www.energystar.gov to see what appliances meet the federal government’s energy star efficiency standards.
You can also hire a professional to audit the energy use in your home. After doing so, you can make the improvements and share with the potential buyers your findings and what you did to remedy the inefficiencies. This is a wonderful sales feature. Also, let them know if your wood floors are made from recycled wood or any other improvements on air quality have been made.
After making the improvements that will really grab them, you might want to consider a few more. First, think about adding a compost in an obscure place in your backyard. Also, use products for cleaning that are eco-friendly. Additionally, have the re-cycling bins in the garage full of paper, glass and plastic recyclables. This shows you care about the environment and reflects on the way you care for the home.
In conclusion, going green is an advantage in up or down markets so make sure you explore ways you can take advantage of this edge on selling your home.
Megan Morris
www.artofstaging.com
Green Tips
1. Use water-based (latex) paint and primers whenever possible because they are lower in VOC’s (Volatile organic compounds) over oil based paint. These chemical compounds that are found in many building products, including paint, adhesives and colorants, can vaporize into the atmosphere, affecting indoor and outdoor air quality.
2. Check with www.energystar.gov to see whether your appliances meet the federal government’s Energy Star efficiency standards. Some of the older appliances might not only look outdated but be energy wasting as well. If you are thinking about making improvements this is a good place to start and something else to point out to your realtor after your home is on the market.
3. If you are building a spec home or doing some remodeling, consider adding a hookup in the garage for electric cars. This will certainly make your home look updated.
4. If you are re-carpeting, be sure to select a low-emission product and be sure to point that out.
5. Natural ink removers: cover the stains with a little milk or rub with the cut side of half of a tomato. Rinse both treatments out well.
6. For washing windows: You can make your own cleaner out of vinegar and water in a plant spray bottle. Vinegar cuts grease and brings out a good shine. You can also use old newspapers crumbled up to wipe off the vinegar-water solution. It works well and you are thinking green.
7. For cleaning carpet: To freshen your carpet inexpensively and ecologically, liberally sprinkle baking soda all over it. Leave for at least 20 minutes then vacuum thoroughly. Not only will your carpet be clean, you will have discouraged pests and neutralized odors.
8. Removing discolorations on metals: For aluminum, boil natural acid by using onions, lemon juice, rhubarb or apple peels. Then let it cool and rub on discolored areas to brighten. For copper, rub with the cut side of a lemon dipped in salt to remove tarnish. You can also try filling a spray bottle with vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt, and spray onto the copper. Let sit and rub clean.
(Some of these tips are from 10,001 Hints and Tips for the Home by DK Publishing, Inc)