According to the NAR’s 2023 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report, there is rising interest for sustainable living among homebuyers.
When your client expresses interest in finding an energy-efficient, sustainable home, don’t be misinformed about the impact of sustainability and green features. Here are four ways to help you learn and be prepared to market a sustainable home
Go Green
One of the fast tracks to learning about sustainable homes is obtaining NAR’s GREEN designation. It’s designed to help you understand energy efficiency and sustainability in real estate and how green homes should be marketed differently than traditional homes.
Use MLS Tools
Take advantage of the green data fields in the MLS. These fields identify green features and certifications of a home and can help you find sustainable homes for your buyers or market a house’s green features for your sellers.
Highlight Certifications
LEED-certified homes meet the criteria for environmental-friendliness in water, energy, site design, overall home operation and maintenance, and more. Market a property’s green certifications to environmentally interested clients, on listings, or at open houses.
Show Them the Money
With a sustainable home purchase, homeowners can save thousands of dollars annually in energy bills due to green upgrades, such as smart thermostats and lighting. Mention this to your clients and how a long-term investment into a sustainable home will pay off.
I built an energy efficient 5,288 sq. ft. home and my winter utility bill is around $80.00. I have solar, a geothermal heat pump, radiant barrier over the roof rafters, the house is framed on 2″ x 6″, all the air ducts are foam sprayed, the underside of the first floor is foamed, the attic areas have deep blown-in insulation, the house has two tankless propane water heaters, the widnows are Andersen, the roof is metal, but looks like Mexican clay and can handle 2.5″ hale and 120 mph winds. It is also warranted for life, the home framing is… Read more »