4 Eco-Friendly Updates to Increase your Home's Value this Summer

If you’re looking to sell your home this summer, you already know the current housing market is like the Wild West. Properties are commanding higher prices than ever before, and buyers are paying them. But what if you need to do a little sprucing up before you list your home? Studies show that buyers want properties that support sustainability and energy efficiency. So, to be competitive on the market, increase the value of your home, and get the best bang for your buck, you might consider going green. Check out these tips to help get you started.

Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s market value (and save you some money on energy bills) is installing LED lighting. Beyond using 80% less energy than traditional light bulbs, proper LED lighting can help compliment and showcase your home’s space. Use it to make rooms look larger and to encourage buyers to envision their lives there.

But don’t just focus on the interior of your home. Your garden, outer walkway, and backyard can benefit from LEDs, as well. Curb appeal and landscaping are huge selling points of any home, so it’s not a bad idea to use lighting and natural plants to make it feel welcoming.

Go Solar

Buyers want homes that will save them money on their utility bills, and solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular way of doing that. While the initial cost of solar panels may seem pricey, their long-term return on investment makes them worth it. Beyond the economic and altruistic benefits, renewable energy is a hot topic among buyers. Adding solar power to your home’s resume could also be a great way to differentiate from the competition.

Saving energy, keeping money in your pocket, and adding value to your home is a triple win!  

Update Old Appliances

Did you know that appliances waste 13% of the energy in your home? Upgrading refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and even the hot water tank to more energy-efficient models is a great way to draw eco-friendly buyers’ interests. Plus, a home that comes with appliances is a benefit to buyers because they won’t have to invest in replacements themselves. This could lead to some seriously competitive offers.

Replace Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors can be a big drag on your home’s carbon footprint. The older they are, the poorer they work to insulate your space. So, before selling your home, you might consider replacing both. While this home improvement definitely has a high price tag, the long-term benefits (and value to buyers) are among the best returns on investment you can make.

Home remodeling projects are an excellent time to increase your market value while decreasing your negative impact on the environment. Be sure to calculate and decide what your home would sell for before and after renovations. Knowing this will help you decide what projects you should take advantage of and how you should budget for them.