Environmentally Friendly Features Add Value to Your Home | Bethesda MD | Lise Howe Group

Selling your house? Or just looking to increase the value and appeal of your home for when you do? Here’s something you should know – homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes in Bethesda MD with environmentally friendly features.  Face it – everything is more expensive now and buyers are looking for ways to cut down on expenses.  Energy efficient features save money for buyers and make them feel good that they are doing something positive for the environment and the future of their children.

Installing energy efficient features in your home can significantly enhance its appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable living, making homes equipped with renewable energy sources particularly attractive. Features like solar panels not only reflect a commitment to green energy but also offer practical financial benefits, like reduced electricity bills and potential tax incentives. Additionally, as energy costs continue to rise, homes with energy efficient features provide a sense of energy independence and cost savings over time. This combination of environmental responsibility and financial benefits can make a home with features such as solar panels stand out in the real estate market, attracting eco-conscious buyers and those looking for long-term savings.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), when buyers think about eco-friendly features, they’re looking for:

• Heating and cooling costs: 82% of buyers consider heating and cooling costs to be one of the most important factors when looking for a home. And efficient heating and cooling systems with programmable thermostats can significantly lower monthly energy bills.
• Windows and doors with proper insulation: These help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without overworking the HVAC system, which turns into saving on energy bills.  77% of buyers are looking for homes with good insulation.
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances: These can save money on utility bills and reduce a home’s overall energy use too.  Try adding solar lights for Christmas decorations for even more savings!
• Solar lighting in the yard  Uplighting can be a beautiful way to highlight the exterior features of your home and the landscaping.  Why not utilize the sun during the day to make your home shine at night with solar lighting.
• Commuting costs and environmentally friendly community features: Living in a community designed with energy-saving amenities and shorter commutes can reduce expenses and environmental impact.
• Landscaping for energy conservation: Strategically placed trees and shrubs can lower cooling costs in the summer.  We hall know how hot the summers are in Bethesda, MD, so buyers will certainly appreciate tall trees that can reduce cooling costs in summer.
• Solar panels: Solar panels can also provide long-term savings and are an attractive feature for eco-conscious buyers.

The common theme? Environmentally friendly features are popular with buyers because they help them save money and make homes more comfortable to live in. But making some of these updates before you sell your house doesn’t just benefit buyers – it’s worthwhile for you too.  Be sure to give your listing agent a full explanation of all the environmental features in your home so that buyers will know about them too!

If you are planning on selling a home in the DC metro area or you are interested in buying one, please give the Lise Howe Group a call at 240-401-5577 or email at lise@lisehowe.com.