Go Green in the Sunshine State
Are you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off. The infamous heat and humidity of Florida make it an unfortunate necessity for the air conditioning to run all season long. This is not just for comfort, but to prevent mold and allergens from taking root in your household. However, savvy buyers will be on the lookout for energy-efficient homes that can lower their energy costs. In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability.
So, if you’re considering selling your house, why does this matter to you? It helps you know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to today’s buyers. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR:
“Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their environmental footprint or reduce their monthly energy costs. There is value in promoting green features and energy information to future home buyers.”
Consider Upgrading Your Home to Make it More Appealing
If you want to upgrade your house in a way that maximizes its green appeal, you need to work with a local agent to understand what buyers in your area are looking for. The same NAR report identifies the following green home features as most important to buyers at a national level:
- Windows, doors, and siding
- Proximity to frequently visited places
- A comfortable living space
- A home’s utility bills and operating costs
Fortunately, for those looking to list their house, St. Augustine is an ideal location. There are a number of neighborhoods that are walking distance to the incredible shops and restaurants of the historic downtown. Lincolnville and Davis Shores are either a quick walk, or an even quicker golf cart ride, into St. Augustine’s historic downtown. Other enclaves like Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach are also appealing for those looking for a walkable community in Florida. Even better, St. Augustine is nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, bringing a refreshing natural air conditioning in the form of an ocean breeze.
While you can’t change the location of your house, you can take action to make sure it’s as comfortable as possible, while also setting up the next owners for lower operating costs. ENERGY STAR shares some suggested upgrades as ones that may be worth considering:
- Heating and cooling: Ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained and regularly serviced to maximize its efficiency. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model, if needed.
- Water heater: Your water heater uses a lot of energy. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater can significantly reduce energy consumption and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
- Smart thermostat: A big part of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling. Install a programmable thermostat to better regulate temperature settings. This not only enhances comfort but can also lower energy usage.
- Attic insulation: Proper sealing and insulation in your attic help prevent air leaks and maintain a comfortable temperature, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems.
- Energy-efficient windows: Replacing old, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones can minimize heat transfer and lower your energy bills.
It’s worth noting that you may be able to take advantage of tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient home installations and upgrades. These incentives could help offset a portion of the costs associated with eco-friendly home improvements. Florida is ranked as the #3 state in the country for solar energy. This is in thanks to a combination of over 230 days of sun – they don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing – and an 11% drop in the cost of solar panel installation over the past five years. Energy efficient windows can save you over 10% on your energy costs – which can translate to big bucks annually. Many home buyers are willing to stretch their budget a bit more if visible home upgrades, like new windows, are already completed.
As you prepare to sell your house, it’s important to recognize that real estate agents are valuable resources. They can help you determine which upgrades would be most appealing for buyers in your area and provide guidance on which green features to highlight in your listing. If you’ve already made these updates recently, tell your agent so they can feature them in your listing. They’ll also know to point these out to prospective buyers during open houses and private tours.
Bottom Line
Focusing on energy efficiency and eco-friendly features can help make your house more appealing to buyers today.
Welcome Home to St. Augustine
Whether you’ve just started thinking about life in St. Augustine, or if you’ve lived in the Ancient City your entire life, there is always something more to discover. Feel free to check out our newest real estate listings or give us a call at (904) 599-5633 to discuss listing your current home with The Newcomer Group.