Why should "Going Green" matter to Home Sellers?

Consumers are being forced to make changes in their lives and they are expecting the real estate industry to help them. They’re hearing ‘global warming,’ ‘glacier melting,’ ‘polar bear habitats,’ and they already know about rising gas prices and rising utility bills.

When they’re looking for housing, they are looking at many new factors. If there are two houses listed for about the same price, and one has a monthly utility bill of $280 and the other is $140, the consumer is going to want to know that difference and what’s accounting for that difference.

For years HUD, the Department of Energy, Bank of America, and Wachovia have had Energy Efficient Mortgages available, but most people don't know they’re out there; even mortgage brokers who have no idea that they’re available.

Also, in preparing a home for sale these days we need to consider a host of new issues:

• If you need to paint that room, but be sure to use a paint that is low in toxins.
• If the carpet needs to be replaced, be sure its low in toxins.”
• If the Central Air/Heating or appliances need replaced make sure to use models that are Energy Star rated (especially hot water heaters & dishwashers).
• If replacing plumbing fixture use low water usage units.
• Are the windows and doors "low energy" units?
• How do utility bills compare with similar homes?
• Are window treatments consistent with saving energy?
• Is there a programmable thermostat?

These are the kinds of features and items that will make a difference to buyers in the future. Whenever possible all repairs and/or renovations should include some or all the above considerations and documentation verifying same should be kept.