Energy efficiency can make or break a home sale in today's market of environmentally (and financially) savvy buyers.

Nevermind attractive landscaping, many buyers are paying very close attention to home details that have very little to do with esthetic pleasure and everything to do with padding their pockets.  Savvy buyers are beginning to look at a prospective homes in terms of their energy efficiency as a result of the growing awareness of the potential savings. 

The rising costs of utilities has many eyeing energy use as one area to cut back, and having a home that meets or exceeds your local energy codes is a huge positive for sellers.  It should be expected that buyers will quiz homeowners and agents about the heating systems, maintenance records, typical utilities bills and other related topics.  Preparing for these questions ahead of time and having a ready response is sure to impress.  A recent article at RealtyTimes.com shares some energy do’s and don’ts for sellers showing their home.

Do’s

• Provide the last three months electric and natural gas/heating oil bills. Buyers appreciate pro-active sellers providing these costs without asking. Buyers can usually get energy history from utility companies.

• Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. Buyers look for this telltale sign of energy-awareness.

• Inform buyers that you have solar-energy systems. Buyers might miss these systems while taking in other features of your home on their first visit.
• Display furnace and air-conditioning service histories. Buyers love to see maintenance records.
• Provide receipts from recent insulation or window replacement projects. Highlight special features such a double glazing and low-e coatings.

• Reports from energy audits on your home completed by your utility company.

Don’ts

• Forget to replace your furnace filter once a month. Home inspectors and home shouldn’t discover filthy filters. Ditto water filters in your refrigerator and sink. Check dryer and range-hood filters too.

• Close all the blinds to save air-conditioning costs when showing your home. You won’t sell your house if it is dark and closed up for property showings or buyers have to fumble in the dark for lights.

• Neglect covering window air-conditioners in the off season. Drafty air-conditioning units aren’t a selling plus and emit outside noises . Don’t forget to clean filters on window units.

• Ignore installing storm windows during heating season. Buyers need to see that you have storm windows for maximum heat retention. Make the screens visually available. Buyers always ask about them and sometimes verify the number matches window and door count.

Read the full article: "2006 Home Sellers Energy Inefficiencies Can Sour Buyers" by following the link.

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