Eco-Friendly Features That Buyers Are Looking For

Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of today’s home buyers are motivated to identify and prefer to buy homes that are eco-friendly. Unfortunately, they are usually hesitant to pay more for them—that is, unless they are made aware of the financial benefits of eco-friendly homes. As a real estate agent, it’s imperative that you help buyers understand both the short- and long-term fiscal benefits of any eco-friendly features in a home you’re showing.

Rather than driving home the fact that energy-efficient appliances are so much better for the planet, you’ll likely get a better reaction if you focus on the money saving aspect of an eco-friendly home. 

When they’re looking for a new home, most buyers are hyper-focused on finances. This is understandable, since this will likely be the single largest purchase of a lifetime for many Americans. By working to emphasize a reduced financial burden over time, you will have your client’s attention as you walk them through each eco-friendly feature.

Eco-Friendly Features that Buyers are Looking for Now

1.) Lower-Maintenance Landscaping

Buyers want to save water and time, but they also want a home that has exquisite curb appeal. Landscaping that features native, drought-resistant plants has become a hot commodity. Such yards use less water, tend to be resistant to local diseases and pest activity, and make a home far more eye-catching than even the most verdant lawn ever could.

2.) New, Efficient Insulation

It’s no secret that a well-insulated property stays cool in the heat, warm despite a chill, and requires far less energy to heat and cool. If you’re showing a property that has enviable insulating properties, let buyers know.

3.) Energy Star-Certified Doors

Buyers want doors that won’t compromise that great insulation. Doors that fit snugly into their frames, have triple-pane glass, and are made of either steel or fiberglass fit the bill nicely.

4.) Triple-Pane Windows

These gorgeous windows are easy to sell clients on. They’re expensive, they last for ages, and they cut down on both ambient noise levels and energy consumption. Buyers are likely going to notice them right away, but do feel free to linger over just how fantastic they are.

5.) Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

Newer HVAC systems are less likely to need costly repairs, cost less per year to operate when compared to older models, and tend to be much quieter than models from two decades ago. Share the make and model with buyers, and, if it’s especially recent, emphasize the year of installation.

6.) Healthier Paint Choices

Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint smells better and is better for both the people and pets who live in a home. Despite a fresh coat, an eco-friendly paint shouldn’t leave a strong, unpleasant smell, which will make a great talking point with a buyer. 

For example, try something along the lines of “Aren’t low VOC paints great? I used to worry about the awful smell, but now, we can enjoy this luxurious color scheme without worrying about our lungs.” 

In this way, you’ll likely evoke strong memories of that familiar “fresh paint” smell, and when a buyer smells it in other properties, they’ll feel less comfortable in comparison to the eco-friendly option.

7.) Non-Toxic Carpet

Just like paint, carpet can give off volatile organic compounds, too. When you know that a home has been recently carpeted in a low VOC option, especially a sustainable, natural fiber type, buyers will generally be glad to hear about it.

When you’re showing to a family that has young children or pets, take the time to mention how important non-toxic flooring is for them. They’ll be spending a lot of time on the floor, and their young or small bodies are more susceptible to damage from the presence of VOCs. 

8.) Tankless Water Heaters

Rather than maintaining a set amount of water heated like a traditional water heater, tankless heaters work on demand. Not only does this mean that there’s no limit to the amount of hot water available at any given time, it also means that households with tankless heaters save as much as $100 per year on their energy bills.

As both a luxury and an economically beneficial choice, tankless heaters are in high demand. Buyers tend to know how they work, but they may not know about the extra savings this feature can boast.

9.) Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED lights, especially those that appear most like natural lighting, are now almost expected in modern homes. If a buyer knows that a home has recently been crowned with a new batch of energy-efficient lighting, they’ll be pleased!

10.) Energy-Efficient Appliances

Washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens are all opportunities to make buyers aware of the money such energy-efficient appliances will save them every year. As you well know, appliances that are quiet and beautiful are always in demand, the newer the better; if you’re showing a home in which appliances have been installed within the last few years, make sure buyers see and experience this luxury feature.

11.) High-End, Durable Materials

Whether it’s cork floors, natural stone shower surrounds, or manufactured stone countertops, today’s home buyer is overwhelmingly likely to prefer materials that are sustainable and durable. Buyers want to know that they are splurging on luxury that will last rather than less durable, trendy materials that will need to be replaced in less than a decade.

Because today’s buyers have been watching HGTV since before they were old enough to vote, they probably have an understanding of which materials will look good over time; all you’ll need to do is say which materials were used, when they were installed, and you’ll see their faces light up. 

In today’s competitive market, we recommend that our agents actively future-proof their careers. By specializing in well-made, eco-friendly housing, you’ll attract clients that are prepared to pay for the features they want—especially when it directly benefits their wallets.