Adding Energy Effeciency Features

Deborah Laemmerhirt  203-994-4297  www,homesinconnecticutforsale.com

Adding energy efficiency features like attic insulation or a highly efficient furnace may help you when you're ready to resell your home.

According to the National Association of Realtors' Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, nearly nine out of 10 recent homebuyers said heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important when considering a home for purchase.

"Going green has proven to be more than a trend," says NAR President Gary Thomas. "Many people now seek out this way of living and want homes and communities that are more resource efficient and sensitive to the environment."

Often, the higher a home's energy efficiency, the more money the homeowner saves in monthly heating and cooling costs.

NAR found 49% of buyers thought a home's heating and cooling costs were very important when considering a home for purchase, followed by energy-efficient appliances and lighting, each at 24%.

Landscaping for energy conservation and environmentally friendly community features were less important but were still a factor in the minds of homebuyers.

Nearly half of buyers found these features important.

Regionally, buyers in the North and South placed a greater importance on heating and cooling costs, probably due to more extreme temperatures in those areas of the country.

The survey also found buyers who purchased more recently built homes placed greater importance on environmentally friendly features than buyers who purchased older homes.

Nearly 60% of buyers who bought homes built in 2011 said heating and cooling costs were very important, compared to less than 30% of buyers whose homes were built before 1910.