New Green Home Tactics Reveal ‘Unfair’ Selling Secrets That Work In Down Economy

(Newswire.net — May 18, 2015) Melbourne, Vic — Trying to sell your home?  Unfortunately, in today’s market it can be tough to sell a home in many areas.  With prices plummeting to their lowest levels since 2008, experts have predicted that some sales could be down as much as 40% from their peak a few years ago.

When downturns in residential real estate happen, some home owners decide to just wait until there’s an upswing to place their home on the market.  But what happens if a home owner needs to sell their house right now, due to the need to relocate, or changes in lifestyle?  How can the seller make their home stand out from all the others on the market?

Property Stylist, Katerina Kapellaki, has a recommendation for would-be home sellers:  Consider “going green”.  It’s the current buzz word – especially in many of the higher priced housing markets where there are a glut of homes for sale. 

“Going green can assist the home seller – who most probably will be making some improvements anyway, to gain a leg up on the other houses for sale in the price range,” explains Kapellaki.  “They can make smart and quick eco-renovations, that will help reduce water usage and cut monthly energy bills.  By just making simple changes owners can clean up indoor air quality, improve their outdoor area and even make their home stand out from all of the rest.  Oh… and leave the planet a better place.”

Kapellaki isn’t the only home expert who believes that going green can help the home owner who’s trying to sell their house in this tough market.  Sotheby’s International Realty broker Laura Zambratto agrees.  “Home buyers are looking for added value in every purchase they are making. They either want an awesome price or extras — such as those extras found in a more energy-efficient house.”

What are some of the best ways for a seller to go green?  Here are 5 ways that Kapellaki recommends for a seller make their home stand out:

1. Make your home energy efficient

Over the past few years, utility companies have raised their rates by double digits.  Oil and gas prices, along with water shortages have created “sticker shock” in home water and gas bills.  But this also creates an opportunity for the home owner to stand out in the marketplace by choosing to integrate improvements in a home’s energy efficiency. 

Katerina Kapellaki suggests that home owners who upgrade their home’s energy efficiency should take the added step of documenting their monthly bills to show how much more effective “going green” will have on their monthly utility bills. 

“Document the savings on your home’s utilities, and then discuss with your broker how they should emphasize the lowered utility bills to potential buyers, can make a huge difference in today’s real estate marketplace.” explains Kapellaki.  “In many areas of the United States, resources are becoming more and more scarce and home buyers are delighted that they can just move into an energy efficient house without making upgrades themselves.”

2. Kick those energy hogging appliances to the curb

Do you have old appliances?  Upgrading them with Energy Star-certified models can save as much as 10%-50% in energy efficiency.  Additionally, many sellers upgrade their appliances prior to putting them on the market so energy savings is an added benefit. And while they’re at it, home sellers should also consider installing programmable thermostats and motions detectors suggests Kapellaki.

3. Are you well insulated?

Would you like to drop your annual heating and air conditioning bill by up to $100?  If so, then simple caulking and sealing any leaks can help.  Saving just a few dollars per month in your electricity and gas bills can really add up. 

4. Start out small

In order to create an energy efficient home, sellers don’t have to take gigantic leaps.  In fact, they can start out by just replacing their lightbulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescents).  Since CFLs use 25% of the electricity as regular bulbs, homes can generate a huge savings almost immediately.

5. Healthy Homes Sell

As more and more people are diagnosed with asthma, allergies and chemical sensitivities, home buyers are starting to consider indoor air quality a top priority.  An easy way to attract buyers who are concerned about exposure to toxicity is to spruce up your house with new and widely available paint that is low VOC (volatile organic compound). 

And while you’re at it, replace that old carpet with eco-friendly carpeting or even hardwood, tile or laminate flooring.  It not only is healthier while you’re living in your home, but makes it easier to sell when it’s put on the market.

“Although some of these suggestions may cost a bit of money,” explains Kapellaki, “they will pay off well as you place your home on the market.  You can assist your broker by making a list of everything you’ve done to “go green”…AND an added benefit is that you might even qualify for state, local or federal tax credits while you’re at it.  Anything you can do to improve your home will help your broker market your home and that will pay off in dividends in this tough economy.”