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Real estate industry

Green Home Improvements Boost Home Sales

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In celebration of Earth Day, HomeGain conducted a survey of real estate agents and brokers to determine the most effective do-it-yourself Green home improvements that cost under $300 and provide a significant return on investment for home sellers. The survey revealed that numerous simple and cost-effective changes can benefit sellers and appeal to environmentally conscious homebuyers. Real estate professionals recommend a variety of eco-friendly improvements that not only enhance the home's appeal but also provide an opportunity for sellers to increase their selling price.

Key Takeaways:

  • Planting native trees and plants in the perimeter of a home for sale is the top recommended Green home improvement, suggested by 65% of agents and brokers, and costs under $150, resulting in a $400 return on investment for a 284% return on investment (ROI).
  • The top nine Green home improvements recommended by real estate professionals include planting trees and shrubs, replacing air filters, green home staging, weather stripping and caulking doors and windows, installing programmable thermostats, low-flow shower heads, auto turn-off power strips, CFL or LED lights, and painting with low VOC paint.
  • Installing programmable thermostats can result in a 12% return on investment (ROI) for those selling a home, and low-flow shower heads can provide a 10% ROI.
  • 1,000 real estate agents and brokers nationwide participated in the survey, providing valuable insights into the eco-friendly practices desired by homebuyers.
  • Real estate professionals like Jeffrey Bastress of Startpoint Realty in Massachusetts are adopting eco-friendly practices and encouraging their clients to do the same, highlighting the growing interest in green real estate.

Statistics:

  • 65% of agents and brokers recommend planting trees and plants in the perimeter of a home for sale as the top Green home improvement.
  • The return on investment for planting native trees and plants is $400, on a cost of under $150, resulting in a 284% return on investment (ROI).
  • Installing programmable thermostats can result in a 12% return on investment (ROI) for those selling a home.
  • Low-flow shower heads can provide a 10% ROI for sellers.
  • 1,000 real estate agents and brokers participated in the HomeGain survey.

Sources:

  • "HomeGain Survey Reveals Top 9 DIY Green Home Improvements" on PRWeb (April 21, 2010)
  • http://www.prweb.com/releases/green-real-estate/homegain-2010/prweb3910584.htm

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