Does owning a "Green Home" matter??
After completing a recent survey for the Canadian Real Estate Association I started thinking more about this "Green" issue. I started wondering does owning a "Green Home" matter? Actually, yes it does. Not strictly as an environmental good thing but for day to day living and increased equity I think yes putting green initiatives in your home make a difference.
From a selling stand point should you change the furnace out?
Yes. In today's competitive market having infrastructure such as a new furnace can help make the difference in your property selling. It's one less thing for the buyer to do. If your home is likely to fall in a price range that is filled with first time buyers do those first time buyers really have more money to set aside for a new furnace??
Looking at it from a buyer stand point, most would not pay more for a home with a newer furnace (mid efficient), however they would want to pay less for a home with an old furnace. That is to say a buyer would use the old furnace as a reason for them to pay less. Justify their low offer so to speak. In a sense a buyer would want the seller to have done the work and invested their money in a new furnace, and upgraded insulation etc... rather than see it as an opportunity for themselves to increase their long term equity position.
Other "Green" aspects that buyer wants in a home?
- On demand hot water or tank less hot water system. Nice to have unless it is an older home with conventional plumbing. (ie no dedicated lines and pressure balance manifold)
- R 40 insulation or higher in attic
- Added insulation in walls and siding
- New windows (no more aluminum sliders and wood panes)
- Direct vent dryer hose
- Ffinished basement (insulated)
Perhaps the more accurate question is will owning a "Green home" increase my bottom line when I sell?
What green initiatives would you like to see on your home or your next home?
Your Friend in Real Estate
Patrick Galesloot
Some Green Resources:
- www.treehugger.com
- www.cagbc.org Canada Green Building Council
- www.abcagbc.org the Alberta Chapter of the Green Building Council
- www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on March 25, 2008