The biggest concern for most homeowners is money. Buying a home is a big investment, and buyers are always looking for a better deal. Showcasing all the ways a home will save them money is a sure-fire sales tactic.
Here is a quick list of home features that can be big selling points to budget-conscious buyers.
1. Efficient, programmable thermostats
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One of the biggest costs for homeowners is their energy bill, so if a home already features an efficient thermostat, you can relay the huge cost savings to potential buyers.
Efficient thermostats will generally be programmable, so homeowners can set times of the day for the furnace or air conditioning to turn off and on. The newer, “smart” thermostats take this a step further and allow people to control the thermostat from their phones or have the device to automatically adjust itself to operate more efficiently.
There are numerous other factors that contribute to energy usage, but good thermostats can save homeowners up to 20 percent off their energy bill.
2. Quality window treatments
The right window treatments can be a compelling selling point.
For example, awnings over windows that face the sun for long periods of the day can dramatically cut down on heat during the summer, up to 77 percent on west-facing windows.
Shutters and shades tend to be better for energy efficiency than drapes or blinds as they are generally better sealed against sunlight and heat. So if the home has shutters or shades, make sure to mention them!
3. Big gardens
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A big garden can be a huge selling point for green-thumb buyers who’d like to save a boat load of money on food.
According to a Money article, having a 600-square-foot garden can produce around $600 worth of fresh produce per year while costing only $70.
Even if the home has a smaller garden, you can talk up how growing your own tomatoes, peppers or other produce saves dollars per pound compared to buying them at the grocery store.
4. New (and durable) roof
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Newer roofs made from novel materials can cost a lot, but tend to last between 20 and 50 years depending on the material. Potential buyers know that a new roof means they won’t have to worry about making that big investment for a long time.
An energy-efficient roof can help improve the home’s insulation, heating and cooling to cut down energy usage and save the buyer money on their utilities.
Metal roofs in particular are a great option. Studies have been done on the advantages of copper roofing that show its potential for lifespan and durability. Well-installed metal roofs are also capable of being far better insulated, meaning lower energy costs in the home.
5. New and efficient appliances
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Check the Energy Star ratings and age of a home’s washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances. Newer appliances mean that buyers won’t have to replace them anytime soon. Meanwhile, appliances that have good Energy Star ratings for their efficiency can add up to big annual savings.
Pointing out every new appliance and its efficiency rating and adding up the savings for buyers can help seal the deal.
With all five of these home features, the two underlying principles for saving money are durability and energy efficiency. Durability means you are not spending money to maintain, repair or replace materials as often as others. Energy efficiency means reducing one of the biggest monthly costs of owning a home, and thrifty homebuyers will appreciate every dollar saved.
Matt Doyle is the vice-president and co-founder of Excel Builders, a custom home building company serving Delaware and Maryland. Follow him on Twitter.
