Did you know buyers are willing to pay nearly 3.5 percent more for a home that features green or high-performance features? And while that may not sound like a lot, it factors out to be a whopping $8,750 for every $250,000. The key to getting the most for your green upgrades, however, lies in knowing exactly which ones tilt the scale in your favor. Here's a list of best green improvements homeowners should make this year to get the most ROI:
1. Replace Your Front Door
The reasons for replacing a dated and drafty front door are many:
- It improves your home's energy efficiency.
- It improves your home's security.
- It increases your home's curb appeal.
As far as green upgrades go, a new, Energy-Star Certified door can shave up to 10 percent off your utility bill. And if you opt for steel door replacement, you may see as much as a 101-percent ROI when it comes time to sell.
2. Replace Your Garage Door
Replacing your existing garage door with a new garage door can earn you an ROI of up to 97.5 percent, says HomeAdvisor. Opt for one that's energy efficient and features double-layer doors with extra insulation to get the best return on your investment.
3. Upgrade Your Windows
Energy-efficient replacement windows can net you an ROI of between 77 and 79 percent. And you'll get bonus points for using real wood. Window replacement has all the same benefits of door replacement -- keeping your family cozy and comfortable while lowering the costs of heating and cooling your home. Oh, and they look nice to prospective buyers, too.
4. Replace Your Roof
If your roof functions well or is relatively new, replacing it won't help your ROI. But if you've spotted the telltale signs of roof failure, such as missing shingles or water stains on your interior ceiling, you'll want to replace that before listing your home for sale. Roof replacement that's both efficient and aesthetic carries an ROI of up to 80 percent. And while your contractor is up there, opt for a roofing material that's going to increase your home's energy efficiency, such as cool metal. Metal reflects the rays of the sun instead of absorbing them, and can increase your home's energy efficiency by leaps and bounds.
If you're thinking of selling your home in the near future, consider boosting its efficiency before the day. You'll be able to list at a higher price point, and you'll be able to choose from a bigger pool of buyers than comparable homeowners in the area who haven't made the effort.
About the Author
Judy Szablak
With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.
She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.
Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”
Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com
