Green Living

What Does “Eco-Friendly” Mean When It Comes to Buying and Selling Homes?

Why buy a green home?

If you’re new to the concept of living in an eco-friendly home but know that it’s something you’d like to explore, you’re in the right place. The first step in determining your level of interest in green real estate is evaluating the benefits of buying a home with green features.

The selling points of eco-friendly houses are numerous, but here are the most important:

• Improved health and productivity: Without a doubt, living in a green home will be healthier for you and your family because green homes limit the use of toxins and incorporate features that create a more productive environment.
  
  
• Financial savings: You’ll find in no time at all that your electricity, heating, and water utility bills will be less in a green home because of more efficient designs and the potential to produce your own renewable energy.
  
  
• Low-maintenance landscaping: A well-designed, eco-friendly landscape incorporates native plants, integrated irrigation systems, water catchments, and more to make your job of maintaining your outdoor space easier.
  
  

You'll find highly practical resources at Seattle Eco Homes Made Easy like our Guide to Buying Eco-Friendly Homes and our Green Home Buying Checklist to get you going when you’re ready to start looking for your dream green home!

Why make your home eco-friendly before selling?

True, the demand for green homes is growing significantly as concerns over health and the environment increase, but what’s in it for you, the seller?

• The lure of lower costs: Home buyers know that greener homes cost less per square foot to run so you can set a higher asking price.
  
  
• Healthier homes are more attractive: Green homes are more comfortable and healthy to live in, offering valuable features buyers are willing to pay a premium for, like natural light, good indoor air quality, fewer drafts, comfortable temperatures, and more.
  
  
• The promise of higher of premium resale value: Eco-friendly homes have a higher resale value, giving buyers the confidence they need to make an investment in your property, whether they plan to stay for 2 years or 20 years.
  
  

Whether you’re ready to jump into the green real estate market or not, you’ll find exclusive tools for pinpointing the greenest homes in your favorite neighborhood and an upcoming green business directory to help you start living a greener life today.