Why energy audits are a highly recommended pre-sell investment
Many proactive homeowners think of the obvious – having an inspector come and thoroughly assess the house for any issues prior to placing the property on the market. However, a far-less consulted – and in many cases a complimentary service – includes utilizing the services of a home energy audit specialist.
Ultimately any potential buyer wants to know the true bottom line. Of course that means adding the cost of the mortgage, required insurance and any property taxes. However, buyers will also want to know accurate estimates of monthly fixed cost, which are largely impacted by energy expenses.
The bottom line is that an energy-efficient home makes for a very attractive purchase to a potential buyer. Obviously, the more energy-efficient a home is, the less monthly expense required to maintain a comfortable interior environment for the occupants of the residence.
The following contains a short list of valuable data / documents available for potential buyers to peruse as determined factually and impartially through the services of an energy audit expert.
Where has energy expense money gone
One of several valuable reports is a power company’s specific analysis of your home compared to comparable homes on both ends of the usage spectrum. Some major energy corporations are also able to provide specific energy problems that are noted and accompanying appropriate fixes. This will give you and (any potential buyers) specific suggestions for places to use home improvement and/or remodeling dollars to increase energy efficiency in the property.
More affordable utility bills
Perhaps the best things you can do in being proactive is to in fact invest in the noted energy efficiency upgrades and have several months of reduced expenses to verify your practical improvements. Not only will potential buyers see that you have made an investment in the property and reaped an instantaneous return via lower monthly energy costs, the same buyers will also see that you are being proactive instead of simply passing suggested improvements with their associated costs on to the buyer. If you want to appear even more energy conscious for the buyer, you could relatively easily build an Excel spreadsheet detailing the cost each improvement made and the resulting immediate and/or monthly savings.
Your home gains competitive advantage
Back to the spreadsheet and accurate, impartial data. Offer to give any potential buyers a copy of a spreadsheet you can make clearly demonstrating the financial benefit of buying your property over any comparable listing. The numbers / math would obviously be very straightforward and relatively easy to document. Simply list all required monthly expenses of the energy variety and the actual costs you have paid and add estimated data (with supporting sources) below from an alternative property that has not had the upgrades you have made. The proof will be very clear over the short term, as well as the long-term. As they always say, “money talks;” let the numbers speak for themselves.
Ah, the fresh air
If you have in fact upgraded, you have an another advantage to offer. In obvious conjunction with decreased utility bills is the literal physical advantage you can let potential buyers aware of when looking at your listing – cleaner, fresher air created by state-of-the-art HVAC system components. Though this may seem to be somewhat trivial, in reality, efficient air systems not only cut down on the overall cost of comfort, they additionally minimize unwanted allergens and other troubling respiratory issues arising from old equipment and dirty ducts. Ultimately, this desirable feature should be expressed to any potential buyers, giving you yet another advantage over other listings being contemplated.