Homebuyers Value Environmentally Friendly Features, Survey Says

Heating and cooling costs were somewhat or very important to 90 percent of survey respondents, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and more buyers have prioritized energy efficient and environmentally friendly features. “Going green has proven to be more than a trend; many people now seek out this way of living and want homes and communities that are more resource efficient and sensitive to the environment,” says NAR President Gary Thomas. According to the organization, 39 percent of buyers deemed heating and cooling costs very important; while 24 percent cited energy-efficient appliances, and another 24 percent named energy-efficient lighting. Nearly 50 percent of buyers said energy-conserving landscaping and environmentally friendly community features were somewhat or very important. The more extreme temperatures in the North and South mean buyers there put more weight on heating and cooling costs. | Read More