Most Homebuyers Seek Green Options When Buying, NAR Says

Most homebuyers want an energy efficient home, and nine out of 10 homebuyers consider heating and cooling costs important factors in a home, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2012 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that more than 50 percent of a home’s energy is used for heating and cooling. The NAR report also found that 24 percent of homebuyers place high importance on a home’s energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Half of the survey’s respondents felt it was important to have energy efficient and environmentally friendly landscaping. Respondents from the northern and southern parts of the country were most interested in lowering heating and cooling costs. The survey also found that people who are more interested in energy efficiency are more likely to buy newer homes. For example, of those who bought homes built in 2011, 60 percent cited energy efficiency, especially heating and cooling costs, as very important, while only 30 percent of those who bought homes built before 2010 considered the home’s energy efficiency important. | Read More