Selling Green

Energy efficiency is a highly desirable feature. With energy costs rising, the strain on the pocketbook has resulted in awareness of environmental concerns and intensified the importance of energy efficiency. Increasingly, consumer’s preferences for products and services that reflect this awareness, even extending to the purchasing a home. A recent NAR survey of home buyers shows just how important energy efficiency is for many home buyers.

Ninety-two percent of all home buyers consider energy efficiency at least somewhat important with 46 percent ranking it as very important when considering a home purchase.

Repeat vs. First time Buyers. Repeat buyers are more attuned to energy efficiency. Fifty percent of the repeat home buyers report energy efficiency as a very important attribute, while only 41 percent of the first time home buyers consider this important.

New vs. Existing Homes. Buyers of new homes place more importance on energy efficiency. Sixty-five percent of new home buyers consider energy efficiency important compared to just 39% of existing home buyers.

Age of Buyers. Older buyers are significantly more likely than younger buyers to cite energy efficiency as a preference in their home. Thirty-two percent of home buyers aged 18-24 reported that energy efficiency was important in their home purchase. The percentage steadily increased to sixty-three percent of buyers over 75.

Native born vs Foreign Born. U.S. born home buyers place less importance on energy efficiency. Sixty percent of the foreign born home owners said energy efficiency was important compared to 44 percent of the U.S. born home buyers.

As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated. Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC real estate needs or questions.

Sincerely,
"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.carolinajoe.com