Energy-efficient upgrades can not only shrink your utility bill; they can increase the value of your home.
Homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of energy-efficient homes. In fact, they’re often willing to pay more for homes with “green” upgrades, says Sandra Adomatis, a specialist in green valuation with Adomatis Appraisal Service in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Just how much your home will increase in value depends on a number of factors, Adomatis says, like where you live, which upgrades you’ve made and how your home is marketed at sale time. The length of time to recoup the costs of green upgrades also depends on the energy costs in your area.
Will it add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for “green” home value questions; they are forerunners in green property appraisals.
In 2014, upgraded homes in Los Angeles County saw a 6 percent increase in value, according to a study from Build It Green, a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, that works with home professionals. Upgraded homes in Washington, D.C., saw a 2 percent to 5 percent increase in 2015, according to a study Adomatis authored.
Consumer Reports suggests that upgrades like a gleaming new kitchen or a finished basement may give you more bang for your buck than energy-saving features. But if going green appeals more than adding quartz countertops, here’s where you can begin.
FIND OUT HOW MUCH ENERGY YOUR HOME USES
Getting a quick energy assessment or a more thorough energy audit can determine how much energy your home uses, as well as which upgrades would make the most sense for your home and your finances. An audit may include an energy rating, a number that indicates how energy-efficient your home is and how much it will increase if you make recommended upgrades.
read more at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/how-energy-efficient-upgrades-can-increase-your-homes-value/2016/10/27/1cb549de-9c54-11e6-b552-b1f85e484086_story.html
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Green Real Estate Appraiser 