Here in New Jersey, and indeed, across much of the nation, the real estate market has undergone quite the transformation over the last decade or so. More and more homeowners are looking to not only add value to their homes, but to also make them greener and more environmentally friendly in the process.
With all of the talk of climate change lately, it’s important that we act now and invest not only in our future, but in the future of our planet. A great way to do that is to upgrade our homes and make them more eco-friendly.
By adding eco-friendly features to your home, not only can you help protect the planet and do your part to tackle climate change, you can also add value to your home, and make it more appealing to potential buyers. The real estate market here in New Jersey in particular, has seen more and more buyers shift their focus to greener, more eco-friendly properties. Here are several eco-friendly features which can add value to your home.
LEED Certification
If you’re looking to make your home more eco-friendly, and also much more appealing to potential investors and buyers, you should look into LEED certification.
Awarded by the United States Green Building Council, LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is awarded to properties which meet its criteria for environmentally friendliness and energy efficiency.
Properties which are LEED certified typically require less maintenance, are no more expensive than regular properties, and can save as much as 30% annually on utilities. So, not only does a LEED certification add value to a property, it can also save money as well.
Solar Panels
When it comes to eco-friendliness in this day and age, solar panels are simply a must.
Sure, solar panels are not the cheapest to purchase and install, but they can generate vast amounts of renewable energy via the sun’s rays, and can save heaps on energy bills in the process.
Some states also offer government incentives such as tax exemptions, when you install solar panels, so that is also well worth considering. All NJ residents will be eligible for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) which is worth 30% of the total cost of the solar panel system.
More Garden Space with Greenery
Forget artificial lawn, block paving, resin, and large patio spaces ETC, because they’re out, and green, natural, spacious gardens, are in.
A garden has always been appealing to homeowners and buyers anyways, as it is the perfect space to relax and socialize in during the warm summer months. As far as eco-friendliness is concerned however, gardens are ideal.
Grass, plants, flowers, and trees are not only ideal for the environment, they’re also great for wildlife and nature. The earth and plants attract insects which pollinate flowers, while also serving as food for other animals. The more greenery your garden has, the more eco-friendly your property is.
LED Lighting
Finally, a very simple, and hugely energy-efficient way of lighting your home is to install LED lighting.
LED bulbs are incredibly more efficient than filament bulbs used decades ago. This means you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by simply using new bulbs.
Not only that, but LED bulbs cost less to run, they use less energy, they’re brighter, and they last much longer. Again, this can really help make a property eco-friendly, and more valuable in the process.