Tips on Selling Your Energy Efficient Home

A high-performance home is one that operates efficiently, and saves you -- the  homeowner -- significant costs in heating, cooling and more. When it comes time to sell a home of this type, the price point is typically higher -- up to 3.4 percent. High-performance homes are in demand today, and if you've made the necessary upgrades to your home, and are now ready to list it for sale, here's what you can expect in the way of appraisal, listing, showings, offers and sales. 

The Appraisal

Choose your appraiser wisely. The professional you choose should have experience appraising high-performance homes. Because there may not be comparable properties in the area from which to draw, it's important that the person who values your property has all the facts and a firm understanding of exactly how well your home performs. You can also challenge an appraisal if you feel it's too low or that the appraiser didn't take into account all the existing features of your home. 

The Listing

Again, comps -- or properties in the area that are comparable to your own -- are often a problem when it's a high-performance home on the selling block. While they're gaining popularity across the country, these types of homes are still relatively foreign in some areas. 

Don't let lack of comps cause your home's price point to plummet. Partner with your real estate agent to ensure they understand all the energy-efficient and green features of your property. These need to be highlighted in your home's listing, so prospective buyers can see and appreciate them. 

Showing Your High-Performance Home

When it's time for real estate agents to show your home, make sure they're talking up all the green features. You can do this by printing up flyers and having them available inside the home for buyers and their representatives to peruse. You should also make sure you have documentation and proof of all your upgrades on file and ready to produce if someone asks to see them. 

Fielding Offers

Hopefully, once your high-performance home hits the listings, and real estate agents begin bringing their buyers in to tour the property, you'll begin to receive offers. Fielding multiple offers is every home seller's dream, but don't become discouraged if it takes some time to find the right buyer. Even with all the bells and whistles your home has to offer, it's likely priced higher than other properties in the area. 

That's okay. Don't panic and take the first low offer that surfaces. In time, your high-performance home will find the family who appreciates it. 

A high-performance home is a valuable asset in today's world of steadily rising energy costs, but expect the selling process to be a bit more challenging than that of a more traditional home.