If you are looking to sell your home sometime in the future,  here are some things you  can do to make it more eco-friendly and bring up the resale value:  

 As I have earned my certificate and designation from the GREEN COUNCIL  as a New Jersey Realtor: this is a question I get asked often given that I have earned my GREEN Designation from NAR.

There are several easy ways to make your home more eco-friendly and add value simultaneously. Here are a few suggestions, especially since the environment and keeping things GREEN are foremost on the minds of my clients-

Start by identifying areas where updating can help cut down on energy use. Proper insulation and air sealing make a big difference. You may want to consider having experts conduct an energy assessment. They can help you make environmentally efficient choices.  If you need suggestions about who can do this type of inspection, call me.  I can help.

Try programming your thermostats and reduce your phantom energy usage by unplugging chargers when not in use. Turn off monitors, printers, and TVs with a power strip. In the kitchen, old appliances can be replaced with Energy Star-rated ones. As far as lighting is concerned, I’d recommend energy-efficient LED light bulbs. They last up to 50,000 hours longer, brighten a room instantly, and can withstand cold temperatures.  They are now sold everywhere, replacing the older ones.  Please visit my other blogs on lighting suggestions featured below.

Another option for your home that will also add value is solar panels. The active solar design harnesses sunlight to create electricity, which helps dramatically lower energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panels require an upfront investment, but they can pay off nicely over time. Plus, being able to show lower utility bills is a great selling point. Of course, this is most popular in the towns and areas where there is little tree coverage, but can be assessed by a professional.

When it comes to energy efficiency, the correct windows are key. If you’re not looking at them, consider adding storm windows to create another barrier to the outside. If you want to replace your windows, go for a lower U-value window, which provides good insulation and is more energy-efficient.

To conserve water in your yard, try using low-flow sprinkler heads and sensors. Shifting to xeriscape, or drought-resistant landscaping, with more rock gardens and natural elements is more eco-friendly than a manicured lawn.

These are just a few options to start making your home greener. I recommend taking some time to look at the options and deciding what’s most important to you and what works best in your home.  And as always I am here to help.  Just call me.  I care.

Judy@JudithSutton.com  

 908 803-0472
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