For those of you still trying to sell a home, there may be an option you haven’t considered: going green. Making your home green can make it more marketable, as well as environmentally-friendly. Green homes are in demand – according to Realty Times, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHBR) claims that as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home. Realty Times goes on to say that NAHBR reports that 72 percent of consumers report energy-efficient features in a home would influence their purchase decision.

As a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, I can help you find the products and services that will help you “green” your home and make it more energy efficient. I can help you make decisions about green materials, energy efficient technology, green ratings, green design, green living and green incentives. As your Tempe REALTOR®, I can also help you obtain a LEED certification for your home. LEED is a third-party certification program that sets design, construction and operational standards for high-performance green buildings.

By making your home green, you can lower your utility bills, which can save you money and give real estate agents and those looking to buy a home concrete proof that living in your home will save them money, too. Here are a few changes you can make that will help lower your utility bills and serve as selling point for your home:

• ENERGY STAR windows – annual savings: $300
• Solar Attic Fan – annual savings: $200
• Low-flow Faucets – annual savings: $100

If you are interested in “greening” your home, please contact me and I would be happy to connect you with local green vendors who can help you make that transition. If you do not live in Tempe, Scottsdale or the Phoenix area, I can contact a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee on your behalf who can help you find the tools you need to create a more sustainable home.

• Patrick Walsh, Keller Williams Realty
• Realty Times
• Green Resource Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
• ENERGY STAR
• U.S. Green Building Council