New survey: Sustainability important to home buyers and agents alike

Seeking sustainability

The real estate industry is turning green. According to a new survey of Realtors, sustainability is becoming increasingly important to home buyers and their agents alike.

Are buyers going green?

The National Association of Realtors recently surveyed its members on sustainability issues, energy efficiency and going green in the housing industry. According to the results, sustainability now plays a significant role in home buying – both for buyers and the agents who serve them.

More than 70 percent of Realtors surveyed said promoting energy efficiency in their listings is valuable, while 40 percent said their MLS has green data fields to advertise eco-friendly and sustainable features.

Another 61 percent said their clients are at least “somewhat” interested in sustainability. Utility bills/operation costs, lighting efficiency, smart features and local green spaces came in as the most desired eco-friendly features.

What green features are common?

Solar panels are by far the most prevalent green feature agents are seeing. About 60 percent said properties with panels are available in their area, while 39 percent said they increased property value.

Rooftop solar panels were most often reported by agents in the Northeast, with 92 percent saying there are properties with panels in the area. In the West, 91 percent of agents said panels are in their market, while 75 percent said so in the South. Just over 70 percent of Midwest agents said panels are also in their area.

Where to go for a green home: the country’s most eco-friendly neighborhoods

Western agents were the most likely to report an increase in property value due to solar panels; 43 percent said they up value for local buyers.

Just 23 percent of agents said tiny homes are in their area. Only 13 percent said there are local wind farms.

When it comes to eco-friendly housing, location is everything

Get today’s mortgage rates

Sustainable housing is becoming more and more common. Want to claim your piece of the eco-friendly pie? Shop around and see what rates you qualify for today.