As the world’s climate crisis intensifies, most people are now looking for ways of contributing to eco-sustainability. This has caused an increased demand for eco-friendly properties because about 40% of carbon emissions are attributed to homes. The market for eco-friendly real estate spans all age ranges and is quite sizable. Though beneficial, selling eco-friendly homes is not very easy. Below are pointers to help you sell an eco-friendly home or commercial property.
Appeal to the values of your target market
Buying homes is an emotional experience, so most buyers will align their choices of homes with their values. Buyers looking for an eco-friendly home are prepared to pay more than they would for a traditional home when they feel that their purchase will play a role in eco-conservation. Detail how the features of your home affect its listing price so that buyers do not miss them. For example, buyers might not readily appreciate how energy-efficient decks or insulation will benefit them unless you highlight these benefits. Tailor your conversations when showcasing houses to the specific interests of prospective buyers.
Calculate a buyer’s long-term savings
Almost everyone is intent on cutting costs. Initially, a buyer might balk at the high price of your eco-friendly home, but when you highlight the long-term savings that he/she stands to actualize, they will be more open to the purchase. Eco-friendly real estate usually has solar panels, triple-pane windows, and energy-saving appliances. These features are costly to acquire, so this will reflect in a home’s sale price. Nonetheless, a buyer stands to save money in reduced utility bill expenses, high resale value, low maintenance costs, and low water consumption. These long-term tangible benefits will pay off for a property buyer in the long term.
Explore the home’s health benefits
Living in an eco-friendly home translates to improved quality of life within the green walls. This is because the building materials are free of volatile organic compounds that have been shown to be carcinogenic. Moreover, most paints and building materials used in traditional houses contain toxins that cause moisture accumulation. This can lead to mold proliferation which affects breathing and, in a few extreme cases, causes cardiac arrest. When selling an eco-friendly home or commercial property, highlight its health benefits. When buyers know that the property is good for the occupants’ body and mind, they are sure to be convinced into making a purchase.
Watch your wording
When describing your property to prospective buyers, it is tempting to only emphasize certain words in your advert. Be careful with the words you use. Most sellers will emphasize the word ‘green’ when describing their eco-friendly homes. Green might not be the best option for describing your property because it is ambiguous. Try to use precise terms like ‘non-toxic’ and ‘high-performance’ in your listing description. These terms will convey your home as efficient and environmentally friendly in the right context.
Use varied marketing channels
Since eco-friendly homes appeal to homebuyers of different ages, cast your net wide when advertising your property. Older homebuyers and retirees will focus on traditional advertising platforms like magazine ads, newspapers, billboards, and signage. Younger generations are likely to focus on social media, radio, email, and TV. Use diverse marketing channels to reach the broad audience interested in your property.
Though people know the benefits of conserving the environment, few are willing to take active steps to contribute to eco-conservation. For instance, it might be challenging to market residential and commercial trash pickup & removal even when everyone knows its benefits. With the above steps, you are sure to make a quick sale for your eco-friendly property along with the highest possible profits.
Guest post by Angela Anderson of ATI Restoration
