Green Homes and Energy Efficiency: What Buyers Want Today

More Americans than ever are concerned about the environment and want to focus on sustainable efforts. A recent survey by Pew Research found that 54% of Americans view climate change as a major threat, while 74% support U.S. participation in global efforts to protect the planet. These views affect how potential buyers tour homes. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 45% of buyers were at least somewhat interested in sustainability.   

When marketed correctly, green homes can increase buyer interest in properties and potentially raise the home’s perceived value. Not only are there environmental benefits to going green, but there are financial ones. Homeowners can enjoy lower utility bills, even in the hottest and coldest months of the year. 

Use this guide to learn about sustainability and environmental investments that can pay off. These can help your home sell or help clients identify real estate energy upgrades that can potentially increase resale value.

What Makes a Home Green?

Green is often a catch-all term for a house that is designed with energy efficiency in mind. The systems of the house will use less energy, and the house itself will run efficiently. One single upgrade doesn’t make a house efficient. Instead, several different improvements and projects work together to make a home run well. Here are a few common traits of energy-efficient homes: 

• It has energy-efficient systems and appliances. Look for Energy Star-rated models. These appliances use less electricity and water than other options on the market. 
• The house was made with sustainable building practices. For example, it might use sustainable materials and finishes like bamboo. The environmental impact of harvesting these materials is minimal. 
• It has low energy and water consumption features. These include HVAC systems like heat pumps, low-flow toilets, and greywater systems. 
• There are energy-centric upgrades. These include solar units, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 
• The home has smart tech that optimizes resource use. Smart thermostats, for example, save homeowners an average of $50 per year.
• The home is well-insulated. It is designed to maintain the internal temperature without losing heat or cold air. 

Even small changes in the yard can have a big impact on how a home functions. Native landscaping, for example, can better retain water and keep a yard looking nice without relying on sprinkler systems. Large trees create shade, keeping electric bills low in the summer.

Top 10 Green Features Today’s Buyers Want

One of the challenges of embracing home energy efficiency is choosing what projects to focus on. While buyers might want large trees, sellers can’t make sturdy oaks grow overnight. Here are 10 recommendations for sellers who want to showcase green homes. They can provide an idea for the investment cost, estimated return on investment (ROI), and benefits to buyers.

1. Solar Panels and Battery Storage

When people think about sustainable living, they often picture solar panels. This technology generates clean energy and can potentially eliminate your electric bill. While solar panels are a clear indicator of home energy efficiency, they aren’t right for every home. First, check to see if your address is viable for solar investment. Confirm that you get enough sun to power the panels on your home. 

Next, get a quote. The average cost to go solar in 2025 is nearly $30,000. While there are tax credits for this investment, they won’t cover the full cost. 

Solar can also change how your home is sold, especially if you lease it.

While solar is a great investment for some properties, it’s also a significant cost for homeowners. If you are planning to sell soon, this might not be the best sustainable house upgrade to choose. 

2. Smart Thermostats and Other Smart Home Energy Tools

More homeowners than ever are investing in smart thermostats. Market indicators estimate 8.1 million smart thermostats will be sold by 2030. Brands like Google Nest, Honeywell Home, and Ecobee currently lead the way. While 61% of buyers say they want smart thermostats to lower their energy bills, many also appreciate the remote management that comes with this technology. They can adjust their thermostat from the couch or across the country. 

These devices usually cost a few hundred dollars and can help lower electric bills immediately with smart suggestions and automatic adjustments. They are considered a low-cost, high-value investment. Even buyers who aren’t focused on home energy efficiency will appreciate the tech-forward nature of the devices. 

3. High-Efficiency Air Conditioning and Heating Systems

A new HVAC system can save homeowners up to 20% on their heating and cooling costs. In some areas of the country, heating and cooling account for nearly half of the electric bill. This means an efficient HVAC system can significantly impact monthly costs. A new HVAC system can also give buyers peace of mind. They can feel confident they won’t have to repair or replace the unit for several years if it is well-maintained. 

The main drawback of investing in air conditioning upgrades is the cost. In 2025, a new HVAC system costs around $7,500 on average, with costs reaching $12,500 on the higher end. You might not get a high ROI from this project. 

Consider scheduling a heating and air conditioning inspection for your unit. If it is in poor condition, you may want to replace it before listing. This allows you to sell the unit as an asset instead of worrying that buyers might negotiate a lower price because of it. If the unit is running fine, other upgrades might cost less and have just as big an impact.

4. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Studies show 80% of EV charging occurs at home, which means buyers with electric vehicles will likely be looking for charging infrastructure as they tour different properties. An EV charging station only costs around $500, making it an affordable investment for many sellers. 

However, it’s important to weigh the cost versus the value of these devices. Buyers without EVs won’t care about this investment, and might even feel like the charger takes up valuable garage space. Only 16% of consumers say they are likely to purchase a fully electric vehicle as their next car. Adoption is certainly growing, but that doesn’t mean your buyers will likely have EVs. 

Consider whether the cost of this upgrade is worth the investment and could contribute to the resale value of your home.

5. Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation

This is one of the best ways to create an energy-efficient home. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss are “responsible for 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” For example, old windows cause cool air in the summer to leak out while letting the sun’s heat in. New windows can keep the house sealed while still letting in natural light.  

The right insulation and windows put less pressure on HVAC systems, keeping the house cool for less. While this is a big-impact upgrade, it is also an expensive one. The average cost to replace a single window is $550, so updating a whole house can be costly. 

If you choose this upgrade, make sure you feature the new windows in your showings. Don’t forget to highlight other upgrades, like wind and storm protection. Let buyers know they are an energy-efficient asset that will last.

6. Tankless or Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

A tankless water heater can save families $1,800 over its lifetime compared to a gas storage water heater. This averages $95 per year. Tankless water heaters take up less room, provide an endless supply of hot water, and are easier to maintain and replace.  

Tankless water heaters cost an average of $2,800 between equipment and labor, depending on the house. This means there is a high ROI for homeowners who go tankless over replacing a traditional unit – even if there is a higher upfront cost.  

This is another instance where you might inspect your current water heater to see if it needs to be replaced. If it works fine, you might not need this upgrade. If you need a new water heater, opting for an energy-efficient model could appeal to buyers while increasing their storage space.

7. LED Lighting and Smart Bulbs

LED lighting is a great way to implement energy savings and sustainable building practices. Here are a few ways LEDs save money, according to the Department of Energy:

• Lighting accounts for 15% of a home’s electricity usage. 
• Homeowners can save an average of $225 per year ($18.75 per month) with LED lighting. 
• LEDs last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Not only can LEDs reduce energy consumption, but they also need to be replaced less. This allows for long-term savings while showcasing how the house was constructed with sustainable building materials. 

LEDs can be hard to miss when touring a home. Make sure your agent knows to highlight the efficient energy usage and LED upgrades that you invested in.

8. Water Conservation Systems

The infrastructure needed to create green homes varies by region. In drought-prone areas with water restrictions, homeowners might need to showcase how water is saved and reused. This is another example of how energy-efficient upgrades also save money. The more water is conserved, the less homeowners have to pay for it. 

Depending on your home, you might feature low-flow faucets and toilets, rainwater collection barrels, greywater systems, and drip irrigation tools. Low-flow faucets can reduce water consumption by up to 30%, which equals an annual savings of $50 to $90. These faucets can save up to 700 gallons annually, as much as 40 showers. 

Reach out to your water utility provider or city and see if they offer any savings programs. Some communities provide rain barrels for free, while others offer guidance on gardening with native plants that don’t need much water.

9. Green Certifications

When possible, showcase the green certifications on the systems that control your home. These include ENERGY STAR, LEED, and HERS Index ratings. Confirm that your real estate agent is familiar with these ratings and can showcase them when giving tours. Third-party validation helps justify price premiums while highlighting your energy savings and efficiency upgrades.

10. Sustainable Flooring and Low-VOC Paint

Buyers are increasingly wellness-focused, and sellers need to showcase that their building and renovation materials are safe to be around. Along with marketing your sustainable house, make sure your Realtor mentions any environmentally-friendly flooring materials that are both safe and good for the planet. Bamboo, for example, grows quickly, which means it requires less water and soil before it’s ready for harvest. 

Low-VOC paint is another asset you can showcase. This is essential for families with curious kids who are still crawling and touching several surfaces. People with respiratory illnesses or allergies can also benefit from safe building materials.

How Green Homes Impact Value and Buyer Interest

It is generally believed that energy-efficient homes sell faster and for higher amounts. However, it is hard to quantify how big an impact these upgrades have. One report by the NAR found 13% of agents say high-performance homes can sell for 1% to 5% more than standard homes. However, that confidence level and price increase aren’t really substantial. 

Another report breaks down the annual and monthly savings of common energy efficiency solutions. This provides concrete data on how buyers stand to benefit from green investments. Several improvements work together to reach high energy savings levels. A smart thermostat won’t have a big impact on an electric bill, but that investment, working with a new HVAC unit and modern windows, can make a noticeable difference. 

Research shows 75% of Americans buy Energy Star-certified products when possible. This highlights the growing demand for climate-smart living. Daily household management costs less because of the upgrades, while homeowners can feel better about their impact on the planet. Considering nearly 60% of young people worry about climate change, it’s worth it for sellers and their agents to showcase sustainable home upgrades.

The value you get from renewable energy and sustainable building materials depends on how you promote it. Agents that market these features can build excitement around a house and allow potential buyers to see the value in the home they are touring.

Marketing Tips for Promoting Energy Efficiency

There are several ways to share energy-efficient upgrades with potential buyers. Here are a few ways your real estate agent can attract buyers who care about renewable energy and sustainability in building materials.

1. Include Sustainable Home Features in Listing Descriptions

Marketing a sustainable house starts in the listing description. Ask your agent to include top features like your renewable energy investments, eco-friendly appliances, and high-performance windows. Make sure your home is labeled as extremely energy efficient in the listing, which will appeal to people who care about utility bills and the environment alike. 

Avoid vague terminology in the description. Mention specific upgrades, especially if you made them to help the house sell. This will prove that buyers can save energy and reduce their environmental impact by choosing your home.

2. Use Data to Back Up Claims

Consider developing handouts for buyers who tour your home that showcase the impact of your sustainable home features. For example, you can set aside energy bills from the past few months that show the before and after effects of your eco-friendly changes. These bills prove that buyers can enjoy savings because of your greater energy efficiency investments. 

Detail how the energy consumption decreased from high-performance insulation and smart thermostat upgrades, and show how much water was saved from low-flow features. Not only can these sheets give buyers an idea of their future utility bills, but they can also justify the price of your home. You can prove the cost of your upgrades is worth the listing price.

3. Create a Green Feature One-Sheet or Flyer

Showcase all of the ways your house conserves energy and saves money, even if you can’t quantify them. For example, natural light is a nice amenity that also warms homes in the cold winter months. Let people know the sun’s energy is an asset that your home maximizes. 

Other eco-friendly features include native landscaping and large trees. While these natural resources don’t come with monthly savings estimates, they deserve to be showcased as part of your sustainable house. 

These handouts are particularly useful at open houses. Buyers can see the assets for themselves and appreciate them before leaving for the next property. The handouts can remind them of your sustainable home design when they are comparing properties.

4. Use Visual Aids

Not all investment upgrades are visual. It can be hard for the average buyer to spot new windows or check for high-performance insulation. When it comes to building materials, reclaimed wood can look just as high-end and natural as standard wood planks. 

Showcase your sustainable house with posters and other visual ads. Solar arrays are easy to see, but other renewable energy investments (like geothermal systems) are not. You can even ask your Realtor to create a checklist of different upgrades to share with buyers. This way, anyone who tours your eco-friendly home won’t miss out on these key elements.

5. Tailor Messaging for Your Market

Every real estate market is unique, which means your Realtor needs to highlight the features that matter most to buyers. In areas where solar is popular, demand for these renewable energy systems will be high, and your Realtor should let buyers know that your house comes with panels. In other areas, the focus of your eco-friendly upgrades might center around water conservation or keeping the house warm in the winter. 

This may require you to do some research on your community. Learn about EV adoption in your city and see if more people choose electric vehicles than the national average. Check to see if proper sealing of your windows (or triple pane windows) is in high demand because of storm potential. If you aren’t familiar with your market, ask your agent. They should be an expert on the pain points of consumers in your area.  

Regardless of where you live, show how sustainable upgrades mean using less energy and saving more money. Whether it is hot or cold, dry or wet, everyone wants lower utility costs.

Future Trends in Sustainable Homes

Demand for energy-efficient real estate will increase in the coming years. The Environmental Protection Agency believes the number of days will extreme heat will rise in the United States because of climate change. This will put more pressure on cooling systems and electric grids. Utility costs will increase as homeowners strive to stay cool. Investing in ways to save energy now can protect against hot summers that last a little longer each year. If homeowners can maintain their comfort levels while using less power, they can beat the heat. 

Sellers in existing homes also need to compete against new construction properties that are made with recycled materials and modern sustainability goals. This means investing in upgrades that keep up with current trends. Along with smart thermostats, homeowners can look for eco-friendly materials and alternative systems that support home performance. 

Consumers will increasingly seek out zero-carbon homes and passive homes that reduce energy consumption. Some buyers might be focused on these investments now as they consider their environmental impact, while others will care because of financial reasons.

Your immediate home sale might not be affected by climate change or the surrounding environment. However, future home sales will be. As you list your current property, consider the upgrades you want in your next home purchase and how you can buy with sustainability in mind.

How FastExpert Agents Stand Out

Every person has unique needs and goals with their home sale. Some sellers invest heavily in upgrades while others list their properties as-is. No matter the type of seller you are (or sellers you work with), you can attract buyers who see value in your property. 

If you are a seller, find real estate agents in your area through FastExpert. Look for experienced professionals who know how to make your home stand out. 

If you are a real estate agent, position your experience in selling environmentally friendly homes in your profile. Showcase your knowledge and skills to get noticed by potential clients. As there are more eco-friendly homes for sale in the market, demand for Realtors who know how to feature them will rise. Your career can grow through our platform.    

Try FastExpert today and see how it can elevate the real estate experience. When skilled agents meet informed owners, the home sale process can go easier than expected.