Listing Your High-Performance Home

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 12/13/2020


 Photo by rawpixel via Pixabay

A high-performance home is one that operates efficiently, and saves you -- the  homeowner -- significant costs in heating, cooling and more. When it comes time to sell a home of this type, the price point is typically higher -- up to 3.4 percent. High-performance homes are in demand today, and if you've made the necessary upgrades to your home, and are now ready to list it for sale, here's what you can expect in the way of appraisal, listing, showings, offers and sales. 

The Appraisal

Choose your appraiser wisely. The professional you choose should have experience appraising high-performance homes. Because there may not be comparable properties in the area from which to draw, it's important that the person who values your property has all the facts and a firm understanding of exactly how well your home performs. You can also challenge an appraisal if you feel it's too low or that the appraiser didn't take into account all the existing features of your home. 

The Listing

Again, comps -- or properties in the area that are comparable to your own -- are often a problem when it's a high-performance home on the selling block. While they're gaining popularity across the country, these types of homes are still relatively foreign in some areas. 

Don't let lack of comps cause your home's price point to plummet. Partner with your real estate agent to ensure they understand all the energy-efficient and green features of your property. These need to be highlighted in your home's listing, so prospective buyers can see and appreciate them. 

Showing Your High-Performance Home

When it's time for real estate agents to show your home, make sure they're talking up all the green features. You can do this by printing up flyers and having them available inside the home for buyers and their representatives to peruse. You should also make sure you have documentation and proof of all your upgrades on file and ready to produce if someone asks to see them. 

Fielding Offers

Hopefully, once your high-performance home hits the listings, and real estate agents begin bringing their buyers in to tour the property, you'll begin to receive offers. Fielding multiple offers is every home seller's dream, but don't become discouraged if it takes some time to find the right buyer. Even with all the bells and whistles your home has to offer, it's likely priced higher than other properties in the area. 

That's okay. Don't panic and take the first low offer that surfaces. In time, your high-performance home will find the family who appreciates it. 

A high-performance home is a valuable asset in today's world of steadily rising energy costs, but expect the selling process to be a bit more challenging than that of a more traditional home. 

 

About the Author
Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”