The Greener the House, the Quicker the Sale

Green living is more popular than ever, and playing up a home's green features can make all the difference when it comes to making a sale. To be competitive and to ensure you get the best price possible for your home, it makes sense to assess its sustainable, energy-saving features right along with traditional highlights like the kitchen, baths and master suite--and then present those findings to potential home buyers.

"In this buyer's market, any feature that makes your house stand out from the competition is key to a sale," says Chris Colby, a LEED-accredited architect and principal at Spire Architecture & Design, specializing in sustainable design. "Increased quality of life, a healthier living environment and a sound eco-conscience are the kind of green criteria that a buyer would be willing to pay a little extra for."

Whether your home is in the middle of a green growth spurt, or blossomed to complete sustainability, it pays to identify green features, or consider adding more, to improve your competitiveness in the market.