As the earth begins to transition into hues of orange, red, yellow and brown, this could be the perfect time to make your home greener! By green, we mean more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. As your Lake Martin real estate agents, we can tell you that by doing so, you could save money on your energy bills, increase your home value when you go to sell, and help the planet!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Add more natural lighting to your home. Everybody loves natural lighting, it’s a key phrase homebuyers search for. It also means that you save energy because you can keep lights turned off longer, and the sun shining in can help warm your home in the winter. If you have a lot of windows, keep the blinds and curtains open during the day (bonus if you have lake views). If you could use more natural lighting, consider adding some skylights or sun tubes, which are tubular skylights, to your roof.
2. Replace old windows and doors. Nothing allows more heat to escape during the colder months than drafty windows and doors. If you’re not sure if you have drafts, walk around with a candle on a windy day and see if the flame moves near windows or doors. You may be eligible for tax incentives and rebates when you replace, and it improves your energy costs and curb appeal. One of the highest returns on investment right now is replacing an old wooden door with a stainless steel door. The ROI can be as much as 100 percent!
3. Upgrade your appliances. If you have old, outdated appliances, you could save a lot of money by replacing with new energy-efficient models. Around 15 percent of your home’s energy usage is from running appliances! Compare your current appliances to newer options, to see how much energy you’ll be saving. Check with your utility company to see if they offer any rebates or discounts with an upgrade.
4. Improve your landscaping. There are lots of ways to make your yard more energy-efficient. When gardening and landscaping, choose native plants that naturally grow well in the Lake Martin area, as these will need less water and maintenance. Look into drip irrigation systems to cut down on water usage (and your water bill) or water at the smartest times of day. Use organic gardening practices to cut down on pesticide and fertilizers.
These are great green practices to consider for your Lake Martin home this fall! When renovating, always try to choose the most eco-friendly materials, or reclaimed materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled stone or glass, or reupholstered antique furniture. Have fun with it!
When ready to achieve your Lake Martin real estate goals this fall, give us a call, the Haynie Team! We are here to help answer any questions you may have about the market or the process, and to help guide you through the entire home-selling and/or home-buying process, until your goals are achieved!
Becky Haynie, Associate Broker / Realtor
Lake Martin Realty
www.HomeOnLakeMartin.com