Want to Buy a Home for the Future? Make Energy Efficiency a Top Priority

Posted on: 30 January 2017

Brand-new homes and ones over a century old can both be well suited for the future, but there are certain features and qualities that are beneficial to have when looking at the long term. For instance, single-pane windows are affordable, but a home that has double- or triple-pane windows will provide better energy efficiency, so it is worthwhile for buyers to prioritize these homes when shopping around. Not only will they provide more immediate savings, but the owners will be more inclined to maintain the windows and maximize the lifespan compared to the single-pane windows that are not as effective at their job. It is ideal to consider a few things when going house hunting to end up with a home for the future.

Use the Home Energy Rating System

It is tough to walk into a variety of homes and determine the energy efficiency of each one. This is why a system like the Home Energy Rating System is so helpful for coming to these conclusions. It is worth hiring a realtor who is knowledgeable about this system or a similar one for measuring energy efficiency. They will help to steer you in the right direction of homes by showing ones with great marks in these checks.

Consider Solar Panels

If you are going to be moving to an area that gets quite a lot of sun throughout the year, you may want to look into the prospect of buying a home with a solar-panel system already installed. This takes away the need to do certain things yourself, but you can always pick out a property that is perfect for a new installation. You may want to look at the possible tax credits and discounts available to you in the city and state.

Go Further with a Solar Roof

Another option is to wait it out and opt for a solar roof instead. This is going to cost less than a standard roof, and that means homes with an aging roof may be the perfect candidate for this installation. Buying a home with everything else in great condition but a roof that needs replacing soon might be an ideal scenario. It is just a matter of how far you want to look into the future in regard to having an energy-efficient home.

When you know that you are going to live in the home you buy for decades, you should consider the tips above to make sure you do not end up buying a property that needs a lot of work to be future ready.

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