The market for environmentally friendly homes is escalating quickly. More buyers are looking for homes that use renewable materials, which would also save energy and lessen their environmental impact. In today’s cutthroat real estate market, being aware of this trend and knowing how to promote green homes can give you an edge.
Why Are Buyers Interested in Eco-Friendly Homes?
Sustainability is no longer just a trend but a priority for many owners. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2024 Sustainability Report:
- 57% of realtors said promoting energy-efficient homes is valuable.
- 45% of clients showed interest in sustainable home features.
- 39% of MLS systems now include “green” data fields highlighting eco-friendly home features.
- 80% of realtors said they see homes with solar panels in their market, and 31% believe these homes have higher value.
Realtor.com has reported a notable rise in listings that highlight eco-friendly features. The number of eco-friendly listings has nearly doubled since 2018. Significant eco terminology was used in 76,335 listings during that year, and this figure skyrocketed to 150,388 listings by 2023.
Why This Trend Is Growing
Several factors are generating a higher demand for eco-friendly homes. Some of them are given below:
- Rising Energy Costs: Homeowners want to cut electricity and gas bills, making energy-efficient homes more attractive.
- Government Incentives: Many states offer tax credits for solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades.
- Climate Awareness: Buyers are more conscious of their environmental impact and prefer sustainable living options.
- Improved Technology: Smart home advancements make tracking and reducing energy usage easier.
- Better Resale Value: Many realtors report that green homes sell faster and at higher prices.
What Features Do Buyers Look For?
If you’re selling an eco-friendly home, highlight these top features buyers love:
Energy Efficiency
Buyers want homes that reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Popular features include:
- Solar panels
- Energy-efficient appliances
- LED lighting
- Smart thermostats
Homes with these features can qualify for certifications like Energy Star or LEED, which appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Sustainable Building Materials
Many buyers prefer homes made with eco-friendly materials like:
- Bamboo flooring
- Reclaimed wood
- Recycled steel
- Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints for better indoor air quality
Water-Saving Features
With increasing water conservation efforts, homebuyers appreciate the following:
- Low-flow toilets and faucets
- Rainwater collection systems
- Drought-resistant landscaping
Smart Home Technology
Smart home features make homes more efficient and attractive to modern buyers. These include:
- Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee)
- Automated lighting and window shades
- Energy monitoring systems
High-Performance Insulation & Windows
A well-insulated home saves energy and keeps temperatures comfortable year-round. Buyers look for:
- Double or triple-pane windows
- Properly insulated walls and attics
- Energy Star-rated doors
EV Charging Stations
With electric vehicle adoption rising, homes with built-in EV chargers are in demand. Many buyers see this as a future-proof feature that adds convenience and value.
How to Market Eco-Friendly Homes
Once you know what buyers want, the next step is effectively marketing eco-friendly homes. Here are some proven strategies:
Highlight Green Features in Listings
NAR reports show sustainability features are becoming increasingly important in real estate. 39% of Realtors reported that their MLS includes green data fields, making it easier to highlight eco-friendly home features. Additionally, 57% of Realtors see energy efficiency promotion in listings as valuable, while 45% say their clients show at least some interest in sustainability.
Homes with solar panels are widely available (80%), and 31% of Realtors believe solar panels increase a property’s perceived value. Interestingly, 41% of green-certified homes spent neither more nor less time on the market, showing that eco-friendly upgrades do not negatively impact sales. With 24% of Realtors having some level of training in sustainability features, it’s clear that green homes are a growing priority.
For real estate professionals, showcasing energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, and eco-friendly materials can attract environmentally conscious buyers and add value to listings.
Make sure your listing descriptions emphasize energy savings and sustainability. Use phrases like:
- “Energy-efficient home with solar panels to reduce electricity bills.”
- “Built with sustainable materials for a lower carbon footprint.”
- “Smart home features for maximum energy saving.”
Use High-Quality Photos & Videos
Buyers love to see visuals. Include professional photos and videos showcasing:
- Solar panels on the roof
- Smart thermostats and appliances
- Water-saving landscaping
- Energy-efficient lighting in action
Consider using drone footage to capture solar panels and eco-friendly landscaping compellingly.
Provide Energy Savings Data
If possible, show potential buyers real numbers:
- How much they can save on utility bills each year
- The expected return on investment for solar panels
- Energy efficiency ratings from third-party certifications like LEED or Energy Star
Educate Buyers Through Content
Write blog posts, social media updates, or even short videos on topics like:
- “How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels?”
- “5 Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Increase Property Value”
- “The Future of Sustainable Real Estate”
Target the Right Audience
Certain buyers are more likely to be interested in eco-friendly homes, such as:
- First-time homebuyers looking for lower utility costs
- Millennials and Gen Z buyers who prioritize sustainability
- Luxury buyers who seek high-end, green-certified homes
Promote listings where eco-conscious buyers are active, such as green-living forums, sustainability blogs, and targeted social media ads.
Host Green Home Open Houses
Consider hosting an open house focused on the home’s eco-friendly features. You can:
- Provide brochures explaining the energy savings
- Invite a solar panel expert to answer questions
- Offer virtual tours for out-of-town buyers interested in sustainable homes
Oley’s Smart Marketing Solutions for Green Homes
At Oley, we help realtors sell eco-friendly homes with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. Our services include:
- SEO-Optimized Websites – We design IDX websites highlighting green home features, making listings easy to find online.
- Custom Lead Generation – Our marketing funnels attract eco-conscious buyers searching for sustainable homes.
- Social Media Campaigns – We create engaging social content that educates and converts buyers.
- High-Quality Video Showcases – Our video marketing services help showcase solar panels, smart home tech, and energy-saving features.
- Listing Optimization – We ensure your listings rank high in search results using trending eco-home keywords.
- Email Marketing Strategy—Our targeted email campaigns have reached eco-conscious buyers actively searching for energy-efficient homes.
- Powerful CRM Tools—Our websites make every task easier for a real estate agent. From sending automated emails to nurture leads to keeping track of them, we have it all covered!
So, why the wait? Book a free demo with us today, and let us assist you further with every feature that your business lacks! Explore our pricing plans to find the perfect fit for you, and get started today!
Conclusion
Eco-friendly homes are in demand, and this trend is only growing. Buyers are actively searching for energy-efficient, innovative, and sustainable homes, making it essential for realtors to adapt their marketing strategies. You can attract interested buyers and close more deals by focusing on the features buyers want, using strong marketing tactics, and leveraging Oley’s real estate marketing solutions.
With so many green home listings, the market is clear: Sustainability is the future of real estate. Make sure you’re ahead of the trend!
