Insulation Do’s and Don’ts for Real Estate

The Equifax Finance Blog has recently weighed in on the importance of going green in real estate, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. The new article “Green Real Estate Market Trends,” is all about easy ways to save money by making your home more energy-efficient:

• Do have an energy audit. Energy audits can save money by identifying the places in your home needing the most help and offering suggestions about how to improve your energy efficiency. If you’re not sure where to start, an audit is a great way to find problem areas and form a plan for savings.

Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck On Home Improvement Projects

Example of a replacement project which will
help you save money.

Real estate writer Ilyce Glink offers tips for getting the most of your home improvement efforts in her article, “Make the Most of Your Home Improvement Projects” on  the Equifax Finance blog.

Homeowners too often don’t think about the real bang for their buck that they will get out of a home improvement project. But, like any other major expense, you have to think about return on investment. You may think certain upgrades are a must-have, but when the time comes to sell your home, will buyers be willing to pay more for that upgrade?

Building an impressive bathroom or kitchen may not pay off as much as replacement projects will – replacing roofing, siding, windows, etc. To get a home in “selling shape” the best upgrades are often cabinet refurbishing, new countertops, paint, bright lighting and a clean floor. The experts say avoid luxury upgrades and focus on your market – if you live in an area where outdoor living spaces are hot, add a deck instead of overhauling your kitchen.