There are a lot of qualities that buyers look for in real estate listings, and energy efficiency should be one of them. An efficient home will save you money on your utility bills in the coming years while reducing your carbon footprint, so you can feel good about your impact on the environment. Know the red flags to look for before you buy a house that isn’t as energy efficient as it appears.

3 Signs Real Estate Listings Aren’t as Efficient as They Appear

1. High Utility Bills

Ask the seller for a copy of the utility bills from the past year. Take a close look at the peak times of summer and winter, so you know what it will cost to operate the home. You can ask the local energy companies for the average usage of similar homes in the area to see how it compares.

2. Outdated Systems

When people think of systems that impact energy efficiency, they typically think about the insulation and seals around the windows. In addition to those, have an energy audit done on the home, so a technician will inspect the lighting systems, HVAC system, roofing, siding, and more. If all these systems are well-maintained the home will be much more efficient.

3. Unnecessary Square Footage

For a while, people wanted oversized real estate listings with a lot of extra square footage. This trend quickly moved on, however, as people realized that larger homes are expensive to maintain. Consider the size you want carefully, so you have the right number of rooms that are an appropriate size for your needs. This ensures you won’t be paying to heat, cool and light space you don’t need.

The realtors at Wright Real Estate can help you find the perfect energy-efficient home for your needs. They are based in Ronan, MT, and have served the communities of Polson and Mission Valley for more than 15 years. They’ll show you real estate listings that meet your needs and can help you negotiate to get the terms you want such as energy upgrades when you find that dream home. Contact the real estate agency online or at (406) 676-8610 to schedule a consultation.