Homebuyers are willing to pay more for energy-efficient homes, according to a study of 64 homes in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
The "paired analysis" methodology compared the sales price of two recently sold properties, one that had the green features being studied and one that did not. The value of the properties was first adjusted to account for differences in characteristics such as size, age, and condition.
"This study further emphasizes … that home sellers, realtors, and appraisers who are not factoring in energy efficiency when selling a home are leaving money on the table," says Cliff Majersik, executive director of the Institute for Market Transformation which, along with the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment, undertook the study.