Zillow Inc. (Nasdaq: Z) released a report that analyzed its database of home listings, focusing on listings that feature energy-saving technology such as solar panels, double-pane windows, dual-flush toilets, Energy Star appliances and tankless water heaters.
The Seattle-based real estate technology company found that only 5.3 percent of Houston home listings mention energy-efficient technologies, according to Zillow.
By contrast, nearly a quarter of home listings in San Jose, California, boast energy-efficient technologies, according to Zillow. In fact, the top five cities with the most home listings touting energy-efficient technologies are in California.
In Houston, home listings touting energy-saving measures had a median list price of $389,900 — $60,900 more than homes that were listed without energy-efficient features, according to Zillow.
Nationally, the median list price of homes that advertise energy-efficient technology is 62 percent higher than homes that do not, according to Zillow.
Here’s the takeaway for Houston Realtors: If your client’s home has energy-efficient features, make sure to feature them prominently in your listings. You might be able to fetch a higher price on energy-efficient homes.
Many Houston homebuilders are now offering energy-efficient features in their home lineup. Last year, NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) and Houston-based Reliant Energy unveiled a new cutting-edge home in Spring that features energy-saving framing and insulation systems, solar panels on the roof and a separate solar-powered canopy.