Selling a house in today’s climate can be a bit difficult. Fortunately, noteworthy features and items that add curb appeal can definitely help you stand out from the crowd and allow you to ask a higher list price. Solar panels can be one of these features that bring a competitive advantage, but it’s essential to educate both yourself and potential buyers about the system’s advantages and any associated obligations or costs. Doing so can help make your property more appealing and potentially command a higher selling price. Here are a few tips to make your solar house shine when you put it on the market.
Getting ready to sell
Prior to listing your house, it’s a good idea to have your solar panels inspected and evaluated by a professional to ensure they are functioning optimally. Any issues should be addressed before listing the property. Few homebuyers will want to take on the costs of fixing a broken or poorly installed system. Collect all the relevant information about your solar panel system, including the installation date, warranty details, and the system’s performance. This will help reassure potential buyers about the system’s quality and longevity. Panels that were installed by a known and reputable installer with a good track record will be seen as an asset, not a liability.
Be sure you have a professional appraiser that has experience in valuing properties with solar panels to determine the value the system adds to your property. This can help you set a fair asking price.
Transparency and documentation
Ensure you have all the documentation related to the solar panel system ready for those touring the house or making an offer. This includes maintenance records, warranty information, and energy production history.
Consider offering potential buyers an energy audit of the home to show them how the solar panels contribute to lower energy bills and increased energy efficiency. Make sure to emphasize the energy cost savings that come with solar panels. The average savings per month or year can be a strong selling point as an energy efficient home is something that all homebuyers should be looking for in an economic environment where costs continue to rise.
Marketing and education
Prominently feature the solar panel system in your property listing and marketing materials. Use high-quality photos, descriptions, and even graphs to help showcase the benefits it offers. If you’re working with a real estate agent, make sure they are well-informed about the solar system’s benefits and can effectively communicate these to likely buyers. Highlight the environmental advantages of solar panels, such as reducing the property’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels and the potential to offer resiliency from storms and power outages. Homebuyers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and will see this as a significant benefit.
Be prepared to answer questions and address any concerns buyers may have about solar panels, such as maintenance, support, and warranty coverage.
