About 48% of buyers interested in brand new homes cite “energy-efficiency” as their most desired feature. That being said, it isn’t always easy to find a sustainable home that meets your needs. Plus, it’s not always easy to know when you’ve found that home. However, real estate agents in Los Gatos agree that there are several tips that can help buyers ensure sustainability through each step of the home-searching process. With that in mind, here are just a few sustainable home-searching strategies.

Have a Reasonable Timeframe

You should always expect to spend a considerable amount of time searching for a home. But when you’re prioritizing sustainability, you may have to spend even more time. This is due to the fact that the current inventory of sustainable houses is relatively low, so it will likely take longer to find what you’re looking for. Plus, when looking at homes, you may need to find out specific details in regards to sustainability, which may be a process as well. But don’t rush it — buying a house is never a decision that should be taken lightly.

Get an Inspection

When it comes time to look at the sustainable houses you’re interested in, approach the process differently than you would when buying a traditional home. For homes, you’re highly considering, invest in a pre-purchase inspection that can alert you to some of the potential problems your future home may face. An inspector can also provide more in-depth insight into the true sustainability level of the home and tell you where you may need to make eco-friendly upgrades.

Consult Your Realtor

About 78% of recent buyers found their real estate agent to be a very useful source of information. In addition to taking advantage of the smart buying strategies listed above, it’s always ideal to communicate with your real estate agent regarding your specific needs. They typically have increased access to properties that may be just about to hit the market, and they can help you decide on a fair price when you’ve found the sustainable property you love.

Ultimately, these tips can help you along the way during your search for your next sustainable house. For more information about houses for sale in Los Gatos, contact Stephanie Ligsay.