Fast AF Summary
- Energy-efficient upgrades can increase the value of your home while reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills.
- The Zac Folsom Group can help homeowners determine which upgrades are worth investing in to maximize their ROI.
- Smart thermostats, energy-efficient windows, and energy-efficient doors are upgrades that can increase a home’s value and reduce energy costs.
- Solar panels may not increase a home’s value due to the high installation cost and lack of comparables for appraisers to accurately assess their value.
- Updated insulation is an important investment for comfort and energy savings, but it is not likely to significantly increase a home’s value.

Maximizing Your Home's Value
Maximize Your Equity with Expert Energy Efficiency Upgrades from Zac Folsom Group
In today’s world, energy efficiency has become a buzzword for homeowners who want to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. Not only can energy-efficient upgrades help homeowners lower their energy bills, but they can also increase the value of their property. However, with so many different options available, it can be challenging to determine which upgrades are worth investing in and which ones are not.
That’s where the Zac Folsom Group comes in. Our team of experts can help you identify the most effective energy efficiency upgrades that will increase your equity and avoid wasting your money on upgrades that won’t. Whether you’re looking to replace your windows, upgrade your insulation, or install solar panels, we can help you make informed decisions that will maximize your ROI. In this blog post, we will explore the many ways you can increase your property value through energy efficiency and show you how our team can help you make the most out of your investment.
Smart home upgrades can make a significant difference in the quality of your daily life, but it's essential to choose the right ones. Upgrades that increase convenience and save you money are always a smart investment.
Bill Gates
Green Smart Home Upgrades Kalamazoo Buyers Want
Enhance Your Home's Sustainability and Value with Must-Have Green Smart Upgrades
When it comes to increasing the value of a home, not all upgrades are created equal. While some upgrades may add little to no value, others can have a significant impact on the home’s value and appeal to buyers. In particular, energy efficiency upgrades are becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers due to their potential to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints while also making the home more comfortable and attractive. In this blog post, we will explore five energy efficiency upgrades that many buyers in Kalamazoo find very valuable. From smart thermostats to energy-efficient appliances, these upgrades can help homeowners save money, reduce their environmental impact, and increase their home’s overall value.
Presenting our carefully curated list of five home upgrades that not only catch the eye of potential buyers but also offer tangible economic benefits with their green, eco-friendly options.
1. Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a valuable upgrade that many buyers in Kalamazoo find appealing due to their energy-saving capabilities and convenience. By using sensors and learning algorithms, smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature based on the homeowner’s habits, resulting in lower energy usage and costs. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save up to $180 per year by using a smart thermostat, making it a worthwhile investment with an average equity increase of 5-10% for the cost of installation. This upgrade can be particularly beneficial in Kalamazoo during cold winter months, as it can help reduce heating costs while keeping the home comfortable. It’s also a great way to instantly show the buyer the home is efficient as they walk into the home.
2. Energy Efficiency Windows
Energy-efficient windows are another upgrade that buyers find valuable due to their ability to reduce energy costs and improve the home’s overall appearance. By using advanced technologies such as low-e coatings, gas fills, and insulated frames, these windows can help regulate temperature, prevent air leaks, and minimize heat loss during the winter. Additionally, energy-efficient windows can help increase the value of a home by up to 2-3%, according to the National Association of Realtors, with an average equity increase of 70-80% for the cost of install. In Kalamazoo, where winter temperatures can drop below freezing, energy-efficient windows can help homeowners stay warm while reducing energy bills.
3. Energy Efficiency Doors & Storm Doors
Energy-efficient doors and storm doors are a smart investment that can help reduce air leaks and improve insulation, ultimately reducing energy costs. By replacing a single-pane door with an energy-efficient one, homeowners can save up to $500 per year in energy costs, according to the Department of Energy, with an average equity increase of 60-70% for the cost of install. In Kalamazoo, where summer temperatures can reach the high 80s, storm doors can also help keep the home cool and comfortable while reducing energy usage.
Energy Upgrades: When ROI Is Not Guaranteed
Discover which energy upgrades may not provide a return on investment
When it comes to increasing the value of a home, not all upgrades are created equal. While some upgrades may add little to no value, others can have a significant impact on the home’s value and appeal to buyers. In particular, energy efficiency upgrades are becoming increasingly popular among homebuyers due to their potential to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints while also making the home more comfortable and attractive. In this blog post, we will explore five energy efficiency upgrades that many buyers in Kalamazoo find very valuable. From smart thermostats to energy-efficient appliances, these upgrades can help homeowners save money, reduce their environmental impact, and increase their home’s overall value.
Presenting our carefully curated list of five home upgrades that not only catch the eye of potential buyers but also offer tangible economic benefits with their green, eco-friendly options.
1. Solar Energy
Solar panels have become a popular option for homeowners in Kalamazoo, MI who are looking to save money on their energy bills while also reducing their carbon footprint. However, contrary to popular belief, the installation of solar panels typically does not increase the value of a home in the area. One reason for this is that there are not enough comparables available for appraisers to accurately assess the value of a home with solar panels. As a result, appraisers may not be able to account for the full value of the panels when determining the market value of the property.
Furthermore, the cost of installing solar panels in Kalamazoo, MI can be quite high, and in many cases, it can outweigh the potential savings that future homebuyers may receive. Even though solar panels can save homeowners money on their energy bills in the long run, the upfront costs can be substantial. For many buyers, the cost of the panels may not justify the potential savings, especially if they plan on selling the home in the near future. Therefore, while solar panels are an excellent investment for those who plan on living in their homes for a long time, they may not be the best option for those who are looking to sell their property in the near future.
2. Updated Insulation
Insulation is an essential component of any home, as it helps regulate the temperature and energy efficiency of a property. However, new insulation can be challenging for new home buyers to see, as it is often hidden behind walls and ceilings. As a result, new insulation may not be something that potential homebuyers factor into their purchasing decisions, as they may not be aware of its presence or quality.
Additionally, while having new insulation installed in a Kalamazoo, MI home can improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills, it rarely increases the overall value of the property. This is because insulation is considered to be a standard feature in most homes, and buyers generally expect a home to have adequate insulation already in place. While new insulation may make a home more comfortable and cost-effective for the current owner, it is not likely to be a major selling point for potential buyers, nor is it something that will command a higher price in the housing market.
Overall, while new insulation is an important investment for any homeowner looking to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of their property, it is not something that is likely to significantly increase the value of a home in Kalamazoo, MI. Homeowners who are considering installing new insulation should do so for their own comfort and cost savings, rather than as a strategy for increasing the value of their home.
Best Solution - Talk to the Zac Folsom Group
While there are many factors that can impact a home’s value, some upgrades or features may not necessarily increase a property’s worth. Homeowners who want to make informed decisions about improving their home’s value can benefit from consulting with a Zac Folsom Group agent. By working with a professional who has extensive experience in the local real estate market, homeowners can receive expert guidance on which upgrades or renovations are most likely to increase their home’s equity. Ultimately, partnering with a reputable real estate agent can help homeowners make informed decisions and ensure that their efforts to improve their property’s value are well-informed and strategic.