Granite’s nice, but utility bills add up fast...
Couldn’t agree more—people get dazzled by countertops but forget they’re paying for that HVAC every month. I’ve seen projects where the solar array or a heat pump system was the thing that tipped buyers over the edge, even if the appraiser barely blinked at it. It’s wild how much the “official” value can lag behind what people actually want. If you’ve got documentation on energy savings, I’d absolutely bring that to the table. Sometimes you have to spell it out for folks who are still stuck in 1998...
Yeah, I ran into the same thing when we built last year. We went all-in on insulation and a high-efficiency heat pump, but the appraiser barely mentioned it—just a line in the report. Meanwhile, my neighbor’s place with fancy tile and basic HVAC got a higher number. It’s frustrating. I ended up printing out our first few utility bills and showing them to the buyers’ agent when we sold. That actually helped sway them, even if it didn’t move the official value much. Sometimes you just have to get creative with what you’ve got.
It’s wild how much weight appraisers put on surface-level upgrades compared to the things that actually make a home more comfortable and efficient. I’ve seen this so many times—clients invest in smart insulation, triple-pane windows, or energy-saving systems, and it barely registers in the final number. Meanwhile, someone else throws in a trendy backsplash and suddenly their place is “worth” more.
I do think you were onto something by sharing those utility bills. Sometimes buyers need a little nudge to see past the obvious finishes and appreciate what’s behind the walls. It’s not always easy to quantify comfort or long-term savings, but those details matter to the right people. Honestly, I wish the industry would catch up and start valuing sustainability and efficiency more consistently. Until then, creative thinking like yours is probably the best way to bridge that gap.
Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
That’s been my frustration for years—energy efficiency just doesn’t get the recognition it deserves in appraisals. I’ve tried highlighting things like advanced HVAC or solar panels, but unless there’s a direct comp, it’s tough. Has anyone actually seen an appraiser adjust value for these upgrades, or is it mostly just lip service? Sometimes I wonder if we need a new standard for valuing homes that goes beyond granite countertops and paint colors...
APPRAISAL CAME IN LOWER THAN EXPECTED—NOW WHAT?
Man, I hear you on this. It’s wild how much weight gets put on things like fancy countertops, but when you’ve got a killer heat pump or solar setup, it barely moves the needle. I’ve had appraisers nod along when I point out the upgrades, but unless there’s a nearly identical house nearby with the same stuff, it’s like it doesn’t count.
I do think things are sloooowly shifting, though. A friend of mine in Oregon said their appraiser actually gave them a bump for their insulation and solar, but that’s the only time I’ve heard of it happening firsthand. Maybe it depends on the region or just getting lucky with someone who “gets it.”
Honestly, it feels like we’re stuck in this old-school mindset where flashy finishes matter more than long-term savings or comfort. Wouldn’t hurt if lenders started caring about energy bills too... but yeah, I’m with you—there’s gotta be a better way to value homes than just what’s trendy right now.
