More than half—58%—of real estate pros say highlighting energy-efficient home features in a listing can add value, according to the newly released 2025 REALTORS® Residential Sustainability Report. Green features—such as upgraded windows, doors and insulation—could help lower the rising costs of maintaining a home. Still, buyers don’t always think to ask about them.
About three-fourths of Americans say they’re concerned about rising electric and gas utility bills this year, and 63% report those costs are adding to their financial stress, according to a 2025 poll by PowerLines, a consumer education nonprofit. Yet, 42% of real estate pros say their clients “rarely” ask questions about a home’s energy efficiency. The reason may be that buyers have bigger worries on their mind.
“Housing affordability continues to challenge home buyers, so sustainability can sometimes be pushed to the back burner as buyers search for the ideal home,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist. “However, many still seek sustainable home features to reduce their environmental impact as well as heating, cooling and commuting costs.”
The Top-Rated Green Home Features
Lautz says the aging housing stock may drive sustainability upgrades as future buyers aim to manage rising operating costs. “Some homeowners may need to turn to remodeling upgrades to embrace sustainability, particularly as the age of America’s housing stock increases due to persistent underbuilding,” Lautz notes.
The Residential Sustainability Report is based on a nationwide survey of real estate professionals who are REALTORS®, members of the National Association of REALTORS®. When it comes to green-home features, REALTORS® say their clients are most interested in windows, doors and siding, followed by utility cost and other operating expenses.
The NAR report finds that demand for sustainable homes likely would grow if there were more financial incentives for homeowners—such as tax credits or rebates, followed by evidence of higher resale value for sustainable homes, greater consumer awareness of energy costs and greater consumer awareness of the health and lifestyle benefits of sustainable upgrades.