HOMESTEAD
BLOG
Green & Smart-Home Features That Drive Engagement
Why it matters: First-time buyers overwhelmingly value sustainability, energy savings and tech-forward homes—features that also show strong resale value and engagement.
Evidence of performance:
Over 70% of buyers now consider green-certified homes, which consistently sell for ~15% more – Real Estate Stats.
Smart-home features remain top‐ranked among Gen Z/Millennial buyers—about 82% rate them essential or advantageous – Business Insider
—–
Why Eco-Certified & Smart Homes Are Winning With First-Time Buyers (And Boost Resale Value)
Published by Homestead | homestead.us
A New Generation of Buyers Is Shaping the Market
First-time homebuyers in 2025 are younger, more tech-savvy, and more sustainability-focused than any generation before. Millennials and Gen Z now make up the majority of new buyers, and they’re prioritizing features that go beyond square footage and paint color.
What they want: homes that are efficient, intelligent, and future-ready.
According to a recent Business Insider report, 82% of younger buyers consider smart-home features essential or highly advantageous, and over 70% now actively look for eco-certified or energy-efficient homes.
For builders and sellers, these preferences are no longer optional—they’re foundational.
The Value of Green Certification
Green-certified homes are those that meet established efficiency standards for energy use, air quality, insulation, appliance performance, and more. Common certifications include:
ENERGY STAR®
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
HERS (Home Energy Rating System)
These homes don’t just save money on utilities—they command higher prices. A study cited by REsimpli and House Beautiful found that green-certified homes sell for an average of 15% more than comparable non-certified homes, and often spend less time on the market.
That means a home that costs less to own is also worth more to sell.
Why Smart Homes Win Attention—and Offers
Smart-home features are no longer a luxury—they’re a new standard, especially for younger buyers who grew up in connected environments.
Top smart-home features include:
Smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, Ecobee)
Security systems and video doorbells
Smart lighting and garage access
Voice-controlled assistants (Alexa, Google Home)
Automated irrigation and energy monitoring
According to a recent survey published in Business Insider, 82% of Millennial and Gen Z buyers say smart features influence their home purchasing decision. These tools not only enhance comfort and safety but also integrate with lifestyle tech that buyers already use.
Energy Efficiency = Long-Term Savings
Eco-smart homes offer tangible cost savings, especially valuable for budget-conscious first-time buyers.
Cumulatively, these can add up to over $1,000 a year in utility savings—equivalent to reducing your mortgage payment by $80–100 per month.
The Resale Advantage
Investing in energy efficiency and smart features isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a resale strategy. Homes with these upgrades tend to:
Attract more showings
Spend fewer days on market
Sell closer to or above list price
As more buyers seek long-term value and modern features, demand for eco-certified, tech-forward homes will continue to grow.
Key Takeaways
70%+ of buyers actively seek green-certified homes, and these homes sell for up to 15% more on average.
82% of first-time buyers value smart-home technology, making it one of the top differentiators in today’s market.
Smart and sustainable homes offer ongoing utility savings, improved comfort, and higher resale potential.
Final Word
At Homestead, we design and build homes with today’s buyer in mind. From energy-efficient insulation to smart thermostats and pre-wired home automation, we believe modern living should be both intelligent and sustainable.
If you’re ready to explore homes that are built for the future and ready for your lifestyle, visit www.homestead.us and join the waitlist today.
Better homes. Smarter living. Built for what’s next.
We are a Nebraskan Builder for Nebraskan families!