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The study, which was released earlier this week, found that buyers are overwhelmingly much more cautious and sensitive to prices than before, but what’s really interesting is what tops buyer’s lists of must-haves in their new home.

Given that money worries are still paramount with many consumers, it’s probably not a surprise to learn that energy efficient homes are priority number one for the vast majority of buyers. The NAHB found that Energy-star appliances are essential number one in the eyes of many buyers, followed by energy efficient laundry rooms.

But while people want to save money, many of them still want to be able to ‘walk the walk’ as it were. High-end amenities were cited by 62% of buyers as being more important to them than available living space – in other words, most people are more than willing to sacrifice that extra bedroom or go with a smaller living room in order to get their hands on the latest hi-tech gizmos like wireless home security and Wi-Fi controls for their utilities. Buyers also want style over substance, preferring French doors over regular doors, and they want luxuries like a double sink in the kitchen, and a hot tub and shower in the bathroom.

However, today’s cost-conscious consumers are only willing to shell out so much, and so luxuries like a golf course community and an elevator have gone out the window in many buyer’s eyes. Consumers don’t see the need for laminate countertops, nor do they have a use for wine cooler refrigerators anymore. Mind you, they’d like some outdoor space – but an outdoor kitchen is probably a little too excessive for more.

The NAHB survey also looked at locations, finding that most people want to get the hell out of the city and live in the suburbs, away from the hustle and bustle. 36% of respondents said they’d like to live in the outer suburbs, while 30% indicated a preference for the inner suburbs of their city. Just 8% want to live in the city center, while 27% dream of living out in the sticks in rural areas.

These preferences are surprising considering that many experts have previously asserted that Americans are increasingly choosing an urban living style. In truth, what most people are looking for is access to the right kinds of amenities – which they believe are more accessible out of town – such as nearby parks, walking and/or jogging trails, outdoor swimming pools and such. Indeed, many respondents said they would in fact consider living in the city center if these amenities were available.

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Upgrade Your Heating System

Heating a home in the wintertime is the biggest source of energy use. If you were to make just one change, a new heating system should be the change that you make. The general rule of thumb is when your system is over twenty years old, it is time to start considering replacing it. Make sure that you use a contractor that has installed plenty of energy-efficient systems so that you know it was done correctly.

If you have a more modern heating system, see if there are any green tweaks that you can make. Saving energy means saving money and this will be a major selling point. Look at your filters and make sure that they are clean and new. Also, have a professional come and look at your ductwork to see if any of it needs to be sealed.

If you are using a central air conditioning system you also want to make sure that it is as efficient as possible. Having a professional come out and give your system a checkup is a good idea. There may be a small tweak or two that can be made to ensure that your home is comfortable and eco-friendly when the temperatures rise. If you do not have central air conditioning, you may want to consider getting a unit installed. This tends to be more energy efficient than multiple window units.

Look at Your Windows

If you still have old, single-pane windows, it is time to get new ones. Single-pane windows are an energy losing nightmare. You want at least a double-pane and a triple-pane if you can swing it. These will keep furnace heat in and the cold outside. The same is true in the summer, they will keep your air-conditioning in and the summer heat on the outside. These also tend to be easier to lock, so they add a little extra safety too.

When you are checking your windows, do not forget to take a look at your doors. If there are any gaps or if they are just not in good shape, it is time to replace them. New windows and doors will also add to your curb appeal, increasing how many looks your home gets when you put it on the market.

Energy Star Appliances

Many people today are selling their homes with the appliances. Appliances are an investment and you can attract many younger buyers if you have a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer already in the home and are going to leave them there. However, these need to be Energy Star certified to ensure that they work as efficiently as possible.

Upgrade Your Plumbing

This does not mean that you have to have every pipe replaced. What you want to replace are faucets and shower heads. Using faucets and shower heads that conserve water will save gallons of water per day. Less water equals a less expensive water bill. The nice thing about these is that they do not negatively impact water pressure. Your faucets and shower heads will still have a strong stream, they just use less water. What is nice about this improvement is that you can most likely do it on your own over a weekend. It is simple to do and does not require a professional. Just do not forget to turn the water off before making the changes.

About the Author: Jim Klossner is a home improvement guru with a passion for real estate. When he’s not writing, you can find him consulting for plumbing and HVAC companies like Cahill.