Green home improvements help boost a home's value in the real estate market. Here are five improvements to consider to green your home and help it stand out from the competition:

Solar panels: With solar panels, it is possible to produce more than enough enegy for the entire household. What's even better is that the local utilities company pay you for the surplus! Solar panels are attractive to buyers who like that a system is already in place, and they can simply move in and enjoy the benefits. According to the USGBC, there is a $6000 resale increase per installed kilowatt, which means a 3.1 kilowatt system could improve your home's resale value by about $20,000.

Smart water-leak detection: Home water leaks waste 1 trillion gallons of water per year, according to the EPA. Use intelligent water technology like the  Phyn Plus smart water assistant + shutoff, which is installed on the main water line after the meter. This device detects water leaks, changes in water pressure, and also shuts off water in an emergency, so you never have to worry about water-pipe bursts.

New windows: The U.S Energy department recommends looking for the Energy star label and reviewing ratings from the National Fenestration Rating council. There are single pane and double pane windows available for homeowners to choose from.

Landscaping and treescaping: The right landscaping adds to a home's curb appeal. Strategically planting trees and shrubs can provide bountiful eco-friendly benefits.

Smart thermostat: Programmable thermostats are the norm for today's houses, allowing homeowners to set a schedule and forget about it. These type of thermostats are able to analyze home-usage trends, make energy-efficient setting suggestions, and can be controlled remotely.