Lakes Region of NH Real Estate Market Report - 5/7/08

Staying Warm

Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump these days as gas prices escalate almost on a daily basis. Here in the Lakes Region of NH, like just about everywhere else that is cold, we are also faced with higher home heating costs and it is taking a big bite out of everyone's wallet no matter how they choose to heat their homes. I think it is pretty safe to say that the home of the future around here won't be the huge, open concept, McMansions with two story foyers and soaring ceilings. We might be headed back to something more akin to our parents three bedroom and one bath ranch. Or at least something far more energy conscious. The EPA has established standards for what is called an Energy Star Rated home. Energy Star Rated homes use 20%-30% less energy than a regular home. These homes feature tighter construction to eliminate energy wasting drafts, efficient insulation, high performance windows, more efficient and properly sized heating systems, and energy efficient lighting and appliances. This focus and attention on energy use coupled with a somewhat smaller size structure and perhaps some alternative energy sources will help offset the future's higher energy costs. Check out http://www.energystar.gov/ for the info on Energy Star homes. There is also a lot of tips and info there for homeowners that have older homes that would like to take steps to lower their heating and energy bills.

WHICH HOUSE WOULD YOU RATHER HEAT?? 

A "Not So Big House" is a smaller scale, high quality home featuring much more efficient use of space. The "Not So Big House" concept comes from author/architect Sarah Susanka and is also the title of a series of books. She promotes building homes for everyday living with a focus on quality over quantity. A "Not So Big House" offers comfortable, efficient living spaces, attention to detail, character, and quality of construction. By eliminating square footage in the form of rooms that just aren't used as much in today's modern lifestyle, such as formal living rooms and dining rooms, these homes also promote energy savings. You can visit www.notsobighouse.com or Google "Not So Big House" to learn more of this design concept. Just as smaller more fuel efficient cars will replace many of the gas guzzling SUV's, home building trends will also move toward smaller more energy conscious homes. And who says that just because we may have to think smaller and more energy efficient it doesn't mean we still can't enjoy the ride. Just as you can get all the bells and whistles in a smaller car, you can put plenty of high end amenities in a smaller, energy efficient home for far less than the cost of a McMansion.

RESIDENTIAL HOMES AVAILABLE AS OF 5/2/08