Ok ,so I am a little biased based on my last three years of working for a builder on this issue!
I recently had the a very real reminder of what Energy Star can do for a home built today vs only a few years ago. You see good builders are continually upgrading their Energy Compliance in their homes. So one built in the community lets say 3 years ago will be with be less efficient than one built by the same builder today.
I got to feel this difference when I attended an actual Energy Star test in a model home that was 4 years old vs the same model getting ready to go to closing. The difference in the comfort in the home was dramatic when they simulated a 25 mile an hour wind blowing on the house! In the older home you could feel the drafts at the usual place like light switches, doors and windows. But on the new home there was no air movement inside at all. In fact he showed us how the builder had actually installed a second fan in the guest bathroom that comes on automatically several times a day to put fresh air in the home because the homes are so efficient these days they are almost built to tight!
Not all builders are the same and you need to know why and how to tell them apart. If you are looking for a new Energy Efficient home. tre at least two very important questions you need to ask in order to learn if the home meets the strictest Energy Guidelines of today.
It does not cost you a penny to have a Realtor represent you when you look at new homes and resales and I sell both. This blog is dedicated to the buyer who wants the most efficient home they can afford. I would recommend you do not sign anything when you visit a builders office or an open house at least tell them you are working with an agent and just want to look. There is no need to give personal information to someone who is not working on your behalf. Anything you tell them will be used for their benefit not yours. This way you leave the option open of having your own representation at the contract should you find a home you love.
I can tell you the buyers who have agents working with them when they purchase a home have a less stressful transaction than those who do not have their own agent. Buying a home is exciting but it really is in your best interest to have an unemotional, unrelated third party involved so that you have someone to bounce concerns and questions about what option is best, what have other homes sold for in the community, what is the rental market for resale, how is this location compared to others, and even loan questions. Someone who will point out all of the items that a buyer might miss due to the excitement of the moment.
Don't get me wrong I love selling all types of homes. And I bring first hand knowledge to this post. My previous home was built in 2005 and was so efficient the cost to run the home monthly was under $300. 00 for 4,000 sq ft. Today I live in our lovely 50 yr old ,3000 sq ft all brick family home and the utility cost for 1000 sq ft less is more! Typically it runs in the neighborhood of 400.00 per mont.
So as you look at homes consider the cost of owning the home and then decide New vs Resale so that you have the full picture of homeownership.
Are you looking for a New Place to call home in 2014?
If yes start here at www.TwinsSellingRealEstate.com give me a call at 703-801-9367 and Let's Talk
Exit Choice Realty 14067 Crown Court, Woodbridge Virginia 22193
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