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When I opened the monthly gas bill I was giddy!

By
Real Estate Agent with SAMSON PROPERTIES 0225018862

Our first full Washington Gas bill arrived yesterday and I was curious to see what a full month of living in our brand new home during winter was going to cost.

We purchased a new home about the same size as the home we sold on December 1st 2015.

New home versus resale home how to decide

Even though the homes were similar in size just over forty eight hundred finished square feet on three levels, the new home has twenty foot high ceilings in the center of the home. So to say we were curious what the bill would be is an understatement.

Open concept main level living home

In our older home, we would dread the monthly utility bills. Many times in winter they could top $500.00 a month and even higher if we had a very tough winter. I remember one year the bill was over $700! Yes that is equivalent to some folks monthly mortgage or even a luxury car payment.

My twin sister Patty Blackwelder is a huge fan of new homes since she worked as a new home sales representative for years. She knows what builders do to make a home the most energy efficient they can be.

Every time we would get a high utility bill she would say, Peggy "you should  consider buying a new energy efficient home. I am telling you will not believe the difference!"  We just weren't ready.

Then when my husband underwent a very serious health concern and surgery last year and months of recuperation time, it was clear we could no longer handle the acreage lot and all it's upkeep.

Heavily treed lot Woodbridge Virginia

 

"So imagine our delight when this is what we saw. The bill was for 34 days of gas heat and it was $100.24. I found myself actually giddy!"

 

Should I consider a new home or resale home and why

 

Now here the best news. Our electric bill was under $150.00 a month. So the costs to run the new home is around $250.00 a month. That is a savings of half!


When I polled the neighbors who were over for an impromptu gathering during the snowstorm, one gal said "Ah, they barely register in the checkbook!" 

I am now a believer. Besides the savings I must share the real benefit. It's the comfort. The comfort of feeling warm. Never feeling a draft. The comfort of knowing everything is new. 

 

If you are at the point where you are saying, enough with your current home. Then let's talk.  You are welcome to call me on my cell at 703-851-3085.

 

If you have a home to sell and you would like to know what is possible.

Simply fill out this form What's My Home Valued at Now and I will send that information to you within twenty four hours.

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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Peggy James congratulations on your very affordable utility bills....I wish I had those in Massachusetts!!!

Jan 27, 2016 10:14 PM
Peggy James

Hi Barbara Todaro I know you all have some tough winters. I am originially from Upstate New York and moved south for a easier climate. This year we got the big storm, and I was thankful to be toasty warm.


 

Jan 27, 2016 10:56 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes to time well spent in this arena...Reducing expenses is to increase income

Jan 27, 2016 10:29 PM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Something just does not add up. Not trying to be argumentive. I suspect they did not come out. Rather it is prorated.  

4,000 sq ft here in Maryland...newly built house (2013)....all gas heat.....BG&E is our utility company....$226 this month (the highest of the year). Normally around $150 in the summer (AC) and around $125 otherwise. Cold temps and entertaining guests this month increased our Nov/December bill.

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/washington-dc-suburbs-maryland/2012007-average-electric-bill-pepco-winter-months.html#ixzz3yY9UOm00

Jan 27, 2016 10:35 PM
Peggy James

Hi Sam Shueh actually it was a reading.  All new homes are not built alike. Many are more energy efficient. The home we purchased is a ENERGY STAR home built  in 2015. 

Jan 27, 2016 11:02 PM