The number of bedrooms, ample storage, covered patio, and home office are all important considerations for today’s homebuyers. Another feature that is moving up on the list of buyer must-haves is sustainability, particularly regarding energy efficiency homes in Texas.
Energy Efficient Homes in Texas
A report by the National Association of Home Builders details that 83 percent of buyers want Energy Star-rated windows, followed closely by 81 percent of buyers wanting Energy Star-rated appliances. Efficient lighting is sought by 80 percent of buyers in this report, and 79 percent of buyers want an overall Energy Star rating for the home.
Being kind to our planet is a motivator but that’s not the only reason energy-efficient homes in Texas are a good idea. Anyone who has spent the summer in Texas can tell you why — it’s hot here, especially in the Houston area! Fortunately, new construction homes are filled with energy-efficient features that will cool down your summer without heating your energy bill:
- New right-sized HVAC systems are significantly more efficient than systems even 10 years ago.
- Low-E windows help block infrared light and reduce destructive UV rays.
- Improved insulation helps maintain a home’s internal temperatures.
- New appliances are often more energy-efficient than older models, using up to 50 percent less electricity.
- Smart home technology such as thermostats put you in control even when away from home.
A typical new home is 30 percent more energy efficient than a home built even five years ago. With the average family spending $2,200 each year on energy bills, this can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings with the bonus of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Your energy-efficient home affects your monthly utility bill in the short term, and it can also affect your resale value in the long term. Research by Freddie Mac found that homes with a high energy-efficiency rating sell for nearly 3 percent more than homes that aren’t considered energy efficient. Plus, an article by Forbes notes that homes with eco-friendly features sell about 10 days faster than those without.
Energy Efficient Homes For Sale at The Grand Prairie
Our builders have plenty of energy-efficient homes for sale in this Houston area community, allowing you to enjoy the immediate and long-term benefits of living in an eco-friendly home. Stop by one of our two model home parks to tour our cool model homes and speak to sales representatives from Lennar, Perry Homes, Sitterle Homes, Village Builders, and Westin Homes about their energy-efficient features and green home building practices. Home prices ranging from the $250,000s to over $600,000s, coupled with low utility bills, means it’s easier than ever to make the move to a new home in The Grand Prairie in Hockley, Texas.
