New "Hybrid Homes" are on the horizon, and you can buy one in Austin Texas.

"Hybrid Homes" on the horizon



More builders around the country are looking to green building and energy efficiency to help sell new homes. In a softening market, some builders are moving forward with more energy efficient homes in an effort to keep sales steady. Several Atlanta GA builders are building "high performance homes" that use a minimal amount of energy and water. These "hybrid" homes are similar to the hybrid cars you see on the Toyota and Honda car lots. They may cost a little more up front but they save you plenty in the long run.

The hybrid or high efficiency homes are also being built in Austin Texas. Some of the features of a "hybrid home" are: radiant barriers, sealed attics and ductwork, thicker and more energy efficient attic insulation, HVAC systems located within the house envelope, solar panels, flash hot water heaters, low-flow plumbing fixtures, etc. There are some new neighborhoods that are exclusively building "green" homes. There are some homes that actually collect more energy via solar panels than they use. So these homes are creating a positive energy flow for the home owner.

Shea Homes a production builder in several states that is currently offering free solar panels on some of their homes. Shea claims the solar panels reduce the homes energy consumption by as much as 60%. The average US homeowner spends about $1500 per year according to the US Energy Department. They also claim over the next year that home heating costs will rise approximately 15% nationally. Most buyers want homes with more energy efficient appliances to help save more money.

According to a McGraw Hill Construction survey of 400 builders and remodelers, 40% of them said it was easier to market and sell a "green" or energy efficient home. There are some builders that feel homes should be rated and labeled like cars MPG when it comes to energy efficiency. This efficiency rating is something buyers may be able to use in the future when comparing homes.

It appears that the national trend is to build homes that are more energy efficient and that use a minimum of water. Building with green and recycled materials is a popular trend that will most likely stay with us for the long term.



If you are in the market for a new home and are not presently working with a Realtor, call me.

I would be happy to help you through the process of buying a home. I specialize in Relocation

and I have a network of experts to make the process simple and easy to navigate.

I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.

Betina Foreman, Realtor

Keller Williams Real Estate

1801 S. Mopac, Suite 100

Austin, Texas 78746

512-771-6318 Realtor_Austin@yahoo.com Betina@BetinaForeman.com www.BetinaForeman.com

Member: Austin Board of Realtor, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, ActiveRain, Trulia-Top Voices, and Zillow-Neighborhood Pros.