Dear New Home Buyer, I live in Wildomar in a new home (2005) 2 story with 3222 sq.ft. and lot 8712. Mind you, both my husband and I work out of our home 24/7, have 4 people most of the time, with 3 computers, TV, room fans on most of the day. Our average utilites are:

SoCal Gas - $15-25 a month, more when we use our central heat in the winter then it can be $60-80 a month for about 2 months only.

EVMWD - water - on average $74 a month can be more in summer about $112.00

SCE - Electricy - on average $120 a months so far this year. Here again, during winter the Central Heat is on about 2 months and summer the A/C runs for about 2 months. This year very little so far, but the bill can get as high as $267 a month.

TOTAL AVERAGE MONTHLY COST - $209.00 thus far.

These averages are much higher for older homes due to the inefficient building practices

As a Certified EcoBroker, I specialize in energy efficient homes and sustainable building practices. I assist home buyers and sellers to sort through the issues relating to energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, sustainable building practices and builders who build these energy efficient homes. There are communities here in the Inland Empire that offer Energy Star appliances, higher R-value insulation in the attic, 13+ Seer A/C, tankless water heaters and Solar Roof options at a premium 50% less than if you were to add it to an existing home. In California you can also take advantage of the $10,000 tax credit for a first time home buyer of a New Home, in addition to the Federal $8000 tax credit for fist time home buyer. There's more, if you you buy a New Home that offers Solar Option you can also take advantage of the Local Utility rebates for purchase of energy efficient appliances and tax credits for solar option.

There is a developer in Temecula and Menefee called Woodside Homes that offers free solar power system worth $25,000 and uses sustainable building practices. The average home prices are mid $300,00 to low $400,000. Depending on your energy habits you can watch you meter run backwards!

Now is the best time to invest in energy efficient homes.

Whether you buy in California or Florida, make sure you work with a Certified EcoBroker. He/She will help you sort through all your options. Go to wwwEcoBroker.com to find a local Ecobroker, best if you just put in the zip code for your search.

If in the end, you purchase an older home your EcoBroker can offer you a Home Energy Rating/Audit so you can see how energy efficient your home is and suggestions on improving the efficiency and research for you all the rebates and tax incentives for energy efficient improvements.

I hope this infomation helps and should you need any further assistance please feel free to contact me.

Regards,
Kathy Szubota
Realtor/EcoBroker
kathyszubota@gmail.com