Buying a home is about more than the mortgage payment — it’s what it costs to live there every month, year after year. Homes certified to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient New Homes program (formerly Zero Energy Ready) use about 30% less energy than a standard new home, saving homeowners an average of $500 a year on utility bills.
This free Homebuyer Quick Guide explains, in plain language, what DOE certification means for your monthly budget and your daily comfort — and why 100% of Next Step homes are built to this standard.
What’s Inside the Guide
The guide walks prospective buyers through what to expect from a DOE Efficient New Home, including:
- How DOE-certified homes use about 30% less energy than a standard new home
- Five ways an efficient home lowers your monthly bills, from high-efficiency HVAC to LED lighting and tight air sealing
- Five comfort and health benefits, including even temperatures from room to room, reduced drafts, improved indoor air quality, and less outdoor noise
- Three signature features: advanced insulation, high-performance windows, and solar-ready construction
- How factory construction delivers a higher-performing home at a more affordable price
- How DOE certification can help buyers qualify for specialized mortgages from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
Why DOE Efficient New Homes Cost Less to Own
The real cost of homeownership is more than your mortgage. The Quick Guide highlights three areas where DOE-certified homes pay you back over time:
- Lower utility bills — Spend less every month on heating, cooling, and electricity, with average annual savings of $500.
- Fewer repairs — High-quality systems and materials, installed in a controlled factory environment, mean less maintenance over the life of the home.
- Financing access — DOE-certified homes may qualify for specialized mortgage products from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
Who This Is For
- First-time homebuyers comparing new homes
- Buyers exploring factory-built or manufactured homes
- Households that want to understand the total cost of homeownership, not just the sticker price
- Buyers working with a HUD-certified housing counselor
- Anyone curious about what “energy efficient” really means for their wallet and their day-to-day comfort
Housing counselors and nonprofit partners can also use this guide as a quick handout to introduce clients to DOE Efficient New Homes.