McStain Neighborhoods
Since 1966, McStain Neighborhoods offers exquisitely designed homes in multiple locations along the front range that promote wellness for families and protect the health of the planet for future generations to come. In 2021, McStain Neighborhoods had an average HERS® Index Score of 41.6.
In this month’s feature, we asked Christian Jaeger, Marketing Director at McStain Neighborhoods to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Christian: It provides a way to measure the efficiency of a McStain home against otHERS® in the market, so we can provide evidence to back up our efficiency messaging. For builders who aren’t utilizing HERS® Index scores, we believe that raises a red flag in the mind of our customers. What are they hiding?
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Christian: A HERS® Index helps provide consumers an idea as to how efficient their home is and how much energy and money they can expect to save every month. We are proud of how low our HERS® Index scores average which ultimately provides a greener, healthier, and more efficient home.
Q: Why does McStain Neighborhoods choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Christian: We believe the HERS® Index score provides a valuable way for homeowners to measure the performance of our homes against otHERS® in the market. It’s also a tool we use to weigh certain energy features against otHERS® so we can maximize the benefit per dollar to our buyers. This helps us build efficient homes that are still relatively affordable compared to the alternatives.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Christian: We have the technology to build more efficient homes, and the evidence from climate change that we need to. Builders who neglect this are doing a disservice to their buyers, communities, and the world at large.
Q: How many homes does McStain Neighborhoods build with HERS® per year?
A: Christian: 100% of our homes are HERS® rated. In 2021 we closed 64 homes. This year we expect to nearly double that number.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Christian: We offer educational content throughout social media platforms, our blog, and through our email newsletters. Additionally, all homeowners receive a HERS® certificate upon purchasing a BeWell House by McStain.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Christian: Our buyers love the HERS® rating as it’s a great way to compare it to other homes they might be considering. They can look at the monthly savings dream about ways to spend the money they are not handing over to utility companies each month. Buyers have shared they use the savings for monthly wine or coffee clubs, mountain getaways, a gym membership, etc.
