Riverside Homes
Riverside Homes is a locally owned Jacksonville, FL, home builder that is committed to providing exceptional value, quality and innovative designs that homeowners are looking for. As an award-winning home builder, Riverside Homes was recently voted “Best of St. Augustine,” winner of “Best of Houzz” three years running and the recipient of many other awards and accolades. Riverside Homes, is currently building in Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Fleming Island, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, St. Johns and Yulee.
In this month’s feature, we asked Riverside Homes Online Sales and Marketing Manager Andrea Johnson to share some insight on building HERS® homes for their customers.
Q: What is special about a HERS® Rated home?
A: Andrea: At Riverside Homes, we want our homeowners to build with confidence knowing that their family’s home is in the best hands possible. With decades of experience in the homebuilding industry, we understand the importance of building environmentally friendly new homes that use less energy and deliver improved comfort.
Q: Why should consumers ask for the HERS® Index Score on homes they are shopping for?
A: Andrea: The HERS® Index score is changing the way people shop for homes by helping consumers better understand the relative energy efficiency of a home as well as the long-term savings or spending that will be incurred with the home purchase.
Q: Why does Riverside Homes choose to have their homes HERS® Rated?
A: Andrea: We are dedicated to providing the best possible value to our homeowners. In order to do just that, our Riverside Homes team understands the importance of not only using advanced building practices and energy-efficient, high-performance features, but having our homes HERS® rated by a third-party certified RESNET Home Energy Rater.
Q: Why consumers should expect energy-efficient homes?
A: Andrea: With 1 in 2 new construction buyers listing energy efficiency as a top desired home characteristic, our Riverside Homes team is committed to designing floor plans that reflect today’s homebuyers wants and needs. Energy efficiency is quickly becoming a standard feature that all homeowners desire, and they should not settle for anything less.
Q: How many homes does Riverside Homes build with HERS® per year?
A: Andrea: As the housing demand for new semi-custom and custom homes rises, Riverside Homes continues to grow as one of the largest and most reputable home builders in Northeast Florida. We are proud to say that every home we build is HERS® rated. In 2020, Riverside Homes closed 120 houses across Amelia Island, Fleming Island, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, and Yulee.
Q: How do you market HERS® Rated homes?
A: Andrea: One of our most cherished accomplishments is building each and every Riverside Home to qualify and meet HERS® standards. We proudly display the HERS® rating of each model home in the model’s sales office to immediately showcase the importance we place on building energy efficient homes. During our one-on-one meetings with prospective homebuyers, we prove this commitment by showcasing collateral with our low HERS® ratings. Additionally, the advantages that come along with a HERS® rated home are clearly reviewed as part of our discovery and buyer education on new construction methods. The HERS® Index score is presented to all buyers when they purchase a new Riverside Home, which provides value should the buyer ever decide to list their home. We also recently dedicated a blog post on our company website to highlight the HERS® Index and the benefits of a HERS® Rated home.
Q: How do your customers feel about HERS® Rated homes?
A: Andrea: Riverside Homes customers feel confident knowing the energy efficiency of their dream home meets and many times exceeds their expectations. They are amazed that the HERS® Index score can calculate their estimated energy costs before even moving into their home. In addition to enjoying the comforts of their certified HERS® home, the added bonus of reduced utility costs is the icing on the cake!
