Buying Green Townhouses Means Saving Green

Aug. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- Energy efficiency, special pricing, and low mortgage rates combine to make this the best time to buy a new LEED-Silver certified townhouse at Whispering Hills, according to Walters Homes, developer of the 85-acre community situated off Rose Hill Road in southern Ocean County.

"Owners at Whispering Hills are telling us that the energy savings they are seeing in their monthly utility bills is phenomenal," said Michele Bowcock, sales representative. "For example, I have seen a $76.35 electric bill from a family living in a 2,600-square-foot Willow townhome and their gas bill was less than $20. That makes energy savings a key selling point at Whispering Hills."

"Energy efficiency, maintenance, safety, and customization are all factors that make new construction desirable," said Pamela Schuster, marketing and sales manager for Walters Homes. "At Whispering Hills, neighborhood appeal is also an enormous factor - with its proximity to beaches, shopping and dining."

House hunters looking for move-in ready homes can choose from three specially priced, upgraded townhomes at Whispering Hills. The Bayberry and Heather specs offer finished basements, powder rooms, and a long list of upgrades. The Bayberry spec is priced at $242,764, and the Heather spec is priced at $236,504. The Bayberry model is also available, offering numerous options including a finished basement with powder room, priced at $242,325.

The Bayberry and Heather models are just two of the four models offered at Whispering Hills. Every townhome consists of three-bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, ranging from 1,909 square feet to 2,191 square feet. A finished basement with powder room is the current incentive offered by Walters Homes. There are eight townhomes currently available and thirty-five townhomes remain to be built before the community is completed.  Each model comes with a variety of built-in features, such as tile flooring in the kitchen, foyer and baths, sliding glass doors, tankless hot water heaters and Energy-Star appliances.

Energy savings is among the many benefits of living in the eco-friendly community which is registered with a certification goal of LEED-Silver. The LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System measures the overall performance of a home in eight categories that include location, site, water efficiency, energy, materials, indoor air quality and education.

Another environmental amenity is the community's proximity to the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail Bikeway, a 15.6-mile former rail line. Located adjacent to the community, the trail is being developed in phases, extending from Barnegat Township to Toms River. When completed, it will be among the longest trails in the state.

Buying Versus Renting

"When compared to renting an apartment, buying a townhome at Whispering Hills makes financial sense," said Cynthia Kelley, branch manager for Van Dyk Home Loans. Based on average rates in New Jersey, the average cost of renting a three-bedroom, 2 ½ bath, 1,300-square-foot apartment in southern Ocean County starts at roughly $1,650 per month, according to Walters Group. In comparison, monthly housing payments on a new 1,900-square-foot Whispering Hills townhouse, priced at $230,000 with no money down, amounts to $1,720, including taxes, insurance and association fees. That's only $70 more per month and gives you home ownership with more square footage plus over $15,000 in tax savings over five years, according to the developer's figures.

The coastal community of Barnegat is located near three major cities, Philadelphia to the west, Atlantic City to the south, and New York City to the north.

For more information about Whispering Hills, please contact the sales office at (609) 607-9400 or visit www.waltershomes.com.