The top reason that today’s buyers are searching out greener homes?

Saving green.

In a Public Opinion Strategies survey conducted for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), it’s that overarching desire for energy efficiency that is spurring consumers to buy newer, greener homes.

“Green building is the home buyer’s best defense against soaring energy costs,” said Brian Catalde, NAHB President and a builder in California, in a recent press release.

In the survey, 64 percent of consumers said that “reduced energy costs” would be the most important in the decision to either purchase a new home or remodel an existing home.

Better energy use, less money to operate

That’s because greener homes are not only good for the Earth, but they’re also easier on the wallet.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which monitors the Energy Star program, owners of Energy Star homes save as much as a third on their utility bills over the life of the home – including heating, cooling and water bills – compared to homes that meet standard building codes.

In cold hard cash, that equates to anywhere between $200 and $400 in savings each year. Even if you only plan to live in your house for five years, that money adds up quickly – and over time, the savings on maintenance and energy can mean thousands left in your bank account – not going out the door to utility companies or repair services.

It also means that owning a newer, more energy-efficient home with warranties makes your home worth more than, say, an older home without energy-saving features. So, when it comes to resale value, your home will be head and shoulders above the rest.

Greener than ever

With new technologies, advances in building science and materials for insulation, windows and other essentials components, new homes are much more energy-efficient than they used to be.

As a result, greener homes are also a smart buy because they usually require less maintenance. Why? Because they’re built tighter, which means homeowners won’t experience such common home problems like moisture on windows, peeling paint and mold.

It also means there aren’t air leaks or drafts – or common irritants, like pests, pollen, dust and radon, which can cause or trigger allergy and breathing problems. In the end, a newer, greener home is also healthier.

New homes, more value

Those home builders who are responding to consumer requests for homes that are tighter and more energy-efficient are the ones in demand. For example, the EPA recently recognized K. Hovnanian Homes for the number of Energy Star Homes (1,587) the company built in New Jersey last year.

Think green homes don’t make that much of an impact? Think again. The EPA estimated that the owners of those homes together would save a total of $709,389 on their utility bills. And, since 2005, Energy Star homeowners have saved about $12 billion on their utility bills – and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that are equivalent to removing 23 million vehicles from the road.

Homeowners are looking for more value in their homes, and buying a newer, energy-efficient home is one big way to get it – while also directly affecting your financial bottom line. The homes – and new home builders – that help them get there are the ones consumers will gravitate to in a tough economy. After the true cost of a house isn’t what it costs you to buy – it’s what it costs you to own, operate and live in it on a daily basis.

"Consumers are looking for differentiation in a housing market, and they're looking for homes that help them respond to increases in oil, home-heating costs, electricity costs, natural-gas costs," said David Rodgers, deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency at the U.S. Department of Energy, at an IBS news conference. “People more than ever are watching what energy means to their bottom line.”

Look for more tips on saving money at home, especially ways to green an existing home, in the “Going Green” section of the New Home Guide.  Looking for a green home? Search www.NewHomeSource.com for green homes and home builders near you.