High-Performance Homes Generating High Demand Certifiable Success: Trumping the Competition with Credentials Turn Inventory and Defy the Downturn with Help From NBD

August 2008 High-Performance Homes Generating High Demand A high-performance car is powerful and sleek — a vehicle that uses every available “muscle” for the ultimate in engine efficiency and driving comfort. And the building industry has its own version of a lean, mean efficiency machine: high-performance homes. High-Performance, Defined High-performance homes utilize the principles of superior energy efficiency, improved air quality, water saving features, and durable, top-quality construction — principles that equal energy savings, perfected comfort levels through temperature consistency, cleaner indoor air and fewer maintenance worries for buyers. In most high-performance homes, builders employ features that are as top-of-the-line as you can get when it comes to energy efficiency, including (but not limited to): •   Dense-packed insulation •   Tight framing •   Solar site-positioning •   High-tech HVAC systems •   Sealed ducts •   Double-glazed, low-emittance-coated windows •   Cutting-edge appliances •   Recycled and renewable materials •   No- or low-VOC paints and stains In addition, some state programs — often, but not always, affiliated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program* — rate a home’s performance as “high” if the dwelling consumes at least 40 percent less energy than homes built to the 1995 Model Energy Code. Read about a sample program*. Why You Should Take Note While the overall new-home market continues to be slow, green building is one aspect of the marketplace where demand remains higher than the available supply, according to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).1 Plus, a recent 2008 survey by the NAHB showed that nearly three-fourths of homeowners say energy-efficient features would most influence their decision to purchase a home.2 Getting Started Connect with local certified energy raters in your area to get information on the requirements for meeting the highest standards. RESNET has an excellent directory online*. And when considering the benefits of integrating high-performance energy upgrades into your homes, know that Countrywide is here for you with affordable lending options to help you attract more buyers. 1. “In a Down Housing Market, Green Demand Exceeds Supply,” Nation’s Building News, April 16, 2007. 2. “Surveys Reveal Home Buyer Wishes for Energy Efficiency and Beyond,” by Jean Dimeo, Builder magazine, March 5, 2008.

* Countrywide is not responsible for the contents of, or products or services offered on, third-party Web sites and provides links to such Web sites solely for your convenience. Countrywide is not affiliated with or responsible for the products or services offered by the Federal Housing Administration, Builder magazine online, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program, E-Star.com, National Association of Homebuilders, RESNET, Nation's Building News, and Builder magazine. Equal Housing Lender. ©2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB, Countrywide Home Loans Division. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. 8/20/08 080711 Provided to new home construction professionals only for informational purposes only. Not intended or authorized for public or consumer distribution. If you have comments, questions or feedback, you may write us at the following address: 31303 W. Agoura Road, WLAR-92A, Westlake Village, CA 91361. You may cancel your subscription to The Builder’s Advantage by sending an e-mail to builder@countrywide.com with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject field or click here. AR56696