Key’s New Addition!
We are excited to announce the birth of Andres Tomas! Marie Benavidez and her fiancé, Arturo, welcomed their baby boy on January 1st at 10:08am weighing in at 8lbs 10oz.
San Antonio Metrostudy Forecast For 2017
by San Antonio Business Journal
There are three things you can expect to see in San Antonio’s housing market throughout 2017 and all of them are byproducts of the city’s strengthening economy.
Homebuilders, general contractors, developers, brokers and other real estate executives huddled together at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association’s annual housing forecast event to hear Metrostudy’s Jack Inselmann share his predictions about what’s in store for the year ahead.
If you thought last year was competitive, the housing research firm’s senior regional director said 2017 will up the ante even further as demand for housing continues to outpace supply.
Second, thanks to a stable and diversified economy, the home price growth San Antonio has continuously posted since the recession will keep climbing. It may not post the largest growth rates, but don’t hold your breath waiting for an impending drop.
“The pace may not be what it was over the past couple of years, but the annual closings continue to climb throughout the months and the city is keeping the same level of inventory,” Inselmann said at the event, adding that inventory has tightened to 3.4 months — far below what is considered to be a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand. “Annual sales trends since 2011 continue to climb, and last year alone, we poured more than 10,000 slabs for new homes.”
If you think there is some hidden hotspot that will command most of the residential market’s attention for the year ahead, think again. Submarkets such as Northwest San Antonio, the Westover Hills area, Northeast San Antonio and the far North Central will continue to dominate in terms of new development as well as home sale activity.
San Antonio’s buzzing residential market is in good company throughout the state.
Across the country, all four Texas metros landed within the top 15 among cities with the highest number of single-family home starts. Dallas and Houston led with first and second place, Austin came in ninth, and San Antonio came in 14th place.
Even though it’s at the bottom of the list compared to its Texas counterparts, San Antonio’s residential activity far exceeds other markets across the country. Inselmann expects that will continue throughout 2017. In fact, he predicts there will be a 2.5 percent increase in housing starts, an increase from the 10,089 posted in 2016 to about 10,350 for the year ahead.
“It was as tough a year as any trying to figure out 2017, “the Metro-study senior regional director said of the city’s specific supply and demand scenarios. “But one thing is for sure, and that is this year will be at least twice as competitive.”
Home Energy Rating
By RESNET
A home energy rating is an analysis of a home’s energy efficiency; as per the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index. The HERS Index is the nationally recognized scoring system for measuring a home’s energy performance. Based on the results, an energy-rated home will receive a HERS Index Score. The HERS Index Score can be described as a sort of miles-per-gallon (MPG) sticker for houses, giving prospective buyers and homeowners an insight as to how the home ranks in terms of energy efficiency. In addition to a HERS Index Score, a home energy rating also provides the homeowner with a detailed report regarding energy problems in the house.
How Does a Home Energy Rating Work?
A comprehensive HERS home energy rating, conducted by a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater, is the most in-depth energy performance assessment of a home that you’ll find. It consists of diagnostic testing using specialized equipment, such as a blower door test, duct leakage tester, com-bustion analyzer and infrared cameras to determine:
- The amount and location of air leaks in the building envelope
- The amount of leakage from HVAC distribution ducts
- The effectiveness of insulation inside walls and ceilings
- Any existing or potential combustion safety issues
Other variables that are taken into account include:
- Floors over unconditioned spaces (like garages or cellars)
- Attics, foundations and crawl-spaces
- Windows and doors, vents and ductwork
- Water heating system and thermostats
The comprehensive HERS rating provides a computerized simulation analysis utilizing RESNET Accredited Rating Software to calculate a rating score on the HERS Index. The report will also contain a cost/benefit analysis for the recommended improvements and expected return on investment.
How Does the HERS Index Work?
To calculate a home’s HERS Index Score, a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater will do a home energy rating and compare the data against a ‘reference home’ – a design modeled home of the same size and shape as the actual home, so the HERS Index Score is always relative to the size, shape and type of house you live in. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home.
A typical resale home represents 130 on the HERS Index while reference home (a standard new home built in 2006) is rated at 100.
- A home with a HERS Index Score of 70 is 30% more energy efficient than a standard new home.
- A home with a HERS Index Score of 130 is 30% less energy efficient than a standard new home.
Developed by the Residential Energy Services Network and introduced in 2006, the HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. Government agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognize the HERS Index as an official verification of energy performance.
Why Spray Foam?
With spray foam, you can lower construction costs, meet or exceed today’s stringent building code requirements, and provide your customers with the benefits of spray foam.
- Likely Lower Construction Costs
» by reducing the amount of added air sealing required to meet code requirements. Spray foam acts as both insulation and an air barrier that seals the building envelope, reducing the need for additional air sealant materials. Also, some jurisdictions require air tightness tests to prove compliance. A spray foam building assembly can be tested before the drywall is applied, which could save you time and avoid costly repairs if defects are found.
» by reducing construction time. Spray foam fits into hard to reach places and can be applied directly onto existing roof coverings, which could eliminate the need for costly and time consuming tear-off and replacement.
» by taking advantage of tax incentives. Spray foam may qualify you for tax credits and incentives.
- Meet or Exceed Building Code bbbRequirements
» States and localities continue to adopt codes that encourage or mandate increased energy efficiency. Spray foam roofs and insulation can help you meet or exceed stringent building and energy codes.
» Builders participating in programs such as Energy Star, LEED, and NAHB Green Building Certification may qualify for streamlined inspections and reduced fees. Spray foam can help you meet the energy efficiency requirements of each of these programs, potentially eliminating the need for a local code official inspection of energy elements.
- Provide Your Customers with the Benefits of Spray Foam
Whether it’s a home or office building, strip mall or corner store, owners are concerned about building performance and energy efficiency. Spray foam can help you provide long-term value to your customer. With spray foam, your customers can enjoy many benefits like energy efficiency, durability, low maintenance, leak-resistance, wind protection, and comfortable, draft-free homes or buildings. Click below to learn more:
Spray foam is an excellent way that you can provide energy reductions to your customers.* The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) conducted a life cycle assessment of spray foam insulation. The results of the study show that the energy and environmental benefits from spray foam insulation used in new residential construction and commercial roofing retrofits far outweigh the embodied energy and embodied environmental impacts. Learn more about SPFA’s life cycle assessment of spray foam insulation.
* Savings vary. Find out why in the seller’s fact sheet on R-values.
Words of Wisdom- A New Year
A new year; a fresh start. What does it mean? For some, it means scratching out 2016 on a number of checks before 2017 becomes a regular habit. For others an opportunity to renew some previous commitments: lose weight, get in better shape, more time with the kids, get out of debt, renew previous relationships. All of those are good. Yet I heard recently only 3% of resolutions are carried out throughout the year. I have said in the past I have only kept one resolution in the past: no resolutions! Even there, I rob myself of a chance to start again, to gain new skills, to be better. Because one has failed does not mean one cannot ever succeed. There is value in setting goals. Without goals, a dream becomes merely a wish. Do not be afraid to try setting new goals for yourself.
Paul the apostle faced the idea of setting goals and knew the key is looking to the end result, the prize. He put it this way: [ Focused on the Goal ] I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. (Philippians 3:13 -16 in the Message)
What’s in your vision?
David Eaton, Area Team Leader
Saying Goodbye
After 12 years of building Key Insulation, we said goodbye to Valinda– one of the best leaders, role models, and bosses we could have asked for.
An unforgettable boss changes us for the better. They see more in us than we see in ourselves, and they help us learn to see it too. They dream big and show us all the great things we can accomplish. Valinda encompassed all of these things and much more and we want to wish her nothing but the best in all things.
Upcoming Events
February 27th -March 1st RESNET Conference
