"When we heard about Pardee's green features we felt they would certainly add more value to our homes and community," said Srinivas. "Then we attended an open house program at Oak Crest on water-saving tips for landscaping, and now we are saving more water. We also like the motion sensors for bathroom lighting–kids sometimes forget to turn off the lights!"

Shyam said living with Pardee's green features proved their value to his family. "Energy efficiency is not something I gave much attention when buying my home," he said. "But now, six months after moving in, I am feeling the benefits, especially now that summer has started. I can feel that the insulation is keeping the heat out and the appliances, fixtures and faucets are all energy efficient."

"Electricity is pretty much a wash," said Steve Elgie. "We are running our air conditioning 24/7 this summer and are still happily surprised to see our gas and electric bill every month. It has fluctuated between $12 and $19 a month." (Energy savings may vary.)

The Elgies, who purchased a Plan 3D at Portico in 2005, chose this particular home for its location and the 2.4kW solar package. Select home sites at Portico have been designed and properly oriented to the sun to accommodate a roof-integrated solar electric power system.

"We had no idea how great the solar would be," added Elgie. "I am a huge proponent of renewable energy and would now, after living at Portico, never own a home without it. I am currently looking into adding more rooftop panels so we can switch our hot water heater and gas dryer to solar."

Further adding to the value at Cherry Hill are the money-saving, energy-efficient features of Pardee Homes' award-winning LivingSmart® program.

"Pardee Homes offers many quality pluses, and this is one more great example," said Pearson. "All of us appreciate opportunities to save on home operating costs."

Pearson said that this new home appeal, plus quality construction and exemplary customer service, sold him on his Cherry Hill home. "I've purchased six new homes over 20-plus years," said Pearson, who is with Coldwell Banker in Westlake Village. "Pardee Homes is one of the best builders I've ever bought from, and their customer service is exceptional."

"We have the solar electric power system with rooftop photovoltaic cells, tankless water heater, whole-house water conditioning system, and energy efficient appliances which translate into big-time savings," said Kyong. "We are paying less in energy bills here than we did at Saratoga, a home that was half the size. We are ever so grateful that Pardee offers energy-saving features at Derby Hill."