A New Net Zero-Ready Development in Maryland is Just For First-Timers

• June 11th 2020

by Nena Perry-Brown

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A new residential project in Maryland has two focuses: first-time homebuyers and potential net-zero efficiency.

Green nonprofit Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) is delivering a series of newly-constructed townhouses in the Landover neighborhood of Palmer Park. The nine townhouses, located from 2000-2018 Palmer Park Road (map), are certified Zero Energy Ready, meaning that they are at least 40-50% more efficient than the typical new home. If the homeowner opts to install solar panels, the home can meet net-zero standards, producing as much energy as is consumed.

The houses are specifically for first-time homebuyers with households earning up to 80% of area median income (up to $65,650 for a single-person household or up to $93,7,050 for a four-person household). Each of the roughly 1,600 square-foot townhouses is a three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom with an unfinished basement, fenced-in backyard, and off-street parking. Energy efficiency was achieved with Indoor Air Quality Plus, WaterSense and Energy Star products. Zavos Architecture+Design is the architect.

Prices start at $330,000, of which buyers will be required to finance $265,000; the remaining $65,000 will be on a second, 0% interest deed from HIP. Buyers will also be required to attend HIP's virtual homebuyer course and HUD pre-purchase counseling. 

HIP purchased the lots from the county's housing authority in 2016; with completion of this project, HIP has built or renovated and retrofit 46 homes in Palmer Park.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a-new-net-zero-ready-development-in-maryland-is-just-for-first-timers/16943.