Pacesetter Homes Regina Finds Competitive Advantage with Danby Townhome

Regina, SK – The Danby townhome by Pacesetter Homes Regina successfully combines sustainable design, aesthetic features, and affordability, making it a unique offering with a competitive advantage in the Regina market.

The Danby is an EnerGuide rated home, a first for Pacesetter Homes Regina, and has been built to surpass the rating for a typical new home. This rating allows purchasers of the Danby to qualify for a rebate from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Green Home Program.

Curt Keil, Vice-President, Pacesetter Homes Regina, said he is not aware of other builders in the market working with the program, which helps to set both the Danby and Pacesetter Homes Regina apart from competitors.

“We are trying to do this on every home we build that requires a blower test to confirm its air tightness,” said Curt. “I believe we are the first in this market to be doing it. We wanted to do something unique and different, while also creating an upscale niche feel to separate ourselves from the competition.”

Pacesetter Homes Regina’s industry-leading EnerGuide building practices include, but are not limited to:

• EnerGuide rating and labelling specific for each home
• 96 per cent high-efficiency gas furnace
• Direct vent gas water heater
• Heat recovery ventilation (fresh air exchanger)
• Premium LED lighting package
• Industry-leading air tightness building practices
• R60 insulated attic hatch
• Wi-Fi programmable thermostat

An energy evaluation done by Sun Ridge Residential Inc. found that the Danby’s energy consumption is 78 GJ/year, compared to the 95 GJ/year consumed by a typical new home.

That means the Danby is 18 per cent more efficient than most new homes built, which is what qualifies it for the Green Home Program. The program offers a partial premium refund of up to 25 per cent (15 per cent in the case of the Danby) directly to borrowers who buy, build, or renovate for energy efficiency using CMHC-insured financing.

As an example, if a home were to be purchased for $300,000 with a 5 per cent down payment of $15,000, that would equal CMHC premiums of $11,400 with a five-year fixed-rate mortgage at 3.79 per cent and monthly payments of $1525.57, giving the buyer a rebate of $1,700.

The 1,360 sq. ft. home also features an installed ONAV Control4 Smart Home technology package, with a camera, two wireless switches (one to the exterior front entry and the other to the master bedroom), a Kwikset deadbolt in silver, and a digital thermostat. The package also includes a one-year subscription to 4Sight for mobile devices, which provides easy access to personalization and voice control.

Curt noted that Pacesetter Homes Regina uses multiple approaches for marketing the Danby’s uniqueness, including sign toppers on all ‘For Sale’ signs for the units, along with various ad campaigns on social media, like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

While the townhome offers great incentives for any type of homebuyer, Curt said there are a few specific demographics that seem to be most interested in the Danby.

“We find this is popular with first-time homebuyers,” he said, “whether single people or young couples, with or without young children, who are looking to start their lives together, as well as downsizing individuals who are nearing retirement and parents who are purchasing a home for a child in university.”

The Danby townhome is a great option for those looking for a well-designed home that can save them money, while also being conscious of the environment.