Ultimate Open House





Check out the thrill of the grill

April 25, 2012

For the next two weekends, you’ll have a chance to see more than 30 of the finest homes in the greater Portland region – From Forest Grove to Camas and from Wilsonville to Battle Ground.

And while you’re admiring the natural gas features – including gas ranges and outdoor kitchens – you’re likely to get hungry.  So NW Natural invites you to enjoy a free snack prepared on a natural gas grill while you’re on your tour.

NW Natural will have its catering staff ready and waiting for you from 1 to 3 p.m.:

After lunch, take the time to explore these unique houses:

Made in America: A 2,500 square foot “first of its kind,” fully made in America. Check out the car-charging station!

The Green Dragon: Designed around the feng shui elements of earth, water, wood, metal and fire, this tranquil home was constructed with sustainable building materials.

Dreamscape: This fully restored 4,480 square foot colonial retains its traditional grace and elegance.  Energy-efficient upgrades and the most modern appliances are anything a new homeowner could want.

So schedule your tour around these treats and exciting homes.  We hope you’ll join us in experiencing the convenience of outdoor cooking – and admiring the creativity of Northwest homebuilders.

The app: not your grandmother’s home show

April 23, 2012

Just a few years ago, the Home Builder’s Association broke new ground by publishing details about Ultimate Open House homes on the web.  Visitors and prospective buyers could look at the different homes with a click of the mouse from their home computers.

Scan with your smartphone to download the UOH mobile app

Ah, but that is so 2011!  In 2012, we’re as likely to carry our computers with us in our pockets as to use one at a desk.  So what better way to plan your tour of a home show that’s spread throughout the Portland region than using a smart phone application?

The HBA has created a new app for iPhone and Android users.  So when you’re between home visits, you can look at photos, learn about price and size and get driving directions, plus find a link to some builders’ websites.  You can bookmark favorites, select homes in close proximity and even email the builder through the app. (Of course, not while you’re driving!)

Join the mobile fun and download the new Ultimate Open House app on your smart phone.

As of April 28, 2012, type ultimateopenhouse.mobi into your iPhone or Android smartphone, and it will automatically take you to either the app store or marketplace so you can download the free Ultimate Open House Mobile App.

A new home – and months of free heating

April 16, 2012

The Ultimate Open House has something for everyone – homes of different sizes, styles and locations.  But regardless of your taste and needs, the home you prefer is likely to have natural gas equipment.

This year, NW Natural and its partners are adding one more reason for you to go Blue and buy gas-fueled home.  If you’re one of the first 10 buyers of a qualified home with a natural gas furnace and water heater, you’ll receive an $800 credit on your NW Natural bill, courtesy of the builder.

Now there’s one more reason to go Blue, in addition to the comfort and reliability of gas heating; the convenience and beauty of gas fireplaces; the speed and control of a gas stove; and the clear price advantage of natural gas.  That’s an $800 credit on your gas bill.

Go Blue, go with the flow

April 9, 2012

Do you love the idea of the instant warmth from a gas fireplace – one that you can program to turn on and off automatically?  Do you appreciate the precise control of a gas stovetop?  Have you noticed the cost-savings of a high-efficiency gas water heater?

You’re not alone.  According to a recent study, people prefer natural gas to electricity for many reasons. The study shows:

  • Seventy-five percent of those responding to the survey prefer natural gas for cooking.
  • They also prefer gas for home heating, water heating, cooking and clothes drying
  • By four to one, people said they would recommend natural gas over electric heating to a family member or a friend
  • Natural gas is the primary fuel for fireplaces in the Western U.S.

In case you haven’t discovered the benefits of gas, here are some reasons people prefer it for their homes.

  • It’s cheaper, cleaner and energy efficient.
  • It warms your home more quickly.
  • A gas cook top gives you an instant flame and more control.
  • You can use your stove, water heater and fireplace during a power outage.
  • Gas fireplaces are easier to start and easier to clean – and a furnace-grade fireplace will heat large portions of your home.

So when you’re considering your choices among all the great homes in the Ultimate Open House this year, don’t overlook the fuel systems.  They can make a big difference to the pleasure you take in your home.

If you’ve always wanted that gorgeous gas fireplace, if you think you’re paying too much for water heating or you want to learn more about a gas dryer, check out the all-gas homes in this show.

Become a natural gas fan – and join the crowd.

All blue – and barbecue, too

May 5, 2011

For two weekends in May, you’ll have the chance to tour new homes in The Ultimate Open House Tour, looking at the latest products from outstanding Oregon homebuilders.   While you’re making your way through this great array of houses – condos, town homes and beautiful single family houses – plan some time for a relaxing meal.

NW Natural invites you to meet the homebuilders while you enjoy a barbecue lunch – on us.

May 15: 1 – 4 p.m.    Co-sponsored by Legend Homes and Polygon Homes: at 10488 SW Barber St. in Wilsonville

May 21: 1 – 4 p.m.  Co-sponsored by Arbor Custom Homes:  6446 NW 165th Ave., Portland

May 22: 1 – 4 p.m.  Co-sponsored by T.A. Liesey Homes:  13064 SE Verlie St., Happy Valley.

We’re always happy to partner with these homebuilders.  Not only do they build quality homes, they constantly look for ways to help homebuyers save money, save energy and increase comfort.

That’s why they go blue – building homes with appliances featuring the familiar blue flame. Our partner builders are happy to answer questions about natural gas appliances or any other aspect of their new homes.

The Ultimate Open House kicks off the annual home-buying season. It’s also the start of grilling season – so we think a barbecue lunch at an Ultimate Open House home is a perfect combination.

So enjoy your visit to the Ultimate Open House. And when you get hungry for some food and conversation, stop by one of these three host homes.  We’ll see you there!

Comfort, efficiency – and a year’s worth of free heat

April 22, 2011

Hello from your friends at the gas company.

One of our favorite events of the year is the Ultimate Open House – a great idea from the Home Builders Association. This unique home show offers you a wide selection of styles, neighborhoods and prices so you can get a sense of the many options available in the Greater Portland area today.

And you can see and learn a lot about them without ever leaving your home.  (Stay tuned to this blog for a description of the virtual tour in a few weeks).

One thing that many of the Open House homes have in common is natural gas.  In fact, all the homes certified by third-parties (like LEED and Energy Star) have high-efficiency gas equipment.  In addition to gas furnaces and water heaters, many have gas cooktops, clothes dryers, fireplaces and backyard grills all fueled by natural gas.

Customers tell us they prefer gas for the comfort, convenience and affordability factor.  This year, there’s another reason to buy a gas home.

If you are one of the first 10 people to buy an Ultimate Open House home with a natural gas furnace and water heater, you’ll receive a credit on your gas bill of $800 courtesy of the home’s builder.  That’s about one year’s worth of natural gas for the average home.

So when you’re checking out these new homes, check out the appliances. Then check out the terms of this great offer.

Imagine how you’ll like the convenience of gas cooking; the immediate warmth of a gas fireplace and the comfort of a high-efficiency gas fireplace.  Then imagine all that without a gas bill for a year.

Enjoy this great home tour – and best of luck finding the perfect fit.

Share your American Dream for a chance to win!

February 9, 2011

70% of Americans say owning a home is part of their personal American Dream – what’s yours?

  • Does it include a suburban home with a white picket fence?
  • Is it living in all 50 states before you die?
  • Or do you aspire to rent a high-rise loft in a big city?

Click here to learn more about a twitter/facebook contest by Trulia for a chance to win $50-$250 Crate and Barrel gift cards.

Stone Bridge Homes Grand Opening

September 23, 2010

NW Natural Street of Dreams

August 16, 2010

Only two weeks left to attend the 2010 NW Natural Street of Dreams. Click on the image below to download your discount coupon.

Time is Ticking on Tankless Water Heater

June 22, 2010

From NW Natural

For homeowners thinking of investing in a tankless water heater, it’s time to turn that idea into action. From now until August 31, 2010, NW Natural customers can receive more than $2,200 in incentives toward a purchase that provides endless hot water, saves them money and is environmentally friendly.

NW Natural customer Jim Shores of Forest Grove made the purchase and couldn’t be happier. Jim’s wife, Amy, loves to take long showers so Jim researched natural gas tankless water heaters and settled on a Rinnai.

“Energy efficiency never felt so good,” said Shores. “It’s a great investment, good savings, and we’ve upgraded the value of our home.”

The deal
NW Natural has teamed up with Rinnai and Energy Trust of Oregon to offer NW Natural customers in Oregon and Washington up to $2,240 back with the installation of a Rinnai tankless water heater. The following are the incentives and tax credits for changing a tanked water heater to a Rinnai tankless water heater:

  • $200 gas credit on their NW Natural account, courtesy of a participating Rinnai dealer;
  • $200 cash rebate from Energy Trust of Oregon for installation of a tankless water heater with Energy Factor of 0.80 or greater;
  • Up to $340 Oregon tax credit (25% of installation and equipment costs), with installation of a tankless water heater with an Energy Factor of 0.80 or greater (OR customers only);
  • Up to $1,500 federal tax credit for installation of a tankless water heater with Energy Factor of 0.82 or greater.

Relax, it’s a Rinnai
With Rinnai tankless water heaters, there’s no tank to leak or break, thus reducing the risk of flooding. Plus, Rinnai offers a line of controllers that make it easy to set water temperatures precisely for multiple locations in the home to ensure comfort and prevent scalding accidents. Rinnai tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so users aren’t limited to a fixed preheated supply as with a tank.

With up to $2,240 back in gas credits, rebates and tax credits, and the lowest natural gas prices in five years, enjoying a Rinnai natural gas tankless water heater is really affordable. Customers can enjoy hot water when they want it, for as long as they need it, so taking showers, washing dishes and doing laundry can be done all at the same time.

Details on participating dealers and information on cash rebates found at nwnaturaloffers.com and energytrust.org.

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