How Masterplanned Communities Incorporate Child Safety Features in New Homes
Concerned about childproofing your home? You’re not alone. Safety is a top priority for families choosing a new-build home. In response, today’s thoughtfully designed masterplanned communities are integrating child safety into the very foundation of their homes—and it’s making a significant difference in peace of mind.
Families often feel overwhelmed when trying to retrofit child safety features into older homes.
Missed safety details—like window locks or unprotected staircases—can become hazards for little ones.
Masterplanned communities in Scottsdale are changing the game by offering homes already designed with built-in child safety measures.
10 Child Safety Features Found in New-Build Homes Within Masterplanned Communities:
Fully enclosed gated yards for secure outdoor play
Tempered safety glass in low windows and doors
Smart locks & video doorbells for monitored entry
Staircase gates and wide landings designed with young children in mind
Soft-close cabinets with built-in locks
High-mounted outlets and tamper-resistant covers
Motion-sensor lighting to prevent nighttime falls
Minimal blind cords or cordless window treatments
Open floor plans for easy child supervision
Traffic-calmed streets & community parks with safety surfaces and fencing
Net Metering vs. Net Billing in Arizona: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before Buying or Selling a Solar Property
Solar panels can power more than your home—they can power financial decisions. But if you’re buying or selling a home in Arizona, especially in the APS service area, understanding how solar energy is billed could make or break your deal. Solar billing systems are more than a utility concern—they’re a significant part of a home’s value, monthly expenses, and long-term return on investment.
Let’s demystify Arizona’s Net Metering vs. Net Billing structures and provide a clear roadmap for navigating solar-powered transactions.
Why This Matters
Solar homes are increasingly popular across the Valley. However, there’s a common misconception: many buyers and sellers assume solar always equals savings. But not all solar billing plans are created equal. In fact, APS no longer offers its most favorable billing system (Net Metering) to new customers. And crucially, the billing system is tied to the property—not the individual homeowner.
When you buy or sell a solar property, you inherit the billing arrangement currently active on the meter.
Understanding APS Solar Billing Systems
Net Metering (NEM) – Legacy Plan (Pre-2017)
This now-discontinued plan was highly favorable:
1:1 Credit – Homeowners received full retail value for excess energy exported to the grid.
Monthly Rollover – Credits rolled over and offset future bills.
Long-Term Savings – Provided meaningful reductions in utility costs.
No New Access – This plan is grandfathered in; only homes already on NEM can retain it.
Net Billing – Current Standard (Post-2017)
Today’s default billing model under APS:
Wholesale Rate Credit – You are compensated at a much lower fixed rate for exported energy.
Reduced Value – Credits are worth less than what you pay to buy energy.
No Rollover – Credits do not accumulate in the same way as NEM.
Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Solar Billing in Real Estate
Step 1: Confirm the Solar Billing Plan
Before listing or purchasing a solar home:
Ask the APS Account Holder to verify the current plan via their online dashboard or by contacting APS.
Review the Utility Bill Summary for terms like “Net Metering” or “Resource Comparison Proxy.”
Disclose Accurately – Arizona real estate law requires material facts, including utility billing structures, to be disclosed.
Step 2: Understand That Billing Plans Stay with the Property
The billing arrangement does not transfer with the owner—it stays with the address.
Buyers automatically inherit the existing APS solar plan.
This can add value (if NEM) or require pricing strategy adjustments (if Net Billing).
Step 3: Assess Financial Impact on Resale
For sellers:
Highlight NEM as a key value driver.
Be transparent if your home uses Net Billing, and prepare to explain its implications.
For buyers:
Understand how your monthly bills could be affected.
Ask questions about panel ownership (leased vs. owned), maintenance history, and battery storage systems, if applicable.
My Expert Tips for Resale with Solar Panels
Market the Billing Plan, Not Just the Panels
A home with Net Metering is a strong financial asset. Include this detail in MLS descriptions and marketing materials.
Educate Buyers During Escrow
Provide utility documentation early. Clarity and transparency help buyers feel confident and informed.
Work with a Solar-Savvy Real Estate Advisor
Choose an agent familiar with APS billing structures, solar disclosures, and utility implications. Their guidance can streamline closing and avoid costly surprises.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Assuming all solar homes provide equal savings
Failing to verify billing plan during due diligence
Overpricing a Net Billing property without factoring reduced utility ROI
Not preparing clear solar disclosures and documentation
Final Thoughts
Solar energy is a smart investment—but only when paired with smart information. The APS solar billing plan associated with your home is a critical financial element, especially in resale scenarios. Whether you’re buying your dream home or listing a solar property, understanding Net Metering vs. Net Billing ensures you’re making informed, empowered decisions.
Download the Free APS Solar Billing Guide
Comment APS on IG post attached here to receive a FREE printable guide that walks you through:
How to verify your plan
How billing affects monthly costs
What to disclose when selling
Join the Conversation
Have you ever reviewed a utility plan before writing or accepting an offer?
What questions or red flags do you look for when dealing with solar homes?
Let me know in Instagram Comments.
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