What are your energy expectations?

I know when we were looking for our first home we never talked about the monthly electric bills. We were pre-approved at the bank for our mortgage, we had our cars paid off, we both had steady income. I thought we were set and understood how it all works. However, nobody ever asked us about our utility expectations. When the monthly mortgage payment comes in the mail, it is always followed by the electric bill and water bill. Why are these not as important as how much you can afford when you buy a home. If your electric bill is 65% (or even 100%) less, why can’t you afford more house. When looking at the cost of a home, spend the extra on your insulation, efficient heat pump, and water efficient fixtures – they will all make it easier to pay the mortgage each month. Even if the mortgage payment is $50 higher, your electric bills and water bills will offset that expense and you will have money in your pocket to spare.