Homes That Are Kind
To the Environment

Homes made with materials and techniques that are kind to the environment are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, say builders and real-estate agents. Here are three properties for under $470,000.

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PLACE/PRICE: Denver, Colo. / $439,900

PROPERTY TAX*: $1,745 per year

THE PROPERTY: 2,700 square feet (including finished basement), with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

DESCRIPTION: This two-story house, built in 1999, has a two-car garage. Details include hardwood floors and granite kitchen countertops. The back faces a park.

NOTABLE: Recycled materials, including fibers and wood are used throughout. Light-colored walls and carpets reduce daytime-lighting consumption.

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PLACE/PRICE: Venice, Fla. / $465,000

PROPERTY TAX*: $8,370 per year

THE PROPERTY: 2,194-square-foot home, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths

DESCRIPTION: Built in 2005, this mediterranean-style home features a study/den and formal dining room. Kitchen overlooks a nature preserve created by the community.

NOTABLE: Tightly sealed walls cut energy loss and keep summer heat out. Houses in the development incorporate low-toxicity paint; reclaimed lumber reduces waste.

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PLACE/PRICE: Tucson, AZ. / $369,000

PROPERTY TAX*: $2,578 per year

THE PROPERTY: 1,944 square feet 4 bedrooms and 3 baths

DESCRIPTION: This adobe-style home was built in 2002. It sits on a double lot and has a fireplace. The bathrooms have imported tile. Kitchen appliances use water sparingly.

NOTABLE: The house's water is solar-heated. The home and community are landscaped with hardy native plants that require minimal attention, economizing on water.

Notes: *Current owner's payment

Sources: Perry Rose LLC; Catalina Realty; The Community at Civano, WCI Communities

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