I just learned that the Madeira Beach boat parade is set for Saturday, December 13th this year (2008).  For those of you who aren't aware of beach traditions, most of the waterfront communities in the Tampa Bay area have small but spectacular boat parades each year with boats big and smalled decked out with Christmas lights and decorations.  Parties are everywhere!  Just one more event making life in the Gulf Beaches area of Florida a constant great time!

Do you want an energy efficient, healthy, "green" home in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area?  I'm excited to say that there now quite a few from which to choose! Right now I'm aware of homes with a substantial number of green features in:

• A condo complex renovation in downtown St. Petersburg
• Townhomes in Indian Rocks Beach (certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition)
• Townhomes in St. Pete Beach
• A new complex of single-family homes in St. Petersburg
• A new single-family home in Redingon Shores
• A newly built home in Kenwood
• A renovated home in Crescent Heights
• Several new homes in western Tampa
• A renovated/restored bungalow in Western Tampa
• New townhomes in the Hyde Park area

These are all homes that are currently built and ready to buy.  And there are quite a few new construction projects underway, too, as more and more people are recognizing that "green" makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons. 

Some of these homes have certifications from a number of national, state, and local agencies; others have not gone to the effort/expense of being certified but do offer green features none the less.  I do caution anyone looking to make sure that you're truly getting the green features that you want, and beware of the "greenwashing" that we sometimes see as people advertise products as green that really are not.

Don't make any assumptions about the prices of these homes--believe it or not they often cost the same as traditionally-built homes.  Just making the right choices in construction materials, overhangs (for shading), positioning, windows, and appliance/fixture selections is often enough to cut your power bills in half while not costing any more to build.

I could go on and on.  But I won't.  If you're interested in finding a green home in the area, please just call or e-mail me. 

9704 N Pawnee Ave, Tampa FL  33617

This new listing is very exciting, not only because it is energy efficient, healthy, and overall "green", but because it is priced to be affordable at only $188,750.  With 1,142 square feet inside offering 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 1 car garage, this high quality home can be had without the high cost of ownership. 

On track to be certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition and to receive Energy Star certification, this home is the real deal in green.  Just a few of the unique features of this home are:

• Gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar and natural gas stove
• Master suite with private bath and walk-in closet
• Double pane Low-E windows and doors
• SIPS construction using the "Platinum" product, which was named one of the top five products at the 2007 International Building Show by HGTV, withstands 155+ mph winds and is termite proof, waterproof, fire and mold resistent
• R24.5 wall insulation and R30 attic insulation
• Tankless (on demand) hot water powered by natural gas
• Front porches and windows are shaded by deep roof overhangs; these overhangs were designed to optimize efficiency by Solar Noon
• Energy Star certified appliances, fixtures and windows throughout
• Low/no-VOC paints and finishes
• Rainwater collection system
• Florida Native Landscaping

Located in Tampa within walking/biking distance of USF's Tampa Campus, Busch Gardens, an 18-acre park, MOSI, Greco Baseball Complex, Moffitt Cancer Center, and many medical and office parks, the owner of this home can bike to work, school, and recreational activities, living a truly green lifestyle.

Construction is nearing completion, but a buyer who comes soon can still make paint and some fixture selections!

Century 21 Real Estate Champions

Direct:  727-278-1706 www.lauriekimball.com

Contact Laurie for information on this and other "green" homes!

Energy Efficient, Strong, and Environmentally Healthy  LEED-Certified GREEN Home

This home, designed and developed by Real building, received a Gold Rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the nationally recognized benchmark for green building.  Priced at $450,000. 

216 84th Ave NE St. Petersburg, Florida This stylish contemporary home  has too many features to list here, so be sure to call for information.  A few  examples are: • 2,000 square feet inside • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage • 4th bedroom and 3rd bathroom are designed and can be added if desired • Energy Star appliances provide maximum energy efficiency • Recycled glass countertops come from recycled materials • Bamboo floors are made with a renewable resource • Anderson 400 series windows and doors provide maximum energy efficiency and strength • Geothermal HVAC system uses the grounds natural temperature for heating and cooling, providing greatly reduced energy costs • Greywater collection system uses water from sinks and showers to flush toilets • SIPS construction and metal roof are strong and efficient • Rainwater collection system is used for all outdoor watering • Florida native landscaping keeps lawn maintenance low • Fabulous location in northeastern St. Petersburg, close to downtown St. Petersburg, I-275, and Gandy Blvd.

Laurie Kimball, Realtor, EcoBroker        

Century 21 Real Estate Champions

Direct:  727-278-1706 www.lauriekimball.com

FULL TOUR OF THIS HOME at www.greenhousestpete.com!

Contact Laurie for information on this and other "green" homes!