While home sales keep slumping nationwide, the Asheville real estate market keeps creating homes that can save money for homeowners and are environmentally friendly. The 100th N.C. HealthyBuilt home in Western North Carolina was recently completed in Black Mountain.  Homes earn the certification by fulfilling a long checklist of details that include raising energy efficiency and using recycled materials while cutting down on waste and damage to the environment.. HealthyBuilt homes in the region priced from $150,000 to $1,000,000 and tend to stay on the market a much shorter time than traditional residences.  

While the NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program  covers the entire state, the Asheville area has the lion's share of the energy-efficient residences, according to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council.  With another 450 houses under construction and waiting to be certified, the HealthyBuilt program is trying to meet the demand in the Asheville area for more energy efficient and comfortable housing.