Valley home buyers overwhelmed by conservation information and the array of environmentally friendly homes, features and guarantees can get help in navigating their new home purchase. My Arizona Home Team of Realtors, construction consultants and energy-efficiency experts - the only Arizona real estate agent to partner with the Department of Energy and the EPA - guides clients through the construction end of home buying. Ben Leeson started the Tempe-based business in 1995 to help home buyers he describes as "frustrated with builders and the buying process." His service, free to buyers, combines extensive research of the Valley's builders and new home communities with a thorough knowledge of construction.

Home seekers can access My Arizona Home Team's online "Home Search" page to find floor plans that fit their needs, then schedule an appointment to preview the homes that piqued their interest. Leeson and his team explain each feature and option, how it works, and whether it's best purchased from the builder or elsewhere. Finally, a free three- to five-stage inspection program - from slab stage to the final walk-through - ensures that each home meets or exceeds industry and registrar standards. My Arizona Home Team also offers programs whereby home buyers can increase the efficiency of resale homes.

Leeson foresees major changes in the home building industry within the next three years, particularly in terms of plumbing, electricity and framing. Significant advances in energy efficiency are already sweeping the Valley, and the EPA is heralding local leaders, including D. R. Wastchak, LLC of Tempe, named an Energy Star Ally of the Year in 2000. Working with home builders to certify their homes as Energy Star-compliant, D. R. Wastchak's residential energy efficiency and building science consultants also perform Home Energy Rating System tests and assist with energy efficient financing.