Distinctive Homes to host financial workshops

Las Vegas-based Distinctive Homes, founded in 1980, advises home shoppers to think about what kind of home they want, how much they are willing to pay and when do they want to buy their new home.

The builder is offering free financial workshops for home shoppers Saturdays and Sundays this month at both of its communities -- Canyons Estates and Springs Ranch -- from 1 to 4 p.m. Canyon Estates is located at 3866 Tent Rocks, 658-5050. Springs Ranch is located at 9496 Knopfler Lane, 220-4400.

For more information about the workshops and to get a virtual tour of the builder's Las Vegas Valley neighborhoods, visit dhlv.com.

Shoppers may want to consider the local builder's residences, which offer Energy Star construction.

Through its preferred lender, the builder will provide shoppers a new homes credit counselor to help provide a financial plan to help residents purchase a home in three months to a year.

"We build houses that make sense in today's world. Of course they are beautiful homes, but we're also dedicated to developing solutions to the global energy crisis and are sharply aware of the need for energy efficiency and the need to be (affordable)," said Anthony J. Musso, founder and president of Distinctive Homes. "We believe that the current market volatility and economic weakness provide an opportunity to buy into our preeminent local brand at a temporarily depressed price."

Energy-saving features include Energy Star appliances, Cocoon thermal insulation, low-e, vinyl windows, sealed tight duct work, programmable thermostats, a reinforced exterior and above-standard insulation.

Each home undergoes energy inspection for energy efficient construction (by an independent third-party inspector. This ensures compliance with Energy Star construction standards and verification of installed materials. This is done during construction and, again, at the house's completion.