RISMEDIA, June 2, 2009-Record low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7% to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2% above April 2008 when it was 87.5.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.” Continue reading »

By Amy Hoak
RISMEDIA, May 25, 2009-(MCT)-Fewer homeowners may be starting complete kitchen remodels, but they’re still replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets. They’re also investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient, according to a recent home remodeling and repair report by ServiceMagic.com. Others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters after realizing that they may be in their homes for some years to come-and want to make them as comfortable as possible.

“People are not going bigger and better, but improving what they have more cost effectively,” said Craig Smith, CEO of ServiceMagic, a website that connects homeowners to prescreened contractors. For instance, instead of buying new furniture, they’re repairing what they have. Or they’re deep cleaning the carpet in lieu of replacing it. Continue reading »

May 13, 2009 - HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan’s decision to allow consumers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover their downpayment and closing costs on FHA-insured mortgages will be a big boost to the housing market, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“The biggest obstacle for first-time buyers is coming up with a downpayment,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “We commend Secretary Donovan for acting decisively to enable buyers to access the tax credit at the time of closing. This will help to stimulate home sales, stabilize housing and get the economy back on track.”

The measures announced by HUD would allow FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to supply home buyers short-term or “bridge loans” up to the amount of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Continue reading »

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation. Continue reading »

In the present environment, energy saving is one of our duty.
Energy saving does not only mean less consumption of energy but also finding an alternative to the fuels (which cause the global warming and a major reason for air pollution).
Usage of organic fuels like bio diesel, bio gas can reduce the air pollution and global warming to a desirable extent.
Cars are being invented that could run on batteries and solar power.
Invention and usage of such means of transportation should be initiated and encouraged, to be used on a large scale.

this resulted less air pollution which reduce global warming and we can save our planet
The solar cooker, which provides energy from the sun and converts it to power to cook with, should be used by people as an alternative to LPG and the microwave oven.
These are harmless and let us encourage all homes to become solar homes in the future so that we make the planet a liveable and lovable place for our next generation.
A solar energy roof no longer means adding square mirrored tiles to the roof of your home to make it solar efficient.

Those who want to buy solar roof panels which look like traditional shingles it is possible with today’s designs and materials.
You can install solar shingles either on the part of the roof or on the whole roof.
The solar portion of the roof is then connected to wiring which leads into collector or combiner box.
This runs into certain equipment which powers the home. There are multiple types of systems.
This means that you use the solar power to power your own home alone.One type is a system which is not connected to your utility company’s lines.

If due to climatic condition or any other problem the solar system fails to provide or store sufficient energy, in most of the cases, a battery backup system is kept handy.
The other type is a solar system which is connected to the utility power lines.
Under this system you can generate solar power for your home as well as be connected to the utility grid if you need additional power or have any type of failure with the solar and battery system.

When we made our new house, I was not unduly worried about interiors and such things because I had entrusted the work to one reputed company and all I had to do was give my preferences and release funds as and when they required.

My only concern was to look for a good company which could take of residential solar energy supply.
Since the city we had moved to, was not still aware of the importance of solar power, we had to really scout around looking for a good supplier of solar equipment, but our efforts did not bear fruit.
Ultimately, we had to summon a representative from a company in the neighboring city to do the job.
obviously passenger were charged for his travel but never mind, he did good job for our satisfaction
Needless to add, we saved enough money on our future electricity bills, and we could absorb our expenditure on solar panels.

Affordability returns to housing, and buyers have loads of negotiating power

This story originally published Feb. 6 has been updated to reflect the passage of the economic stimulus bill.
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — People are afraid to buy a home in times like these, with the economy tanking and home prices continuing to fall. But if you’re brave enough to stray from the herd, you might be in for the home-buying opportunity of a lifetime.

Ask for price reductions, improvements, closing costs — whatever — and the seller, desperately trying to get a contract, is very likely to work with you, said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of the book “Your First Home.” When the market starts improving, your negotiating power starts to diminish, he added

“People can get a lot of what they need and almost all of what they want today,” Papasan said. “Once a few people get off the fence, there’s safety in numbers and you lose your leverage.” If you’re qualified to buy a home now, the purchase makes sense for your situation and you’re prepared to live in that home for at least five years, there are five reasons why you may be headed for a great deal:

1. Affordability is better than ever

According to the National Association of Realtors’ housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in December than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income. Continue reading »

1. Mint.com

This secure financial management tool pulls data from your checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and other loans to help you track expenses.

2. Zenbe.com

Have multiple e-mail addresses? View all your mail in one inbox, and check in with Facebook and Twitter from the same screen.

3. GetDropBox.com

Back up your important documents and e-mail messages. This tool syncs with your computer to save documents and allows you to access them via the Web from any computer.

4. Everyscape.com

This alternative to Google Earth lets you view three-dimensional images of streets and cities at eye level.

5. Inhabitat.com

For home owners who want to go green, this eco-friendly design blog provides tips and inspiration.

6. Yelp.com

If buyers are new to the area, send them here. Neighbors review local restaurants, spas, doctors, plumbers, and more.

7. Billshrink.com

Discover hidden fees in your credit card accounts and cell phone bills, and get recommedantions for lower-cost alternatives.

8. GasBuddy.com

Do some comparison shopping before you fill up. Get a listing of what the gas stations in your area are charging per gallon.

9. FotoFlexer.com

Touch up your photographs, create effects, and adjust lighting to create high-quality images worthy for marketing materials.

10. DesignSpongeOnline.com

Do-it-yourselfers on a budget will love the easy home decorating projects and gift ideas.

In today’s market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite. Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.

1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. “It’s best to use one or two and repeat them,” Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.

2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.

3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.

4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.

5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.

6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.

Source: Michael Glassman, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and Associates, Sacramento, Calif., www.michaelglassman.com
Barbara Ballinger is a freelance writer for REALTOR® magazine.

Selling your home can be one of the most exciting events in your lifetime. It can be an opportunity to change your lifestyle, location and even your living arrangements. Yet oftentimes, homeowners looking to sell overlook the hidden potential in their property. They usually just call an agent, get their home listed and begin the selling process.

Before you contact a real estate agent, think about making your home more ‘marketable’. Making a good first impression with your real estate agent can prove to be profitable. Get them excited about selling a wonderful property with great potential, and they can focus all their energy on finding you a qualified buyer for your home. Continue reading »