Money & Finance

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

The economic downturn of the last 12-18 months has left many businesses and homeowners struggling to stay afloat. For those with real estate holdings, home sales have largely slumped across the United States, where an abundance of unsold properties continue to dot the landscape.
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Counting Energy Pennies

41,599 pennies. That's how much the Jones family of Sugar Land, Texas saved in just one month on their energy bill once they upgraded their home's old windows, HVAC system and attic.
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Cutting Costs Doesn't Mean Cutting Value

Over the last year and a half, many homeowners have been forced to scale back their home improvement projects. Though the economy appears to be creeping back, the nation's homeowners are still somewhat reticent to commit big dollars to any one project.
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$1,500 Tax Credit for Homeowners

What could be "greener" than wood Homeowners looking to upgrade their windows and take advantage of the government's energy tax credit have until the end of 2010 to qualify for up to $1,500 in federal tax credit.

"Now is the time to save green -- both in your wallet, with lower long-term energy bills, and with the federal tax credit," says Christopher Burk, product manager for Simonton Windows. "With energy-efficient vinyl windows you can start saving on energy bills the day your new windows are installed. Then you get additional savings at the end of the year from the government."
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Host of Factors Can Help Reduce Insurance Costs

For homeowners, the cost of home ownership can feel overwhelming at times. That's particularly the case for first-time homeowners, who often find the initial few months of home ownership to be financially stressful.

Coming to grips with all the costs of home ownership might be difficult, but it's something all successful homeowners eventually do. Still, there are things prospective homeowners can do to prepare themselves for that initial sticker shock, and even make the cost of home ownership less than it might otherwise be.

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Green Products That Save You Green

What could be "greener" than wood trim on your home? How about synthetic trim that resists termites, severe weather and rotting? These days, green products are defined more by their longevity on the home than their natural origins.
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