Energy Compliant Products

New homeowners tend to spend money on cosmetic improvements such as kitchen and bath remodeling, new floor and wall cover to make their house a home. Over time, long term owners tend to concentrate more on energy efficient upgrades, including insulation, replacing windows and doors, upgrading heating systems and maintaining the quality and condition of the structure.

 

Now all home owners can take advantage of a $1500 tax credit on energy efficient items purchased between 2009 and 2010. To qualify for the tax credit a window or door must meet strict government specifications both its U-factor (the measure of how well it insulates and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (how well the window blocks heat from sunlight).

 

.Energy ratings indentified by the National Home Builders Association are now recognized by the federal government as energy compliant and therefore energy efficient.

Products that are recognized as having the energy compliant code are eligible for the credit. Additionally, there are also now special green energy ratings for builders of new energy efficient homes.

 

There are now several manufacturers such as Anderson windows that provide a manufacturer’s energy performance certifications for tax credit purposes. Before shopping for windows and doors, check and make sure your manufacturer’s product has been rated.

How much Equity do I need?

Fannie and Freddie require just 5% equity in your home but more if it is a secondary home or investment property.

If the have less than 20% equity, you must get PMI insurance(PMI protect the lender if you default).

With FHA you can refinance with only 2.25% equity.  The agency provides its own PMI and there are both upfront fee

and monthly premium. FHA doesn’t impose a credit score threshold, but some FHA lenders require about a

minimum of 580 to 620.

Fannie and Freddie generally set the limit for mortgage loan payments at 36% of your monthly pretax income

unless you can prove that you can handle more. FHA generally sets its limit at 31%.

Stop those leaks

 

On average a home is reported to drip drip drip away about 11,000 gallons of water a year. Going green is about saving energy and natural resources.

Here are my best picks saving money{on the water bill}, natural resources and even help protect the other major components of your home from further wear and tear.

• Indoor Faucets – Replace rubber washers beneath knobs.

• Outdoor Spigot – Unscrew handle to replace rubber washers and tighten connecting hose nut.

• Toilet – Flappers inside the tanks are notoriously to blame for leaks in the commode- flush value seats (the place that the flapper sits on) should have a tight seal.

• Showerheads- Unscrew the shower head. Wrap the supply pipe with Teflon tape and reattach.