Twelve years ago, the U.S. Green Building Council launched a rating system called LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, hoping that architects, engineers, designers and real estate firms would improve energy efficiency and increase the use of recycled materials and nontoxic paint in their projects to win LEED-certified recognition. Now LEED has grown...
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There is some good news on the housing front with two reports indicating the long-stagnant U.S. real estate market is climbing to its feet and growing more stable. The first indicator comes from CoreLogic, which says the nation’s current “shadow inventory” of homes is in decline, a healthy sign more houses are moving off the “for sale” market....
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Investment firm Morgan Stanley has high hopes for the housing market’s recovery this year and next. “We expect to see 2012 end with an increase of 7 to 9% for the year in aggregate home prices after considering seasonality effects for the remainder of the year, with the possibility of a 10 to 12% increase on...
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October’s National Energy Awareness Month is designed to promote smart energy choices. We all can do small things to save energy around our homes and work places. No matter how large the problem may appear, we all have the means to shape our energy future and move our nation toward energy independence. The following energy...
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The buyer should always look at the COST of a home, not just the PRICE. The cost is determined by the price and the mortgage interest rate which is available at the time. Below is a list of the interest rates over the last ten years and the impact they have on a $100,000 mortgage...
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eclipse
September 25, 2012
In another sign of a turnaround in the long-battered real estate market, average home prices returned to the best level in nine years in July. According to the closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index, which covers more than 80% of the housing market in the United States, the typical home price in July rose...
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eclipse
September 19, 2012
Trulia’s Chief Economist reveals how you can save hundreds of dollars a month by buying a home instead of renting – especially if you can get today’s low mortgage rates, itemize your tax deductions and plan to live there for 7 years. The most important housing decision that most consumers face is whether to rent or...
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eclipse
September 18, 2012
Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five major reasons purchasers should consider buying: Supply Is Shrinking With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult...
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eclipse
September 9, 2012
If you’re about to put your home on the market, understand that you are about to engage in a war of sorts. Selling your home is a battle with other listings for the qualified buyers that are out there, a battle with everything else a buyer has to do for their time and attention and...
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Renaissance Homes Custom Homes Division recently broke ground on 16 acres of private land off SW Scholls Ferry Rd. Renovations has teamed up with the owner of the property to complete site improvements and build a 3,800 sq ft home, which was designed by our in-house design team specifically for their property. The entire project...
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