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Hi Everyone,

These super low interest rates have me excited!  What an amazing opportunity to buy more home for your money.  Imagine you can make a mortgage payment of about $1,100 a month - with 5% down and a 7% interest rate you would be able to buy a home for about $180,000.  Now, use those same figures and change the interest rate to 4.75% and you are now looking at being able to purchase a home for about $230,000!! In Lancaster County there is a big difference between a $180,000 and a $230,000 house - it could mean the difference of getting an extra bedroom, bath, bigger yard, more upgrades, garage, etc.!  

So to summarize - your interest rate has a HUGE effect on how much home you ...

Hi All,

I just found out today that Pennsylvania has announced higher rebates to homeowners that install qualifying EnergyStar heating equipment. Some of the rebates have as much as doubled or tripled.  For example on one type of gas furnace the rebate is increasing from $300-$1,000.  The best part is sometimes these rebates can be combined with existing Federal Tax Credits. Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website for more information. 

Best,

Abby

While replacing old appliances is a great place to start, going green in the kitchen isn't just about energy efficient appliances anymore.Today you can invest in "green" products for countertops, cabinets, flooring and more.There are plenty of products out there to create the kitchen you want in a way that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly.The selection of products available seems to be expanding all the time! Here are a few brands to check out: EcoTimber Flooring, Forbo Flooring Systems, & Paperstone Countertops. You can find some of these great green products locally at Fresco Green Home Improvement Store on Commerce Drive in Lancaster.

Best, 
Abby

I visited FRESCO Green Building Supply today, and got a great tour from Brandon.  This store just opened a few month ago and offers some really cool products like American Clay -a completely innovative covering for your walls, PaperStone counter tops - made in part from paper and oil from cashew shells & formaldehyde free FSC hardwood flooring. And those are just a few of the many beautiful and environmentally safe products they have.You can find a lot of the products on their website - http://www.frescogreen.com/

I'm excited to share these products with my clients and use some of them for my own home projects as well!  Fresco is located on Commerce Drive off of Manheim Pike. 

Best,

A...

The sun is warm, the grass is green, and the birds are chirping!  SPRING IS HERE!!  As you start your spring cleaning, clean out, yard prep or whatever it is you do, embrace the GREEN!  There are lots of little ways to save resources, recycle, and live smart!  Even better you'll save money along the way! 

The U.S. Green Building Council put together this great list -- 45 Ways to Green the Not-So-New House

Happy Spring!

Abby

Heating costs are rising - that's inevitable. But, did you know that there are inexpensive (some free) things that you can do around your house that will lower your heating bills this winter? Some are as simple as making sure the seal on your fireplace damper is in good condition and sealed tightly when the fireplace is not in use. Your chimney is one of your biggest heat escapers.  Take a look at this article for all 20 money saving suggestions.  You will find that no only will your heating bills improve, but your house will feel more comfortable!  If you know of other suggestions that are not on this list please feel free to post them to share with others. 

Abby

This website sponsored by the US Department of Energy teaches your kids about saving energy in a fun way! There are games, ways they can help make their home energy smart, and a section about renewable energy.  Tinker Bell and her friends are featured!  Kids Saving Energy

Green is in this holiday season! Do you know someone that would appreciate a "green" gift this year?  Yahoo's green gift guide that has everything from electronic gadgets to toys and games  There's a great selection including a lot of affordably priced gifts. And every item has a "why it's green" description. Love it! 
Yahoo Green Gift Guide

Great news! The tax credit has just been expanded and extended, and this time repeat purchasers will also benefit! Here are some highlights of the new Repeat Purchase tax credit.   

1. Buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home consecutively for 5 out of the last 8 years.
2. The tax credit does NOT have to be repaid!
3. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.  
4. The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. *See link for more information on dates. 
5. Income limits are as follows:  Single taxpayers up to $125,000 and married couples $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit! ...

Did you know that there are tax credits available for energy efficient home improvements between now and December 31, 2010?  The tax credits are available at 30% of the cost up to $1,500. If you have been putting off a home improvement now might be the time to do it.  What a great opportunity to make your home more energy efficient and save money at the same time! I can't wait to get my new energy efficient windows installed in my house next month.  We should see a significant savings on our heating bill and we can say goodbye to our 40 year old non operable, cracked windows! For more information visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index.

Thanks for visiting!  This blog will keep you up to date on local Lancaster real estate news, green home information, trends, and so much more! If you have topics that you would like to see posts on please let me know!  I would love to hear from you!

--Abby