Register Real Estate Advisors

Did you know you can save money with tax credits for energy-efficient natural gas equipment? Tax credits are available for both the installation and purchase of natural gas-powered furnaces and tankless water heaters. Energy efficient natural gas equipment helps you use less energy and save money now and in the years ahead.
The tax credits are offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and are available for your primary residence. In additions to saving energy and money, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping the environment by choosing products that use efficient, clean-burning natural gas.
The tax credit is equal to 30% of the installed cost of a qualifying product. You can receive a maximum of $1,500 in tax credits. If your credit for a single purchase is less than $1,500 you can combine several qualifying purchases. All purchases must be completed by December 31, 2010.

To learn more about federal tax credits for energy efficiency, visit http://www.energystar.gov .

For more information on the benefits of energy-efficient natural gas appliances, visit http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com/gasisbetter .

WASHINGTON (Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) – President Obama earlier this week signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which contains provisions intended to help the housing market and create jobs that benefit the environment.

Among the housing provisions:

• An $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers who purchase a principal residence between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment.
• Reinstatement of last year’s 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans.
• $2 billion in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides grants to states and localities to address problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures.

The law also includes $7.22 billion for projects and programs that will protect and promote both green jobs and a healthier environment. These environmental areas include:

• $4 billion to assist communities with water quality and wastewater infrastructure needs and $2 billion for drinking water infrastructure needs. A portion of the funding will be targeted toward green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally innovative projects.
• $100 million for competitive grants to evaluate and clean up former industrial and commercial sites.