Two IRS tax credits for home energy improvements:
The Non-business Energy Property Credit: Homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their homes, including adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows and doors and certain roofs, can receive a tax credit of up to $500. The credit is based on 10% of the item’s cost. Quality improvements must have been made before January 1, 2012.
A new study by the Center for Housing Policy, entitled Housing Landscape 2012, found that the share of working households paying more than half their income for housing rose significantly between 2008 and 2010 for both renters and owners. This annual report explored the last Census data on housing costs and income, including housing cost burden data from the 50 largest US metropolitan areas, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The report found that nearly one in four working households in the US spends more than half of total income on housing.
Here is the latest report from foreclosureradar.com
Foreclosure Starts declined across our coverage area wiping out the small gains in new foreclosure filings last month. In California, Notice of Default filings are down 69.8 percent from the peak in March 2009, and 15.8 percent from April 2011. Notice of Trustee Sale Filings, the start of Arizona’s foreclosure process, are down 59.4 percent from the peak in March 2009, and down 8.0 percent year-over-year.
Recently, the Harris Poll results recently released tracking American’s attitudes toward the environment and their “green” behaviors show an alarming decline in many green behaviors. More alarming, considerably fewer U.S. adults now express concern for, and awareness of, environmental issues.