fresh, local foods

Austin Farmers Market

Scott Arbor, Seguin, Texas

Dewberry Farm, Brookshire, Texas

People seem to be rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. Fresh from the ground means richer taste and more nutritious. It is also good for our local economy--buying directly from family farmers helps them stay in business. Check out Local Harvest to find out where you can find locally produced foods.

http://www.localharvest.org/

EcoBroker Update - how GREEN is your presidential candidate?

With just about a month to go before one of the most anticipated presidential elections in U.S. history, EcoBroker International thought that you might appreciate a non-partisan snapshot on where the candidates stand on climate and energy issues.

Here's the link:

http://www.ecobroker.com/userdef/EBUpdates/EBUpdate9.08.htm#Election_2008_–_How_Green_is_Your_Presidential_Candidate

This is not an endorsement of either candidate. The important thing is simply to remember to VOTE! The last day to register to vote in Texas is Monday October 6th!

IRS issues guidance on tax credit

The IRS has issued additional guidance regarding the $7500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Click on the link below to find out more:

http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/pages/wk09222008?OpenDocument&WT.mc_id=LS092408&CAT=Gov#report_4_09_22_2008

GREEN links added

It IS easy bein' green! To access recently-added GREEN links, just scroll down. The links appear to the right.

Watch for more links to be added soon!

just listed

green homes sell

One segment of the market remains strong—energy-efficient homes built with green, nontoxic materials.

This article in living green online magazine by Richard Kujawski is very informative and includes several good, green websites. It's definitely worth reading.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program is discussed near the end of the article. Last week I had the opportunity to complete the LEED for Homes Program Review Workshop hosted by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) in Arlington, TX. This was only the 2nd national presentation of this workshop - the first was held in Houston.

http://www.livinggreenmag.com/green_building.html

how the first time homebuyer tax credit works

Under the new housing bill, home buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the property up to a maximum of $7,500. Here’s how it works:

The credit is $3,750 for married couples filing separately. Unmarried people who jointly purchase a home will be able to divide the $7,500 credit.

This program is actually a loan, which home buyers must repay over 15 years at zero percent interest beginning in the second year after they purchase the home. A home buyer who qualified for the whole credit would pay $500 for 15 years or about $41.67 per month.

The credit applies only to homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, and before July 1, 2009.

High-income home buyers don’t qualify: Eligibility begins phasing out for single filers with adjusted income of more than $75,000 and $150,000 for joint filers. It completely phases out at $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Source: Realtor Magazine, August 4, 2008