Anna DeSimone

You can finance energy improvements with your mortgage with programs from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and Rural Housing. Also, most state-chartered housing finance agencies offer “green mortgage” programs and incentives for refinancing or new purchases. Mortgage qualifying rules for energy-efficient homes have been expanded by mortgage agencies due to the potential savings in…

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar, bottom-line reduction on your income taxes. Under the U.S. Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program, if you purchase and install a solar energy system in 2022, you can receive a federal income tax credit of 26%. The credit will be 22% for systems installed in 2023. Let’s say you…

Instead of buying a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, you can lease it through a power purchase agreement (PPA). PPAs are financial arrangements in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the renewable energy system. Solar power purchase agreements are called SPPAs. Under an SPPA,  you agree to site the system on your property and purchase…

An important step in reducing energy in your home includes adding more insulation. As long as you follow the product manufacturer’s “safe handling instructions,” DIY (do-it-yourself) insulation projects can often fit within your budget and completed in a weekend. Eco-friendly options include products made from recycled newsprint and blue jeans Many different types of insulation…

You might be thinking, “will I ever be able to own a home?” The good news is that there are many options for homes that are both affordable and sustainable. The construction industry has traditionally consisted of “stick-built” homes, which are labor-intensive, and can take many months, depending upon weather conditions. The majority of construction…

Ten lucky people throughout the U.S. and Canada are getting their signed paperback copies of Live in a Home that Pays You Back from our September giveaway.  More than 3,300 people entered the contest. You can still try again!  Another 10 signed books will be given away in the Goodreads giveaway starting October 10th.  Winners…

A study completed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Capturing the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency, examined health outcomes resulting from energy-efficient measures completed by residential homeowners. A number of efficiency measures were studied, including insulation, air sealing, heating systems, and ventilation. Results from every type of measure indicated “reduced symptoms of respiratory disease,” and…

Give your home an energy checkup A home’s energy efficiency is based on a whole-house assessment. Known as an “energy score,” the efficiency rating of a home is based on measurable performance factors of individual appliances or operating systems. New homes today are often built under “green building standards.” After the home is completed, a…

Listed in Amazon’s top 100 best sellers in home renovations every day since its release, “Payback” is off to a great start! For the entire month of September, you can sign up to win a free copy by clicking on the link below.    Goodreads Giveaway