Sopris Realty Blog

FHA toughens loan rules

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:26:58 -0500

The Federal Housing Administration will raise the minimum down payment for its least credit-worthy borrowers. FHA is making these changes to ensure long-term financial soundness. With credit scores below 580, borrowers will need 10% down. Above 580 will allow for only 3.5% down. FHA is also increasing upfront mortgage insurance premiums from 1.75% to 2.25%. For more information visit www.soprisrealty.com

Garfield County Air Quality Campaign

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:48:33 -0500

Garfield County Public Health Department have been compiling data for 5 years and now has results. They are urging citizens to get involved about the air quality issues we are facing.

The Public Health Department has recently released "A Citizen's Guide to Air Quality Management in Garfield County"

A pdf version of this publication is now available by visiting http://www.garfieldcountyaq.net/

Home winterizing tips

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:33:07 -0500

Some other low-cost home winterizing tips:
Use a programmable thermostat. When installed and used correctly, you may be able to save $180 each year.
Get a tune-up for your furnace and change your furnace filter monthly. Clean filters create better air flow, while dirty filters can hike energy usage.
Reduce drafts by sealing air leaks and add insulation to keep precious heat from escaping. The EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent of total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
Get a window insulation kit from the hardware store to keep drafts at bay.

Energy Tax Credit

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:25:24 -0500

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), enacted earlier this year, expanded two home energy tax credit: the non-business energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit.

That means you can perform energy-saving home improvements and reduce your 2009 tax hit. The credit equals 30 percent of what you spend on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The IRS says that by spending as little as $5,000 before the end of this year on eligible upgrades, taxpayers can save as much as $1,500 on their federal tax return.

What is included in the energy tax credit? The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items.

The cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs also qualify for the credit, though the cost of installing these items does not count.

Before making any investments, be sure to check with your accountant or the IRS to be certain that your upgrades qualify for the credit.

insulation upgrade

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:08:04 -0500

Roaring Fork Valley residents may be eligible for $300 back on insulation upgrade. http://www.aspencore.org/file/Insulate_Colorado.html

Home buyer tax credit has been extended

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:32:08 -0500

The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended and also includes buyers that are not buying for the first time. All contracts need to be in effect by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. http://www.mortgagemarketguide.com/specialannounce_land_FEDSIGN.html

Tax credit for first-time home buyers

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:59:45 -0400

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Homebuyer Credit Gets New Life: http://bit.ly/1SWACZ via @addthis

Key lawmakers in the Senate have tentatively agreed to extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and also offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years.

Home buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010, and close before July 1. House Democrats have expressed concern about the cost of the tax credit for the government, and allegations of abuse have resulted in an IRS probe of the program.

Garfield Clean Energy

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:32:12 -0400

GarfieldCleanEnergy.org is now the online headquarters for news and information about clean energy for households, businesses and local governments in Garfield County.

The new site uses eye-catching graphic design and simple navigation to deliver extensive information on energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy efficient transportation. It includes easy access to information about energy audits, rebates and incentives for households and businesses, training opportunities and a contractor locator.

With the One Stop Shop, the information needed by homeowners and renters, business owners and managers, and local government officials will be no more than one or two clicks away.

Glenwood Springs homes for sale

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:27:17 -0400

Search for Glenwood Springs homes for sale at www.SoprisRealty.com. You can also save searches and property favorites. You will need to login, but be assured your privacy is always respected. With the portal system, you can keep track of your favorite listings, browse photos, even search different areas by mapped locations. There is no obligation, so feel free to login whenever you feel like browsing for properties. Receive auto Email notification so you will be notified by email when a property that fits your saved search becomes available. Your information is always confidential and not sold or given out.

Free light bulbs for Garfield County Residents

Brad Plantz (Sopris Realty) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:17:57 -0400

The Garfield New Energy Communities Initiative will be giving away free energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs at town halls throughout Garfield County.

"Free light bulbs! What's not to like?" said Carbondale Mayor Michael Hassig, who also serves as chairman of the Garfield Initiative.

All Garfield County residents are invited to stop by any town hall that's convenient, from Parachute to Carbondale, to pick up two free energy efficient light bulbs. Holy Cross Energy customers who live in Garfield, Eagle or Pitkin counties can also get free bulbs at the town halls.

For more information on Free light bulbs for Garfield County Residents : http://www.cleanenergyeconomy.net/e-news/2009/10-20.html#bulbs