The international symbol for Texas’ energy-guzzling habit is a monster pickup truck — pulling another pickup truck. But homes and other buildings are also big offenders, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the state’s overall energy use. The opportunity for … Continue reading
“Housing is a giant job creator,” said Scott Norman, an Austin mortgage broker and past president of Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. “There are a lot of people whose livelihoods depend on a house being bought and sold.” Contributing factors Several … Continue reading
The nation’s home appraisal process is behind the times and needs a major, long-term overhaul, according to a white paper prepared by appraiser Joan Trice and members of the Collateral Risk Network, whose more than 300 members represent lenders, government agencies, … Continue reading
Government agencies say the benefits of energy-saving construction are recognized by private lenders, but builders say otherwise. Last week, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu met at an energy auditing company on Long Island … Continue reading
By PAUL SPERRY, FOR INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY President Obama says the Occupy Wall Street protests show a “broad-based frustration” among Americans with the financial sector, which continues to kick against regulatory reforms three years after the financial crisis. “You’re seeing … Continue reading
The three-page Appraisal Institute form should guarantee at the minimum that an appraiser will take notice of a home’s energy improvements and seek to come up with a value adjustment for local market conditions. By Kenneth R. HarneyOctober 9, 2011 … Continue reading
What’s new? The 2012 code requires more insulation, a tighter envelope, tighter ducts, better windows, and more efficient lighting than the 2009 code. Here is a summary of the important changesfor residential builders in the 2012 International codes: The 2012 International … Continue reading
As the unemployment rate stays stubbornly high and housing remains mired in recession, several proposals have come down the pike lately on how to jumpstart a recovery in both areas. Here’s a look at a few of the recent plans: … Continue reading
I recently had a 5 star Green Builders Program duplex appraised that I built in Austin and I was astounded to find out that appraisers show no value at all for energy efficient features or energy efficient recognition. A builder … Continue reading
I recently installed window film in my own home and i thought this article might be of interest. With interest in green building and utility rebates on the rise, builders and remodelers are looking at solar-controlling window films as a … Continue reading