Following October Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) figures reporting declining rates on existing home loans as rates on new home loans stubbornly continued to inch up, November saw drops in both areas. The data shows a 6 point decline in the average contract interest rate on newly constructed home loans as well as a decline […]

To get remodeling jobs done right, you must choose the right remodelers. First, be sure to research and verify your contractor’s abilities, professionalism, insurance and licenses, and financial integrity. Second, check out the firm’s design planning, pricing, and permits. The company should be responsible for identifying any obstacles or design restrictions, items that may create […]

Recent changes in building codes dictate formerly unaddressed air control. Builder and blogger Matt Risinger describes several methods he’ll employ to reach a high level of air-tightness. In a concerted effort to get as close to 1ACH50 (one air change per hour at 50 pascals pressure) as possible, advises contractors to consult the Passive House […]

Residential tax credits intended to promote green building in New Mexico are quickly drying up. The Sustainable Building Tax Credit program has been extremely popular since its introduction in 2007, and the allotment for the 2014 tax year is already ”long gone”. The 2016 tax year is the final authorized year for the residential tax […]

Bathroom remodels involves a lot of organization, planning, and important decisions prior to demolition. There are several key pieces of knowledge that will assist the decision to remake these hard-working rooms in your home. Consider what it means to remodel for you. Will you simply be completing a series of repairs, replacing any or all […]

Home trends, like fashion trends come and go. It is important to employ design trends wisely so that you enjoy your home for decades to come. The trends to watch in 2014 include the following design choices: 1) Bathtub elimination. In favor of a super luxurious shower, the family tub will be done away with […]

Follow these seven steps for your best Monday and most productive workweek, every week, until your goals are reached: 1) Keep Monday day free to manage the upcoming workdays. 2) Set aside ten uninterrupted minutes for mental preparation. 3) Quickly look at email for potential crises, but leave the rest for later. 4) Review projects […]

Expecting a true home market recovery in 2014, with a wider variety in buyer profiles, the nation’s builders are wiser and more focused, resolving to approach their business in the following ways: Resolution #1) To grow the opportunities begun in 2013. Resolution #2) To integrate their company’s responsibilities and build a better team atmosphere. Resolution […]

Leading green building consultant, Jerry Yudelson, offers his Top 10 list of green building megatrends, including the following top three predictions: 1) Green building will “inundate the entire real-estate industry”. Commercial, government, nonprofit, and educational construction markets will continue to bolster green building expansion. 2) Green building will incorporate a growing interest in energy-efficient construction and […]

For homebuyers who wish to build a custom home, the ability to influence their home design is important. Four primary trends are uppermost in the minds and builders alike. The first concern is function over formality. Multifunctional spaces geared to individual comfort and livability is paramount. Second, the blending of indoor and outdoor space is […]