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Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes:

• Tax Credits for Consumers
  • Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:
    • Windows and Doors
    • Insulation
    • Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
    • HVAC
    • Water Heaters (non-solar)
    • Biomass Stoves
  • Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:
    • Geothermal Heat Pumps
    • Solar Panels
    • Solar Water Heaters
    • Small Wind Energy Systems
    • Fuel Cells
• Cars
• Tax Credits for Home Builders
• Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings
• For More Information

More Info: energystar.gov/taxcredits

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty

Image Source: FreeFoto.com

How much is the tax credit?
The maximum credit amount is $8000 or 10 percent of the cost of the home.

What type of property is eligible?
Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a primary residence.

Is it a tax credit or tax deduction?
It is a tax credit. A credit reduces taxes owed after all standard deductions are calculated.

Is there a limit depending on income?
Yes. The full amount of credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 for a joint return.) It phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

Who qualifies as a first-time buyer(s)?
Anyone who has not bought a primary residence in at least three years is considered a first-time buyer in this program.

Can the buyer receive the credit if they're financed with state or local bonds?
Yes.

Does the buyer have to repay the credit?
The buyer(s) must live in the home for at least three years. If less than three years, then the credit must be repaid.

When does the tax credit program begin?
January 1, 2009.

When does the tax credit program end?
November 30, 2009.

How do homebuyers claim the tax credit?
Participants claim the tax credit on their federal tax return. The homebuyer enters the $8000, or 10 percent of the home's cost, as a tax credit. This reduces any taxes owed or increases the refund to the homeowner.

Source: Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty

Allegheny County is making it's residents aware of a scam by third parties to sell copies of property deeds for a hefty fee.  Allegheny County residents need to know that they are able to purchase a copy of their deed directly from the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate for $5 in person or $10 through the mail.

More Information: http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/news/2008/281223a.asp

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty

BusinessWeek.com published an article about the qualities needed for a city to ride out a recession.  Of those qualities, Pittsburgh has a high employment rate in biomedical, health and education fields.  While Pittsburgh isn't recession proof, those industries tend to weather an economic downturn better than others.

BusinessWeek.com - The Best Cities for Riding Out a Recession

• Arlington, Virginia
• Distric of Columbia
• Durham, North Carolina
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Lubbock, Texas
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
• Buffalo, New York
• Lincoln, Nebraska
• Irvine, California
• Seattle, Washington
• Chesapeake, Virginia
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Corpus Christi, Texas

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty

According to Forbes.com, Pittsburgh, PA is ONE of America's Most Stable Housing Markets.  Due to the current high job growth and minor price volatility, Pittsburgh is projected to see median home prices increase next year.  Yes, it's true that there are more stringent qualifications to obtain a mortgage, but the opportunity to buy a home is just as possible as it was a few years ago.  The effects of the subprime mortgage market collapse have not hit Pittsburgh like they have in other areas of the country.  Pittsburgh's real estate market follows a slow and steady path that helped the city earn recognition in 2007 as America's Most Livable City.

Forbes.com - America's Most Stable Housing Markets

1. Seattle, Washington
2. Pittsburgh, PA
3. Columbus, Ohio
4. Dallas, Texas
5. St. Louis, Missouri
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
7. Atlanta, Georgia
8. San Antonio, Texas
9. San Francisco, California
10. Fort Worth, Texas

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty

Image Source: East Allegheny Community Council

The 2008 Historic Deutschtown House Tour and Design Fair for House and Garden

When:  September 28, 2008 - 11AM to 5PM
Where:  Priory Hotel Courtyard at 614 Lockhart Street - Map
Ticket Price:  $12 Online in Advance and $15 on Day of Event - Tickets

MovePittsburgh.net - Pittsburgh Real Estate - Andrew S. MacIntyre, Realtor - Achieve Realty