Michael Greenstone's Page

Uncle Sam just made it easier to buy foreclosures by allowing first-time homebuyers to use an $8,000 tax credit for a down payment or other closing costs.

Best of all, the $8,000 doesn't have to be repaid.

That's an offer you can't refuse. Even in a sputtering economy, the $8,000 tax credit, historically low interest rates and plenty of bargain foreclosure inventory can make your first home buying experience a reality.

$8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Q&A

When do I need to purchase… Continue

Green improvement: Unplugging or shutting off appliances, computers and electronics when they're not in use.

How to go green: You may think your coffee maker doesn't draw power when it's switched off, but not so. Many home devices and small electronics eat up energy when "off" to keep clock displays,… Continue

Green improvement: Converting your home's landscape into a "greenscape" by switching out a resource-and water-hogging lawn and plants with native or low-maintenance vegetation and natural materials. If you pick plants that suit your property's soil type, climate and sun exposure, they'll t… Continue

Green improvement: Adding better insulation to your home to prevent energy loss.

How to go green: Try tackling your attic first. Poorly insulated attics are a leading source of energy loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Attics are also one of the simplest places in your home to insul… Continue

Green improvement: Adding energy efficient windows to your home to help prevent heat loss in the winter and unwanted heat gain in the summer.

How to go green: To make sure you're getting quality energy-efficient windows, check the product for labels from Energy Star and the… Continue