New Homeowner Tax Credit Not the Only Game in Town

It's official: the new homeowner tax credit is a hit.In order to get the most out of energy efficiency
Sale of pre-owned homes rose 7.6 percent inupgrades, federal supplier EnergyStar suggests
April as homebuyers rushed to get theirgetting a home energy audit.
purchases completed before the deadline. NewThese audits will alert you to leaks in your
home construction also saw a jump, according toventilation systems and let you know how much
the National Association of Realtors. Unfortunately,power your home requires on a daily basis. This
as the tax credit deadline expired on April 30th,information can be used to determine which
these upticks are likely temporary, as home salesenergy upgrades will be most cost effective for
fell dramatically in early May.your home.
But as home buyers across the country curseGreen energy contractors, architects, plumbers
themselves for missing the deadline for theand other home technology experts are well
$8,000 tax credit program, the U.S. Departmentversed in home improvements that will increase
of Energy are reminding home owners that theyenergy efficiency, save on energy bills, increase
don't have to move in order to get a tax break.home value and grant you eligibility for home
The Energy Efficiency Credit offers up to $1,500energy tax credits of 30% of sale, up to $1500.
for purchasers of energy efficient home productsAnd unlike the expired new homeowner tax
like new windows, heating and air conditioningcredit, the energy efficiency improvement tax
systems or weatherization. Not only will thesecredit doesn't expire until December 31st, giving
upgrades save homeowners money in theyou plenty of time to decide the right course of
short-term but will increase overall home value inaction. Because it's not easy being green. But, at
the long term, says the DOE.least until the end of the year, it's profitable.