Charlie Weiblen's (archwood) Blog

Many people know about the importance of saving energy, and many know about the importance of saving water. But few realize the direct connection between saving both. The truth is vast amounts of energy are used to pump, treat, deliver and heat our nation’s water. Approximately 4 percent of the n...

It's become a lot easier to find foreclosed homes. It once was that you had to visit the courthouse and comb through extensive legal files to locate homes that had been foreclosed on. Today, many banks are utilizing real estate agents to sell their foreclosed properties, and such properties can b...

The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Web site conducted a "Living Green" consumer survey in 2008 that showed half of the consumers surveyed paid more money for an energy-efficient product in the past 12 months. The survey also revealed that one in three homeowners said they would be willing t...

Minimize the headache of buying and selling your real estate property by working with an educated Realtor, who can guide you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have. While there are plenty of experienced and qualified Realtors in your area, only a small percentage of them...

How much credit will I receive? The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000.   (Please note: this tax credit does not have to be repaid.)  When must I purchase a home to receive the credit? The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 states...

As everyone knows tough economic times are upon us, and it doesn't look like it will change any time soon.  This is mainly due to the housing crash caused by sub-prime mortgages.  A crash that has caused the credit markets to tighten up, and has made qualifying for an affordable mortgage much har...

It's getting to be that time of your again where colder temperatures equal higher heating bills.  Please follow this link from Tree Hugger  http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/12-ways-to-green-your-house-for-winter.php to help you cool down those heating bills.  You do not need to spend thous...

Thinking about buying a home?  Don't know if the time is right.  Well, maybe a $7,500 tax credit will give you an incentive to buy.  Combine this with lowering mortgage rates, and there should be no reason for someone to purchase a home.   For more information on the new tax credit please go to t...

Have you noticed the new developments at the intersection of Stacy and Interstate 75 in Fairview and Allen?  Many people are wondering what is going on?  Well, a billion dollar project of retail, residential, office, and hotel space is going on.  The project known as the Villages of Allen and Fai...

Thinking about upgrading a few of your homes components to improve the efficiency of your home? If so, consider getting an energy rating done. This will help you pinpoint the most cost effective upgrades you should make to help lower your utility bills. Keep in mind energy ratings differ from ene...