This week has been rife with news on green building techniques finally, finally! hitting the mainstream.  The New York Times reports that several significant commercial real estate investors have decided to “green” their portfolios, green building expos are on the rise, and some of the country’s largest builders are finally jumping on the green bandwagon.  Of course this news makes us smile…because at Boulder Creek Life and Home, green building practices have been a part of our business as long as we’ve been in business.

So what does green building mean here at Boulder Creek?  Are we bowing to popular trends when we tell our homebuyers about our energy-efficient techniques and Earth-friendly building materials and construction practices?  No way.  Here’s a quick rundown on our green commitment…one that, like our commitment to building quality homes that combine the best in life and home, has never wavered.

• Green building techniques save money:  There’s a common misconception that a green home is an expensive one.  But we find that using green building practices and installing eco-friendly components actually saves money, increasing a building’s longevity and efficiency without a backbreaking up-front cost.  And once a homebuyer moves into their new green home, the costs of living are significantly smaller than the costs associated with inefficient, poorly insulated and energy-wasting structures of a similar size.
• Green building techniques create homes for the long haul:  Not many people realize that many of the very techniques that make a home eco-friendly also increase its durability and “shelf life.”  Properly sealed homes resist degradation from air and water; tough, energy-efficient exteriors require less maintenance and last longer; quality roofing and outdoor components will endure for decades.  This long-haul approach means that your Boulder Creek home is a good investment…not a cheaply-built liability.
• Green building techniques add life to home:  When a home is efficiently lit, properly heated and cooled, well-sealed and decorated with safe, eco-friendly materials, it just feels better.  So you can focus on the things that count.

Learn more about Boulder Creek Life and Home’s commitment to green building techniques (and learn more about the eco-friendly features of our unique communities) by clicking this link.

Ever since the federal government extended the first-time homebuyer credit and added a $6500 credit for other buyers, there’s been lots of confusion.  Luckily, there is an abundance of great information, including that provided by Boulder Realtor Jennifer Egbert of Walnut Realty.  In her recent “awesome breakdown” of the tax credit, she reminds us that now may just be the time:

Listen, home prices are stabilizing.  Interest rates are at historic lows.  If you have given ANY THOUGHT to purchasing your dream home, now is a KILLER time to be doing so.

Former homeownership record (you must have owned and lived in your home for at least five out of the last eight years), income (no more than $125,000 single/$225,000 joint), and contract dates (under contract by April 30, closed by June 30) are key to this credit, which covers domiciles from condos to townhomes to single-family homes.

Ready to take the plunge?  Our sales staff can help!  Click here to view our hot homes and contact Boulder Creek Life and Home for information on your new home!

Great news:  the first-time homebuyer credit has been extended! Here’s what you need to know about taking advantage of this credit to purchase your new home:

• Deadlines:  In order to take advantage of the credit, your home must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and must be closed upon by June 30, 2010.
• Restrictions:  The home must be used as the purchaser’s primary residence and is fully refundable.  Income limits are $125,000 for single persons, $225,000 for couples.  The credit is only valid on residences purchased for less than $800,000.  Primary residences including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are eligible for the tax credit.
• First-time buyers:  Under the rules, “first-time buyer” is defined as a person who has not owned a home in the last three years.
• Repayment:  Beneficiaries of the credit need not repay itif they live in their new home for three years or more.

What this means for you:  Now is the time to buy!  Boulder Creek Life and Home has plenty of great options for an energy-efficient first home.  Visit our web site for more information our our low-maintenance communities.