Valuable Resources to Guide Us Through the Current Economic and Housing TrendsThey say knowledge is power. If what they say is true, then this is one powerful list! The following resources have been put together to give some of the most current and useful information available for builders and homeowners alike. Below you will find links to in depth resources provided by private groups and organizations as well as government resources. To view the information below, simply follow each link. Each link will open in a new window, making it easier for to come back to this page. U.S. Census Bureau Construction Price Indexes NAHB's Housing Forecast Housing starts, sales and interest rate projections through 2009. Latest Home Mortgage Interest Rates Contains current and historical data on fixed and adjustable mortgage rates. Updated weekly. Characteristics of New Housing Highlights the latest data on new-home characteristics released by the U.S. Census Department. Includes links to the complete Census report and other trends researched by NAHB.Additional breakouts of this data and other trends researched by NAHB are available at www.nahb.org/constructionstats under "Selected Characteristics of New Housing" (dated 4/3/2008). Housing Starts Updated monthly and based on a seasonally adjusted annual rate. New and Existing Home Sales Updated monthly and based on a seasonally adjusted annual rate. New and Existing Single-Family Median Home Prices Updated monthly. Home Price Index The index measures average home appreciation in more than 250 metropolitan markets. Updated quarterly. Metro Home Building Permits Local and state data on housing construction rates. Updated monthly. Employment Trends for Metro/State Markets Provides metro and state employment data nationwide. Updated monthly. Local Economic Impact of Housing Shows how building 100 homes benefits a typical metropolitan area. Home Building's Direct Impact on the Economy Housing's Contribution to Gross State Product Measures how much housing contributes to the economic output of each state. Housing Market Statistics from HousingEconomics.com Full array of statistical categories available to NAHB members, a limited number available to non-members. In-Depth Analysis from HousingEconomics.com Full array of analysis of factors affecting housing and the impact on the industry available to NAHB members, a limited number available to non-members. This list has been made possible courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.
2009 Tax Credits Available for High-Performance Home BuildingWhile the housing market has certainly seen better days, one thing is clear: home buyers are being more discriminating than ever and want to get the most bang for their buck. One of the few bright spots in the building industry is high-performance and green building. Buyers want homes that will save them money on utility bills, require less money to maintain and have better indoor air quality.
Thanks to federal and state tax credits, there has never been a better time to build a new home or remodel an existing home to high energy efficiency standards. Knowing these tax breaks allows for more informed budgetary decisions.
HOME BUILDERS
Home builders can apply for a $2,000 federal tax credit for each energy-efficient home completed after 2005 and sold in 2009 that reduces its energy consumption for heating and cooling by 50 percent when compared to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). To qualify for the tax credit, building envelope improvements in areas such as insulation, exterior doors and pigmented metal roofs must account for 1/5 of the energy savings in each new home.
Home builders must document the energy savings by using a third-party Residential Energy Services network (RESNET)-accredited inspector to certify and model the home with software approved by the IRS and RESNET. EarthCraft House performs both of these services and can provide a tax credit recommendation report to assist builders in achieving the desired savings.
HOME OWNERS
Home owners can received federal tax credits for improving an existing home's building envelope, which includes insulation materials, exterior doors, windows, skylights, pigmented metal roofs, asphalt roofs and systems designed to reduce heat loss or gain. The combined total of these credits may not exceed ten percent of the costs or $500, with less than $200 dedicated to windows. Improvements should last a minimum of five years and must meet 2000 IECC criteria. Credits cannot compensate for installation costs.
Home owners can apply for federal tax credits for high-performance heating and cooling systems installed in new or existing homes, as well as federal and Georgia tax credits for clean energy resources. To collect credits for any heating, cooling or water heating equipment, home owners must make purchases during 2009 and meet the performance standards set for each technology. Home owners can collect credits totaling the entirety of any expenditure, without exceeding the following caps:
- Electric Heat Pump Water heaters - $300
- Electric Heat Pumps - $300
- Geothermal Heat Pumps - $2,000
- Central Air Conditioners - $300
- Natural Gas, Propane or Oil Water heaters - $300
- Natural Gas, Propane or Oil Furnace or Hot Water Boilers - $150
- Advanced Main Air Circulating Fans - $50
- Biomass Stoves - $300
Although clean energy resources vary by system, federal tax credits can cover up to 30 percent of installed costs, and Georgia tax credits can return up to 35 percent of costs. Both federal and state tax credits are subject to caps.
To claim state tax credits, a clean energy system must be placed in service between 2009 and 2012 and be operational or able to function as intended prior to proceeding with both the pre-application processes. Remember to keep clear and accurate records (including receipts, modeling reports and work details) to properly file for tax credits.
For more information about EarthCraft House, visit http://www.earthcrafthouse.com/.
Source: Atlanta Building News, 03/09
Stimulus Package and New Home Buyer CreditThere are several provisions in the stimulus package that will be beneficial for home buyers and will help stimulate demand for housing. Chief among these is an $8,000 home buyer tax credit for new home buyers. For qualified home purchases in 2009, the legislation: - Stipulates that the $8,000 tax credit does not have to be repaid, unlike the tax credit passed last summer;
- Keeps the tax credit refundable, or claimable regardless of tax liability;
- Extends the sunset date from July 1, 2009 until Dec. 1, 2009 so that consumers can utilize it during the critical summer and fall buying months;
- Allows tax credit home buyers to participate in the mortgage revenue bond program;
- Permits state housing finance agencies to help buyers at closing by advancing the credit amount as a loan using tax-exempt bond proceeds.
There are several other important components in the legislation that will help small businesses and bolster the housing market. H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will: - Help home borrowers in high-cost markets by extending the 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits of $729,750 through the end of this year;
- Temporarily allow exchange of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocating authority for tax-exempt grants and appropriates $2 billion in HOME funding for affordable housing projects;
- Provide up to a 10-year deferral of tax due to business debt restructuring;
- Expand the net operating loss carry back period from two years to five years for small businesses (businesses with average gross receipts of no more than $15 million over the prior 3 years) for losses arising in tax year 2008;
- Extend the 25C existing home remodeler credit through the end of 2010, increase the credit rate from 10 percent to 30 percent, raise the lifetime cap from $500 to $1,500, and expand the set of qualifying property;
- Provide an Alternative Minimum Tax patch for tax year 2009;
- Increase bonus depreciation and Section 179 small business expensing for business investment in 2009;
- Increase New Markets Tax Credit allocating authority for 2008 and 2009;
- Delay for one year the start of the 3 percent government contractor withholding requirement (from 2011 to 2012).
(Information provided courtesy of National Association of Home Builders)
Federal Housing Tax Credit Increased to $15,000Federal Housing Tax Credit Increased to $15,000
On Wednesday evening, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a drastic change to the current Federal Housing Tax credit that would further help stimulate the U.S. housing market. This new amendment would include a $15,000, or 10%, tax credit to those who purchase a new home in the next year.
"It is time to fix America's problem, not throw money at the symptoms. It is time to fix housing first. It is rare that we have a road map to success in times of difficulty, but this country has once before realized a housing crisis every bit as bad as the one we have today and economic troubles every bit as dangerous. We have a pervasive housing problem, and we have a historical precedent that works. I am proud this Senate has joined together, learned from history and repeated a method that worked by adopting this amendment."
- Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.
Senator Isakson who was a key driving force behind pushing this amendment through, speaks from experience not only as a Senator, but also with his thirty years of experience selling real estate. Isakson was selling real estate in the mid 1970's when the U.S. faced an all too similar housing crisis. Back then Congress passed a $2,000 tax credit for purchases of a new home as a principal residence. The result of this was swift, as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.
Unlike the $2,000 credit issued in the 70's and the current $7,500 credit which Congress passed in April of 2008, the new amendment would allow for this credit to not be repaid and could be spread over two years. This new tax credit is expected to be signed into law by mid February.
For more information about the new Federal Housing Tax Credit visit the following links below:
Scott Schang of PorchLight Real Estate Services YouTube video "Federal Tax Credit increased to $15,000"
New York Times article "Tax Credit for Homebuyers Passes"
Provided by ArchivalDesigns.com. Visit ArchivalDesigns.com and view our entire collection of luxury home plans.
Going green with your new house planWhat does it mean to build green? That is a question asked all too often these days. We are all aware of the global, environmental changes going on in our world today, but when asking the question "what is green', it may return different answers depending on who you ask.
Depending on where you live, your new home plan will have to meet different qualifying criteria to be green certified. This article was not meant to be a guide to the various methods and programs available to receive green certification. This was meant to serve as a starting point for those out there who have questions and are not sure where to start when it comes to going green with your new house plan. Use the links in this article to learn more about the available certification programs available in your area. And of course ask plenty of questions and discuss all topics with your qualified green builder.
Officially there are no national guidelines or standards set as of yet. However, there are many programs at the state and regional level that have implemented minimum standards The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) has implemented a set of national guidelines and the U.S. Green Building Council is in the process of instituting a residential version of its highly successful commercial building program, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
While these different groups and organizations do have different criteria that must be met for their certification, they are all generally based on three key areas:
Environmental Benefits
- Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
Improve air and water quality Waste reduction Conserve natural resources
Economic Benefits
- Reduce operating costs
- Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services
- Improve occupant productivity
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Health and Social Benefits
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Heighten aesthetic qualities
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Improve overall quality of life
What does all of this mean? By building green when building your new house plan, you can conserve resources, create and promote a healthier indoor and outdoor environment, as well as save and conserve water and energy.
How is this accomplished? Again all programs and certifications do have different requirements, but these are some common considerations to think of when considering building a green house plan.
- Sustainable land use planning and design techniques that preserve the natural environment
- Energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems, appliances, lighting, and the building envelope
- Water conservation indoors and outdoors
- Materials that are recyclable, durable, have little or no toxicity, and emit few or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with indoor air pollution
- Indoor environmental quality in which moisture, ventilation, and pollutants are managed
- Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling during construction and home maintenance
When getting ready to turn your dream house plan into a green home, you must first start with the building site itself. Choosing the right site can greatly affect the cost and savings you will see when building your home plan over the long run. Building on sustainable sites and having the the least amount of impact on the local ecosystems is key when choosing your building site. Using native plants and trees in your landscaping also helps retain, protect and promote healthy ecosystems.
Installing energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems will save natural resources by consuming less energy, as well as lower overall energy bills. When choosing appliances and HVAC equipment, look for the Energy Star rated logo. Energy Star labeled models can be up to 40% more efficient than federal energy efficiency standards. Having a properly installed and sealed building envelope will improve the performance and overall energy efficiency of your new home.
Water conservation is an important factor to consider when building your green house design. This can be achieved a number of ways. When purchasing dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators, it is also good to start by looking for the Energy Star rated logo. Energy Star dishwashers can use up to 1/3 less water than traditional dishwashers. Also keep in mind, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than using a dishwasher. Using an Energy Star qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing will save you annually 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs, and 230 hours of your time. Installing low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads will also drastically reduce your home's water usage. Many of these items are now labeled with the Environmental Protection Agency’s new WaterSense label, which identifies models more efficient than their standard counterparts.
Choosing the right building materials is an important element to building any green house plan. This applies to exterior and interior building materials. There is generally a green alternative available for all of the materials used when building a new home, so we won't go over all of them here. However, when choosing green building materials it is good to look at two factors - resource efficiency and indoor air quality.
Utilizing resource efficient products can be accomplished a number of ways, by meeting various requirements. Recycled and recyclable generally top this list. This also includes products that are more durable and built to last longer than traditional products. Natural, plentiful and renewable products are important. These are materials that are harvested from sustainably managed sources and preferably have an independent certification (e.g., certified wood) and are certified by an independent third party. Using building materials, components, and systems found locally or regionally can also save energy and resources in transportation to the project site.
Improving indoor air quality should also be considered, not only for the environment but for your own health as well. There are plenty of products and materials available today that can help greatly improve the indoor air quality in your new home plan. To meet most certification requirements, materials used should meet some of these basic requirements. Materials that are low or non-toxic, or contain low VOC, should be considered. These are products that that emit few or no carcinogens and contain minimal VOC-producing compounds. Using moisture resistant products and systems inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, such as mold and other harmful irritants and allergens, thus improving your indoor air quality and promoting a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Through proper building practices, and choosing the right material - material that is recyclable for example - can greatly reduce the amount of waste that is left over from building your new house plan. This is important because it cuts down on the amount of wasted materials being sent to the landfills.
How much does it cost to build green? While the cost of each green building project will differ depending on the methods and materials used, the NAHB says that many green building techniques can be applied at little or no additional cost over conventional methods and materials. Additionally, by incorporating efficient heating, cooling and water systems, you can reduce your utility bills, helping to recoup any extra costs over a short period of time.
Hopefully after reading this, you will now be armed with some questions and topics to discuss with the builder of your new house design. There are numerous amounts of resources available online regarding this topic, so use these links to get started and find out what systems and methods will work best for you and your new dream home.
OUR HOLIDAY $AVING$ FOR YOU!!!!
Archival Designs wants to help stimulate the economy, so we're offering our biggest promotion ever to encourage you to start your new home! Contact us directly to receive $250 towards the purchase of a new house plan.
We offer:
- Selection of over 400 Luxury Home Plans
- Customizable Plans - we can modify any of our plans to meet your needs
- Affordable stock plans
While some of our plans reflect details from historically-inspired European homes, we also have many luxury Tuscan, Mediterranean and Italian designs recently added to our collection.
Visit our website at www.archivaldesigns.com Contact us:
via email: info@archivaldesigns.com toll-free: 888-887-2584 local: 770-831-6363
Six Degrees of Separation - We can do that!
Every month Archival Designs will share one of its historic "relative views".
This month, let's talk about the Chatteau Novella house plan, Blanchard house plan and Wesmere house plan.
RELATIVE VIEWS
Chatteau Novella is a majestic storybook castle, best-selling house plan design of Archival Designs, Inc.
We decided to design smaller luxury starter castle house plans by combining the castle elevation with some of our Best Seller house plans. Castles have represented luxury, security and prestige for centuries, and these new makeovers that have proven so successful are no different. Buyers today find the same appeal. The interior of the Wesmere house plan is a proud descendant of the Westover house plan with the exterior based upon Chatteau Novella's design. The Blanchard house plan is a sibling to the Wesmere house plan, boasting six bedrooms (two are in the basement) with full baths - great for kids and in-laws! Visit our website at www.archivaldesigns.com for more photos, descriptions and details.
Build Your Dream Home Today
Award-winning designer David Marc Loftus earned a reputation for excellence among a growing group of discerning clientele who admired David's ability to capture the essence of classical architecture using modern building materials and methods. Luxury home builders and clients seeking the ideal combination of classicism and convenience used Archival Designs to create some of America's most impressive estates.
However, David Loftus insisted that good taste was not exclusive to only large and opulent homes. He would often remind builders and clients, "Classical styling makes some of our 2,000 to 3,000 square foot homes more elegant and livable than many larger houses. The key to true classical style is in achieving proportional harmony." "If you've ever seen Leonardo da Vinci's famous study of human proportions you understand the essence of classicism," David would go on to say. "If a room is rectangular, its length should be one and one half its width. The height should be equal to the width. This proportion reflects the symmetry da Vinci illustrated and when it's carried over correctly, it provides a sense of well being and serenity." David Loftus quickly garnered a reputation in the home design industry as the designer with the best innate sense for classical architecture's proportional harmonies, with their resultant feeling of elegance, well-being and serenity evident immediately upon crossing the threshold of an Archival Designs' home.
Build A Beautiful Custom Home For Less!!
Our luxury house plans provide all the elegance and design details of a custom house design at a fraction of the cost.
Archival's library of award-winning house designs are used by architects, builders, construction professionals, plan publishers and individual homeowners throughout world.
Although Archival is best known for luxury house plans such as our estate homes and starter castles, our more than 400 house plans include ranch and 2-story designs, contemporary and classic house designs, and home sizes from 1400 square feet to over 20,000 square feet.
Any Archival house design can be customized and modified for specific sites or needs.
For a limited time we are offering 10% off all vellum prints and AutoCAD disks of house plans. This allows you to be able to make changes locally and print as many copies of the plan as you need!!
Please visit www.archivaldesigns.com to look at our over 200 luxury house plans.
ArchivalDesigns.com House Plans Breakers Mansion 3d Tour
Luxury House Plans from ArchivalDesigns.com
Archival Designs offers a large portfolio of house designs, house plans and blueprint packages for people who want to build their own homes but don't want to pay huge architectural and engineering fees. We offer a wide range of house plans from modest homes to starter castles.
|
