Whether you’re interested in a townhome or a neighborhood of single family homes for sale in Raleigh, NC, you’ll find it in Stonebridge. An MI Homes community of beautiful, spacious single family homes and upscale townhomes, Stonebridge offers all the convenience today’s buyers are seeking.

For example, the restaurants and shops of Mill Pond Village are right at your doorstep. Newly built retail shops, an Urgent Care center and a proposed Harris Teeter are within walking distance. You have easy access to US-1 and I-40, providing a fast commute to RTP, RDU, Cary Towne Center and Crossroads Mall. No long, winding rural drives to get into town or commute to work; everywhere you need to be is right at your fingertips!

In both the townhomes and single family models, Stonebridge offers unmatched interior detail like hardwood floors, tile, granite, and maple cabinetry. Inviting exteriors include stone, brick, Hardiplank siding and shake finishes. With a variety of new home designs, including ranches and two story homes with first or second floor masters, Stonebridge surely has everything you’re looking for. With pricing beginning at $219,987 for the townhomes and $291,990 for the single family homes, Stonebridge is also an affordable option for upscale new homes in today’s market.

Plus, with MI Homes new promotion The Power of 8, first-time buyers have an even greater advantage: $8,000 in options on top of the government’s first-time homebuyer tax credit, which is ending soon. So, if new homes near Raleigh, NC of this caliber are of interest to you, the time to inquire is now!

Stonebridge is located at 4016 Franks Creek Drive, Cary, NC 27518. Information can be obtained by phone at (919) 387-9940 Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat, 10am-5pm, and Sun: 1pm-6pm.

As we’ve discussed before, there’s a difference between new home communities that claim to be sustainable or green, and those that are verified by an independent organization. Many states have said organizations for the purpose of making this distinction; for example, California. Another state concentrated group for green building is the Western North Carolina Green Building Council. By compiling information regarding green building in NC in one concise database, the WNCGBC is a service to builders and consumers alike.

What type of information can be found? To start, there are dozens of links to various informative documents; just a few topics that can be researched include green industry news, government resources, and common environmental concerns like water conservation and air quality. Resources for solar power and sustainable materials can be found as well; and, of course, information on green homes for sale in NC.

The WNCGBC was formed around a common desire to educate others on the health and environmental impacts of design and construction. Just as the California Certified Green Builder program was founded as an educational resource for builders, the North Carolina council offers classes, seminars, and presentations as well. If you’re a buyer seeking green homes for sale in NC, be sure to ask potential builders if they are familiar with WNCGBC. If they have worked with the organization, you can be assured of their green credentials!

A charming small community of homes nestled in Apex, one of the fastest growing communities in Wake County, is Epcon Communities newest homes for sale in North Carolina's newest prime location. This new community is The Orchard Villas.  The Orchard Villas is just minutes to Beaver Creek Commons which offers some of the most impressive shopping, dining, and entertainment that Apex has to offer.  Hospitals and medical facilities are also nearby along with Eva Perry library, the RBC Center, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. For the more adventurous there is nearby golfing, Jordan Lake, historic Apex, as well as UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University were you can enjoy collage sports at their finest.

The Orchard Villas new homes for sale offers single story living, where all exterior maintenance is provided for you!  With maintenance free living you will have more time to enjoy the community’s private clubhouse, pool and fitness center. The Orchard Villas takes pride in offering a very active social calendar for the neighborhood.

North Carolina's, The Orchards Villas, homes for sale features five award winning home plans at this prime location! Floorplans range from 2 and 3 bedroom home designs starting in the low $200s. These vibrant new homes offer a surplus of included features like gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, upgraded Kenmore appliances, 42 inch maple cabinetry with crown molding and door hardware, tile backsplashes and hardwood floors.  At The Orchards Villas you can enjoy the benefits of energy star with the energy efficient constructed homes and products that not only help protect our natural resources, but save you dollars on your utility bills each month as well. 

 This affordable new community for sale is perfect for those ready to downsize or are just looking for a carefree lifestyle. Look closely at the one of its kind, single-story villa designs and you'll find form and function combined to offer easy living with traditional charm.

With the openness of the great room, that sets the tone for the entire floor plan, is to increase the concept of single-story living. The Orchard Villas new homes are renowned for their visually exciting interior and exterior designs. With superior construction materials and superior features normally associated with more costly homes, you will find value, comfort, and security in you new Epcon Communities home design. Whatever floorplan you choose, you will have the look and feel of a single family home with all the benefits of maintenance-free living in a small friendly community.

What is an energy tax credit? Unlike a rebate, you don’t receive money back when you buy an energy efficient product. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax at the end of the year. The credit increases your tax refund or reduces the amount you have to pay. Improvements or products bought in 2009 and 2010 are eligible for an income tax credit of up to $1,500 for installing energy efficient features.

Who can qualify of an Energy Tax Credit? Anyone who installs specific energy-efficient home improvements, like ENERGY STAR products such as new ENERGY STAR windows, ENERGY STAR doors, ENERGY STAR roofs, ENERGY STAR insulation, and ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment in your home.
•Windows including skylights and storm windows.
•Insulation and roofs.
• Doors with seals to limit air penetration, such as caulk, weather stripping, and foam sealants, as well as storm doors.
•Central air conditioner, furnace, boiler, heat pump, water heater, or bio gas (e.g. corn) stove. Starting in 2009, geothermal heat pumps are entitled for a separate tax credit!

Another thing you should know about energy tax credit, is that all windows, doors, insulation, and roofs must stay installed for at least five years to qualify for the tax credit. Showing a two-year warranty is usually sufficient enough proof of this.

What products qualifies for an energy tax credit? Manufacturers endorse either on their packaging or on their web site which of their products qualify for the energy tax credit.

So what is the energy tax credit worth? Energy tax credit amounts to 30 percent of the cost, including the installation costs for heating and cooling equipment. A cap of $1,500 for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010 combined as been made. This means the credit is valid up to $5,000 in total costs.

How do you get you energy tax credit? An IRS Form 5695 with your taxes is needed. Plus keep your receipts that prove you purchased the products and a copy of the manufacturer’s certification like the ENERGY STAR label. Ask your accountant or tax advisors to provide more guidance.

You should also know each energy efficient product offers different tax credit guidelines. For energy efficient windows and skylights that were installed in January 1 through May 31, 2009 require existing manufacturer certifications and Energy Star labels. From June 1, 2009 and onwards, a more strict criteria applies, see the IRS guidance to find out what qualifications must be met.

Energy tax credits for geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, and fuel cells, were also modified starting in 2009. Geothermal heat pumps placed in service starting in 2009 are now eligible for a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost. These credits are effective through December 21, 2016. Geothermal heat pumps must meet ENERGY STAR guidelines in order to be eligible for the tax credit.

Some ENERGY STAR appliances are available for an energy tax credit; however what you should know about the energy tax credit is each state offers different credits. To see what qualifies in your state go to ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Here are some examples of ENERGY STAR appliances rebates for appliances in California.
• ENERGY STAR washer rebates: The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California offers an $85 rebate for ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers with a Water Factor of 5.0 or lower.
• ENERGY STAR refrigerator: Edison is offering a $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators. Plus a $50 rebate for recycling your old refrigerators or freezers that are in working condition.

You can also find ENERGY STAR special promotions for ENERGY STAR appliances. Like if you purchase 2 or more eligible ENERGY STAR qualified GE Profile or GE Cafe appliances you receive a Visa prepaid card valuing from $100 to $500. For more information on what may qualify for this GE promotion go to GE appliance. 

Today’s busy lifestyles present some unique needs when it comes to homebuying. For example, who wouldn’t love to find a new home community with an onsite grocery store? At Byers Creek, a neighborhood of new homes for sale near Charlotte, this ideal scenario can be a reality.  

Located on the border of Mooresville/Lake Norman, two quality Charlotte-area cities, Byers Creek offers a number of benefits to residents. The aforementioned onsite market, nearby dining options, and great schools just around the corner. But what about family fun? Byers Creek features a pool, cabana, and a playground. Adults and children alike have plenty of gathering spaces for family time, making new friends, and forming lasting bonds. 

Better still, Byers Creek offers residents an opportunity to own a home with a spacious floorplan. The square foot range of their numerous floorplans is 2,228 - 3,901, with the wide, inclusive price range of $193,990 - $351,984. Of course, with MI Homes’ The Power of 8 promotion, inspired by the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that ends soon, many new residents of Byers Creek will have more than a great new home to look forward to!

For more information on Byers Creek, just stop in to the sales office at 103 Rainberry Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117, or call (704) 658-0511. Office hours are Mon-Tues and Thurs-Sat from 10am-6pm, and Wed/Sun: 12pm-6pm.    

Why does “new home” need to be synonymous with “large home?” It doesn’t! The truth is, although we often think of new homes for sale as being oversized houses on small land lots, there are plenty of new communities comprised of homes that are a practical, down-to-earth size for the average family. One such development is Asbel Estates in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, an MI Homes community near Tampa. 

Asbel Estates is a charming community of one and two story homes on conservation homesites. Complete with parks, ponds and tot lots, this community is ideal for first-time buyers, move-up buyers and empty nesters. Located in the desirable Pasco County School District, Asbel Estates is convenient to shops, restaurants, entertainment, Suncoast Parkway, Tampa and the Tampa airport.

What isn’t Asbel Estates? It isn’t a series of identical big-box homes, rife with more bedrooms than buyers know what to do with. It is, however, a place for those who need a reasonably sized home at an affordable price. How affordable? Prices start at $149,990 for 1,308 square feet, and up to $289,990 for 3,393 square feet. Plus, with MI Homes' The Power of 8 promotion, another $8,000 in options - on top of the current (but soon ending) $8,000 homebuyer tax credit - is available to make buying even easier!

Could scaled-back homes be the next big trend? Perhaps prospective buyers should begin examining this as a viable option; after all, they may eventually be among the most readily available types of homes on the market.
 

Looking to relocate to Ohio, but prefer to settle down in a small town rather than Cincinnati? How does Old Historic Dublin sound? Greystone Mews, located in the heart of Dublin, OH, are the new condominiums from Showcase Homes' (a division of MI Homes) - and they're the perfect choice for any active lifestyle.

Complete with tree-lined streets, a water fountain and extensive landscaping (including lovely stone accents), Greystone Mews is a quiet, natural haven. With area parks, bike paths, shops and restaurants within walking distance from your front door, you'll enjoy the convenience of this ideal location. And the condominium homes are exquisite. Numerous two-story floor plans are available (in square foot ranges of 2,341 - 2,592), each with two-car attached garages, all-natural exteriors, basements, grand entryways, 10' first-floor and 9' second-floor ceilings. There’s even a central courtyard for gathering with friends.

Price ranges for these upscale condos for sale in Ohio are $269,845 - $318,900. To inquire about Greystone Mews, please contact the sales office at 6752 Cooperstone Drive, Dublin, OH 43017 or call (614) 789-9735. Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 11am-7pm, 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm-6pm on Sunday.

There’s a difference between new home communities that claim to be sustainable or green, and those that are verified. Fortunately, there are organizations that help buyers make the distinction; for example, the California Certified Green Builder® program from Build It Green. As green building becomes more popular, homeowners and those purchasing homes are looking for contractors, architects, engineers, specialty contractors, and real estate professionals who are qualified to provide green building services. Those builders who wish to establish themselves as green builders can obtain this certification to set themselves apart from the rest.

One example of a company who chose to certify themselves as a California Certified Green Builder is Pardee Homes. The firm is currently developing a number of green communities, such as Laurel Park and Oak Crest in Santa Clarita. In fact, Pardee Homes has built 24 LivingSmart and 14 California Green Builder-certified neighborhoods to date.

How do they make green building look easy? The secret is that Pardee Homes has over a decade of green building experience. In fact, the company helped pioneer the EPA's Energy Star® program, and built first Energy Star® neighborhood, in 1998. That’s far longer than most green builders! Although companies can't turn back the clock on their development practices, it will be interesting to learn how many California builders with green homes for sale will follow in Pardee Homes' footsteps of being a leader in building green homes by taking part in California Certified Green Builder training.  

The average family washes nearly 400 loads of laundry each year. It’s a good thing that just by purchasing a clothes washer with the ENERGY STAR label; you can cut your energy costs more than a third and your water costs by more than half! The amount of money you save on energy costs will pay for the washers matching dryer. The amount your save in water with an ENERY STAR washer, equals the amount it would take to fill three backyards swimming pools.

You will save on average $50 a year on your utility bills when you purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified washer compared with a non-qualified model. Washers built in 1998 and older are considerably less energy efficient than the newer models. A washer that is 10 years or older spends $135 each year on utility coast.

So how do ENERGY STAR washers save you money? Well new ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers considerably reduce water use. A non ENERGY STAR washer will use 17 more gallons of water with a load of clothes! Without a huge agitator (the rotating pole in the washer) more usable space is available for larger loads. With more capacity less loads of laundry are needed, saving water and time. Not only dose ENERGY STAR washers save water per load, but they also save the longevity of your clothes. Instead of twisting and pulling clothes around a turning agitator in the middle of your washer, a front-load washers uses a refined wash systems that softly flips and rotates clothes through a light flow of water. This prolongs the life of washed clothes. Due to many ENERGY STAR washers being so mild, many models can wash silk, wool and other hand-washables clothes safely. Plus not to mention that ENERGY STAR washers qualify for an energy tax credit!

ENERGY STAR clothing washers use less energy and help cut the impact on the environment. With nearly 70 percent of electricity used being produced by burning coal and gases, which is the main cause of global warming by releasing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. ENERGY STAR qualified washers help protects lakes, streams, and oceans by reducing water consumption.

Saving-water techniques can save you money and diverts less water from the rivers, bays, and estuaries. It can also decrease wastewater treatment costs and energy used to treat, pump, and heat water. This lessens energy demand and in returns helps prevent air pollution.

So now that you know the benefits of ENERGY STAR washers, how do you pick the right one for you? Start out by check the yellow EnergyGuide label on the washer. This label tells you how much energy it takes to work the washer. Judge against the energy use of like models and estimate the annual “in use” costs. Think about the size of the washer that will suit your needs. A larger model will hold more clothes, but it will also use more energy. Yet a clothes washer that’s too small will need smaller loads, which means more loads, which means more water used. Think about the space you have available for a washer and dryer.  ENERGY STAR washers and dryers come in stackable and under-the-counter designs for smaller spaces.

Another thing to consider when choosing a washer is to look for a high Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and a low Water Factor (WF). Modified Energy Factor (MEF) shows how energy efficiency a washer is. MEF measures the energy used by the washer, the energy used to heat the water, and the energy used to run the dryer. Water Factor (WF) evaluates the water efficiency in gallons of water per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the WF the more water efficient the clothes washer is. The MEF and WF are listed on the ENERGY STAR label.

For an energy efficient dryer, choose a model with a moisture sensor. This aspect automatically shuts off the dryer when clothes are dry. The moisture sensor saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes from stopping any over-drying.

Near the waters of the Rae’s Creek, in a secluded location just minutes away from Central Savannah River Area, is Brookstone Condominiums at Rae's Creek. These new homes for sale in Augusta Georgia are where you will find a new home community that provides an escape from the ordinary.

These gorgeous European ranch-style homes have been carefully planned to allow you to embrace life. Brookstone at Rae’s Creek is energy-efficient, low-maintenance, open floor plans new homes for sale. Plus you can finally welcome your weekends back, since all exterior home maintenance and landscaping is taken care of for you by the dedicated land crew of Brookstone.

Brookstone is conveniently located minutes from Interstate 20 and the Bobby Jones Expressway. Brookstone ideal location provides access to Fort Gordon and the Savannah River in South Carolina.  Within 2 miles of the Augusta Mall and Augusta Exchange shopping centers, world-class hospital,  numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

Brookstone at Rae's Creek presents 4 award-winning floor plans.  Including extraordinary features like a four-season sunrooms, two-car attached garages, cathedral ceilings, large round-top windows, private entrances, ample storage and private courtyards. Personalize your new home with exciting amenities including solid surface or granite countertops, custom cabinets, hardwood floors, energy efficient appliances.

You will find incredible value and efficiency in your new home design.  You can have the look and feel of a single-family home with all of the benefits of maintenance-free living.  These Augusta, GA new homes offer 2 - 3 Bedrooms, 2 - 3 Baths and start from the $200's. For more information on these wonder new homes in Augusta call at: 614-761-1010. Or visit on Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm or Sunday 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm. For directions to Brookstone at Rae’s Creek at Brookstone Way.