Go Green and Save Money this December

If you haven't yet, it's time to look into energy efficient products and renewable energy systems for your home. Not only will you save money in the long run, you also may be entitled to a tax break.Want to learn more? Engery Star has a ton of helpful information on their website about how to apply, when to apply and much more. The deadline is December 31, so act fast!

Looking for more tips to go green this year? Here are a few of our favorite sites:

Best Green Home Tips
The Green Guide
HGTV Green Home

Have a tip for going green and saving money? Let us know in the comments.

Boston homeowner tips: Cool your home AND receive a tax credit

The warmer temperatures aren’t the ONLY reason to install a new central air conditioning system. According to the Energy Star website, there are some central A/C systems that qualify for government tax rebates. This is part of the ongoing program intended to assist homeowners with making their homes more efficient - all the while, stimulating spending.

For more information on central air conditioner rebate, go to the Energy Star site.

For more information on Boston real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston homes and homeowners now have a new tool

It was announced at the National Association of Realtors convention this week that a new tool for homebuyers has just been launched. HouseLogic.com is a free source of information and tools from NAR that can help you make smart and timely decisions about your home. How will this affect Boston’s homes? Well, the site will offer content covering home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and even ways you can get involved in and enrich your community. The goal of HouseLogic is to help you increase and protect the value of your home by helping you make confident decisions.

To read more about this new site or to see the beta version, go to HouseLogic.com.

For more information on Boston homes for sale, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Featured Boston Homes for Sale: Cold Spring Green

The contemporary townhomes at Cold Spring Park were designed by an award-winning architect. Crafted for luxury living with extraordinary detail and artistry, each unit boasts a private elevator and totally 'Green' construction including geothermal heat/AC, solar ready, and T & G Cedar exterior. The open floor plan features soaring ceilings and skylights, glass and stainless detail throughout as well as Bayerwald 'Tilt and Turn' windows. The kitchen boasts custom-made cabinetry, Cambria Quartz counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch appliances. The ultimate in New York City sophistication in Newton Massachusetts.

For more information on homes for sale in Boston, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Winterize Your Home

Did you know that drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use? Or that the Fed chips in on certain energy saving changes. For example, there is a tax credit which pays 30% of the cost for solar water heaters, or up to $1,500 for conventional systems. DailyGreen.com posted several helpful tips to help you winterize your home.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Home-maintenance check list for September

A recent MSN.com article offered several suggestions of what to do to prepare your home for the fall and winter. Ideas include inspecting your storm windows and insulation, caulking exterior gaps, ordering firewood, cleaning your dryer vent and more. In some cases, you may even consider having more efficient windows installed to save on your monthly heating bills.

For more information, go to msn.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: How much can one degree save?

Even though our spring was mild, the hazy days of summer will soon be upon us. Before you crank up that air conditioning, consider adjusting your normal temperature. A programmable thermostat allows you to cool your home only when you are there – potentially saving you 5-15% on your cooling bills. One degree can save you one percent of your bill.

For more information, go to energysavers.gov.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston: Boston farmers markets offer fresh ingredients

With the weather getting warmer and spring activities picking up, Boston workers and residents take advantage of the many farmers markets in the Boston area. From Copley Square to Central Square, there are lots of places you can get fresh produce, baked goods and plants for your family and home.

To find a farmers market near you, go to massfarmersmarkets.org.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: How “walkable” is your neighborhood

Boston.com explored an increasingly popular buzzword in real estate: “walkability”. Whether you are on foot or in a wheelchair, nearby amenities and public transportation are attractive features in this day and age. Many people who are being more “green” conscious are looking to avoid car travel and prefer to keep their social activities to their local neighborhoods.

Boston is well-known for its network of social neighborhoods. From the North End to the South End; from Cambridge to South Boston; Boston is a great area for those seeking “walkability”.

Read the complete story on boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston homeowners can start to think about solar power

A group called One Block Off the Grid (http://1bog.com) has been brokering a deal to get special pricing on solar power systems for homeowners. They also have information regarding tax incentives in each state and from the federal government – including Massachusetts. This is well-timed with the goals of the new White House administration to invest in alternative energy sources.

View the complete article on 1blog.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.