Tax Credits Make It Difficult to Interpret Housing Data
WSJ.com Developments blog
“The home buyer tax credit continues to complicate the task of figuring out what’s going on with underlying demand for homes. … After the tax credits expire, buyers will have less reason to rush. If interest rates start to rise from today’s unusually low levels, that will create another obstacle to recovery in the housing market. At that point, home sellers will have to hope fervently that the economy can start to generate more well-paid jobs.”
The Housing Market After April 30: Going Up or Going Down?
Old House Web
“The big question is what happens after April 30? The spring buying season is traditionally good for selling new and existing homes, and then it drops off slightly as families go on vacation and are busy with summertime activities. The tax credit will have expired, and the federal programs holding down interest rates are also running out. Mortgage rates are headed upward: USA Today reports that home buyers are rushing to purchase before rates rise too much, and they can no longer afford to buy.”
Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program
Home Construction & Improvement
“The EPA’s new Lead Paint Law takes effect on April 22, 2010 and there seems to be more questions than answers especially from small business owners. Many of the smaller contractors have questions about Contractor Lead Paint Certification, waivers, personnel training and costs associated with this new law. The EPA has created a publication to help educate small businesses about the new Lead Paint Law.”
Smart Meters Hit Bumps in the Road
Inhabitat
“Last week in Texas, a state senator responding to consumer complaints about skyrocketing bills asked the Public Utility Commission to halt Oncor’s installation of the devices. This week, the California PUC announced that it would investigate similar complaints about meters installed by Pacific Gas & Electric Co.. (Both utilities insist the bills stemmed from heavier usage, not the meters.) Then San Francisco-based online privacy watchdog the Electronic Frontier Foundation seized the opportunity to send the PUC a laundry list of related privacy concerns.”
