Programs available help buy homes and make them efficient and safe!

 I recently joined The Green and I wondered how many people are taking advantage of government funds to insulate their homes? You do not have to be dirt poor(usually). Some programs are for first time home buyers.(a first time home buyer is one who hasn't owned a home in 3 years). You can find these and other interesting loan grants at your regional Community Developement office of your local goverment.( community grant offices are named different things in different states).  Call your local help line or community services to find the programs in your town.

Along with  insulating homes for energy efficiency They also offer downpayment assistance to low income home owners and some have funds to help you fix a not so great home and make the house livable. This process does take some time but is well worth it.

For example, My husband and I bought a home in 1996 for $25,000 in Brockton Ma. We got half of our downpayment and half of our closing costs through this community developement grant. Then they gave us a $10,000 additional to:

1) Add a new Insulated roof (really saved energy, we were the only ones on the street with snow on our roof all winter! Good insulating)!

2) New electrical upgrade(energy saving).

3) Some structural fixes on eaves and remove a delapitated porch(safety issues).

With all this and then some hard work we had a beautiful home which we used to raise our kids.

Eventually the City got quite scary and we sold at a profit, But I digress,

The point is there is money just sitting there for you to insulate your home. Some are grants some are low interest loans and it doesnt cost a penny for you to inquire or apply. Utilize Energy efficient programs through Federal fuel assistance programs.

There are also lead abatement programs to make your house safe from lead that poison children.

If you are persistant and are about to buy a House, fix a house , delead a house, or insulate a home, these government programs could help you. These programs are for low income home owners living in or buying houses that need work to be safe. Credits are available for energy efficient heating and cooling systems installed in some states or counties.

Seniors are also Ideal candidates as they are on fixed incomes. They are almost always eligible and can save much needed money on fuel.

The cost of these programs from the community developement people result in a lein on your property for a certain number of years and almost always are lifted after 5 or 10 years.

Some apartment dwellers can have their unit insulated or have new windows and doors installed as well through Federal and State programs.

Low income renters may also qualify for fuel assistance and if the heat is included in the rent, could receive cash to help with rent.

I hope these tips help someone. Let me know if it does.

Feel free to comment and tell me your energy assistance stories.