How Canada-Proof Is Your House?

_canada-blizzardCanada dishes out some of the most extreme climate conditions on the planet, so we certainly have an incentive to get the whole housing and energy efficiency thing right. Energy efficiency grants are often available to help.

Solar Grants for This Australia State

solar-australiaThe first of the federal government’s Solar Towns Programme grants have been awarded to eight community groups across Tasmania.

The grants, capped at $20,000 each, provide for the purchase and installation of either rooftop solar PV, a solar hot water system, or a solar heat pump hot water system on existing buildings (one year or older) which provide support to the local community.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grant-government-grants-chris-johnson-free-moneyThis year marks the 40th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Community Development Block Grant Program’s main purpose is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities to low- and moderate-income people. To this day, the Community Development Block Grant Program remains the principal source of revenue for localities to utilize in devising flexible solutions to prevent physical, economic, and social deterioration in lower-income neighborhoods and communities throughout the nation.

Make Money with Real Estate Investments

RE-InvestmentMost people purchase real estate in hopes of earning wealth from their purchase, just as they would with any other investment asset. However, real estate is unique in that it has four distinct components of investment return. Essentially, here are the four ways you can make money as a result of real estate ownership:

– Appreciation in value
– Cash flows
– Income tax benefits
– Mortgage principal pay down

It’s important to note that just because there are several components of returns, that does not mean you will earn money on real estate investments. Many people lose money due to insufficient research and analysis, as well as through unmitigated risk issues. Do your homework before investing in real estate.

Government Grant Money for Safe, Healthy Homes

Government Grant Money for Safe and Healthy Homes-ChrisJohnson-GrantFundingExpertThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded nearly $10.5 million in grants designed to protect children and other vulnerable groups from health hazards in their homes. This grant funding highlights the link between housing and health and develops cost effective methods for mitigating residential hazards. HUD’s grants are being awarded to academic and non-profit research institutions studying new methods to recognize and control residential health and safety hazards such as asthma triggers, bed bugs, mold, and radon.

Hurry and Claim Your First-Home Buyer Government Grant in Australia!

Claim Your First-Home Buyer Government Grant in AustraliaFIRST-home buyers are rushing to beat changes in subsidies aimed at encouraging them into the market. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers and conveyancers are seeing increased interest since the State Government announced it would dump the $7000 first-home buyer government grant for established homes.

Get a Government Grant for Your Rural Home

rural houseIf you’re an American who lives in a rural county, you may be eligible to get a government grant to help your housing situation. The Rural Housing Stability Assistance Program (RHSP) is designed to provide assistance for rural counties to re-house or improve the housing situations of individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in the worst housing situations, stabilize the housing of individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless, and improve the ability of the lowest-income residents to afford stable housing.

Help for Homes with Hurricane Damage

hurricane-damageThere’s been some severe weather in the United States in the past couple of months, and billions of dollars of damage has been one result. Even if you’re not in one of the hard-hit areas, it’s worthwhile for you to be prepared with the resources that you’ll need if a natural disaster happens close to home.

Trust, but Verify

Most of us want to live in the kind of world where other people have the same good character traits as we do. We expect honesty, mutual respect, and ethics. There are lots of people who live up to these standards, but some who will fall short. Especially in business and real estate dealings, it’s smart to have cordial, professional working relationships, but to also protect your own interests at the same time.

Be Nice to People on Your Way Up. You’ll Meet ‘Em On Your Way Down.

There’s a saying that originated in old Hollywood in the 1930s: “Be Nice to People on Your Way Up. You’ll Meet ‘Em On Your Way Down.” You know what? That’s great advice for business and real estate investing too, and when you’re looking to get a grant. From the very beginning, in every transaction, it’s to your benefit to treat others with kindness and respect. Of course, that’s just the right