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What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? : ENERGY STAR What is ENERGY STAR? | Newsroom Search What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Homebuyer Resources New Homes Partner Locator For Residential Building Professionals PRODUCTS HOME IMPROVEMENT NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PARTNER RESOURCES -- Home > New Homes > What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? -- -- What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes? ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of: building envelope upgrades, high performance windows, controlled air infiltration, upgraded heating and air conditioning systems, tight duct systems and upgraded water-heating equipment. These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality. Here are some questions commonly asked about ENERGY STAR qualified homes: Look for this label when buying your next home. How does a home earn the ENERGY STAR label? The ENERGY STAR label is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified, either by an independent third-party such as an accredited home energy rater or Builder Option Package (BOP) verifier , or by adhering to the quality control procedures established for HUD-code manufactured homes . What types of homes can earn the ENERGY STAR label? Any single-family or multi-family residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label. This includes traditional site-constructed homes as well as modular, systems-built (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally insulated panels), and HUD-code manufactured homes. Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR? Yes. Existing homes can be qualified for the ENERGY STAR label if they meet ENERGY STAR's performance guidelines. However, it is not always practical or cost-effective to bring an existing home to this level of efficiency. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of existing homes can often be greatly improved using cost-effective retrofit techniques. Visit Home Improvement to learn how. Do energy-efficient homes look different? No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified new homes do not have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home can be built in whatever style the consumer prefers or is most popular in a particular geographic region. Does an energy-efficient home cost more? No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less because you will spend less on your new home's utility bill each month. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow. Further, ENERGY STAR financing partners offer special mortgage packages for buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes. How will I know if a home is labeled ENERGY STAR? Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been verified to meet EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines. How can I participate in ENERGY STAR as a home industry professional? ENERGY STAR currently partners with four main types of home industryprofessionals: homebuilders, home energy raters, utilities and other sponsoring organizations, and home lenders . After completing and signing a partnership agreement, partners can take advantage of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR name, logos, and a variety of other marketing resources. Other home industry professionals can promote ENERGY STAR as well. Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes > Products | Home Improvement | New Homes | Business Improvement | Partner Resources Newsroom | Privacy | Contact Us | Site Index EPA Home EPA Search DOE Home DOE Search

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Thailand websites :: Buying and renting property in Bangkok. Welcome to www.ThaiWebsites.com - Web directory with search function for English-language websites about Thailand Menu General Directory Hotels Directory Industry & Manufacturing Consumer & Household Goods About us & More Images of Rattanakosin (the cultural center of Bangkok) Search ThaiWebsites.com: Buying and Renting Property in Thailand Buying We have gained some personal experience buying and renting property in Bangkok, though we certainly do not claim to have the skills or knowledge of a real estate agent. Possibly you will find some of the suggestions below useful. They would mainly apply to renting or buying a condominium in Bangkok. First of all, anyone can rent (we assume), but buying property has its limitations. Practically speaking, a foreigner can buy a unit in a condominium, but can not own free land (and houses). There may be ways around it like long-term leases of land, but you will need to have a long talk with a real estate agent, to figure out further details. For most people, buying a property takes a large chunk out of their assets and savings, and should be considered wisely. After being in a long slump (this was actually a good time to buy) prices have climbed up again to levels seen in the pre-economic crisis period (1997). At the same time, we have the feeling that rents are still much cheaper than they were 7-8 years ago, so the balance still tills in favor of renting a property rather than buying one. Of course, there are other factors involved, having a property of your own (that is paid off), gives some feeling of security, and you can modify your condominium to your own desires. When buying location is of course the most important factor. This is especially so when you expect to make a profit by selling it in the future, or if you want to rent it out to other persons. One important thing to remember : When buying a property, you will in general have to prove that you have brought in the money involved from abroad. Banks have special forms to fill out for this purpose. So when you bring in the money to a Thai bank, with the purpose of using it to buy property, be sure to make it clear to your bank. Personally with the experience we gained, we would advise against property that is not built yet (of course). At least in the recent past, some developments went broke, and quite a few people lost a lot of money. There is a problem of long-term maintainance with properties in Bangkok that you should be aware off. While essential repairs may well be done, overal appearance of a building may deteriorate in a few years time. We noticed that some properties are very well maintained, but others, once prime property, seem to be allowed to slide into second-class real estate. This of course will depend on the management of the building, and on the residents staying there. Yearly meetings (where you do have voting rights) will be held, but often the money needed to keep up a building, might be used for other purposes. Furthermore, you will have little control over what happens around your property. A garbage dump or a slum may develop just around the corner. Thai people seem to more easily accept this. As long as it looks all right inside the home, who cares what is going on outside? Because of the above reasons, it may be of value to assess properties that have been around for a few years. At least you will have an idea how the building is being maintained, and what to expect in the future. A Juristic Person (elected by the condominium owners) with staff will usually manage the building, with help from real estate management companies. Management of a building may often change, with as a side-effect that there is less long-term planning and management. Some persons, owning a unit in a condominium, will refuse to pay maintainance fees as long as they do not live there themselves. This of course is illegal, and reduces the money available for maintaining the building. From our experience, it is very difficult for a Juristic Person to force people to pay their dues. As for maintaince fees, they are usually charged by the month, and the amount is decided in the yearly meeting of the owners. A fee higher than 30 baht per meter per month, is possibly high, but all depends of course on the value of the property itself, and the need for important repairs. Actually, in Thailand, it looks like people can cough up quite a few million baht to buy a property, but then do not want to spend a few thousand baht a month to maintain the value of their property. If you own a property, you will also be liable to pay a property tax. The amount of this tax depends on the estimated value of the property. You should check how much you will have to pay, though the rate may go up in the future. Our experience tells us to expect between 10,000-20,000 baht a year for a two-bedroom unit. As for other costs, you usually will pay the 'real' price, or something close to it. This can make a substantial difference in electricity costs (as compared to when renting a property). We advise that besides a real estate agent, you use the services of a law office, before you make a property purchase. Renting Of course, you do not have all of the problems above, when you decide to rent a property instead. We would certainly advise to do just that, in case you do not plan to stay permanently (or most of the time) in Thailand. Unless you have a lot of experience in real estate, we would not advise to buy property with the hope to make a profit in the future by selling it. [that is, buying property for investment purposes] Most rented property in Bangkok and around Thailand, is fully furnished and equipped. Poor buildings will usually have second-grade furniture and facilities, while valued property will be luxuriously furnished and have a lot of facilities. Most middle to high class condominiums will have a nice swimming pool, a sauna, laundry facilities, maid services etc. You may just have to get some towels, bed sheets, and coffee mugs etc., and move in. Television, washing machine, microwave, airconditioning etc., it will all be there. You can find all this, sometimes while paying a rent of 30,000 baht a month or less (especially in the suburbs of Bangkok). So, this should be considered good value. Much cheaper accommodations are available, but we do not have a lot of knowledge or recommendations about it. [If you do plan to stay a longer time in Bangkok, you can also consider staying for months on end in one of the two star or three star hotels. You will have the benefit of a hotel like maid service, room service, 'free' airconditioning, restaurants etc. Something acceptable can usually be found in the 15,000-20,000 baht a month range. Hotels may give 10-20% discounts if you stay long time. Just one place we know about : Honey Hotel in Sukhumvit soi 19] When renting you will be subject to additional costs. First of all, the usual deposit is valued at two months of rent, and the rent for the first month (and thereafter) has to be paid in advance. Be aware that the property owner (if working through a real estate agent) will usually have to pay one month value of rent as a commission to the real estate agent). Electricity costs (free in a hotel!) can run high in Bangkok, especially during the hot season. Expect about 800-1000 Units per month when using airconditioning on 'economy mode' for a medium sized room. Cost of electricity (as charged by the electricity provider) is below 3 baht per unit, but when renting, charges may be much higher (arbitrarily). We regularly notice charges of 4 baht per unit, and recently reviewed a website of a property, charging 5.5 baht per unit. So the building owners make quite a few thousand baht of easy money each month. [Customer protection is still in its developing stage in Thailand, unfortunately, that is why there do not seem to be binding rules about expenses as mentioned] When you lease property for a long time (like 30 years or 99 years), you may save some money when signing your contract, that is, a lease for 30 years may be cheaper than buying property. However, you should be aware that you forgo the rights of owning the property. For instance, you will not have voting rights in annual meetings. How the condominium is managed will be decided above your head. Monthly costs (like electricity) will also be charged, without you having control over it. Electricity costs and maintainance fees may go up over the years slowly but relentlessly. More Articles : Society and Culture : Thai Temples for Dummies | Basic Economic Realities | Siam Society (on Asoke Road) | 10 Wishes for Thailand | The Thai character | Erawan Shrine History of Thailand , from Ban Chiang to Rattanakosin era. Health matters : About healthcare in Thailand | Health Statistics, Health Risks in Thailand | Health Clubs, Fitness Centers | The Grande Spa and Fitness Club | Amazing Thailand : Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok | About Thai Massage Travel, Tourism and Shopping : Sukhumvit Road | What's at Skytrain Stations? | Shopping Guide for Bangkok | About Visas | Entertainment in Bangkok | Getting Around in Bangkok and Thailand | Travel Tips | Travel Story | Buying and Renting Property | Siam Paragon at Siam skytrain station Misc. : Guidelines for Webmasters | 'Thai Websites' in the News Out of Bangkok Series : Nakhon Pathom | Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi Subdirectories : Culture and Society Entertainment Business & Finance Travel & Tourism Real Estate Hotels & Resorts Read a bit : Editor's Articles Submit a Website | Link to Us | Link Partners Top Concept and website design by G.V., Bangkok

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Freddie Mac: Freddie Mac Corporate Homepage Search [ En Español ] Doing Business With Freddie Mac Single-Family Multifamily Debt Securities Mortgage Securities Vendors and Suppliers About Freddie Mac About Us Public Policy News and Information Investor Relations Careers Buying and Owning a Home Preparing for Homeownership All About Mortgages Purchasing a Home Owning and Keeping a Home Calculators and Tools Properties for Sale 30 year 15 year Average Rate Fees / Points Next rate update: Current Weekly Survey Compilation of Weekly Surveys America Builds on the National Mall Special Relief Information and Resources Freddie Mac's mission is to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the housing market. Learn how . Go to LoanProspector.com , our online suite of mortgage underwriting and processing tools. Freddie Mac Helps Revitalize Historical Neighborhood In Gainesville Senator Martinez and Representative Stearns applaud a new effort to rebuild a historical neighborhood near downtown Gainesville. Freddie Mac, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, and mortgage lender Taylor, Bean & Whitaker plan to revive the neighborhood by building new homes; rehabilitating empty homes; offering low-down payment mortgages; homeownership workshops and counseling; and up to $7,000 in assistance to qualified, mainly first-time, low-to moderate-income homebuyers. Freddie Mac Report Looks at Asian Homebuyers in the U.S. Many Asians in the U.S. state that their lack of knowledge about the homebuying process could delay or prevent them from purchasing a home, and that they need to feel financially ready, stable and secure before they can consider buying a home, according to focus group participants. Freddie Mac compiled the focus group results into a new report, Homeward Bound: An In-depth Look at Asian Homebuyers in the United States. Dec 29 Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey Released Dec 22 One-Stop Execution Offered for Multifamily High-Leverage Loans Dec 22 Freddie Mac's November 2005 Monthly Volume Summary Now Available Dec 20 Groups Work to Revitalize Neighborhood Near Downtown Gainesville View All News Releases © 2005 Freddie Mac Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap

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WorldProperties.com - where you find Distinctive International Real Estate Brought to you by REALTOR.COM® -- Over 3 million properties around the world WORLDPROPERTIES.com, the place to find International Properties. Member Login Username: Password: Forgot your password? New User? Click here. ICREA Countries Select a Country Argentina Australia Brazil Canada Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Greece India Ireland Italy Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Russia Spain Sweden United Kingdom United States Venezuela Resources International Properties -- Find a Professional Find a Transnational Referral Certified (TRC) Professional Events Calendar National Association Data ICREA Member Center Global News ICREA News International News Abstracts Asia/Pacific Rim North/South/Central America & Caribbean Europe Africa/Middle East About ICREA Who is ICREA? International Principles of Conduct Value to the Real Estate Practitioner Value to the Consumer Value to Real Estate Associations ICREA Structure Joining ICREA Search Distinctive Properties : View all Properties: REGION Select a Region Andean Balkan States British Isles Caribbean Central & Eastern Europe Central America Central Asia Mediterranean North America Northern Europe Oceania Patagonia Riviera Scandinavia South America South East Asia/pacific/pacific Rim Western Europe COUNTRY CITY Select a Country Argentina Australia Bahamas Belize Brazil Canada Costa Rica Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Finland France Germany Greece Honduras India Ireland Italy Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Panama Poland Portugal Russia Spain Sweden United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Venezuela CURRENCY PRICE MAX AUD - Australian Dollar VEB - Bolivar BRL - Brazilian Real CAD - Canadian Dollar CZK - Czech Koruna DKK - Danish Krone EUR - Euro HKD - Hong Kong Dollar INR - Indian Rupee MXN - Mexican Peso NZD - New Zealand Dollar NOK - Norwegian Krone GBP - Pound Sterling RUB - Russian Ruble SGD - Singapore Dollar SEK - Swedish Krona USD - US Dollar KRW - Won PLN - Zloty No maximum 100,000 300,000 500,000 700,000 1,000,000 3,000,000 5,000,000 7,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 50,000,000 More Search Options | Maps RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES Select a Country Argentina Australia Brazil Canada Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Greece India Ireland Italy Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Poland Spain Sweden United Kingdom United States Venezuela COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Select a Country Argentina Australia Brazil Canada Czech Republic Finland France India Ireland Italy Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Spain United Kingdom United States Venezuela WorldProperties.com is the official web site of the The International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA) , a Consortium of the world’s leading real estate associations committed to the right to own and transfer real property.  ICREA sets standards for international real estate practice and facilitates worldwide real estate transactions through its website, WorldProperties.com. Contact ICREA at consortium@realtors.org . Learn More About ICREA Who is ICREA? International Principles of Conduct Value to the Consumer Value to the Real Estate Practitioner Value to Real Estate Associations Joining ICREA Site Map |-- Find a Home | Find a Professional | ICREA Member Center | Country Information Contact ICREA | Email Technical Questions | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy . © 2002-2005 International Consortium of Real Estate Associations All rights reserved. *

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Mortgage Advice - How To Find the Best Mortgage - Home Finance Advice  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling > Mortgage Advice Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Home Buying / Selling > Mortgage Advice Mortgage Advice Mortgage advice to help you select a lender and choose the best home mortgage for your needs. Learn the facts about mortgages before you apply for a mortgage loan with a bank, mortgage broker or other lender. Subtopics Appraisal Facts @ Mortgage Calculators (41) Construction Loans (3) Private Mortgage Insurance (5) Credit Reports and Scores @ Refinancing a Home (4) Downpayment Assistance (7) Reverse Mortgages (2) Find a Mortgage (11) VA Home Loans (9) Interest Rate Facts (7) Vacation Home Mortgages (4) Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Analyzing Your Debt to Income Ratio When you're buying a home, lenders look at your debt to income ratio. This measure of your debt load has an impact on how much house you can buy. Learn how to calculate the ratio and find out what lenders are looking for. Are You Really Pre-Approved for a Mortgage? Do you know the differences between the terms pre-qualified, pre-approved and loan commitment? Find out how they affect your offer to purchase and your home contract. Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payment Plans Can a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan help you pay off your mortgage more quickly? Learn how bi-weekly plans works and read about other methods that can be used to reduce interest and pay your home loan off faster. Do You Have a Mortgage or a Deed of Trust? A security instrument gives a lender the right to sell your property to recover funds if you do not pay the debt. A mortgage and a deed of trust are both security instruments, but one allows a lender to take an easier road to foreclosure. Don't Get Caught Up In Loan Fraud Has someone involved with your mortgage asked you to do something that you feel uneasy about? It could be nothing--or it could be loan fraud, which is a problem in the home buying and selling community. Get the facts about common loan fraud schemes so that you can spot them early and avoid becoming involved in illegal acts. Facts About ARMs, Adjustable Rate Mortgages An adjustable rate mortgage offers lower initial interest rates, but rates are not guaranteed for the long term. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan. Facts About FHA Mortgages FHA loans allow you to buy a home with less down than conventional home loans. Get the facts about FHA loans and find out if you qualify. Facts About Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loans If you are buying a home, and have served in the US Armed Services, you might quality for a VA home loan. It's a good program for members of our Armed Forces. Learn more about it here. Finding a Mortgage for Your New Home If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage. Do you know how mortgage brokers and bank loan officers differ? This article helps answer your questions about different types of lenders. RESPA's Required Disclosures Help You Shop for a Mortgage The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, RESPA, helps protect consumers when they buy and sell real estate, and teaches them to be better shoppers. One way RESPA accomplishes this is by requiring lenders and others to give you certain disclosures that make it easier to compare loans and services. Here's an explanation of disclosures you should be given during your home buying journey. Should You Buy Discount Points? Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. Sometimes discount points make sense, sometimes they don't. This information helps you decide if you should buy points. The Many Faces of Escrow During Your Home Buying Transaction You'll hear the word escrow used many times during your home buying transaction. The term can be confusing, because it is used to describe different events that take place before and after your real estate settlement, the day of closing when the property becomes yours. Here's a look at the ways escrow comes into play during your home buying transaction. Home Mortgages - Top Books The world of home finance offers so many variables and options that it's often difficult to keep them straight. Here are five books that provide all the information you need to compare mortgages and find a home loan that's right for you.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...