Real Estate Broker Requirements

TREC - Broker Application Information -- Licensee Info Search Quick Links -- To Popular Pages -- Licensee Info Search R. E. Contract Forms Renew or Apply Online Salesperson Application Real Estate License Forms Education Providers Core R.E. Course List Freq. Asked Questions Real Estate License Act TREC Rules Data File Downloads License Information Licensing Main Page MCE Requirements FAQs Timeshare Registration Residential Service Company Program Licensed Residential Service Companies Fee Schedule Applications, Requirements Applications & Other License Forms Real Estate Salesperson Requirements Real Estate Broker Requirements R.E. Broker (Corporation & LLC) Requirements Candidate Info. Brochure Reciprocity Information Inspector Applications Renew Your License Renewing a Salesperson License Renewing a Broker License Online Renewal (Brokers, 2yr Salespersons) Duplicate of License Renewal Notice Inspector Renewals KEY To Symbols =Page is in area (folder tab) of this color = Adobe PDF file format = Web site external to TREC Applying to Become a Real Estate Broker (Please Read All Information Carefully) To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien, eighteen (18) years of age or older and a legal resident of Texas. If the applicant is a resident of another state, the applicant must be licensed by that state as a real estate broker. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must furnish the Commission satisfactory evidence of successfully completing the following: Not less than two (2) years active experience in Texas as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 96 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application; or If licensed as a broker in another state, not less than two (2) years active experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 36 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application. 270 classroom hours of core real estate courses . An additional 630 classroom hours in related courses acceptable to the Commission. Evidence of successful course completion shall be presented via credit transcript or certificate accompanying an application. DO NOT submit original transcripts and/or course completion certificates. Keep the originals for your personal files and send photocopies to the Commission. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License you must first obtain a letter from the Commission attesting to satisfaction of all education requirements. THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATION DOCUMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE THE APPLICATION CAN BE FILED. To obtain an evaluation of your education documents submit the form, Request for Evaluation of Education Documents . A fee of $20 is required for the evaluation of education documents for the purpose of determining if education requirements have been satisfied. This fee is good for one year. Please submit copies of your transcripts or course certificates with your request for evaluation. DO NOT submit original documents. The following required fees must be submitted at the time of filing an application. AN APPLICATION RECEIVED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE FEES WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED. The following fees should be submitted in ONE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER payable to the Texas Real Estate Commission. ALL FEES LISTED BELOW ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Fees Required with Real Estate Broker License Application Fee Amount Comment Original Application $300 Required for all applicants Recovery Trust Account (formerly Recovery Fund) $10 Required for all applicants unlesspreviously paid License examinations are administered by PSI, a testing service company. Once your application has been received, processed and accepted, you will receive notification that you may obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Brochure (CIB) to register for the exam. The CIB will provide instructions on how to make reservations to take the examination and contains study material and instructions about licensing. A copy of the CIB can be downloaded from the PSI web site at http://www.psiexams.com . Please DO NOT attempt to register for the exam without first receiving notification from our office. The filing of an application authorizes an investigation of the applicant's background. Information revealed in an investigation may be cause for disapproval of an application even though other requirements for a license are met. If an investigation is necessary, it may not be conducted until the applicant has passed the examination. State law prohibits issuing more than one license after a licensee has defaulted on astudent loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) unless the licensee has entered into a repayment agreement with TGSLC. YOU SHOULD CONTACT TGSLC BEFORE FILING THIS APPLICATION if you have defaulted on a student loan. An application or renewal may be rejected if this agency has received information from TGSLC that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan. The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation can be contacted at: Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation P.O. Box 15996 Austin, Texas 78761-5996 Telephone: 1-800-222-6297 The time involved in processing an application depends on work volume. Inquiry as to the status of an application delays processing work. Inquiry should not be made unless there isreason to believe that information submitted to the Commission has not been received. An incomplete application will not be returned for completion. A letter will be mailed requesting the incomplete information. The examination must be passed within six months from the date the application is filed with the commission office. You are not authorized to perform any act for which a real estate license is required until an ACTIVE Texas Real Estate Commission license is in your possession. Submit Documents And Applications On Plain Paper. Do Not Send "Thermal" Type Paper. Page last modified: 11/21/2005 Site Map Privacy & Security Policy Open Records Accessibility Texas Online Statewide Search TX Homeland Security

Home Equity Auto Find

Mortgage | Home Loans | Refinance | Home Equity | REALTORS | Auto | Mortgage Refinance Home Mortgage Refinance Home Equity Auto Find a Home FREE Credit Report Knowledge Center more Site Map | About Us | Contact Us Already a Customer? Login Loans Home Refinance Home Mortgage Home Equity Auto Refinance Auto Loan Student Loans Commercial Loans Real Estate Services Find a REALTOR ® Home Price Check ® Newly Constructed Homes Homes for Sale More Services Free Credit Report Free Credit Score Free Insurance Quotes Living with Debt Report LendingTree in the News The Today Show™, USA Today®, CNBC®, and Time Magazine® are trademarks of their respective owners. These companies are not affiliated with and do not endorse LendingTree, LLC. Compare and act on up to 4 customized offers instantly! Loan Type: Property State: Home Description: Select a Loan Type Refinance Mortgage Home Equity Loan/Line Purchase Home Auto & Motorcycle Loan Refinance Auto Loan Personal Loan Credit Card Commercial Lending Student Loan Select Property State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Select Home Type Single-Family Detached Town House Condo w/ 4 or fewer stories Condo w/ 5 or more stories 2-4 Units Cooperative Modular Mobile Home (permanent) Privacy and Security PROTECTED Find a Home Already pre-qualified for your mortgage but haven't found a home yet? Find a REALTOR ® and the home of your dreams. Receive a gift card up to $1000 * or more. The LendingTree Advantage One simple form, compare and act on up to 4 customized offers instantly! 93% customer satisfaction. 9 out of the top 10 financial institutions are a part of the LendingTree network . 4 Make smarter decisions with FREE loan advice & calculators . Know your credit report & score . Select a Loan Type Refinance Mortgage Home Equity Loan/Line Purchase Home Privacy Policy | Security | Terms of Use | Licenses & Disclosures Sitemap | En Español | Do Not Call | Publications | For the Media | News Releases Jobs | Partnership Programs | Get Internet Mortgage Leads from LendingTree | Get Internet Mortgage Leads from GetSmart Join Our Real Estate Network | Post Home Listings | Affiliate Program | House Prices at Domania Partner Sites: Ask | Citysearch | Expedia | Hotels.com | Ticketmaster.com | Hotwire.com | Entertainment.com | Gifts Match.com | Home Shopping Network | ReserveAmerica | RealEstate.com | iNest | ServiceMagic LendingTree technology and processes are patented under US Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816. © 1998 - LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Conversion to LendingTree, LLC Official Home Makeover Holiday Sweepstakes Rules * Gift Card Terms and Conditions Click here for LendingTree Promotional Offer Terms 4 Based on total asset size of bank holding company as of 12/31/2004 as reported on the National Information Center web site for the Federal Reserve. REALTOR ® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS ® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. The Home Depot ® is not affiliated with LendingTree, LLC. The Home Depot ® is a registered trademark of Homer TLC, Inc. Find REALTORS ® | Look for Houses for Sale | Mortgage Calculator | Refinance at GetSmart | Find Real Estate | Free Online Credit Report `

foreclosure property is a

PROPERTY TRAC FORECLOSURE, DATABASE and AUCTION SITE All Products | Support | Foreclosure Trac | Auctions | More Info/Faqs | Log In | Subscriptions | Database Demo | Discussion Boards | Sign Up | Advertise With Us | Welcome back! Registered members only. 22 Active Users Click to Navigate New York Data Advertisers Contact Info Demo Database Discussion Board Florida Data Foreclosure Home Foreclosure Order Link Info Mailing List Notes for Sale Privacy Policy Properties Questions/Answers Related Sites Return Policy Specials Subscriptions 12/29/2005 3:46:02 PM LIMITEDTIME OFFER CLICK HERE, SIGN UP TODAY & GET INSTANT ACCESS TO NEW DATA For a limited time we will be offering the following INCREDIBLE RATES: For New York Data : $98.00 for one week $189.00 for one month $450.00 for three months $799.00 for six months $1400.00 for one year LIMITED TIME ONLY which provides 24/7 online access to lis pendens and upcoming auction sale data for all 9 counties in the New York City metro area that we service including Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk & Westchester Counties. Our database is updated daily. More than 2,000 new listings each and every month. OUR DAILY SPECIAL For Florida Data : $50.00 per County for 1 Month whichprovides access to any of 5 counties of Lis Pendens Data in Broward, Dade, Orange, Palm Beach and Seminole Counties in Excel format. JUSTCLICK HERE NOTESFOR SALE Listingsof holders of commercial paper, mortgages, promissory notes and otherinstruments for the payment or securitization of monies or obligationsthat are being offered for assignment or sale. RELATED SITES We are in the process of collecting and organizing the largest directory of real estate and foreclosure related listings. Check out our current listings or join our directory. For more foreclosure information in addition to this site just access our companion site at: ForeclosureTrac orcall 1-877-848-8736 or 1-718-720-7676 Send comments to: sales@PropertyTrac.com WELCOME to the Property Trac Web site, striving to be the premier center for buyers, sellers and investors who want to maximize their return on real estate and properties in foreclosure. Unparalled NYC Foreclosure Data Look no further; we have it! No other provider of Foreclosure Data for the New York City area can give you all that we have. Our online database has the most comprehensive and descriptive collection of data for every property in foreclosure in the New York City area. In addition to our online database that allows you to download your data into an Excel spreadsheet we provide by email data in virtually every format that is needed. Data Demo New Classifieds Section List your house for sale in our new New York Properties Real Estate classifieds section and receive the exposure that your property deserves. You can even upload a picture to further enhance your ad. The best part of this is that for a limited time only there is no charge for the first 30 days. For purchasers it's a great way to locate valued properties and to communicate directly with Sellers by email. Classifieds Quality Foreclosure Data For more than 6 years now we have been providing foreclosure data for the New York City metro area that is unsurpassed in coverage and value. Now, with our online database and low subscription rates there is no reason to look any further. Check out our database demo by clicking here and see the type of data that you will have access to. Purchase our data now and get started with investing in foreclosures today! WHY BUY A FORECLOSURE? About Our Pre-Foreclosure Data We have the most comprehensive database of pre-foreclosure data for the New York City metro area available anywhere at the lowest subscription rates. Our data includes 9 New York contiguous counties with offerings of both Lis Pendens and Auction Sale info. We research all of our own New York data, compile it and post it within days of its filing in the respective County Clerk's offices. Our database is updated daily and completely reset each week to ensure that the most accurate and comprehensive data is available 24/7 online. We provide you with the data tools necessary to get you started in one of the most stable and rewarding areas of financial investments. Inquire about our mail merge product which allows professionals such as attorneys and mortgage brokers/bankers to direct mail solicit and manipulate our data. This is a great advertising tool that always substantially increases your client base. What Can it do for You With prices for real estate at their all time peak levels there has never been a better time or a better reason to purchase real property while it is in foreclosure or at a foreclosure auction sale. It is not unusual for properties purchased in foreclosure to be acquired for 60% - 80% of their fair market value. With average property values hovering in the $200,000 range this translates into a remarkable investment process for those that are looking to invest their monies in a "safe" arena. For those that are looking to purchase a home to reside in it can significantly impact on your quality of life as it may change dramatically the neighborhood that you can afford to live in. For a Limited Time Only With the immediate purchase of any subscription equal to or more than $99.00 we will provide you with invaluable information and our 20 years of experience in foreclosures to assist you in your endeavors to purchase properties in foreclosure. Our commitment and goal is to provide you with the information tools necessary to give you the opportunity and ability to purchase foreclosures. Highlights Get the Facts and Ask Your Questions Here The purchase of a foreclosure property is a sound financial investment as well as a rewarding experience. Savvy investors purchase foreclosures for up to 50% below market value. Click on the blue link above and ask all those pressing questions about buying foreclosures that you want answers to. If you take the time to ask the question we'll respond in kind. If you are serious about buying a foreclosure property in the New York City Metro area then this is the only place for you to be. We have the data and the expertise. More importantly, though, we will answer your questions. Critical decision making will inevitably be required. As in any investment process you should first be educated about the nuances involved. The question is: Are you just looking for bare data or do you want the knowledge that we can provide along with it? Variety and Volume Whether you are looking for a condo, brownstone, loft, mansion, warehouse, factory, vacant land or store you can find them all within our online database. Try our System Evaluate our online database of auction sale and lis pendens data for the New York City Metro area including Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. Just click on the blue link above. We are the only ones to have the most complete listing of all the upcoming judicial foreclosure auction sales for this entire area. Sign up today and be purchasing a foreclosure property tomorrow! If you want the most current data consider signing up for one of our subscription specials Related Sites We are building one of the most comprehensive directories of foreclosure and real estate related services. Below are just a sampling. To see our entire directory simply click here . All Foreclosure Information Bates Foreclosure Report International Real Estate Directory Real Deal Publications Real Estate Investing Online The Foreclosure Experts The Complete Real Estate Software Catalog Vandema Commercial Real Estate Resources REALS - A Comprehensive Real Estate Directory Yahoo Real Estate Values The foreclosure and repossession marketplace Searchalot Foreclosure Updates Join our e-mail list! Enter your e-mail address and click GO to receive foreclosure subscription offers by e-mail. Please read our Privacy Statement . Last Revised: 1-AUGUST-05 ©2005 Data Trac,Inc. All rights reserved.

Buy Property in a

How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Real Estate How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community Seniors at all levels of independence may choose to buy property in a continuing-care retirement community. These communities can offer a vibrant social environment, a packed schedule of activities, help when needed, and the opportunity for transition into a more assisted living environment should needs change. They're also a good choice for people who simply want to live in an adults-only community. Steps: 1. Consider your present needs, and think about what lies ahead. Your goal may be to hold on to your independence for as long as possible. 2. Be aware of the costs beyond the cost of the home or apartment purchase (which may start at $150,000). Monthly maintenance fees can run into the low thousands. 3. Ask for referrals from your doctor, a social worker or a senior support group. You can also get lists of nearby communities online or in your phone book. 4. Tour as many properties as possible. Investigate the upkeep and safety of the facility. Find out about special amenities, from sports facilities to dining options. 5. Ask for a typical schedule. Does it offer activities both on and off the site? Does it reflect your interests? 6. Talk with the director about the staff. Is the facility properly staffed with well-trained and -screened people? What's the turnover? Talk to the employees, too. Are they happy? Do they enjoy working there? 7. Find out exactly what the fees include. If you have special meal requirements, ask if they can be met. Inquire whether the fees will change as residents find they need more assistance. 8. Chat with residents and ask for their honest opinions about the facility. If everyone is hiding in their home or apartment, that's not a good sign. Also, what is the average age of the people you see? Is that the stage you're at? Overall Tips: Check your contract to establish what happens if you decide to sell your home. In some cases, you may forfeit your entrance fee, which can be $10,000 and up. The monthly fees for some retirement communities are higher than for other types of assisted living. Get financial advice before signing on the dotted line. What to look for: Affordability Great facilities Well-trained staff A good fit with your lifestyle Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderate New! -- Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .

NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT

News Room : ENERGY STAR What is ENERGY STAR? | Newsroom Search History Partners News Archive Awards Media Resources PRODUCTS HOME IMPROVEMENT NEW HOMES BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PARTNER RESOURCES -- Home > News Room -- -- News Room ENERGY STAR in the News What's New: Program Highlights Half of the States Join ENERGY STAR Challenge (December 2005) Half of the states across the nation are joining with the EPA to address critical energy issues in our communities in conjunction with EPA's ENERGY STAR Challenge. Through the ENERGY STAR Challenge, state governments will offer a variety of programs to help building owners assess how much energy their buildings use now, establish efficiency improvement goals of 10 percent or greater portfolio-wide, and make efficiency improvements wherever cost effective. EPA Press Release List of Participating States (87KB) More Information Businesses: Save on Energy Bills this Winter (November 2005) American businesses are experiencing higher than ever energy prices, which are expected to continue this winter. EPA has advice almost any business can take to save 10% or more on their energy bills this winter. The advice shares lessons learned from EPA's ENERGY STAR partners who have saved through simple steps and adopted longer term energy management strategies with even greater savings. If every business in the US saved 10% on their energy bills, Americans would save about $10 billion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 15 million vehicles. EPA Press Release Advice for Saving Energy EPA Recognizes 18 Leading Organizations for Efforts to Cut Energy Bills (October 2005) On October 26, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson recognized 18 organizations as ENERGY STAR Leaders for achieving significant energy savings and leading their industries in responding to EPA's ENERGY STAR Building Challenge. The ENERGY STAR Commercial Building Challenge, launched in Spring 2005, encourages building owners and managers to make their buildings at least 10% more efficient. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (66KB) Leader Profiles (36KB) More Information on the ENERGY STAR Challenge Save Energy this Winter with help from ENERGY STAR (October 2005) In the face of higher energy bills this winter, the EPA encourages everyone to take action in their home to be more energy efficient. The average American household spends $1,500 annually on energy bills — a number that may go up as much as 50 percent this year. EPA offers five places to look and practical advice for home energy savings. EPA Press Release Home Energy Quiz (240KB) More Information K-12 Schools take the ENERGY STAR Challenge (October 2005) Ten leading associations representing state school boards, superintendents, principals, facility planners, parents, and teachers are joining with the EPA to address critical energy issues in our nation's K-12 schools. Currently, the nation's more than 17,000 K-12 schools spend $5 billion on energy bills each year. However, school districts can save up to 30 percent on their energy bills through cost-effective energy efficiency improvements. Through the ENERGY STAR Challenge, school decision-makers assess how much energy school districts use now, establish efficiency improvement goals of 10 percent or greater district-wide, and make efficiency improvements wherever cost effective. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (82KB) Participants List (62KB) More Information EPA and DOE Announce ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day (October 2005) EPA and DOE, together with more than half of US Governors, declared October 5th ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day, and encouraged every American to change a light in their home to one that is more energy efficient. Lighting accounts for 20 percent of a home's electricity costs. ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs reduce household energy bills because they use one-third the energy of traditional lighting and last up to 10 times longer. This small step can make a big difference for our nation's energy resources and environment. EPA Press Release Campaign Fast Facts (98KB) Governors Declaring ENERGY STAR Change a Light Day (307KB) 250+ Participating Organizations (628KB) Take the Pledge EPA Raises the Bar for New Homes to Earn ENERGY STAR Label (September 2005) Builders of new homes in the United States will have to significantly increase the energy efficiency of their homes to meet the new ENERGY STAR requirements which take effect July 1, 2006. To qualify under the revised ENERGY STAR specifications, new homes must have higher levels of insulation inspected for proper installation; complete framing and air barrier assemblies that enable insulation to perform at its full rated value; windows that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements; high-efficiency and properly sized heating and cooling equipment appropriate to the climate; and more energy-efficient water heating, lighting and appliances. EPA Press Release More information ENERGY STAR Annual Report Released (September 2005) EPA recently released its annual report summarizing the success of ENERGY STAR and other voluntary climate protection programs. The report summarizes the accomplishments of these programs for 2004. For example, Americans, with the help of the ENERGY STAR, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 20 million automobiles – up from 18 million in 2003 – while saving $10 billion on their energy bills. EPA Press Release 2004 Annual Report (1.27MB) New Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency Announced (July 2005) On July 11 the EPA, DOE and HUD announced a new multi-agency effort, the Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency, to bring greater energy efficiency to the U.S. housing market to save 10 percent or more on home energy bills over the next decade. A 10 percent savings would total almost $20 billion a year, help increase the affordability and comfort of homes, reduce demand for natural gas by more than 1 quad, avoid the need for 40 power plants and avoid the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 25 million vehicles. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR plays a large role in delivering these savings to consumers. EPA/HUD/DOE Press Release Report: Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (3.00MB) Overview Fact Sheet: Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (247KB) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (141KB) ENERGY STAR Products for American Homes (186KB) Quality Installation for Air Conditioning Equipment (109KB) Case Studies: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Aurora, CO (137KB) Austin, TX (131KB) Fresno, CA (214KB) Ithaca, NY (216KB) Manlius, NY (88KB) St. Louis, MO (146KB) Suwanee, GA (108KB) EPA Announces Energy Performance Indicator for Auto Assembly Plants (June 2005) The energy efficiency of automobile assembly plants can now be rated on a national basis. EPA has recently made available a tool to help the automobile industry evaluate the energy performance of its assembly plants. This tool, the first of its kind for a manufacturing facility, compares the energy efficiency of any assembly plant producing passenger cars, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans in the U.S. to that of the entire industry. EPA Press Release Auto Assembly Plant Energy Performance Indicator EPA Offers Smart Ways to Stay Cool this Summer (June 2005) Energy use escalates when hot summer days set in across the nation. EPA's ENERGY STAR program is offering advice this summer on how to save money, remain cool and comfortable and help reduce the risks of global warming – all at the same time. Advice includes keeping your air conditioner maintained, using a programmable thermostat, sealing up gaps and cracks in the home envelope, and replacing old equipment with products that have earned the government's ENERGY STAR for energy efficiency. EPA Press Release EPA's Guide to Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling (663KB) Cool Your World Fast Facts (English) (150KB) Cool Your World Simple Steps (English) (44KB) Cool Your World Fast Facts (Spanish) (68KB) Cool Your World Simple Steps (Spanish) (49KB) New Water and Wastewater Industry Focus Announced (May 2005) EPA is launching a new initiative to increase the energy efficiency of U.S. drinking water and wastewater systems, with participation from more than 20 leading organizations. The new ENERGY STAR Water and Wastewater Industry Focus will work over the next year to develop an energy performance rating system, a guide to assessing energy efficiency opportunities, strategies for superior energy management, and innovative approaches to financing energy efficiency projects for each of the two industries. This new ENERGY STAR focus is part of a series of efforts to improve the energy efficiency of selected industries. EPA Press Release Fact Sheet (55KB) EPA announces ENERGY STAR Building Challenge (March 2005) EPA joined with more than 20 leading associations, States, and businesses to announce a national challenge for the owners of commercial and institutional buildings across the country. The ENERGY STAR Challenge encourages building owners to improve the efficiency of their buildings by 10 percent or more and to capitalize on the environmental benefits and cost savings that will result. EPA Press Release List of organizations partnering with EPA More information 2005 ENERGY STAR Awards (March 2005) EPA and DOE are recognizing 50 organizations as winners of the 2005 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards. These organizations have made outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. EPA and DOE sponsor these awards annually to recognize energy efficiency investments made by ENERGY STAR partners that saved consumers money while helping the environment. The Partners of the Year are selected from the over 7,000 ENERGY STAR partners based on their efforts to utilize energy-efficient technologies, communicate the benefits of energy savings to consumers and businesses, and encourage others to partner with ENERGY STAR. This year's award winners include Lowes Companies Inc., Food Lion, Pardee Homes, USAA Real Estate and 3M. EPA Press Release List of 50 award winners (15KB) More on Awards EPA's Public Service Announcement (PSA): 2005 ENERGY STAR Awards (2.84MB) International Power Supply Design Competition Winners Announced at Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC), Austin, TX, March 6-10, 2005 (March 2005) On March 7, 2005 at APEC's plenary session, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Energy Commission announced the winners of Efficiency Challenge 2004, an international design competition for power supply efficiency. Twelve winners were selected, including two Grand Champions: Power Integrations in the Market Ready Category and Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Open Category. All the winning entries are more energy efficient, and in many cases radically smaller than typical power supplies on the market today, demonstrating what is possible in future consumer electronics products. Efficiency Challenge APEC Presentation (62KB) Andrew Fanara, EPA, Andy Williams, ON Semiconductor, and Peter Schwartz, representing the California Energy Commission Andrew Fanara, EPA, Balu Balakrishnan, Power Integrations, and Peter Schwartz, representing the California Energy Commission Andrew Fanara, EPA, Speaking at APEC 2005 Product Picture, Power Integrations, Winner of Best in Class A1, Market Ready Grand Champion EPA Efficiency Challenge Press Release (62KB) Judging Criteria Fact Sheet (55KB) Efficiency Challenge 2004 Judge Bios (33KB) Efficiency Challenge Winner Fact Sheets (162KB) ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Near 10 Percent of Housing Starts Nationwide (March 2005) Nearly 10 percent of all homes built in 2004 earned the ENERGY STAR label. According to a recently released report, A Decade of Change in Home Building with ENERGY STAR (2.36MB), since 1995 over 360,000 of the Nation's new homes have earned the ENERGY STAR, saving homeowners an estimated $200 million and eliminating approximately 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. EPA Press Advisory Report: A Decade of Change in Home Building with ENERGY STAR (2.36MB) More information on ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes Almost 2,000 Buildings Have Earned EPA's ENERGY STAR (January 2005) As of January 1, 2005, almost 2,000 of the nation's most energy efficient buildings, representing almost 400 million square feet, have earned EPA's ENERGY STAR designation for superior energy performance. The buildings qualifying as ENERGY STAR use about 40 percent less energy than average buildings without compromising comfort or services. Press Release List of buildings (2.14MB) More information ENERGY STAR Awareness Climbs to Over 60 Percent (February 2005) Public awareness of ENERGY STAR has jumped to 64 percent of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey. In many major markets where local utilities and other organizations use ENERGY STAR to promote energy efficiency to their customers, public awareness of ENERGY STAR is even higher, averaging 74 percent. EPA Press Advisory (14KB) Survey Report (1.58MB) Energy-Efficient External Power Adapters Can Now Earn the ENERGY STAR (January 2005) On January 6, 2005 EPA announced that the ENERGY STAR is now available for qualifying external power adapters. Power adapters, also known as external power supplies, are used to power many electronic products such as cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, routers and other electronics and appliances. As many as 1.5 billion power adapters are in use in the U.S. – which is about five for every person. The new guidelines for power adapters will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; in the U.S., more efficient adapters have the potential to save over 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and prevent the release of more than 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions the equivalent to taking 800,000 cars off the road. Press Release More on Power Adapters Photos: CES Show , EPS Booth New ENERGY STAR Monitor Specification (January 2005) Beginning January 2005, computer monitors must meet more energy-efficient requirements to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. For the first time, the specification addresses energy consumption while monitors are in use, as well as while they are idle. Many models on the market already meet EPA's new specifications. By 2010, EPA estimates that the new requirements will result in carbon emission savings of almost 5 million metric tonnes (carbon equivalent), or the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road. The previous computer monitor requirements called for only a "sleep mode" energy-saving function. Press Release More Information News Archives Press Contact: Maria T. Vargas, (202) 343-9451 Consumer Contact Information: energystar@optimuscorp.com 1-888-STAR-YES Products | Home Improvement | New Homes | Business Improvement | Partner Resources Newsroom | Privacy | Contact Us | Site Index EPA Home EPA Search DOE Home DOE Search