If you’re considering buying a home, now is the time! The $8,000 federal tax credit for new homebuyers—which was to expire November 30, 2009—has been extended through April 30, 2010. In addition, it’s been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who buy a home as well.

Homebuyers Tax Credit for New Homeowners

To qualify for the $8,000 new homebuyer tax credit:

• You can’t have owned a home in the past three years.
• The house you purchase must cost $800,000 or less and serve as your primary residence.
• The purchase must be made between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
• You must live in the home for at least three years after purchase.
• Your income can’t exceed the maximum amount allowed.

For more information, check out our article on:
How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for New Homeowners

Homebuyers Tax Credit for Existing Homeowners

To qualify for the $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners:

• You must have owned your present home for at least five years.
• The house you purchase must cost $800,000 or less and serve as your primary residence.
• The purchase must be made between November 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010.
• You must live in the home for at least three years after purchase.
• Your income can’t exceed the maximum amount allowed.

For more information, go to our article on:
How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for Existing Homeowners

Related posts:

• How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for Existing Homeowners
• How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for New Homeowners
• Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners

Ed Begley Jr. explains how his greywater system works to Allen Lyle.

In his new book Ed Begley Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living the noted actor and environmentalist explains how to conserve, produce, and manage the energy and water used in your home. Ed and his wife, Rachelle, also star in the Planet Green TV series Living with Ed, an informative and often humorous take on what it’s like to live a green lifestyle.

Recycled plastic fencing.

The Begleys installed a greywater system in their home to filter waste water from showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines for use on their fruit trees and vegetable garden. Before it can be reused, greywater must pass through a series of filters to remove or kill any bacteria and other contaminants in the water.

Another eco-friendly improvement the Begleys made is a privacy fence made from recycled plastic milk jugs. Composite decking—composed of plastic and sawdust—is a plastic product that is a durable alternative to wood decking. Since not all composite is made from recycled materials, check with the manufacturer if you want to make a green choice for your home.

Danny Lipford discusses green living with Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Just down the street from the Begleys’ is the home of science guru and TV personality Bill Nye, who is also a green enthusiast. His home includes solar panels for producing electricity and a solar hot water system.

Eco-Friendly Lawn Equipment

The propane powered Eco Blower from LEHR.

One way to make your yard work easier on the environment is with the LEHR Eco Blower and Eco Trimmer. Powered by clean burning propane, these award winning lawn and garden tools emit 70% less hydrocarbons, 96% fewer carcinogens, and 97% less particulates than gasoline powered models.

Solar Powered Landscape Lighting

LED solar powered landscape lighting with NiMH batteries.

Recent advances in solar powered landscape lighting have made them work far more effectively and efficiently. Features to look for when choosing solar landscape lighting include:

• LED (light emitting diode) light.
• NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery.
• Improved solar photovoltaic panel.

Water Saving Toilets

HydroRight dual flush converter.

Toilets account for a quarter of the water used in the average home. Older toilets use up to five gallons of water per flush, three times that of newer models. Dual flush toilets save even more water by giving you two flushing options, one for liquid and one for solid waste.

While you can replace your existing toilet with a water saving model, another option is to modify your existing toilet with the HydroRight dual flush converter. The kit costs less than $30 and reduces the water used by a toilet by 70%. Installation is easy and takes less than 10 minutes.

Other Tips from This Episode

Related posts:

• LED Outdoor Solar Lighting

Now that the weather’s getting cooler, my houseplants are beginning to protest a little – they know that they belong in the tropics, and they’re not too keen on spending their winters in an artificially heated climate. I can identify with that!

Try the following to help plants cope with the cold:

• Go Slow: Growth slows down in the winter, so stop fertilizing houseplants and reduce watering until spring growth resumes.
• Cold Damage: Low light plants in northern windows can get too cold. Move them to a sunny eastern or southern exposure until spring. On freezing nights, keep foliage from touching cold window glass.
• Boost Humidity: Everything seems a little dried out after the lush, humid summer. Even though you can reduce watering in the winter, a humidifier or pebble tray helps keep tropical plants from suffering in a dry, heated house.
• Heat damage: Move plants away from heat sources, including fireplaces and heating registers.

During the coldest part of winter, I often gather my houseplants into a makeshift “tropical paradise,” by grouping them in the sunniest window with a humidifier nearby and a closed door to hold in the sun’s warmth. It makes a nice getaway for me, too.

I also give my plants permission to draw in on themselves and dream away the winter. Something I plan to do as well!

Related posts:

• Tips on Bringing Houseplants Indoors for the Winter
• Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Houseplants
• Can I Plant Trees and Shrubs in Late Fall or Winter?

Owning a home often involves tackling common maintenance and repair chores around your home. Recently Access Hollywood entertainment correspondent, Laura Saltman, received a helping hand from Danny and Allen to solve some nagging problems on her home in Los Angeles.

Toilet Repair

Toilets that run constantly or don’t flush properly are a common problem. Solutions include:

• Adjust the float to control the water level in the tank.
• Replace the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank.
• Adjust the chain length between the handle and flapper valve.
• Replace corroded or broken chain.

More information can be found at How to Repair a Toilet.

Water Heater Maintenance

It’s important to drain your hot water heater periodically to remove any sediment in the bottom of the tank. Here’s how to go about it:

• Turn off the gas or electricity to the water heater.
• Close the cold water supply valve coming into the water heater.



• Attach a garden hose to the drain at the bottom of the tank.
• Run the hose outside on the ground.
• Open the drain valve on the tank.
• Release the pressure relief valve on top of the tank.
• Allow the water in the tank to drain out.
• Once the tank has drained, open the cold water supply valve for a few minutes to flush out any sediment.
• Close the drain valve and pressure relief valve.
• Remove the hose from the drain valve.
• Allow the tank to fill.
• Turn the power back on or relight the pilot light.

More information can be found in our video on How to Drain a Water Heater.

Heating/Cooling System Maintenance

The heating/cooling system on your home needs periodic maintenance as well. To keep your HVAC system running properly, be sure to have it inspected by a trained professional at least once a year. In addition, the homeowner should perform the following routine maintenance:

• Replace the air filter every 1-3 months with a high quality filter.
• Pour a cup of bleach in the air conditioner condensation drain line at least once a year to keep mold and mildew from forming and clogging the pipe.

More information is in our article on Air Conditioner Maintenance.

Closet Door Repair

Sliding closet doors can become hard to open and close. To free them up:

• Lift up on door and remove from track.
• Clean track and bottom of door with putty knife and sandpaper to remove any dirt or paint.
• Apply paraffin wax or other lubricant to the track and bottom of door.
• Rehang door on track.

To replace sliding doors with bifold ones, check out How to Hang Bifold Closet Doors.

Window Screen Repair

To repair a torn window screen:

• Place the screen frame on a flat surface.
• Insert a small screwdriver or the point of a utility knife under the end of the rubber spline.



• Pry the end of the spline out and remove the spline around the frame.
• Remove the screen wire from the frame.
• Position an oversized, new piece of screen over the frame.
• Use the convex end of a spline roller tool to push the screen into the groove at one end of the frame.
• Place the spline over the groove, and use the concave end of the roller tool to push it into the groove.
• Pull the screen tight at the other end of the frame, and use the roller tool to push the screen and spline into the groove.
• Pull each of the other two sides tight and press the spline in, being careful to avoid wrinkles.
• Trim off excess screen with a utility knife.

More information is available in our video on Repairing Window Screens.

Drywall Repair

To repair nicks and dents in drywall, simply fill the damaged spot with premixed drywall joint compound, allow to dry, and sand smooth.

To repair a hole in drywall:

• Cut a patch slightly larger than the hole from a scrap of drywall the same thickness as the wall.



• Place the patch over the hole, and trace around it with a pencil.
• Cut to the lines with a drywall saw, and remove the damaged wallboard.
• Position 1”x 4” cleats in the wall behind the hole, and attach them in place with drywall screws.
• Insert the drywall patch in the hole, and screw it to the cleats using drywall screws.
• Cover the patch with joint compound and imbed strips of drywall tape over the seams.
• Smooth out the joint compound with a 6” drywall knife and allow to dry.
• Apply two additional coats, with a 10” drywall knife, feathering the compound out evenly over the adjoining surface.
• Once the compound has dried, sand it smooth before priming and painting.

More information can be found at How to Cut and Hang Drywall.

Paint Stuck Window

Windows often become painted closed over the years. To free paint stuck window:

• Score the paint film where the sash meets the frame on both the inside and outside of the window.
• Insert a putty knife in the gap between sash and frame, and run it around the opening on the inside and outside of the window.
• Position a flat pry bar on the outside of the window where the sash meets the sill, and tap it with a hammer to force the pry bar under the sash.
• Carefully pry the sash up, working from each side.

More information is available at How to Open a Paint Stuck Window.

Other Tips from This Episode

Related posts:

• When to Close the Pressure Relief Valve While Draining a Hot Water Tank
• How to Repair Small Holes in Drywall
• How to Find a Leak in the Plumbing of Your Home

Simple projects you can tackle now will help ensure a nice, toasty winter, and also help you save on those energy bills.

I’ve created the perfect list you can print to keep things organized…pick the ones you find most helpful or add ones you’d like to get done.

Happy Home Improving!

Fix It in a Flash features the 25 most common home repairs covering electrical, plumbing, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. Readers will learn how to install a faucet, replace a light socket, fix a toilet, repair broken floor tiles, and many other essential projects around the home.

Each project in the book comes with a flash card summary giving the time involved, skill level, and tools required to get the job done right. A 45-minute DVD is included with the book that shows 10 of the most common fixes in real time, with crystal-clear repair techniques demonstrated by Jodi.

Jodi Marks was the co-host of HGTV’s Fix It Up for nine years and has also hosted shows on HGTV, TBS, and Turner South. Since 2008, she has appeared on Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Jodi lives in Marietta, Georgia, and also has a number of how-to videos available on the web.

Fix It in a Flash: 25 Essential Home Repairs and Improvements is published by Betterway Home, an imprint of F+W Media, and is available for $24.99. ISBN 978-1-55870-863-1.

Related posts:

• Homefront Radio Show for November 14, 2009

Every year, our friendly neighborhood shade trees remind us that Mother Nature has a mind of her own, as the leaves begin to flutter down and cover the ground like a crunchy snowstorm. Left to their own devices, those leaves would form a dense mat under the tree, choking out competing plants and breaking down to provide nutrients back to the tree. It’s a brilliant system—if you’re a tree! But we homeowners—with our driveways, lawns, and gardens—find all those fallen leaves quite a nuisance.

Instead of sending your leaves to the landfill, consider recycling them to feed the plants in your garden. Leaves are a great, free source of nutrients and insulation for your garden if used correctly, and you can keep your lawn neat while still allowing nature to work its magic. Here’s how to make use of fallen leaves in your garden.

Mulch small amounts of leaves directly into your lawn.

Mulch Mowing

The easiest way to recycle fallen leaves is simply to leave them alone. Up to an inch or two of leaves can be mowed and left to break down in your lawn, adding nutrients and a bit of mulch to your lawn grass. Make sure your lawn mower has a mulching function and sharp blade, so that the leaves are thoroughly shredded and spread thinly.

Shredding Leaves

If you have large amounts of leaves, you can use them for other purposes in the garden, but they must first be shredded. Whole leaves (especially large ones) form an impenetrable, moldy mat that will suffocate nearby plants and make a mess. There are several ways to shred leaves:

• Lawn Mower: Mow over leaves while on the ground with the lawn mower and either pick them up with the bag attachment or rake up after shredding.
• String Trimmer: Rake up leaves and put them in a garbage can. Crank up your string trimmer and use it to shred the leaves while in the can.
• Leaf Blower: Use the shred and vacuum feature on some leaf blowers.
• Shredder: Run leaves through a commercial shredder.

Shredded leaves break down much faster.

Uses for Shredded Leaves

Once you’ve got a nice pile of shredded leaves, there are many great uses for them:

• Compost Pile: Add shredded leaves to a compost pile. Shredded leaves are a great source of carbon for the compost pile. Layer them with nitrogen-rich waste such as leaf clippings, and keep some extra on hand to sprinkle over messy kitchen scraps.
• Leaf Mold: Some gardeners like to process leaf compost separately to produce a super-rich mulch and soil additive called leaf mold.
• Container booster: Fill your planting containers about half-full of tightly-packed leaves, then add regular potting soil and plants. The leaves will break down slowly and feed the plant, saving on the cost of potting soil.
• Instant bulb bed: To create a bed of spring woodland bulbs such as daffodils, first layer shredded leaves and topsoil, then place a layer of bulbs, then cover with layers of leaves and topsoil to about 8”- 10” deep.

Leaves are great for suppressing weeds under shrubs.

• Mulch: Spread shredded leaves around shrubs, trees, flowers, and vegetable gardens to use as Mulch. I like to use leaves in areas that need deep mulch, such as back behind large shrubs where it’s hard to keep weeds under control. Since leaves tend to blow in the wind, you may find that your mulch migrates back into the lawn on windy days! If this is a problem in your yard, try sprinkling the mulch with water or adding a thin layer of regular wood mulch, pine straw, or topsoil on top.

• Garden blanket: Mound leaves around and over tender perennials and shrubs to provide extra winter insulation. In the spring, gradually remove the leaves to allow the soil to warm. You can also move containers of perennials and shrubs to a sheltered area and bank with leaves for the winter. Keep some extra leaves on hand to cover plants in case of a surprise spring freeze.
• Amend soil: Leaves are full of nutrients and very beneficial additives to both clay and sandy soil. Use leaf compost, or simply spread a thick layer of shredded leaves on your vegetable garden to be tilled into the soil. The leaves will break down slowly in the ground and substantially improve the quality of your garden soil.

Some gardeners even raid their neighbors’ leaf piles!

Leaf Recycling Tips

A few parting thoughts as you go to work recycling those leaves:

• Leaves are often acidic. Check your soil pH and amend with lime, if necessary, to keep the pH neutral.
• Avoid mulching with tree seeds, such as maple tree “helicopters” and oak tags. You’ll end up with a lot of sprouts to pull!
• Tougher leaves, such as oak leaves, are slower to break down. For this reason, you may choose to compost them separately or mix them in with other types, keeping in mind that some will break down faster than others.

Further Information

• Leaf Shredding (video)
• Leaf Compost (video)
• Tip for Bagging Leaves (video)
• How to Make Compost For Your Garden (video)
• How To Build a Compost Bin (article)
• Using Mulch In Your Garden (article)
• Allelopathic Plants: Nature’s Weedkillers (Earth Friendly Gardening)

Related posts:

• Fall Yard and Garden Maintenance
• Recycling Your Christmas Tree
• Can I Plant Trees and Shrubs in Late Fall or Winter?

Homeowners who have lived in their present home for at least five years ,and meet certain other requirements, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a home between November 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010.

The homebuyer tax credit for homeowners is a provision of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. It can be applied to the purchase of both existing and new homes, including single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, and even houseboats. The tax credit is refundable, meaning that a refund check will be issued to the homeowner if no federal income taxes are owed.

Eligibility Requirements for Tax Credit

In order to be eligible for the federal homebuyers tax credit for homeowners, the following conditions must be met:

• The home must be located in the United States.



• It must serve as the taxpayer’s principal residence (vacation homes and rental property are not eligible).
• The homeowner must have lived in the home for the last five years.
• The purchase price on the home must be $800,000 or less.
• The purchase agreement must be signed between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, with the sale completed by June 30, 2010.
• The home must serve as the primary residence for at least three years after purchase.
• The home cannot be bought from a spouse or close relative (parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild).
• The tax credit is limited to a maximum of 10% of the purchase price for homes costing under $65,000.
• The homeowner’s income must be less than the maximum amount allowed.

Income Requirements for Tax Credit

In order to be eligible for the federal homebuyer tax credit for homeowners, the following income requirements must be met:

• Full Tax Credit: Taxpayers filing individually with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $125,000 a year or less, or married couples filing jointly with a MAGI of under $225,000, are eligible for the full $6,500 tax credit.
• Partial Tax Credit: Taxpayers filing individually with a MAGI of less than $145,000, and married couples filing jointly with under $245,000 in income, may be eligible for a partial tax credit.
• No Tax Credit: Taxpayers filing individually with a MAGI of over $145,000, and married couples filing jointly making over $245,000, are not eligible for the tax credit.

How to Claim the Tax Credit

If you qualify for the tax credit:

• Complete IRS Form 5405.
• Enter the amount determined on line 67 of your 2009 or 2010 return.

Further Information

• Federal Housing Tax Credit (National Association of Homebuilders)
• Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit (National Association of Realtors)
• How to Claim the Federal Tax Credit for New Homeowners
• Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners

Related posts:

• How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for New Homeowners
• Homebuyers Federal Tax Credit Extended and Expanded
• Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners

While August through October are the peak months of hurricane season, being prepared for a tropical storm or other natural disaster isn’t just confined to a few months out of the year. Here are a few basic steps you can take now to prepare for the worst.

Hurricane Paths since 1851 (National Hurricane Center)

Basic Preparations

Here’s what you should have on hand during a hurricane or other emergency:

• Food and Water: Stockpile drinking water and nonperishable food. Choose products that can be eaten without cooking, and rotate the food items in your pantry to keep them fresh. Be sure to keep a manual can opener on hand and stock up on pet food as well. When a hurricane is heading your way, line bathtubs with plastic and fill them with water to use for bathing, toilets, etc. (but not for drinking). After the storm passes, eat perishable food first.
• Fuel: Following a natural disaster, the gas grill might be the only method of cooking available, so be sure the propane tank is full and keep a spare on hand. If a hurricane is approaching, don’t wait until the last minute to top off the gas tank in your car and fill several approved gas cans as well. Be sure not to store gasoline in your home or near an ignition source such as a gas hot water heater.
• Lighting: It’s always darkest after the storm, so be sure you have several flashlights and plenty of batteries. While propane camping lanterns should not be used indoors, portable lamps that run on batteries are available in incandescent and fluorescent versions. Do to the increased risk of fire, avoid the use of candles. If you must use them, don’t leave candles unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.



• Information: In the aftermath of a natural disaster, a battery powered weather radio and AM/FM radio are your lifelines to the outside world. Battery powered portable television sets can be useful as well.
• Communication: Charge up cell phones and keep a portable charger on hand that works in your car. Also, be sure you have a telephone that does not require electricity to operate.
• Medical Supplies: Fill prescriptions in advance and keep a first aid kit handy. Don’t forget to stock up on supplies like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disposable diapers.
• Money: When the power is off after a natural disaster, cash is often the only medium of exchange. Keep some smaller bills and coins as well, since change could be hard to come by.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Be sure to have battery operated models on hand that will work when the electricity is out.
• Tarps and Tape: Stock up on tarps, rolls of plastic, rope, and duct tape to use for emergency repairs after the storm.



• Tools: Charge up cordless tools and make sure you have adequate hand tools to use while the power is out. While a gas powered chain saw can be your best friend after the storm, it can also result in serious injuries at a time when emergency help might not be able to reach you.
• Generators: Though worth their weight in gold after a storm, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators caused over 60 deaths in 2005 with several more fatalities resulting from electrocution and fire. Generators should only be operated in the open and at a safe distance from the home. They should not be used in an enclosed storage building, garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or near open windows or doors. Extension cords should be adequate to handle the load, and don’t try to draw more power than the generator is rated to supply. Be sure to turn a generator off and allow it to cool before filling it with gas.

Printable Hurricane Supply List (PDF 34kb)

Hurricane frequency

Getting Ready

While many natural disasters strike without warning, those in the path of a hurricane often have time to prepare. Here are some things to consider:

• Yard: Bring any lawn furniture, grills, bikes, toys, garbage cans, potted plants, and other loose items inside or store them in a garage or storage shed.
• Windows: Remove screens from windows. If available, screw 5/8-inch thick exterior plywood over them.
• Trees: Trim overhanging limbs away from the house.
• Boats: Take tarps off of boats. Remove any loose items and tie down securely.
• Cars: Park cars away from trees and power lines.
• Utilities: Locate cut-offs for gas, electricity, and water. Have adequate tools on hand to turn them off if necessary.

Printable Hurricane To-Do List (PDF 33kb)

Evacuation

Most deaths during hurricanes are caused by rising water from rainfall which can occur far inland from the coast. If you live in an area prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate well before the storm arrives. Store the following information and documents in a plastic bag or waterproof container to take with you when you leave:

• Insurance Policies: Car, homeowner’s, boat, and life insurance policies.
• Financial Records: Statements from checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds, loans and retirement plans. Don’t forget your checkbook and keys to safe deposit boxes along with ATM and credit cards.
• Medical Records: Include allergies to medications and medical histories for each member of the family.
• Personal Identification: Birth certificates, Social Security cards, computer passwords, and contact information of friends and relatives.
• Household Inventory: A recent list of your home’s contents, along with photographs, will prove invaluable when dealing with the insurance company. A DVD or videotape of your home and possessions is also helpful. (See Documenting Your Valuables)

The only thing worse than having your sensitive personal information destroyed in a storm is for it to be lost or fall into the wrong hands, so guard it carefully on the road and in shelters.

Other important items to take with you are sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, extra clothes, and a carrying cage and leash for pets. If you have extra room, consider including irreplaceable items like family photo albums and scrapbooks.

Living thorough a natural disaster can be a traumatic experience even under the best of circumstances. By being prepared in advance, you can make life after the storm a little easier and relieve some of the stress associated with dealing with Mother Nature’s wrath.

Further Information

• Be Prepared (National Hurricane Center)
• Hurricane Tracking (National Hurricane Center)
• Boarding Up: Hurricane Storm Panels for Your Home
• Top 10 Hurricane Myths Debunked

Related posts:

• Hurricane Help Page

Check out our new Hurricane Help page for a wealth of articles and videos on how to prepare your home for the next tropical storm. You’ll also find a printable hurricane supply list you can take to the store with you, as well as a hurricane to-do list to help you get ready before the next big one hits.

Related posts:

• How to Prepare for a Hurricane and Other Natural Disasters