Following are key points that prospective home buyers should be aware of when considering a home purchase under the tax credit program: A tax credit of up to $8000 is available for first-time home buyers purchasing on or after Jan 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010.  In cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify. A tax credit of up to...

If you have bought a home recently or are in the process of buying a home, you will soon find out that you need some things you may never have needed before.  I love the ideas at This Old House for the new home owner.  There are some inexpensive but practical ideas like the book – How Your House Works – “A visual guide to understanding and  maintaining your home” for an affordable $22.00, some great hand tool...

The home buyer tax credit has been extended.  You only have an additional six months to take advantage of this credit.  At Schiavi Home Builders that means you will need to be ordering your new home as soon as possible to insure you will take delivery before the deadline.  Our calendar is filling up fast for next year, so there isn’t any time to waste.  If you still have questions about the tax credit or you would like to learn more...

Do you like the appeal of copper trim on a home? It sure fits within our New England tradition, yet you don’t see it much anymore. That’s because the price has become cost inhibitive to the everyday buyer. York Manufacturing in Sanford, ME has a new product called Soleil, made from Everlam, that combines the beauty of copper with the price of aluminum. They make an array of trim products that are cost affordable and can give your...

The Portland Press Herald posted some really good advice regarding modular housing in the Simon Says Column on October 16, 2009.  The question submitted had to do with the bad reputation modular building can have and how to know if modular construction is the right choice for your building needs.  Simon replied: “I would encourage you to do your homework before you make a commitment.  I would find out who the manufacturer of the house...