Looking for a good Landscaping and Pool Contractor?

John Zahn of Sunset Designs & Builders is a very professional contractor specializing in hardscape and pool improvements.

See some of his work on his website.  What I like about him is he responds to calls quickly, shows up on time to appointments and takes the time to help you make decisions.  If you ever want to see a dream back yard, ask John Zahn to give you a personal tour of his home.  You will be amazed!

Energy Upgrade of California Contractor Workshops

The Energy Upgrade of California of Los Angeles County contractor participation meeting was a wealth of information for over 75 licensed contractors, energy auditors and many other stakeholders for the program. Topics covered the simplified application process presented by Rod Nash of BKI, View Tech Financial Services Jennifer Engelmann covering home improvement financing options and Devon Hartman from Every Watt Matters who gave a compelling big picture of the current global energy crisis we face as a nation. If you are in the construction business and want to stay in the front of these programs, utility rebates, you must qualify for the program. One of the biggest supporters is Efficiency First.org. They are trade association supporting and lobbying for performance contractors. Keep an ear out for the upcoming Energy Upgrade of California Contractor Participation workshop in your area.

Build It Green "Green Point" Label Pilot Program in Los Angeles

Department of Energy has funded a pilot program in Los Angeles to test the value of obtaining a "Green Point Rated' Home a rating based on Build It Green's assessment program. Program Director Tenaya Asan presented some details at the LA Real Estate Advisory meeting last week.  The pilot program has been integrated into the Energy Upgrade California - LA home make-over contest. 10 Winners in the EUC-LA home make-over contest will receive Green Point Ratings for their homes.  Rebates between $300-$600 are available for other homeowners who participate in the pilot program. Details at energyupgradeca.org/LACounty

Energy Upgrade of California Speaks at Rotary Club of Lakewood

Lauren Rank of the County of Los Angeles Office of Sustainability will be speaking to the Rotary Club of Lakewood on March 31^st, 2011.  This lunch program begins at 12pm and will discuss the Los Angeles County Energy Upgrade of California Rebate Program.  If you would like to attend please RSVP Dennis Fontes of Go Green Lending at info@gogreenlending.com to reserve your seat.  This new state-wide energy efficiency rebate and incentive program is for single family homes and offers up to $4,500 in rebates to L.A. County residences.

BUILDING SCIENCE = HOME PERFORMANCE RESULTS

Anyone looking for the real skinny on home performance measures should spend time at buildingscience.com. It offers a broad range of articles on the details and fundamental concepts of making a home more healthy, comfortable and efficient. Detailed drawing lay out solutions for even the most complex issues for homes in colder climates. Contractors and homeowners alike can benefit from the easy to read articles. A directory makes finding the right one a breeze.

$.99 'Rock Catcher' Filter Preferred Over More Expensive Brands

A forced air furnace is designed to heat and move air through homes. They are not designed to remove all the particulates from that air. That's the job for a filtration system. Replacing the 'rock catcher' filter on many furnaces with a high-tech, expensive and more dense filter can in fact reduce the efficiency of the furnace, cost more to run and reduce the life expectancy of the furnace. A home tightened and ventilated by a home performance professional through testing, not guessing is the best way to improve Indoor air quality (IAQ).

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Drops Amid Japan Crisis

Provided by Realty Times:

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), which shows the 30-year fixed-rate dropping to 4.76 percent while the 15-year fixed-rate hit its lowest rate at 3.97 percent since December 2010. READ MORE