How to green your home and claim your share of $787 billion
 
A $5 billion boost in weatherization programs across the nation is keeping Wallside Windows assemblyman Sam Bernat busy at a window factory in Taylor, Mich. (Photo: Carlos Osorio/AP)

President Obama’s $787 billion economic stimulus package should be putting one question at the forefront of every homeowner’s brain: How can I tap into the billions of dollars designated in the plan for green building, retrofitting, energy efficiency and renewable energy products?

First-time buyers, lower prices, tax credits help drive market

PEORIA — First-time home buyers are driving a resurgence in the real estate market.
There are several reasons for the trend, real estate experts say, including falling prices, continued low interest rates and now, federal tax credits.

Nationally, average prices of existing single-family homes are down nearly 24 percent since their July 2006 peak, according to Cyberhomes.com, a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial Inc., based in Jacksonville, Fla.

It's easy to fix up your properties if you have unlimited cash. However, you need to keep your repairs to a minimum to stay profitable. You also need to keep your properties in good shape to attract tenants or buyers. There are the basic improvements, such as carpet and paint, but these can still costs thousands of dollars. The following are some inexpensive ways to improve your properties with very little cash.