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Infrastructure investment -
New tools for checking energy
use
Way cool: Green roofs are
growing
Ask the Advisor - Can
social networking
This publication is distributed with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor are not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, and, accordingly, assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. ©2009 REAjf09 |
Trillions of dollars will be invested
in developing and repairing infrastructure in the next few years,
and with good reason. From collapsing bridges to crumbling levees,
recent events have highlighted the need for costly structural
upgrades. With governments strapped for cash, the door is wide open
for private investors to get involved in financing infrastructure
construction and repair. In light of the risk and high capital
requirements, this article explains why index-based investments,
such as exchange traded funds, may be the way to go.
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has developed two online tools to help you assess a
building's energy use. Both tools rely on the EPA energy performance
rating to benchmark performance, and both provide an effective way
for property investors and developers to quickly understand the
financial and environmental impact of energy-saving strategies. This
article briefly explains how the tools work.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act
of 2008 (HERA) was designed to help shore up the United States'
shaky real estate market. Lawmakers crafted the bill with an eye
toward bolstering home prices, stimulating home sales, and offering
relief to borrowers facing foreclosure. This article describes some
tax-related perks - and pitfalls - for strategy-minded investors. A
sidebar explains how Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae may also benefit
from HERA.
Green roofs are popping up in just
about every U.S. city, as Americans are seeing the potential in
sustainable building trends. But green roofs aren't just a fad;
they're proving to have tremendous insulating effects on buildings
and thus can provide significant energy savings - as well as other
benefits. This article explains how the savings can add up.
One of the hottest online trends
in real estate today involves social networking. Real estate deals
are really about connections - and, increasingly, those connections
are being made online. Several social networking Internet sites have
sprung up where real estate professionals can blog, interact, gain
valuable knowledge and forge relationships that may later translate
into deals. This article sheds some light on the new trend.