Pushed by a powerful combination of historically-low fixed mortgage rates, an $8,000 tax credit, and affordable prices, sales of existing homes jumped 5 percent in February compared with the same month last year.

A proposal by the Ontario government that would force homeowners to conduct an energy audit before they could sell their home has stirred up lots of controversy within the real estate industry.

Talk with a local Fresno & Central Valley South Real Estate Agent. Search for homes and condos in Fresno, Bakersfield and the Central Valley (South). Read a neighborhood overview of the Central Valley. All numbers are from the MLS and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed as of 3/23/09.

The Obama administration’s latest plans to bring relief to the financial markets have been dominating the news from Washington, but it’s far from clear whether they’ll actually produce more money for people to buy houses.

In San Francisco, where development has been nearly non-existent for a year, developers are hanging hopes of an emerging warmer real estate climate as they begin the planning stages for several condo developments in the region.

One of the aspects of my job I enjoy is learning new information about the real estate and housing industries. In particular, I like stumbling upon (or should I say diligently researching) items that can be of help to homeowners as well as new buyers. The most recent bit of information I came across is the existence of resale stores operated by Habitat for Humanity called ReStores.

As most of you know, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building “simple, decent and affordable” housing. Homes are built using primarily volunteer workers, although some retired and professional skilled workers have been known to donate their services. Homes are sold to qualified low-income families at no profit to Habitat. Money gleaned from the sale of the homes is then reinvested in materials to construct more homes.

The Habitat ReStores are “retail outlets where quality, used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of the cost.” The stores receive donated items from a number of sources: individuals, building and demolition contractors, and building supply stores. Supply stores may donate new materials that are either overstock or discontinued. The ReStores in turn sell donated items at about half the retail price to the general public. Earnings from sales are used to fund the construction of Habitat homes within the community. In some cases, ReStores bring in enough money to build as many as 10 or more houses per year.

If you’re considering a do-it-yourself home improvement project and are looking to save a little cash on materials, check out what’s available at a Habitat ReStore. There are more than 550 stores located nationwide. Go to the Habitat ReStore directory to find the nearest store in your community. Using previously owned, usable materials is good for the environment and can be gentle on your home improvement budget.

TALK BACK: Did you know about the Habitat for Humanity ReStores? Have you, or would you, purchase supplies from them for your own home construction or renovation project? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker