Special offer

Tax Credit For NEW Windows - But Most Won't QUALIFY!

By
Real Estate Agent with thredUP.com

We have heard ALL THE RAVE about how the Stimulus Bill had a ton of Energy Efficient Tax Credit stuff in it.  No cap on Solar and Geothermal - 30% up to a MAX of $1500 on Energy Efficient Improvements ...

One of the best parts of that is being able to get up to $1500 back for New Windows.  You know, those crummy single pane windows that you would love to rip out.  But, Hold On!  Have you read to see what qualifies?  I went in to Home Depot the other day and not a SINGLE WINDOW QUALIFIED that they had in there.

That does not mean that the product was bad.  That's not the case at all.  As a matter of fact, the majority of windows that are Energy Star Rated will not qualify.  The Guidelines to receive the Credit are very strict.  The U-Factor AND Solar Heat Gain CoEfficient BOTH have to be = or Below .30

 

Comments (10)

Jeff R. Geoghan
Coldwell Banker Realty - Lancaster, PA
REALTOR, Marketing Manager

You'd think that the credit would address popularly available models, wouldn't you?

Feb 27, 2009 01:38 PM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hey Jeff,  One would think so.  :)  But not in this case.  Guess they had to offset the no cap on solar somehow.

Feb 27, 2009 01:43 PM
Connie Betz
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ambassador Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Top Omaha Realtor - Omaha Homes for Sale

Stephanie, thanks for the valuable information. I'm reblogging to share with my people.  Thank you!

Feb 27, 2009 02:02 PM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hi Connie,  Thanks for that.  I can't believe that I have not heard about this from anywhere else.  Just trying to get the word out.  

Jeff, Thanks for the reblog also.  :)                                                                                          

Feb 27, 2009 02:10 PM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Nice post on how not to ASSUME your new windows will qualify. I need a new door wall in our basement and was thinking of purchasing, so now I will be more careful. Let's just hope the people selling them do not mislead people.

Feb 28, 2009 12:55 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Steph, i just listened to the podcast, awesome. I especially liked the part where he said write it into the contract that it will qualify. Now that is very prudent.

Feb 28, 2009 01:00 AM
Stephanie Edwards-Musa
thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX
knitwit at thred UP

Hey Missy,  I am sure that unfortunately there will be some mislead people...atleast for a little while anyhow.  This is just my way to hopefully get the word out to as many people as possible.  :)

Thanks for listening to the podcast.  Bob had great advice for homeowners and anyone else who is wanting to make changes to their homes.  He is one of my favorite people to visit with around town.  He knows his stuff for sure!

Mar 01, 2009 03:42 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Stephanie, this is a shame and you would think the credit would be more comprehensive. The more popular models sell better for a reason! BTW I thoroughly enjoyed the pod cast and need to check into utilizing them my self!

Mar 02, 2009 11:23 PM
Fran Gaspari
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ

Stephanie,

I have all wood 20 year old double pane Andersen windows in my home...they still look and operate like new...and they are still as tight as can be...!!! Great investment!!! Thanks,   Fran

Mar 04, 2009 02:30 AM
Christine McInerney
Great Life RE - Knoxville, TN
The McInerney Team, Knoxville TN Homes For Sale

Great post, I had written a similar blog as well.  I am in the market for new windows on my own home and I had two window companies come out and they told me the widows would qualify but in fact they did not.

May 31, 2009 03:47 AM