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| Guides and Calculators |
» Credit ScoreAn approximate rating of your credit score as a guideline for loan qualification.
» Amortization CalculatorDetail how much of your payment goes to principal and interest annually over the life of your mortgage loan.
» Mortgage Loan CostCalculate the total cost of your mortgage (effictive loan amount and APR) with your interest, points and closing costs.
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| Did You Know? |
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Green Building: The term Green Building can includes land, building and construction strategies designed to have a minimal impact the environment and its occupants both during and after the construction process.
Green homes can have the following characteristics:
- They are often more durable, and more comfortable to live in.
- They have improved energy efficiency.
- These homes can be built conserve water in home use and landscaping use.
- Both design and appliance selection considers issues of improved indoor air quality.
- In construction there are efforts to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
Reused and recycled building materials play a part in green building construction since their use helps to support recycling efforts in both the region and the country. These products also reduce the solid waste problems and energy consumption used in manufacturing. Some examples of materials with recycled content include recycled plastic lumber, cellulose insulation, Homosote and Thermo-ply.
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New Home Guide - Landscaping and Exterior Design. Trees, Shrubs, Groundcovers & Vines, Flowers, and Lawns, how to design and maintain landscape elements for a healthy environment and energy efficiency.
The following is a list of information and resources on landscaping technologies and exterior design standards that are available for new home construction. Landscape architecture encompasses both artistic elements and design principles that can effect environmental concerns and quality of life issues, along with adding to the energy efficiency and resale value of your new home.
American Society of Landscape Architects Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. Types of projects include: residential; parks and recreation; monuments; urban design; streetscapes and public spaces; transportation corridors and facilities; gardens and arboreta; security design; hospitality and resorts; institutional; academic campuses; therapeutic gardens; historic preservation and restoration; reclamation; conservation; corporate and commercial; landscape art and earth sculpture; interior landscapes; and more. Landscape architects have advanced education and professional training and are licensed in 47 states. www.asla.org.
The Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) is the premier global trade association for residential and commercial lawn care professionals. Organized in 1979, PLCAA develops education programs, defines industry standards, and serves as the voice of the lawn care industry and is a technical and business management resource for its members. PLCAA provides consumer information and downloadable brochures from tips on choosing a lawn care service to grasscycling and environmental protection. www.plcaa.org/home/?page=consumers.
University of Florida Landscape Design Information - this resource discusses the principles of both art elements and design principles in landscaping. It is intended for the landscaper or homeowner in developing a plot plan, conducting a site analysis, assessing family needs, identifying outdoor activity areas, and plant selection and placement. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_MG086
The National Arbor Day Foundation has a site to help you with tree landscaping research and layout, so you can produce a landscape that will cool your home in summer and help protect it from winter winds. A carefully planned yard will contain trees that grow well in the soil and moisture of your neighborhood. Your trees should also be properly placed to avoid collisions with power lines and buildings, and the aesthetics of your landscaping can help to increase your property value. www.arborday.org/trees/index.cfm
Landscape Plants & Lawns information from Clemson Extension on Trees, Shrubs, Groundcovers & Vines, Flowers, and Lawns http://hgic.clemson.edu/site1.htm - Insects & Diseases of Plants, Weeds, Plant Problems, Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage, Household & Structural Pests, Pesticide Safety hgic.clemson.edu/site2.htm.
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