If you want to make a gradual shift to solar energy, it may be worth your while to invest in solar water heaters after your conventional water-heater conks out. The payback for solar water heaters is much quicker at about five to six years.

You may qualify to exclude from your income all or part of any gain from the sale of your main home. Your main home is the one in which you live most of the time.

Working with a real estate agent is quite critical to your home buying process. Unlike other purchases, this one requires some very important professional help. Having someone that is by your side can make the task smoother and you can actually end up getting more for your money. Don't skip the agent.