Opportunity Knocks for Home Buyers

Homeownership is an important part of the American way of life, and there may never be a better time to buy than today.

Now that the tax credits for first-time and repeat home buyers have expired, many people are wondering if this is a good time to buy a home. The answer is YES. It's a very good time to purchase a home. The recession is in retreat and even though housing is on the mend, it's still a buyer's market. Moreover, Congress has made it clear that the home buyer tax credits are gone for good and will not be renewed. Read More

Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right
EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

• The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program is a federal regulatory program affecting contractors, property managers, and others who disturb painted surfaces.
• It applies to residential houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities such as schools and day-care centers built before 1978.
• It includes pre-renovation education requirements as well as training, certification, and work practice requirements.
• Pre-renovation education requirements are effective now.
• Training, certification, and work practice requirements become effective April 22, 2010.
• Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.
• The program includes requirements implementing both Section 402(c) and 406(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
• EPA’s lead regulations can be found at 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart E.
• Download the Guide