I attended a broker's open house earlier in the week at the Clarendon Back Bay and because the views are so stunning from the penthouse that we were in, I'm feeling compelled to share them with you.

• Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

From the National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division

Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit. The modifications in the column labeled “December 1– April 30, 2010” become effective when President Obama signs the bill. All changes made to the current credit become effective on that date, as well.

It has been agreed upon and will be extended until April, but still needs to be voted on.

"Under an agreement reached by key senators, the tax credit would be extended through the end of April and be expanded to cover repeat buyers who have been in their homes at least five years, sources familiar with the plan said.

I came across a great article on Energy Star and how appliances and electronics are graded. It appears that you may need to do a bit more research on any product you purchase even if it has the blue Energy Star label.

Read about it here at the WBUR/NPR website.