- All homes experience wear and tear. Whether your home is five or 50 years old, chances are good that it can benefit from cost-effective measures to improve its energy efficiency. Wind, vibrations, sunlight and seasonal temperature changes can loosen up a tight home, increasing air leakage; windows may no longer close tightly, and ductwork can spring leaks, wasting huge amounts of heating or cooling energy. Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters that have been running for years gradually lose efficiency, especially if regular cleaning and maintenance hasn't been done. All these things...

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires lenders and mortgage brokers to give you this booklet within three days of applying for a mortgage loan. RESPA is a federal law that helps protect consumers from unfair practices by settlement service providers during the home-buying and loan process. Buying a home is an important financial decision that should be considered carefully. This booklet will help you become familiar with the various stages of the home-buying process, including deciding whether you are ready to buy a home, and providing factors to consider in determining...

Every child should have a lead-safe home. That's why HUD is working to create lead-safe affordable housing through outreach and public education, a lead hazard control grant program, worker training, and the enforcement of regulations. This guide is one part of HUD's comprehensive approach to lead safety in the home. If you perform routine maintenance on homes or apartments built before 1978, this guide will help you plan and carry out your work safely. Step-by-step instructions and illustrations explain and show what you need to do to protect yourself and your clients if you are working in...