Thinking about buying, renovating, and somehow keeping it green at the same time?  You might want to check out this article on Bankrate:

Green mortgages save on energy, loan costs

Excerpt:

“Most energy-efficient mortgage, or EEM, programs let you qualify for bigger loans than you would otherwise by folding in the additional cost of making improvements for energy efficiency or of purchasing an already energy-efficient home. Another version of the green mortgage provides discounts on loan fees or interest rates for homes that are certified as energy-efficient.

Because mortgage interest payments are tax-deductible, an energy-efficient mortgage can be a more cost-effective way to finance home-energy improvements than using a credit card, bank loan or cash, which usually offer no tax benefits.”

Can we afford the solar panels?  Yes, we can!