A new study quantifies for the first time the link between energy-efficient homes and mortgage risks, suggesting owners of Energy Star-certified houses are less likely to default on their home loans than members of a control group.

If you’re considering buying a home, some experts think you should get a move on it. Interest rates are at 65-year record lows and national home prices have finally hit bottom and are on the rise. Despite what you may be hearing, loans are available for those with good credit histories, stable income and sufficient savings.

Over the next several months we will be spotlighting various homes and subdivisions in Rancho Vistoso, but we thought we would kick things off with an overview.  

Northwest Fire District’s governing board approved a contract for Michael J. Brandt to become its fire chief, dropping the “interim” from his current title when the two-year contract kicks in on May 28.

(NewsUSA) - According to recent reports, Warren Buffet has identified energy deregulation as the next big financial opportunity to reverberate around the country. Similarly, former GE Chairman Jack Welch described deregulation as "the next biggest thing since the Internet."

Making the most of your home’s outdoor spaces can do wonders for a property’s overall value. What’s more, some updates can also potentially lower your home’s energy bills while increasing its efficiency.

(BPT) - Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Not everyone will sign up, but it’s important to understand the importance of early choices when enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

Tucson Water will host the final two town halls to present three options for proposed fiscal year 2014 water rates and fees. The options have been recommended by the Citizens Water Advisory Committee (CWAC).

Arizona Sen. John McCain introduced a new bill, the Television Consumer Freedom Act, that let the customers choose the channels in their subscription. 

(NAPSI)—Just because gas prices go up, that doesn’t mean your driving has to go down.

(NAPSI)—Many couples’ romantic problems may be easier to solve than they think. That’s because the trouble, if it’s an intimacy issue, may be due to nothing more than their mattress.

(NAPSI)—Deciding to re-side your home isn’t a small undertaking but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. You need a keen eye, some research and a game plan. Here are hints that can help:

(NAPSI)—Superfruits—fruits that are exceptionally rich in vitamins and antioxidants—are popular ingredients in a variety of healthy foods.

(NAPSI)—The next time you consider expanding your family to include a hamster, Guinea pig, bunny or other small pet, you won’t be alone. Some 16 million U.S. families currently co-habitate with small pets, according to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey.

(StatePoint) In addition to filling practical needs, home improvement projects often can increase the value of a home with minimal investment. Some projects add more value than others, however.

(BPT) - Feel the need to renovate? If so, you’re not alone. Fifty-three percent of homeowners believe that now is a good time to remodel, according to a recent survey by Houzz.com. When deciding on where the makeover begins, look no farther than the kitchen. Kitchens are a major selling point for homebuyers, so a kitchen remodel is good for the home-selling price. Even if you have no plans to move, the kitchen gets more traffic than any other area of a home and serves as the family hub, so it deserves the attention. To ensure a successful project, keep in mind these kitchen-remodeling tips:

(NewsUSA) - Music and exercise have always complimented one another well, but fitness trends and research indicate real, quantifiable benefits.

Marana resident Beverly Hall needed no reminder that David, her husband of 34 years, had passed away two weeks prior.

(BPT) - If you worry about the kind of car your teen will drive, you’re not alone.

(BPT) - Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for making exterior home improvements. Homeowners want to use their time and money wisely, so it’s important to choose projects that are low-maintenance and have a good return on investment. 

(BPT) - For years, the real estate market has been a buyer’s world, with ample inventory, fewer qualified buyers, and highly motivated (read: desperate) sellers. This spring, some signs are pointing to a shift back toward a seller’s market. If you’re shopping for a home this spring and summer, chances are you’ll face increased competition from other buyers.

(NAPSI)—Before you head out to shop this season’s trends, perhaps it’s worth considering how fashion makes you feel and what different fashion pieces can say about you. Sometimes, fashion speaks louder than words.

(NAPSI)—In the past, selling your home for sale by owner (FSBO) meant trying to reach buyers on your own by posting a yard sign or running a classified ad. With over 80 percent of buyers using agents to find homes, however, FSBO sellers were locked out of “the club” because they could not get on the agents’ Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or on popular sites like Realtor.com. Without hiring a full-commission agent, FSBO sellers’ chances of being seen by qualified buyers were slim.

(NAPSI)—When budgets are tight and homeowners feel squeezed by higher electric bills, there may be a simple solution: Put the house on an energy “diet.” Here are some helpful tips:

(BPT) - Vehicles are a big investment for families – usually the second highest valued item in a household after the home itself. While the purchase price for cars, trucks and SUVs keeps going up, the cost of maintenance is holding steady or even dropping for most vehicles. Better materials, sophisticated computers and other advances increase reliability and allow less frequent oil changes, tune-ups and other service.