IN BRIEF

Survey shows planned use of tax credit

REHOBOTH BEACH -- Coldwell Banker Real Estate announced the findings from a new survey that looked at how the recently expanded federal homebuyer tax credit, which opened up the credit to existing homeowners, might impact the economy. Of the more than 1,000 homeowners surveyed, 83 percent responded that if they were to purchase a home and qualify for the tax credit, they would put the money toward paying off existing debts, home improvements, savings/investments or everyday household expenses. Only 6 percent of respondents indicated that they would spend the money on what are commonly referred to as luxury items such as a vacation or a shopping spree.

In addition, 20 percent of homeowners surveyed indicated they were more likely to consider purchasing a home than they were six months ago, after learning about the $6,500 federal tax credit. The tax credit, which previously only was for first-time homebuyers, is now available to existing homeowners who sign a binding contract before April 30, 2010 and close on the purchase of a home before June 30, 2010. To learn more about the details of the expanded homebuyer tax credit, go to www.coldwellbanker.com.

Coldwell Banker engaged ICR, an independent research company, to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in November, among a nationally representative sample of 1,008 homeowners. The margin of error is 3 percent.

Agent strings 3 top months together

OCEAN CITY -- Linda Moran, a Realtor with Prudential Carruthers Realtors in the West Ocean City office, has earned top producer status for the months of September, October and November. She also earned top sales status for September and October.

Moran has been a real estate agent since 1979. She can be reached at 410-520-2942, lindamoranrealtor@com cast.net or you may visit her Web site at www.Team-Moran.com or www.LindaMoran.com.

Home inspector courses offered in January

SALISBURY -- Home inspector and energy analysis courses are being offered in January by the continuing education division at Wor-Wic Community College on the corner of Route 50 and Walston Switch Road in Salisbury.

Anyone interested in employment as an energy analyst technician, weatherization crew chief or building performance worker in the green job market can benefit from taking "Home Energy Analysis," which is being offered Monday through Friday, Jan. 11-15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Topics covered in this course include energy audits, customer relations, building science, safety and calculations of space and volume, and the use of measuring equipment and diagnostic testing.

Anyone interested in becoming a licensed home inspector in Maryland can benefit from taking "Home Inspector -- Pre-Licensure," which is designed to help prepare students for the state exam. The class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 26 through April 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The course covers the basics of home inspection, including structural, interior, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, heating, insulation and ventilation, and fireplace and solid burning systems.

For more information, call 410-334-2815 or visit the college Web site at www.worwic.edu.