For Your Home

Kung Fu Movers
When it comes to moving companies, you get what you pay for. But if your furniture ends up in pieces or in Peking, there's help from the government. The Interstate Commerce Commission has a publication titled, Your Rights And Responsibilities When You Move, which outlines what you need to know regarding moving companies. Contact: Consumer Assistance Office, Interstate Commerce Commission, 12th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20423; 202-927-5500.

Home Shopping Tips For Veterans
Veterans can get an edge on the home buying market through use of a VA loan. The following three free publications can get you started on your house hunt. Pointers For The Veteran Homeowner is a guide for veterans whose home mortgage is guaranteed or insured under the GI Bill. To the Home-buying Veteran is a guide for veterans planning to buy or build homes with a VA loan. VA-Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans helps you understand what the VA can and cannot do for the home purchaser. Contact: Veterans Assistance Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20420; 800-827-1000.

Concerned about Pesticides?
Do you use pesticides on your lawn or in your home? There are concerns about the dangers of pesticide use near people. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has several publications which provide the consumer with information concerning pesticides. Some of the publications include: Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety - An informative brochure describing how to choose and use pesticides, how to pick a pest control company, and how to recognize a pesticide emergency and pesticide poisoning. Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment - which explains how to care for your lawn in an environmentally friendly way. EPA's Pesticide Programs - pesticide registration and food safety are discussed first, followed by other pesticide programs. Contact: Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, 3406, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-7751.

The Masking Tape Deduction
You can write off many moving expenses if the conditions are politically correct and your motives are pure. You can even deduct expenses of moving back to the United States if you retire while living and working overseas. Just call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ask for Form 521, Moving Expenses, 800-829-3676.

Safe Houses for the 90s
To find a safe little hamlet to raise Junior, you better do some research before you move. Crime In The U.S., the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) annual report of violent and property crime, contains statistics for many towns with over 10,000 people, and can provide you with information such as the number of murders, robberies, assaults, burglaries, auto thefts, and more, but they do not rank cities. Many libraries carry this publication, or you can call the FBI for information on your city. Contact: Program Support Section, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gallery Row Bldg., Washington, DC 20535; 202-324-5015.

Mortgage Money Guides
You have found your dream house, now what? You need to figure out how to pay for it. It is not as simple as it would seem. The Federal Trade Commission has several free publications dealing with the laws and regulations regarding getting a mortgage, mortgage servicing, mortgage refinancing, and what you need to look for when you are in the process. The publications include: Home Financing Primer, Mortgage Money Guide, Mortgage Servicing, Refinancing Your Home, Second Mortgage Financing. Contact: Public Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580-0001; 202-326-2222.

Free Christmas Trees
For a small fee, the Bureau of Land Management issues permits to cut Christmas trees in the 11 Western states and Alaska. You will be given a map with directions as to which areas are allowed for tree cutting. Non-profit organizations can get trees for free, although this excludes the resale of trees. For more information check the blue pages of your phone book for your local Bureau of Land Management office or contact: Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, DC 20240, 202-452-7755.

Before You Even Start Looking for a House
Real estate brokers are everywhere. How do you know the good from the bad? A free publication, Real Estate Brokers, provides a wealth of information regarding what the law requires for real estate brokers, your rights and responsibilities, as well as what to do when you have been unfairly treated. Contact: Public Reference, Room 130, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580-0001; 202-326-2222.

This Old House
Preservation of old homes is not an easy business. Finding weights and pulleys to repair old windows does not involve a simple trip to the hardware store. A free bibliography from the Government Printing Office titled Buildings, Landmarks and Historic Sites of the United States (SB-140) can get you started on your way to finding good resources for an authentic restoration. Contact: Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; 202-512-1800.

Energy Efficiency for You
The U.S. Department of Energy has a wide variety of information available regarding energy efficiency. The have information sheets on automatic and programmable thermostats, solar energy, appliance labeling, fans and ventilation, heat pumps, hot water conservation, insulation, as well as many more. Two booklets that provide a wealth of information as well as some helpful suggestions include: Tips For Saving Energy In Small Business, Tips For An Energy Efficient Apartment. All are free. Contact: Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585; 202-586-5575.

Unseen, but Deadly
Heard about the dangers of radon, but need to know more about it? A Citizen's Guide to Radon is a free booklet which helps readers understand the radon problem and decide if they need to take action to reduce radon levels in their homes. It explains what radon is, how it is detected, and what the results mean. Contact: Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, 3404, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-7751.

Exactly What's It Going To Cost?
Buying a house can be an overwhelming experience. People are using a language you may never have heard before. Closing costs, mortgage lock-ins, settlement, title search, and more are all terms you need to know and fully understand before you sign on the dotted line. The Federal Reserve has several free publications which will help you on your way to becoming an informed home buyer. A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Settlement Costs discusses closing costs, the title search, title insurance, and government-imposed costs. A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins describes various aspects of mortgage lock-ins. A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancing explains the process and some of the risks and advantages to mortgage refinancing. Contact: Federal Reserve System, Board of Governors, Publications Services, MS-138, 20th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3244.

Let Me Light Your Fire
Do you have a cabin in the woods with a woodstove, or are you thinking of installing one in your new home? Ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for some free advice. Woodstoves can really help lower your heating bill, but you need to be sure that they are safe and effective. The Public Information Center has several free pamphlets on woodstoves including: Buying an EPA-Certified Woodstove; Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution; Noncatalytic Woodstoves: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance; Catalytic Woodstoves: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance. Contact: Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 3406, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-7751. The EPA has a Wood Heater Program which can provide you with a current list of EPA-certified woodstoves as well as provide you with more information about wood burning and EPA's regulations. They can be contacted at: Wood Heater Program (EN-341W), EPA, 401 M St., SW, Washington, DC 20460; 703-308-8688.

Pesticide Safety
The pests have taken permanent residence in your home, so you reach for some chemical assistance in evicting the little creatures. Pesticide Safety Tips is a free fact sheet which gives helpful suggestions on pesticide use. Pesticide Labels discusses the parts of a label and what the information means. Pesticides and Child Safety lists recommendations for preventing accidental poisoning. Contact: Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, 3406, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-7751.

For a Different Look
Suburbia may not be ready for this, but you could be. Earth-Shelter Houses is a free publication from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse, and provides information on different types of earth sheltered houses, their benefits, and information on where to go to learn more about this style of house. Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116; 800-363-3732.

Make It as Nature Intended
Many do-it-yourselfers are looking at wood frame houses as a way to build their dream home. The Forest Service offers a free publication, Wood Frame House Construction, to get you sawing. Contact: Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Attention: Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 9060, Washington, DC 20090-6090; 202-205-0957.

Counseling for Homebuyers, Homeowners, and Tenants
To help reduce delinquencies, defaults, and foreclosures, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides free counseling to homeowners and tenants under its programs through HUD-approved counseling agencies. The counselors advise and assist homeowners with budgeting, money management, and buying and maintaining their homes. This is not just for HUD homes, but for all home buyers and owners. The amount of service available does vary for each counseling agency. Contact this office or your local HUD office for the counseling agency nearest you. Contact: Single Family Servicing Division, Secretary-Held and Counseling Services, Office of Insured Single Family Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington, DC 20410-8000; 800-569-4287.

Pest Free Home
Tired of calling the bug man? Worried about the chemicals used to rid your home of pests? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has several free environmental fact sheets on pesticide and pesticide safety. Preventing Pests In Your Home provides tips on general prevention methods and resources for more information. Safety Precautions For Total Release Foggers gives suggestions on how to use foggers safely to avoid fires and explosions. Contact: Public Information Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW, 3406, Washington, DC 20460; 202-260-7751.