N.J.’s First True ‘passive house’

Teaneck resident Ray Evangelista is building a 4,400-square-foot, two-story colonial that's got everything a homeowner could want except a furnace. The house has been designed so that there will be no need to heat the home in winter or cool it in summer. (Click on diagram to enlarge) from Glen Rock Gazette
An extensive NY Times article goes into detail about what is involved in such projects.

Rock Bottom?

The advent of QE2 has led many pundits to make hopeful predictions that Mortgage rates would decrease through the winter -- or at least stay at current record lows. In the past few days, we've seen 30 year rates as low as 4.05%.
Now, some are predicting that the Fed's efforts could backfire in it's effect on long term interest rates. They fear that bond holders and buyers might rebel against the lower rates, which could result in rates rising sooner that anticipated. Today's 4.14 Zillow rates (at the right) may just be the beginning. Stay tuned...