Real Estate Reality- Becky Bonafilia, Realtor

Preparing to sell this Spring?

2011-01-12T14:51:00.005-05:00

Spring (will be here) faster than you expect... meaning you are supposed to have your house ready to be sold in just a few weeks, or even days. Well, fear not. Preparing your home for walkthroughs and selling does not have to be consuming or stressful. The following will help clean and make repairs to your home in a systematic fashion...

Step One: Exterior...start by getting organized. Grab a pad of paper and pen..., take a stroll around your house. Make notes about anything that’s not perfect. Take your time because you are probably accustomed to the imperfections of your home since you’ve walked by them so many times... Are the stepping-stones broken? Are there any gutters that need to be repositioned or cleaned out? Do the bushes need trimmed? Does the house need power-washed or painted? Think of a few flowers that would brighten up your home for the spring.

Step Two: Interior. You are going to do the same thing with the interior of your house as you did with the exterior. Walk through each room slowly. Ask yourself a few questions. Are the walls dirty? Does the ceiling need a fresh coat of paint? Are the majority of people going to feel comfortable in this room? If not, what needs to change? Is there simply too much in the room? Decide what can be stored until you move into your new home (furniture, clothing, artwork, pictures, shoes, books). Are the doors of each room aligned and in decent shape? How about the carpets? Have any animals destroyed the area rugs? Does water leak anywhere – faucets, pipes, shower head?

Step Three: Organize and Schedule. Now, sit down and start making a new list. Figure out the repairs that you can afford and make list of things you need... A few gallons of paint, a few brushes, and a roller? Try to get the larger repairs like plumbing and heating problems fixed before the Comparative Marketing Analysis to give the house a higher suggested listing price. Decide which contractors need to be called and set a date for repair. Then, realistically schedule when you are going to take the time to do the repairs. Choose anywhere from one to five a day, depending on the severity of the job...

Step Four: Clean. You can also start spring-cleaning your home at this time as well. Buyers actually react more negatively toward dirt than clutter. They assume that if you have let the cleaning go, that you’ve also neglected larger maintenance issues. So, do not just give a quick wipe down, thoroughly clean your home. Maybe you should hire a professional to give your home the jump-start it needs to be maintained easily. But, take this step seriously.

Step Five: Clear Horizontal Surfaces. Every horizontal surface such as windowsills, tables, night stands, dressers, coffee tables, counter tops, desktops, and sinks should be totally cleared off and thoroughly cleaned. Why? The less stuff you have around, the larger your rooms look, making the room open, inviting, and deceivingly larger. Once everything is removed, you can go back and add a decorative touch to random surfaces – but no more than one or two things. Fight the urge to put back picture frames and unnecessary candles. In the kitchen, try to keep only one or two things on the counters, such as the microwave and coffeemaker. Train yourself not to drop your belongings around the house...

Step Six: Buy a clutter collector. These large, flat, and plastic containers can be purchased at any hardware store. When you are told last minute that someone is on their way to see the house, you simply run around the house and throw anything out of place in this box – the mail, the kids homework, book bags, brief cases, socks, shoes, jackets, etc. You can then simply slide the box under a bed to show off your house.

Step Seven: Focal Points. Once your home has been cleaned, repaired, uncluttered, take another walk around the interior of your home. Decide what the best feature of each room is. If the bedroom has a walk-in closet, make sure that the doors are open for them to explore this luxury. If the living room has a nice view, make sure the windows are clean and are decorated in a way that attracts people’s attention... If a room doesn’t have a focal point, try to create one. For bedrooms, try coordinating the comforter, area rug, and curtains. In the bathroom, invest in a few new towels and soap dispenser. If you have a fireplace, try to make that focal point, as most people enjoy that asset.

(Lastly, call me for a full-time Realtor ready to get your home sold for top dollar, Becky Bonafilia, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 413-263-3704)

Well, you now have a lot to do. Good luck. Try to follow the laid-out steps if possible because they are prioritized for you.

Source: http://www.trulia.com/blog/dina_baxter/2010/05/preparing_your_home_for_spring_selling accessed January 12, 2011 @ 2:53p.m.

Winter Home Prep

2010-11-21T07:30:00.004-05:00

Winterizing Your Home
Preparing Your Home for Winter

By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide

The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter.

Autumn is invariably a prelude to falling winter temperatures, regardless of where you live. It might rain or snow or, as David Letterman says, "Fall is my favorite season in Los Angeles, watching the birds change color and fall from the trees." Did you know there is only one state in the United States where the temperatures have never dipped below zero? Give up? It's Hawaii.

Here are ten tips to help you prepare your home for winter:
1) Furnace Inspection

* Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
* Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
* Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
* If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
* Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready

* Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
* If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
* Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
* Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
* Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.

3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows

* Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
* Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
* Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
* If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
* Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

* If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
* Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
* Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
* Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris.
* Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment

* Drain gas from lawnmowers.
* Service or tune-up snow blowers.
* Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
* Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.

6) Check Foundations

* Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
* Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
* Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
* Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation.
* Secure crawlspace entrances.

7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

...* Buy extra smoke detector batteries...change them when daylight savings ends.
* Install a carbon monoxide detector...
* Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
* Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes

* Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
* Drain all garden hoses.
* Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
* Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
* If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces

* Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires...
* Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.
* Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
* Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area...

10) Prepare an Emergency Kit

* Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
* Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone...
* Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and...electronic equipment.
* Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food..), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location.
* Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

Source: http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/92607_WinterHom.htm accessed November 21, 2010 @ 7:31a.m.

Lawn Tips for the Fall

2010-09-14T19:04:00.002-04:00

Tip of the Month

Fall Lawn Care Tips

by Jarrod Krull, Yardcare.com Agronomist

While many homeowners look forward to less time behind their mower at the end of the summer, fall provides an opportunity to set the conditions that will give your lawn a head start come next spring. Cool-season lawns benefit the most from fall activities such as fertilization and aeration while moderate fertilization and weed control help increase spring vitality for warm-season grasses.

Fertilize Responsibly
Cool-season grasses benefit the most from fall fertilization, as the turf is busy storing energy during this time that will help the lawn over winter and spur spring growth. Dr. Van Cline, agronomist for The Toro Company, recommends applying two thirds of the annual nitrogen fertilizer requirement during the fall season for cool-season lawns.

The opposite is true for warm-season grasses, as they require greater quantities of nutrients during late spring and early summer when they are most actively growing. Cooler fall temperatures provide warm-season grasses the opportunity to increase root production while overall shoot and leaf development rates decline. While nitrogen fertilization is recommended for warm season grass in the fall, it should be limited to quantities that will keep the plant active, but not generate succulent growth that has the potential to foster winterkill.

Your local cooperative extensionist or a garden center expert can help provide you with the tools necessary...

Aeration stimulates root growth and improves nutrient uptake
Fall is the best time to aerate cool-season turf as the grass plants will quickly heal from the coring action of the aerator – especially with the help of fall fertilization and irrigation programs. Aeration allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate further into the soil, encouraging deeper root and reducing soil compaction that restricts root growth – especially during the hot summer months when healthy roots are needed to help cool-season grass survive stress conditions.

For warm-season turf, aeration is best performed in the late spring to early summer in conjunction with increased fertilizer application that help support its active warm weather growth habit.

One of the drawbacks from aeration is the production of cores that will litter your lawn. While the cores will break down over time, the use of a mulching mower will help break up the cores more quickly and provide a ‘topdressing’ for your lawn.

Some weeds are better controlled in the fall
Common, yet troublesome winter annual weeds such as henbit and chickweed germinate during the fall and overwinter as juvenile plants. By applying a post-emergent herbicide in the fall, winter annual weeds are more easily controlled and won’t have the chance to mature come springtime.

Likewise, perennial broadleaf weeds such as dandelion and clover will also have a flush of vegetative growth during periods of cooler temperatures. Controlling these weeds in the fall will help improve overall turf density while reducing spring weed populations.

Remember that not all herbicides are lawn-safe. Choose a herbicide that is effective against the types of weeds present in your lawn. The product label is your guide to effectiveness, application rate and timing and, most importantly, safe use and disposal guidelines.

Source: http://www.yardcare.com/tiparchive/fall_yardcare_tips.html, accessed Sept. 14, 2010 @ 7:08p.m.

A little organization goes a long way

2010-08-01T09:23:00.003-04:00

Getting Your Bathroom in Order...

* By Heather J. Paper

Everyone has a morning bathroom routine, and with some strategic space planning, it can be streamlined to make you even more efficient each a.m. (and let you sleep a few extra minutes, too)...consider creating specific task zones that can you save some steps and help get you out the door on time.

THE BIG PICTURE
(A few great tools)
Magnetic canisters keep bathroom essentials in one spot.
A small cabinet is perfect for organizing everyday items.
Decorative storage containers organize and add style.
Exhaust all storage options with a clever shower door organizer.

...good space planning is paramount. Like a kitchen with an efficient work triangle, a well-planned bath relies on the smart placement of fixtures — an area for grooming (the vanity), an area for bathing (the shower and/or tub), as well as the toilet...(each vanity should be equidistant from the tub and toilet). Don't presume, either, that all the essentials need to line the perimeter of the room. "Bathrooms that have 'dance floors' in the middle of them are a waste of space," adds Quinn. "Float the vanities or a gorgeous tub in the middle of the room rather than sticking everything against the walls."

FINE-TUNING TASK ZONES
...It's important to have everything you need for each task close at hand. At the vanity, for instance, "I like to put everything I use on a daily basis in one place: the medicine cabinet," says Seattle designer Rick Baye. "That way, there's never any question where anything is." Quinn adds that, beyond organization, there's a "neatness" factor to be considered as well. "A space will always look larger when the clutter on countertops is removed. I like to put old wooden boxes, or decorative mirrored and metal boxes, on the countertop. They're a great way to conveniently hide the clutter, especially if a client doesn't have a medicine cabinet or ample drawer space."

Instead of keeping towels and washcloths down the hall in a linen closet, add storage right in the bathing zone. Even a sliver of space can be devoted to built-in floor-to-ceiling shelves, allowing easy access to linens. But furniture is moving into the bathroom, too, so look for a handsome cabinet or, says Quinn, use an old armoire. Behind the closed doors of these storage pieces you can organize not only thick, thirsty towels, but also all kinds of soaps, bath salts and sponges...

DETAILS THAT WORK
Even if your bathroom isn't arranged into the ideal task zones, there are ways you can make it work more efficiently:

Use a two-tiered mobile cart, putting your favorite oils and soaps on the top level and towels down below. Then, at bath time, simply roll it over next to the tub. "There are many mobile pieces that can provide that little bit of extra storage in a bathroom and not take up too much space," says Quinn.

In a shared or family bath, boxes and bins are a great way to give each person his or her own space and keep them organized as well. Put the family member's name of the front of the basket or bin and there's never a question as to whose stuff is where. Most importantly, though, keep them close to the task at hand.

Another way to use containers, says Baye, is to devote each one to a specific purpose. "I like to use plastic, hinged-top boxes that you can see through," he says. "One box might be devoted to 'cutting,' including things like bandages, gauze, nail clippers and cuticle scissors, while another might be for 'dental care,' including floss, extra toothpaste and things like that."

Quinn also has a smart solution for small appliances. "I like to install plugs at the back of lined drawers," he says, "so curling irons and blow dryers can be plugged in, used and stored again without ever messing with the cords."

Source: http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/getting-your-bathroom-in-order/index.html, accessed August 1, 2010

Prepare your home for rolling into Fall

2010-08-01T08:17:00.003-04:00

Fall Home Preparation

by Mary Ann Romans

Once you get through with all of the back to school work, it is time to start thinking about how you can prepare your home in the fall to make it more efficient and a lot more green. Typically, in most areas, when winter comes, we use more energy to keep our home comfortable. Let us reduce that dependence with some savvy, but easy, home preparation.

One of the best things that you can do for your home in the fall is to eliminate as many drafts as possible. Of course, there are the walls, especially those of the foundation to address, the attic and around windows and doors. But there are also some other hidden draft spots, such as your fireplace or chimney, around electrical outlets and light fixtures and the entrance for your dryer vent hose. Also make sure to take down window air conditioners and close the fireplace flue when not in use.

Speaking of fireplaces, they can actually rob your home of a good deal of heat. You can change this by fitting in a wood burning stove, use an electric fireplace insert or a direct vent natural gas insert.

Another spot that can use some insulation is your hot water heater. If you insulate the hot water pipes, then your heater will not have to work as hard at maintaining the hot temperature, and therefore, it will use less energy. Use pipe insulation and cover the first nine feet of the pipe leading from the hot water heater, as well as any exposed pipe.

There are plenty of other things you can improve or replace for the fall. Why not replace your toilet with a low flush model or at least add a brick or other weight to the tank to reduce your water usage. Low-flow shower heads can also reduce your water usage.

If you don't already have one, install a programmable thermostat
. This will keep your energy usage down while you are away from the home or, or while you are sleeping.

Source: http://green-living.families.com/blog/fall-home-preparation, accessed August 1, 2010 @ 10:30a.m.

In the Nick of time...tax credit EXTENSION

2010-07-03T08:17:00.003-04:00

Home tax-credit extension relieves tardy buyers

About 180,000 buyers needed the tax-credit extension, the National Association of Realtors estimated. A lot of the holdups came from the mortgage-approval process. Lenders were inundated with buyers rushing to close their sale and qualify for the tax credit.

By J.W. ELPHINSTONE

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Homebuyers worried about closing their house purchases before the tax-credit cutoff can relax after the government extended the deadline.

Congress passed a measure that gives homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring. The House approved the measure this past Tuesday and the Senate approved it Wednesday night. President Obama signed it Friday morning

The legislation gives buyers until Sept. 30 to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for existing owners who move. Under the original terms, buyers had until April 30 to get a signed sales contract and until June 30 to complete the sale.

The bill only allows people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. Nearly 3 million taxpayers claimed the tax credits through May 22 at a cost of more than $21 billion, according to the Treasury Department.

About 180,000 buyers needed the tax-credit extension, the National Association of Realtors estimated.

A lot of the holdups came from the mortgage-approval process. Lenders were inundated with buyers rushing to close their sale and qualify for the tax credit.

"It wasn't issues with qualifications or bad appraisals," Phipps said. "The overwhelming demand simply bogged down the system."

Phipps also noted that without the extension, some buyers would have walked away from their sales.

Some buyers put clauses in their contracts that let them out of the deal if they couldn't close before the June 30 deadline.

Matthew Morneault, 24, could have been one of them. A member of the Maine Air Force National Guard, Morneault is counting on the tax-credit money to make roof and patio repairs on the four-bedroom house he's buying in a short sale...

He has been ready to close on the $154,000 home in Bangor, Maine, for two months and was ready to write off the deal if he didn't close in time for the tax credit.

He is waiting for the seller's bank to provide documents to the title company to show the property is free of liens.

"The extension is making me stick it out a little longer," he said.

source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com accessed 7/3/10

Landscaping Lessons...

2010-05-08T21:32:00.002-04:00

Landscape Help for Village Idiots
Rototilling, Pruning Tips for Spring
By David Beaulieu, About.com Guide

Garden Landscape
The elderly gentleman next door is a real fanatic about his landscaping. He landscapes all day, every day, spring, summer and fall. I'm convinced this old Yankee sprinkles plant fertilizer on his asparagus at mealtime, in lieu of salt! But he's full of landscaping tips for preparing the yard for spring. I became convinced of his wisdom one day as another March came to a close. April Fools' Day was looming large when I overheard a conversation between him (I'll call him "Landscaper") and some passersby sorely in need of landscaping tips (I'll call them the "Village Idiots"). The conversation that spring day between the Landscaper and the Village Idiots went something like this:

Village Idiots:
•The ground is thawed now, so we can begin rototilling to prepare the soil in our gardens, can't we?

Landscaper:
•Not so fast, you hasty Village Idiots! A rule of thumb for rototilling is to pick up a lump of soil, and squeeze it in your hand. If it is dry enough to fall apart slowly, then your gardens are ready for rototilling. Otherwise, it's too muddy, and you'll just end up spending all your time scraping mud off the tines of your machine while you're rototilling.

Village Idiots:
•Okay, we understand now. You can't rush Mother Nature, and she treats the impatient harshly. You're saying we really can't do anything to hurry along Mother Nature in the garden, right?

Landscaper:
•Wrong again, you Village Idiots! Refraining from haste doesn't mean refraining from work altogether. If you spread black plastic mulching sheets over the garden area to draw heat to it, you help the soil to warm up faster.

Village Idiots:
•We see you have your pruning shears out, old Landscaper. This must be a good time for pruning back all your shrubs?

Landscaper:
•Easy with the pruning, you Village Idiots! Let me give you a landscaping tip. Some flowering shrubs flower on last year's growth, not new growth. So pruning them now means no flowers later. Study your shrubs' growth habits before pruning them!

Village Idiots:
•Old Landscaper, considering your love of flowers, do you find it hard to wait for the flowers to come out, so that you can cut some and bring them in to cheer the house?

Landscaper:
•You Village Idiots, I do have flowers in my house, already. Forsythia branches can be cut in March and forced to bloom inside. Just stick them in water. But nothing could "force" you to become more savvy about landscaping, you hopeless Village Idiots.

...The conversation has now turned to mulching:

Village Idiots:
•We were smart last year. We spread a thick layer of mulch over all our perennial flower beds and bulb plantings, and now we won't have to pull weeds or spread mulch this year at all. The mulch is already in place, and the perennials and bulb plants will just push up through it.

Landscaper:
•You lazy Village Idiots! You should already have removed mulch from snowdrops and crocuses so the shoots aren't smothered beneath the mulch layer. Loosen the mulch around daffodils and tulips, but keep enough around the shoots to help protect them against cold, drying winds. Mulch should be removed from perennial beds only gradually, as the season progresses. Keep taking a peek under the mulch to stay abreast of what's happening. When the shoots start coming up, don't allow them to be smothered by the mulch.

Village Idiots:
•But at least we're cautious about mulching in our annual beds. We buy our annual plants around Memorial Day, then spread mulch all around them. Surely you can't fault us on that score?

Landscaper:
•Surely I can, you Village Idiots. By leaving your annual garden beds unattended until the end of May, you're practically inviting the weeds to come in and set up housekeeping! Mulch annual beds early; then simply brush the mulch aside while planting your annuals, replacing the mulch immediately after. That way, weeds never stand a chance to….

But before he could finish answering, a neighborhood cur trotted by. The old man yelled at the dog, chasing it off his property. At this turn of events, a murmur swept through the group of Village Idiots, and the expressions on their faces changed. The old man was curious as to what they were whispering about and drew closer to them. Still unable to discern the topic of their conversation, he assumed that they were being critical of him for chasing the dog away.

"You Village Idiots," he thundered, "when mowing season returns, I don't want to have to go out there with a pooper-scooper first, before I can begin mowing. Let that dog deliver his 'little presents' elsewhere!"

But one of the Village Idiots stepped forth at this point and calmed old Landscaper down, explaining, "Yes, we're aware of the problem. You see, all of us had already begun sprinkling ammonia along the perimeters of our lawns a week ago! The smell of ammonia is most unpleasant to passing dogs, and they tend to leave our lawns alone."

Hearing this, old Landscaper scratched his head with the tips of his fingers, looking down at the ground. Then he raised his eyes, a bemused look brightening his harsh features. "Well, I'll be..." he groaned, nodding his head in approval. "You can teach an old dog new tricks -- or at least some landscaping tips. And there's hope yet for you, you Village Idiots."

source: http://landscaping.about.com/cs/lazylandscaping/a/april_fools_2.htm

Plant now for Spring blooms

2010-03-08T23:12:00.006-05:00

Winter Planting for Spring Blooms

Plant Spring Bulbs in Winter for Garden Color in Spring

Planting spring bulbs in winter will ensure colorful gardens in Spring. Choose the correct bulbs and select a suitable bulb planting area for best garden results.
When winter temperatures get closer it is difficult to arouse some enthusiasm for the following spring – but winters pass and winter is the time to consider what the garden will look like when the snow has melted and the frost is just a memory. Winter is the time to plant spring bulbs for glorious color in a few months time.

Getting Started with Spring Bulbs
When gardeners think of spring bulbs a few old favorites come to mind but before any bulbs are bought it is a good idea to search through some reputable garden catalogs for new names and varieties. Then it is time to start buying. There is a general rule that the bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower and this is true to each variety. Crocus and snowdrop bulbs are very small but selecting the biggest of these little bulbs will give bigger flowers...

Selecting a Suitable Bulb
Bulbs should be firm and of a reasonably uniform shape and color. If a bulb is soft, blotchy or squishy it should be rejected. When buying tiny bulbs it is not always possible to make such a thorough investigation of each bulb so be led by the appearance of the majority and the condition of the display and storage area in the shop or garden center. A final tip – always smell the bulbs before you buy. A scent of mold or mustiness will indicate a bad choice.

Planting Spring Bulbs
Some bulbs will grow in low temperatures similar to those found in U.S. zones 4-5, such as the common Snowdrop but the majority favor temperatures a little higher, zone 6+. Daffodils flourish in Florida and they also bloom in Europe from Belfast to Barcelona, especially the narcissus varieties.
Bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops and aconites will grow from 3 to 6 inches high so they should be planted at the front of a border. Hyacinths are slightly taller and then daffodils and tulips are the tallest in the general spring planting scheme so they should go at the back keeping a watch over the whole flowerbed... A simple guide for planting bulbs is to bury the bulb about three times its own length with the tip pointing upwards.

Alternative Bulb Planting Schemes
A flowerbed in the center of a lawn for example is the perfect place to display a single planting of tulips, the bolder the color the better and an ideal choice is a lily flowered ‘Burgundy’ tulip. Tulips also look fabulous when planted with other spring bulbs in an informal, almost meadow like setting – especially if accompanied by evergreen shrubs...

Source: Suite101: Winter Planting for Spring Blooms: Plant Spring Bulbs in Winter for Garden Color in Spring http://bulbs.suite101.com/article.cfm/winter_planting_for_spring_blooms#ixzz0heK5CKy3 accessed March 8, 2010

Home ownership can offer tax savings!

2010-03-08T22:53:00.005-05:00

What You Can and Cannot Deduct
(Publication 530 - main content)

To deduct expenses of owning a home, you must file Form 1040 and itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). If you itemize, you cannot take the standard deduction.
This section explains what expenses you can deduct as a homeowner. It also points out expenses that you cannot deduct. There are four primary discussions: real estate taxes, sales taxes, home mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance premiums. Generally, your real estate taxes, home mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance premiums are included in your house payment.
Your house payment. If you took out a mortgage (loan) to finance the purchase of your home, you probably have to make monthly house payments. Your house payment may include several costs of owning a home. The only costs you can deduct are real estate taxes actually paid to the taxing authority, interest that qualifies as home mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance premiums...

Some nondeductible expenses that may be included in your house payment include:

Fire or homeowner's insurance premiums, and
The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage.
Minister's or military housing allowance. If you are a minister or a member of the uniformed services and receive a housing allowance that is not taxable, you still can deduct your real estate taxes and your home mortgage interest. You do not have to reduce your deductions by your nontaxable allowance.
Nondeductible payments. You cannot deduct any of the following items.
Insurance (other than mortgage insurance premiums), including fire and comprehensive coverage, and title insurance.
Wages you pay for domestic help.
Depreciation.
The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity, or water.
Most settlement costs. See Settlement or closing costs under Cost as Basis, later, for more information.
Forfeited deposits, down payments, or earnest money.
Real Estate Taxes

Most state and local governments charge an annual tax on the value of real property. This is called a real estate tax. You can deduct the tax if it is based on the assessed value of the real property and the taxing authority charges a uniform rate on all property in its jurisdiction. The tax must be for the welfare of the general public and not be a payment for a special privilege granted or service rendered to you...

Deductible Real Estate Taxes

You can deduct real estate taxes imposed on you. You must have paid them either at settlement or closing, or to a taxing authority (either directly or through an escrow account) during the year. If you own a cooperative apartment, see Special Rules for Cooperatives, later.
Where to deduct real estate taxes. Enter the amount of your deductible real estate taxes on Schedule A (Form 1040), line 6.
Real estate taxes paid at settlement or closing. Real estate taxes are generally divided so that you and the seller each pay taxes for the part of the property tax year you owned the home. Your share of these taxes is fully deductible if you itemize your deductions.

source: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p530/ar02.html accessed March 8, 2010

Sweets for your Sweet

2010-02-13T20:20:00.003-05:00

Cherry brulee decadent and healthy dessert to serve for Valentine's
(CP) – 2 days ago
Treat your special Valentine to this decadent dessert. A little cherry juice goes a long way in this cream brulee and will add a punch of antioxidants as a bonus. Cherry Creme Brulee
550 ml (2 1/4 cups) heavy cream
75 ml (1/3 cup) tart cherry juice concentrate
6 egg yolks
120 ml (8 tbsp) sugar
30 to 45 ml (2 to 3 tbsp) sugar, for crust
In a saucepan, bring cream and cherry juice concentrate to a simmer.
In a heatproof bowl, beat together egg yolks and sugar for 1 minute.
Slowly pour cream into eggs while whisking. Pour mixture back into saucepan and heat on low until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Pour mixture into 4 oven-safe ramekins set in a baking pan. Add enough water to baking pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in a 150 C (300 F) for about 35 minutes until custard is set but still jiggly in centre.
Let cool in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
To create the sugar crust, sprinkle sugar over each brulee and caramelize under oven boiler, salamander or use a cook's blowtorch.
Makes 4 servings.
Source: ChooseCherries.com
Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iwFId51N0-pungihbuje8M5lbMGQ accessed February 13, 2010 8:23p.m.

Ice Dams on your mind?

2010-02-13T18:44:00.012-05:00

Ice Dams and Attic Condensation

Two types of attic water damage are common in cold climates: ice dams and condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in the attic.

Ice Dams
Ice dams sometimes occur on sloping roofs in climates with freezing temperatures. When the temperature in your attic is above freezing, it causes snow on the roof to melt and run down the sloping roof. When the snowmelt runs down the roof and hits the colder eaves, it refreezes.
If this cycle repeats over several days, the freezing snowmelt builds up and forms a dam of ice, behind which water ponds. The ponding water can back up under the roof covering and leak into the attic or along exterior walls.
The right weather conditions for ice dams is usually when outside air temperatures are in the low 20s (°F) for several days with several inches of snow on the roof.
Research shows keeping the attic air temperature below freezing when the outside air temperature is in the low 20s can reduce the occurrence of ice dams... Warm air from living spaces below penetrating into the attic is usually the culprit in the formation of ice dams.

Attic Condensation
Condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces in attics can cause attic wood products to rot... Condensation typically occurs when warm, moist air migrates into the attic from living spaces below.

Prevention
Prevent warm, moist air in living spaces from infiltrating into the attic with a good air barrier and appropriate water vapor control at the base of the attic.
Provide good attic ventilation to replace warm air in the attic with cold outside air.
Provide adequate attic insulation to reduce the transmission of heat into the attic from living spaces below.
Consult a professional...

What not to Do
Do not routinely remove snow from the roof. It will likely lead to shingle damage.
Do not attempt to "chip away" the ice of an ice dam. It will likely lead to shingle damage.
Do not install mechanical equipment or water heaters in attics, especially in cold climates.
Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on a roof. These chemicals are very corrosive and can shorten the life of metal gutters, downspouts and flashings...

If ice dams are causing water damage

...In order to avoid the same problem in the future, a qualified contractor should assess the amount of attic insulation and attic ventilation (especially around where the ice dam formed), and look for holes in the air barrier between the living spaces and the attic.
If you see water staining at an exterior wall or ceiling where there is snow on the roof above it, act quickly to avoid extensive damage.
Hire a contractor to carefully remove most of the snow from the roof above the ice dam...

Source: http://www.statefarm.com/learning/loss_prevent/learning_lossprevention_icedams.asp accessed February 13, 2010 8:10p.m.

Energy effieciency could mean tax credits

2010-01-31T08:11:00.003-05:00

As you prepare for filing your 2009 tax returns, I thought this might be helpful. It might even save you a few dollars!

"Consumer Energy Tax Incentives What the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Means to You"

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended many consumer tax incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and amended in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
See the summary of the energy tax incentives included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
...A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
Fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products provide many benefits such as better gas mileage –meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions, lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web site may have more information on specific state tax information.
Below is a summary of many of the tax credits available to consumers. Please see the ENERGY STAR® page on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for more details on federal incentives and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for information on federal, state, local, and utility incentives.

HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDITS
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. See EnergyStar.gov's Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers.
RESIDENTIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITSConsumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016...

AUTOMOBILE TAX CREDITS
Hybrid Gas-Electric and Alternative Fuel VehiclesIndividuals and businesses who buy or lease a new hybrid gas-electric car or truck are eligible for an income tax credit for vehicles “placed in service” starting January 1, 2006, and purchased on or before December 31, 2010. The amount of the credit depends on the fuel economy, the weight of the vehicle, and whether the tax credit has been or is being phased out...
This tax credit will be phased out for each manufacturer once that company has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. At that point, the tax credit for each company’s vehicles will be gradually reduced over the course 15 months. See the IRS's Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid

source: http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm accessed January 31, 2010

Tax Credit running out...good time to buy.

2010-01-31T08:07:00.002-05:00

$8000 Tax Credit Extended Through April 30, 2010
By: Diane Tuman, Zillow Content Manager November 6, 2009

In what has been urged as a must-have by real estate professionals and builders, the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers (previously due to expire Nov. 30), has been extended through April 30, 2010, according to the Associated Press. Not only has it been extended, but it has also been expanded to include more buyers.

Details on Tax Credit Extension:
$8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers extended for buyers who sign a contract by April 30, 2010 (and who close by the end of June).
$6500 tax credit offered to homebuyers who have lived in their current residence at least five years and who want to “trade up” (buy a new primary residence).
Couples earning as much as $225,000 a year and individuals earning up to $125,000 would qualify (up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples).
Tax credit not applicable for those buying homes worth more than $800,000.
Those who sell their new home or stop using it as their main residence within three years would have to repay the credit.
Will the Tax Credit Extension Help?
According to a recent survey Zillow conducted through Harris Interactive, nearly one in five (18%) prospective first-time home buyers said extending the $8,000 tax credit would be the primary influence on their decision to buy a home before the end of 2010, potentially stimulating an additional 334,000 home sales. The caveat here is the survey asked first-time homebuyers if they would purchase a home prior to the end of 2010; this bill will only go through April 2010, not the end of 2010 and it involves a different type of buyer, as well...

source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/8000-tax-credit-extended-through-april-30-2010/2009/11/06/ accessed January 31, 2010.

Tax Credit running out...good time to buy.

2010-01-31T08:07:00.000-05:00

$8000 Tax Credit Extended Through April 30, 2010
By: Diane Tuman, Zillow Content Manager November 6, 2009

tweetmeme_source = 'zillow';
tweetmeme_url = 'http://www.zillow.com/blog/8000-tax-credit-extended-through-april-30-2010/2009/11/06/';

In what has been urged as a must-have by real estate professionals and builders, the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers (previously due to expire Nov. 30), has been extended through April 30, 2010, according to the Associated Press. Not only has it been extended, but it has also been expanded to include more buyers.
Details on Tax Credit Extension:
$8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers extended for buyers who sign a contract by April 30, 2010 (and who close by the end of June).
$6500 tax credit offered to homebuyers who have lived in their current residence at least five years and who want to “trade up” (buy a new primary residence).
Couples earning as much as $225,000 a year and individuals earning up to $125,000 would qualify (up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples).
Tax credit not applicable for those buying homes worth more than $800,000.
Those who sell their new home or stop using it as their main residence within three years would have to repay the credit.
Will the Tax Credit Extension Help?
According to a recent survey Zillow conducted through Harris Interactive, nearly one in five (18%) prospective first-time home buyers said extending the $8,000 tax credit would be the primary influence on their decision to buy a home before the end of 2010, potentially stimulating an additional 334,000 home sales. The caveat here is the survey asked first-time homebuyers if they would purchase a home prior to the end of 2010; this bill will only go through April 2010, not the end of 2010 and it involves a different type of buyer, as well.
The cost for the tax credit extension is estimated to be $10 billion and opinions vary on whether it will actually help the economy or not. One writer provides 5 reasons the U.S. should stop homebuyer perks.

source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/8000-tax-credit-extended-through-april-30-2010/2009/11/06/ accessed January 31, 2010.

Dealing with Bad Credit

2009-12-20T21:33:00.008-05:00

How to Get a Loan With Bad Credit

A lot of people make financial mistakes that affect their credit for the worse. Despite warnings that bad credit will discourage lenders from issuing loans, there are a number of lenders who specialize in loaning money to people with bad credit... Read on to learn how you can get a loan with bad credit...

Step 1: Circumstances

Your options are based on your credit history, and some circumstances may limit you more than others. Circumstances that affect your chances for obtaining a loan include:

Credit score:
A credit score of 580 or lower will severely limit your options.
Multiple credit checks:
Checking your credit score too often can affect your credit rating.
Creditor malfeasance:
If you have recently filed for bankruptcy you may only be able to get a high-interest loan or a restricted credit card.
Recent Credit card and previous loan default on your record...

Step 2: Loan Options

Depending on the severity of your circumstances, you may be eligible for one of two things:
An unsecured personal loan
A restricted credit card.
Both of these options come with very high interest rates, which may only increase your debt. High interest rates will skyrocket your monthly loan payments, which could result in surpassing your credit limit if you are unable to pay more than the minimum due. Surpassing your credit limit means penalty fees, and before you know it, your monthly payments become completely unaffordable and you are right back where you started...analyze the following factors:
...Determine how much you can afford to pay back each month.
Avoid making only minimum payments.
Only borrow what you can afford to pay back quickly.

Step 3: The Application Process
If you are applying through a bank...Be sure you have all of the necessary documents and information handy:
Driver's license
Social Security number
Evidence of assets (i.e. property deeds, vehicle titles)
Income documentation
Be sure to examine the terms of the loan, and...negotiate the interest rate so your monthly payments are affordable. Before signing the application, be sure that all of the terms of the loan are terms you agree to so that there are no surprises later. Again, you will want to examine the expected monthly payments and only borrow what you can afford before you sign anything.

Step 4: Getting a Business Loan With Bad Credit
Many people dismiss the idea of getting a business loan because they feel their credit score will deter them from starting that new business. First and foremost...sit down with a financial adviser and determine your options. If your credit is poor and there is recent evidence of creditor malfeasance on your credit report, you may not be able to obtain a business loan...

Step 5: Getting a Car Loan With Bad Credit
There are a number of bad credit lenders in the United States who are more than happy to extend you the funding you need to get a car. As with any other loan, you will need to present the proper documentation, such as income history and credit score information before you can get approved...

Step 6: Borrowing Outside the Bank
Not everyone has the luxury of friends and family with a little extra money to lend, but this is definitely an option to consider. If you are unable to get a loan from a financial institution, look around at the people in your life and evaluation whether or not one of them may be able to help you out. Consider the following options:
Friends Family Your employer

Step 7: Turning Over a New Leaf

It is important when you meet with the lender that you demonstrate the efforts you are making to turn over a new leaf. One surefire way to do this is to only borrow what you need... You may also want to consider showing them your efforts to clear up any debt you may have accrued that put your credit in poor standing...
Part of turning over a new leaf means doing everything in your power to live within your means, and to make sure you make every effort to repay your loan in a timely manner.

Conclusion

During difficult financial times, there is still hope of getting a loan—even if you have bad credit... Some circumstances, like an extremely low credit score or a recent bankruptcy, may make it difficult for you to get a loan. In some cases, a high-interest credit card with restrictions may be your only option.
When you meet with a lender, bring all of the required documentation with you. After filling out the loan application, be sure to review the terms of the loan so there are no surprises later. Above all, use this opportunity to rebuild your credit. Stay on top of your payments and do everything in your power to get the new loan paid off in a timely manner.

Source: http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-get-a-loan-with-bad-credit accessed December 20, 2009

Toasty Cocoa

2009-11-12T10:39:00.001-05:00

Ingredients
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Hot water
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.

Source:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/hot-cocoa-recipe/index.html
Accessed November 12, 2009 @ 10:41 a.m.

Tax Credit Update

2009-11-11T16:46:00.005-05:00

Click on the link below for the latest on the tax credit updates including both extension and expansion:

https://owa.newenglandmoves.com/exchange/Becky.Bonafilia/Inbox/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf.EML/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf/C58EA28C-18C0-4a97-9AF2-036E93DDAFB3/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf?attach=1

I am only a phone call away if you need any clarification on the tax credit.

2009-10-21T17:06:00.000-04:00

Mortgage rates more attractive than ever

2009-10-18T09:18:00.005-04:00

Mortgages under 5% are back in bloom
With one of the key measures below the benchmark for the second week in a row, would-be home buyers face the best rates since the spring.
feed://rss.cnn.com/rss/money_realestate.rss...

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The possibility of securing a mortgage rate below 5% has greatly improved in recent weeks, in a positive sign for would-be home buyers.
Home mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week, according to two key measures, with one of them pointing to a sub-5% rate for the 30-year fixed loan for the second week in a row.
Freddie Mac's (FRE, Fortune 500) weekly report said the 30-year rate slipped to 4.87% for the week ended Thursday, the lowest since May. According to the mortgage backer, last week's rates stood at 4.94%.
Mortgage tracker Bankrate.com said the average 30-year fixed loan slipped to 5.22% from 5.25% the previous week. The 15-year fixed rate also fell, Bankrate said, to 4.6% from 4.64% the week before.
The 30-year rate is influenced by the benchmark 10-year note's yield, which moves in the opposite direction of its price. Treasury prices have risen over the past week as $78 billion worth of auctions received above-average demand.
"Another disappointing employment report had investors questioning the strength and sustainability of the economic rebound," the Bankrate report said. "The resulting uncertainty drove investors into the safety of government and mortgage-backed bonds." ...
Rates are returning to levels not seen since the spring when, in an effort to cap mortgage rates, the Federal Reserve began a campaign to buy back $300 billion in Treasurys...
Mortgage rates fell as refinancings abounded. But those benefits seemed to wear off, as rates started on a tear in the summer. By June, the benchmark 10-year bond's yield had increased steadily to hover around 4%....
On Wednesday, reports said Democratic congressional leaders were working to extend a $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers past the Nov. 30 expiration date and could even make it available to current homeowners who buy a new house.
Homeowners have received a boost from both the tax credit and the lower rates -- last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.2%, according to Bankrate.
To translate the difference in mortgage rate into dollars, consider a $200,000 loan. At last year's rate of 6.2%, the monthly payment would be $1,224.94, or $124 higher than the monthly payment at the current rate...
First Published: October 8, 2009: 12:32 PM ET

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htm?postversion=2009100813 accessed Oct. 18, 2009 9:25 a.m.

Warm Apple Crisp anyone?

2009-10-18T09:04:00.004-04:00

Becky's Suggestion: Added a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to this one for a great fall treat!

Apple Crisp IV

SUBMITTED BY: rhonda

Original recipe yield 1 - 9x13 inch pan
SERVING...
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
2 quarts peeled, cored and sliced apples

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly.
Take half of the mixture and pat it into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cover crumb mixture with apple slices, then sprinkle apple slices with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender.

Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Crisp-IV/Detail.aspx accessed October 18, 2009 @ 9:08 a.m.

Keep Swine Flu at Bay- some tips

2009-09-19T09:43:00.006-04:00

Infection
Swine flu: Home care tips
During an infectious disease outbreak or pandemic, hospitals can quickly become overwhelmed with patients, many of whom could probably be cared for in their home...
Like other types of flu, swine influenza (or influenza A (H1N1)) spreads from person to person via droplets of fluid that become airborne when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus may also fall on surfaces - doorknobs, cupboard handles, keyboards - and live for a period of time (some viruses and bacteria can live more than 2 hours), possibly infecting others who touch them and then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes. That is why it is vital (to)... understand and follow hygiene and safety guidelines.

If someone in your home becomes ill, they will need to stay home for at least 7 days after onset of illness and after fever has gone down. Choose one person to be the primary caregiver to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.

As a caregiver, you will need to consider these home-care basics:
Get a doctor's advice. If someone shows flu symptoms, it's important for them to stay at home. But you will also need to ask a doctor a few home-care questions: Will this person need an antiviral medication? Will I and my other family members need to take any medication?... Are there medications that children can or cannot take?

Become a hygiene expert. The simple act of hand-washing significantly cuts the risk of viral transmission. All members of the household should wash their hands often using soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Use paper towels to dry hands, or else assign everyone their own towel. Within the home, too, you will need to be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting areas in which the sick person stays. Take caution when handling laundry, and tumble-dry clothing and linens in a hot dryer. Wash your hands immediately after.

Give a sick person their space. Keep the sick person in a room of their own... and keep the door closed. A separate bathroom would be best, too...
Be medication smart. Follow any instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. Read medication labels carefully...

Take care of yourself. When caring for a sick person, wear a properly-fitted, government-approved face mask or respirator. Avoid face-to-face contact with the person as much as possible. If caring for a small child, hold them as little as possible...

Use masks safely...Masks should be fitted to the nose and mouth without gapping. Do not reuse disposable facemasks. Launder and tumble-dry reusable masks. Whenever you remove a facemask or respirator, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Remind the sick person of hygienic habits... As a care-giver...give gentle reminders:
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash hands thoroughly in soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Throw used tissues away into a trash can lined with a disposable plastic bag.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear fluids to prevent dehydration...

Amy Toffelmire
Source: http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=5048&channel_id=1020&relation_id=22513 accessed September 19, 2009 9:46a.m.

Central Air efficiency

2009-08-04T21:41:00.002-04:00

Increase The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner
By Jackie Kent
If you have ever spent the summer in Wichita Falls, Texas, or just the month of August in Sacramento, you appreciate your central air conditioner. Summer in any part of the world can be brutal, save the poles, without some kind of cooling system. There are easy tricks you can employ that will increase the efficiency of your central air conditioning system, increase the cooling factor, decrease the temperature within your home and lower your power usage, which will in turn lower your electric bill. First and foremost, just using common sense will save you a ton of money. If the temperature cools off in the evening, turn your air conditioner off and open windows. Letting the cool air in will work to cool your home in two ways. Thermal mass such as furniture and the structure of your house itself holds heat in and will release it into the air. Cooling the large structures by utilizing the outdoor temperatures will decrease the time the air conditioner needs to run and when it is on... Before the temperature begins to rise and when the sun shines, closing the windows and covering them, will keep the cool temperatures comfortable longer. Using the air conditioner only when the temperatures begin to rise inside the home will save money. Utilizing ceiling fans in each room used in your home will make the air feel cooler and decrease the need for lower temperatures to be obtained by the air conditioner... Close the air conditioner vents in the rooms not used in your homes. If your dining room is rarely used, or you have spare bedrooms, close those vents... Make sure your home is well insulated; drafts are just as uneconomical in the summer as they are in the winter. Use insulated drapes, especially on southern facing windows. Keep them closed during the day. These simple tips will keep your home cooler and use less energy, equaling lower energy bills...

source: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/jk.air.htm accessed August 4, 2009 9:42p.m.

City of Springfield Housing Perks

2009-08-04T21:33:00.003-04:00

Housing Assistance Programs
Homebuyer Assistance
Access to homeownership for many households can be an impediment for many desiring to acquire their own home. A critical barrier for prospecting homebuyers often is an inability to provide a sufficient down payment or pay closing costs in purchasing a home. The City, acting through the Office of Housing and in conjunction with HAPHousing; makes two homebuyer assistance loan programs available to help expand home ownership opportunities for low and moderate-income households:

1) The American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) program, offered through HAPHousing. This program provides financial assistance of up to the lesser of $10,000.00 or 5% of the purchase price. Qualified household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income, adjusted for family size. Please refer to the chart below to see if your household may qualify based on these income categories:
Maximum Household Income

1 Person $43,450
2 Persons $49,700
3 Persons $55,900
4 Persons $62,100
5 Persons $67,050
6 Persons $72,050

2) The Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP), available through the Office of Housing, offers potential homebuyers $2,500.00 in financial support. This program is available to households whose incomes are greater than 80.0% of the area median income, but does not exceed 115% of the area median income, adjusted for family size. The chart below establishes the income limits specific for these participants:

Maximum Household Income
1 Person $43,451 < $62,450 2 Persons $49,701 < $71,400 3 Persons $55,901 < $80,300 4 Persons $62,101 < $89,250 5 Persons $67,051 < $96,400 6 Persons $72,050 < $103,500 These programs are supported by HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and are designed to provide upfront financial support in the form of down payment and closing costs assistance, as well as work in conjunction with homebuyer counseling. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and levels of assistance are subject to available funding. General requirements for all first-time homebuyers include: Not having owned a home during the previous three (3) tax years. Household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income for the ADDI program and; 115% of the area median income for the DAP program. Applicants must contribute a minimum of $750.00 of their own funds toward the purchase of the property for the ADDI program and; 1% of their own funds toward the transaction for the DAP program. The property must be the borrower(s) primary residence. The property must be located within the City of Springfield. The price must not exceed 95% area median purchase price for single-family properties (1 to 4 units) The maximum loan-to-value is subject to lender program requirements but may not exceed 103%. The property must satisfy the minimum HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements. Qualifying ratios for housing and total debt expenses may not exceed 33% and 40%, respectively. Applicants must successfully complete a CHAPA or HUD certified homebuyer education class. Landlord training is required for properties with 2 or more units. Homebuyers interested in more details about the ADDI program may contact Marta Santiago at HAP Housing, 322 Main Street, Springfield, MA or by phone at (413)233-1500. For more information about the DAP program, contact Patricia Montana or Maritza Santiago at the Office of Housing, 1600 East Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA or by phone at (413) 787-6500

Homebuyer Education
The Office of Housing has designed a first-time homebuyer’s education program that provides an in depth overview of the home buying process. Classes are featured in two, four-hour long sessions and are generally conducted on Saturdays. Topics of discussion typically include: A guide to homeownership; obtaining a mortgage and the various types of loan products; understanding credit and what lenders look for; shopping for a home; what to expect in a home inspection; understanding the aspects of a real estate closing... The course is free to the public... All first-time homebuyers seeking downpayment and closing cost assistance must complete a certified homebuyer education class.
Register for scheduled classes... contact the Office of Housing at at (413) 787-6500.

source: http://www.springfieldcityhall.com/housing/home-buyer.0.html accessed Aug. 4, 2009 9:36p.m.

Mom...I'm home

2009-06-14T09:10:00.003-04:00

When college kids come home for the summer
How to enjoy the summer and avoid a clash with your college kids

June 11 - They go off to college as your sweet little baby, but when your college-age kids come home, all they want to do is sleep and stay out all night. What’s a parent to do? “Today” contributor and psychiatrist, Gail Saltz is with New York Presbyterian Hospital and she offers some tips for parents.
HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR COLLEGE KIDS WHEN THEY COME HOME FOR THE SUMMER
Your summer can end in disaster if your expectations and your college kid’s expectations clash when they come home for the summer.

On the one hand, you are looking forward to seeing your child. You miss them. You expect them to be the same person they were when they left to go off to school. You expect them to step back into the role they had before they left for school in doing household chores, keeping a curfew, telling you almost everything, and following the rules of the family. You want to hear all about their studies, their friends, their ambitions and plans for school. You probably even hope to show them off to the extended family at get-togethers because you are proud of them.
On the other hand, your college kid just wants to come home and sleep, hang out with old friends and new friends, stay out all night and generally do whatever they’ve been doing at school.
They have spent the last year in an unstructured and unsupervised environment and probably really like it that way. This new world of theirs contains new people, new habits and a new style of dressing. You may or may not agree with this, and as a result they may not want to discuss it with you.
As you can see, this can all add up to disaster.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN AVOID BLOW UPS WITH YOUR COLLEGE KID

1. Negotiate conflicts early: There are things you know will be sources of tension. They tend to be curfews, use of the car, phone and Internet too, money use, who can come over when, and household responsibilities... sit down with your game plan and discuss with them their wishes. Find a place where you can compromise and make these the ground rules for the summer.

2. Be flexible: If you force the same rules on them they had before they lived on their own at school, they will truly resent it and may not want to come home, which would be a loss for you. So try to be more flexible while maintaining certain limits...
For instance, let your kid sleep until 1 p.m. for the first few days but then pick a reasonable time (like 10 a.m.) after that so that the rest of the family can do what they need to. Don’t insist they be home by 11 p.m. when you know at school they were out until 4 a.m., but do say they must tell you when they will be home in advance and stick to it or call if they cannot so you don’t have to worry when they aren’t there. If they use the car they must agree to times you can spare it...

3. Encourage an adult-to-adult relationship: When you come off as an authoritative parent, you push your child away. He or she may be struggling to become an adult, and it’s difficult. Try listening...Invite them to discuss how they feel about various issues and then also tell them how you feel. The evolution to this kind of relationship will be very gratifying for both of you.

4. Accept them: While your child is in the new universe of college, they are most likely trying on different personas, which may be different from the way they were before. But you need to be somewhat accepting of their different clothing, hair, friends and independence. In fact, you need to accept them as adults. If you are going to have a good relationship with them, you need to appreciate them for who they are.

5. Show them you want them home: Let them know how happy you are to be with them... Allow them time with their old and new friends, but then ask them to save some time for you, so you can do something fun together.

Dr. Gail Saltz is a psychiatrist with New York Presbyterian Hospital and a regular contributor to “Today.”
© 2008 MSNBC Interactive. Reprints
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3079389/ accessed June 14, 2009 9:16 a.m. EST

The sky is NOT falling, but property taxes might be...

2009-06-02T05:38:00.005-04:00

Lower taxes: Silver lining of falling home prices
Home price declines are causing tax assessors to revalue properties downward. Taxes will follow.
Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: May 27, 2009: 2:25 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Your home value has sunk like a stone, and you're so far underwater you'll have to hold your breath for years. Can you at least get a break on your property taxes?
In some cases, yes. Many municipalities' tax bills are due in May, and the tab for 2009 could be lower.
As a rule, city and county assessors reappraise property values annually or biannually, using recent sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood to set values. So in areas that have seen significant drops in home prices, appraisals - and thereby property taxes - could also drop.
"Assessors have been flooded with requests from homeowners to reassess their home values," said Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach...

... even if tax assessors reduce appraised values to reflect market conditions it still does not automatically mean a property tax cut. Localities could still raise their tax rates, the percentage of the home's value that is used along with the assessed valuation, to calculate the final bills.
"Taxes are based on property values times [the tax rate]. We could have declining values but make up for it by raising the rate," said Bill Donegan, the property appraiser for Orange County, Fla., which includes Orlando.
This year, though, the value drops are so steep that any rate rise will probably not offset the lowered assessments. Plus, governments usually can't just raise rates indiscriminately.
"In most places there's a statuary limit to rate increases," said Ken Wilkinson, the property appraiser for Lee County, Fla., where Cape Coral home values have plunged 44% from their peaks. "In Florida, they can't be raised more than 10%."
That should lead to substantial savings. In Orange County, the average taxpayer paid about 8% less last year, or nearly $130. "They may see a bigger drop this year," said Donegan.
The savings will be more modest, or non-existent, in states with lesser price declines. Many localities will raise rates enough to offset lower assessments, according to Joseph Henchman, the Director of State Projects for the Tax Foundation, a group that studies tax policy.
"The actual [revenue] collections could still rise or stay about the same," he said.
Governments may also raise fees on water, sewage and other services to keep up with looming budget deficits. They could even create entire new taxing entities, known as tax district, to fund fire departments, law enforcement, even libraries.
The local governments must keep revenues up to pay for programs they initiated during more flush times.
"We often see a ratchet effect," said Henchman. "Spending goes up when collections are strong but stay up even when collections go down."
First Published: May 27, 2009: 2:21 PM ET

source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/27/real_estate/property_tax_breaks/index.htm?postversion=2009052714 accessed June 2, 2009

Local Foreclosures Declining

2009-05-07T21:35:00.001-04:00

Pioneer Valley foreclosures reported down so far this year
source: The Republican Newsroom
Thursday May 07, 2009, 6:51 PM
Associated Press, accessed: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/pioneer_valley_foreclosures_re.html?category=Business+category=Franklin%20County+category=Springfield May 7, 2009, 9:35 p.m.

By JIM KINNEY jkinney@repub.com SPRINGFIELD - Lenders are foreclosing on fewer Pioneer Valley homes this year, compared to a record-setting number of foreclosures in 2008. The number of foreclosure deeds, typically the final step in the foreclosure process, fell 3.27 percent in Hampden County for the first quarter of 2009. There were 237 foreclosure deeds filed in the first three months of this year. That was down from the 245 foreclosure deeds filed in the first quarter of 2008. The number of auction notices, an earlier step in the process, filed in the county fell 60.17 percent from 575 to 229. The Warren Group, a Boston-based provider of real-estate information and publisher of Banker & Tradesman newspaper, released figures Thursday based on information collected from registers of deeds around the state. In Springfield, the number of foreclosure deeds were unchanged at 154 for the first quarter of both years. But the number of auction notices fell 55.2 percent from 369 in the first quarter of 2008 to 165 this year. Lawyer Eugene B. Berman, chairman of the Hampden County Bar Association Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, said while the declines are good news, that doesn't mean that the foreclosure crisis is over. The county had 1,040 completed mortgage foreclosures, up 41.7 percent compared with the 734 foreclosures in 2007. The previous record of 818 was set in 1997.
"Yes, there is a bit of an abatement," Berman said. "But the totality is overwhelming." He said lenders held off on foreclosures early this year as they waited for the Obama administration to come up with a foreclosure-prevention plan. Now, some homeowners are taking advantage of that plan and refinancing their loans, Berman said. Also, lenders are holding off on taking homes simply because the lenders know they won't be able to sell them again... In Hampshire County, the number of foreclosure deeds fell 29.03 percent from 31 in the first quarter of 2008 to 22 in the first quarter of this year. Auction notices went from 12 in the first quarter of 2008 to none in the first quarter of this year... Berman said the Bar Association has a hotline, (413) 322-7404, that people can call if they fear foreclosure.

Optimism on the Home Front

2009-05-06T07:41:00.002-04:00

Western Massachusetts real estate agents see glimmers of hope on the horizon
by The Republican Newsroom
Wednesday April 29, 2009, 6:00 PM

By HOLLY ANGELO hangelo@repub.com Home sales and prices are still down from this time last year, but there are glimmers of hope in the local housing market. Both The Warren Group and Massachusetts Association of Realtors released reports on Wednesday. Single-family median home prices in the state fell 18.2 percent during the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, while sales dropped nearly 11 percent, according to The Warren Group. Locally, the news is better. Home sales in the Pioneer Valley were up 4.3 percent from March 2008 to 2009, according to the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.
"There are some promising signs," said Kevin M. Sears... the president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. "When the prices come down it makes properties more affordable. You have more folks getting into the market and lower interest rates." Sears said unlike the larger banks, local banks are lending and there is credit out there. "The market is returning a little bit back to normal," he said...
In the state, the median price for homes in the first quarter of 2009 fell to $253,500 from $310,000 in the first quarter of 2008, according to The Warren Group. Sales of single-family homes dropped nearly 11 percent to 6,160 from 6,912 a year ago. In Hampden County, March home sales were actually up 9.31 percent from last March, from 204 sales to 223 sales, although prices in that time period decreased by 11.43 percent, from $175,000 to $155,000. In Hampshire County, March sales decreased by 30.36 percent over the past year and prices decreased by 10.16 percent. Franklin County sales decreased by 14.71 percent, but prices actually increased by 4.91 percent. Statewide, single-family median home prices fell below $300,000 for the seventh consecutive month, according to Timothy Warren Jr., chief executive officer of The Warren Group. The Warren Group is a Boston-based publisher of real estate and related data.
source: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/western_massachusetts_real_est.html?category=Business&category=Franklin%20County&category=Springfield accessed 5/6/09 7:43a.m.

Spring (Exterior) Cleaning

2009-04-21T09:11:00.013-04:00

by Matt Gallo

When the gray, cold days of winter are finally gone, it's time to give your home a thorough spring cleaning. Although most homeowners tackle the inside of their house, few remember that the outside needs a freshen-up as well! Wash away the grime of winter with window washing, gutter cleaning & pressure washing. You'll be amazed at how bright and clean your home looks.

Window Washing
After the rain, snow, and ice of winter, it's no wonder your windows are dingy and spotted! Eliminate the dirty film of winter and let the cheerful light of spring pour through...it's time to call the window washers...Window washing should include cleaning all windows inside and out as well as any storm windows or screens. Many window washers also offer interior glass washing services for chandeliers, mirrors, lamps, and ceiling fans...

Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning is a maintenance task most homeowners dread, and subsequently neglect...but for gutters to effectively channel rainwater away from your house and foundation, they need to be unclogged and flowing freely... Perhaps the best way to get your gutters clean is to hire a professional gutter cleaning service...They'll remove leaves, twigs, and any built-up debris; flush out your gutters; and ensure that downspouts are working properly. Many gutter contractors can even repair gutters that have been damaged over the winter! Once your gutters are clean and repaired...they'll protect your home from excess rainwater.

Pressure Washing
Winter wreaks havoc on the appearance of your home: storms splash mud on your siding; excessive moisture encourages algae growth on your brick; salt can stain your driveway... Perfect for removing a whole variety of eyesores from mud to dirt, mildew, and mold, power washing can get the exterior of your home looking great again. For optimal results...hire a professional power washing contractor. They'll be able to get practically any part of your home's exterior sparkling clean again without making amateur mistakes like damaging mortar or gouging wood. Contact a power washing contractor to freshen:
Siding / Brick / Stone
Patios / Decks / Roofs
Sidewalks / Driveways / Concrete

...Window washing, gutter cleaning & pressure washing are 3 relatively inexpensive projects that can really help your home look great!...

Matt Gallo is a home improvement specialist and the Internet marketing manager for Prospect Genius...
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Gallo

Looking for a springtime hobby?

2009-04-19T21:13:00.002-04:00

Vegetable Gardening

Vegetable gardening involves the production of produce on either a large scale or small. This is becoming a very popular backyard hobby in many areas where soil and weather cooperate for growing.

Types of vegetable gardening

Vegetable gardening can take on a number of different grow styles. For the home-based gardener, these are the most typical forms:

Basic backyard growing – For people with enough land to stake out a sizeable plot, this type of vegetable gardening will resemble larger-scale productions. A garden might involve multiple crops and rows of plantings.

Container – This type of vegetable gardening is popular among apartment dwellers that cannot grow crops in the ground. It involves the use of special buckets or containers that can be moved in and out of the sun.

Organic – In this type of vegetable gardening, no chemicals or pesticides are used.
Getting started with vegetable gardening
Exact advice for vegetable gardening hinges on the geographical region, season and crops involved. To increase the chances for success with vegetable gardening make sure to:
Select the right time to plant – Make sure to look at a localized growers’ guide for advice on when to plant certain crops.

Properly prepare the earth – Both plot and container-based crops will require proper preparation. Make sure soil is rich in the nutrients needed by a specific plant and also remove all weeds and other obstructions. Aerating the soil is also important.

source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/vegetable-gardening , accessed April 19, 2009 9:15p.m.
Happy Gardening

Grilled Flank Steak Crostini

2009-04-19T20:46:00.003-04:00

Grilled Flank Steak Crostini with Mustard Greens
Recipe courtesy Michael Chiarello
Cook Time
15 min
Level
Easy
Yield
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:

1 flank steak
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
12 cups greens, such as mustard, chard or spinach, washed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Hot sauce, optional
1 baguette, sliced on the bias into long thin slices
Directions
Bring the flank steak to room temperature.
Prepare an outdoor grill or preheat a stovetop grill pan.
Season both sides of the steak with salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil on 1 side of the meat and lightly rub it in.
Sprinkle half of the oregano on top and place the steak on the grill, herb side up.
Grill on 1 side for about 5 minutes or until the juices of the meat come to the surface of the steak. Turn the steak once and continue cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until done to your taste. Let rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile: In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil until hot. Add the garlic and saute about 1 minute, or until light brown. Add the greens and toss occasionally.
After about 3 minutes, the greens will have cooked down. Season with a large pinch of salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Cook another 3 minutes. Splash greens with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar and hot sauce, to taste, if using. Transfer the greens to a plate.
For the crostini: Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the slices on the grill or grill pan and cook until crispy, about 1 minute on each side.
Cut the flank steak across the grain in 1/4-inch slices. Place a slice of steak on top of each crostini, top each with the greens and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and hot sauce, as desired. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/grilled-flank-steak-crostini-with-mustard-greens-recipe/index.html foodnetwork.com, April 19, 2009 8:51p.m.

The Time is Now

2009-03-08T16:27:00.004-04:00

$8000 Tax Credit

Find out how you can get an $8000 tax credit.
2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
If you are a first-time homebuyer, or haven’t owned a home in three years, learn how you can get an $8,000 federal tax credit when you close on the purchase of any principal residence between January 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009. The outstanding selection of available homes and attractive interest rates make this a great time to buy a home.
Highlights of the Homebuyer Tax Credit
Buyers will receive a refundable tax credit of up to $8,000 on their 2008 or 2009 income tax return.
• First-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a primary home in the last three years are eligible. Full amount of the credit is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 joint return). The credit phases out above those caps.
• The credit is retroactive and can be claimed on an individual or joint tax return for the purchase of any principal residence that closes between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. Vacation and rental properties are not eligible.
• The credit is claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser’s tax liability. Any credit amount unused will be refunded to the purchaser.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is thinking of buying a home...
Source: http://www.newenglandmoves.com/taxcredit accessed February 28, 2009
©2009 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC. RE0231
The information in this flyer is not to be construed as legal or tax advice.

Home Sale Tax exclusions

2009-02-07T16:51:00.006-05:00

Modified Home Sale Exclusion for Non-Qualifying Use
By William Perez, About.com

When homeowners sell their main home, they can exclude up to $500,000 in capital gains from income tax. The Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 changes the rules. The amount of profits from the sale of a house that can be excluded is now based on the percentage of time when the house was used as a primary residence.
Homeowners who sell their primary residence can exclude up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) in capital gains from their taxes. The amount of gain that will qualify for the exclusion is limited based on the amount of time that the house is used as a primary residence. If the house is used other than as a primary residence, capital gains must be allocated between qualifying and non-qualifying use. Any non-qualifying use can potentially reduce the amount of capital gain that can be excluded. The allocation rules take effect beginning January 1, 2009.
Qualifying Use vs. Non-Qualifying UseTaxpayers can qualify to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 if married and filing jointly) when selling a house. To qualify, the person needs to own and live in the property has his or her primary residence for at least two years out of the five years ending on the date of sale.
Sometimes, however, the property isn't used as a primary residence during the entire five-year period. The house might be rented out, used as a vacation home, or used as a second home. Such uses of the home will be considered non-qualifying use and could subject gains from the sale of the house to tax.
Qualifying use means the property is being used by the homeowner or the homeowner's spouse as a primary residence. Non-qualifying use means the property is not being used as a primary residence by either the homeowner or the homeowner's spouse...

Temporary absences not exceeding a total of two years in aggregate will not jeopardize qualifying use. A property can maintain its status as a primary residence even if the homeowner is absence due to change in employment, health conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Sources:
Section 3092 of Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221)
Summary of the tax provisions in H.R. 3221 from the Ways and Means Committee [pdf]
CCH Tax Briefing on the Housing Assistance Tax Act [pdf]
More Tax Planning: U.S. Quick Tips
source: http://www.about.com/, February 7, 2009

Recouping Renovation Costs

2009-02-07T16:41:00.002-05:00

Assessing the Resale Value of Your Renovations

By Lee Wallender, About.com, accessed February 7, 2009

It's closing day, congratulations. Break open a bottle of champagne and enjoy. Ready to renovate? Before you pound that first nail, always look ahead to your home's resale value. Certain modifications give better resale value than others.

High Resale Value

Siding Replacement - Upscale
Bathroom Remodel - Mid-Range
Minor Kitchen Remodel - Mid-Range
Siding Replacement - Mid-Range
Two-Story Addition - Mid-Range
Attic Bedroom - Mid-Range
Bathroom Remodel - Upscale
Major Kitchen Remodel - Mid-Range

Moderate Resale Value

Deck - Mid-Range
Basement Remodel - Mid-Range
Window Replacement - Mid-Range
Window Replacement - Upscale
Bathroom Addition - Mid-Range
Roofing Replacement - Upscale
Bathroom Addition - Upscale
Major Kitchen Remodel - Upscale
Roofing Replacement - Mid-Range
Family Room - Mid-Range

Low Re-sale value

Master Suite - Mid-Range
Master Suite - Upscale
Sunroom - Mid-Range
Home Office Remodel - Mid-Range
Check out REMODELING Online's excellent annual cost vs. value report for more info.

Homes under contract for sale increasing

2009-02-07T16:23:00.002-05:00

Pending home sales rise in December
The number of sales contracts signed increased by 6.3%, as buyers respond to fire sale prices driven by a record number of foreclosures.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: February 3, 2009: 12:10 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Plunging home prices and low mortgage rates pushed homebuying activity higher in December, according to a regular industry report released on Tuesday.
The Pending Home Sales Index, from the National Association of Realtors, measures the number of sales contracts signed each month. It rose 6.3% in December to 87.7, after dropping 4% in November to a record low of 82.5.
The index was 2.1% higher than its December 2007 level...

Sales activity gained the most traction the South, where the index jumped 13% in December. The Midwest was also much higher at 12.8%. The Northeast, however, slipped by 1.7% and the index in the West fell 3.7%.
Home sales also benefited from a drop in mortgage interest rates during the month. The 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 5.29% for the month, with the average borrower paying a fee equal to 0.7% of the mortgage principal. That was, by far, the lowest that mortgage rates had been all year...
The lower mortgage rates helped push housing affordability to record levels.
NAR's Housing Affordability index improved to 158.8 in December, up more than 29% year-over-year. That makes buying a home more affordable than any time since NAR started tracking the measure in 1970.
A household earning the median U.S. family income can now afford a home of $277,000, according to NAR. That's well above the national median home price, which was $198,600 in 2008.

Great time to buy a home as prices continue to decline!

2008-11-26T20:33:00.005-05:00

Home prices in record decline

A Case-Shiller survey shows a 16.6% annual decline in the summer months as the housing picture continues to deteriorate.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: November 25, 2008: 3:23 PM ET

Foreclosures continue to take a heavy toll, with sales in some cities dominated by properties repossessed by banks and then put back on the market, often at bargain prices. In Las Vegas and Cleveland, for example, about half of all homes for sale are bank-owned properties, according to the real estate Web site, Trulia.com...

He added that the national index price trends tend to be more moderate because they encompass many more exurban and rural areas, where, in many cases home prices never skyrocketed as they did in some of the hotter, urban markets.

In the weakest market, Phoenix, the 12-month loss came to 31.9%. Las Vegas prices plummeted 31.3% and San Francisco recorded a 29.5% decline. The best performing markets, Dallas and Charlotte, N.C., still posted drops - 2.7% in Dallas and 3.5% in Charlotte.

With San Francisco and Las Vegas, the other members of the 10-city index are: Miami, down 28.4% year-over-year; Los Angeles, down 27.6%; San Diego, down 26.3%; Washington, down 17%; Chicago, down 10.1%; New York, down 7.3%; Boston, down 5.7%; and Denver, down 5.4%.
In addition to Phoenix, Dallas, Charlotte and the cities in the 10-city index, the 20-city index is made up of: Detroit, down 18.6%); Tampa, Fla., down 18.5%; Minneapolis, down 14%; Seattle, down 9.8%; Atlanta, down 9.5%; Portland, Ore., down 8.6%; and Cleveland, down 6.4%.

Home prices in the 10-city index have fallen for 26 consecutive months. The decline has broadened over the past 12 months, with prices dropping in every city of the 20-city index during September...

The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price national index recorded a 16.6% decline in the third quarter compared with the same period a year ago. That eclipsed the previous record of 15.1% set during the second quarter...

"The turmoil in the financial markets is placing further downward pressure on a housing market already weakened by its own fundamentals," said David Blitzer, Standard & Poor's spokesman for the indexes, in a press release. "All three aggregate indices, and 13 of the 20 metro areas, are reporting new record rates of decline...Prices are back to where they were in early 2004."

Why use a REALTOR?

2008-09-04T22:42:00.003-04:00

Source: www.Realtor.com, September 4, 2008
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) includes 1 million brokers and salespeople, individuals bound together with a strong Code of Ethics, extensive training opportunities and a wealth of community information. NAR members are routinely active in PTAs, local government committees and a variety of neighborhood organizations. Being actively involved in community affairs provides REALTORS® with a better understanding of the area in which they are selling.
Why?Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price.
But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties -- even two identical models on the same street -- are precisely and exactly alike. Homes differ and so do contract terms, financing options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also, no two transactions are alike.
In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the community and much more. Those professionals are the local REALTORS® who serve your area.
The best place to find a local REALTOR® is from REALTOR.com's® extensive listing of community professionals and properties. Other sources include open houses, local advertising, Web sites, referrals from other REALTORS®, recommendations from neighbors and suggestions from lenders, attorneys, financial planners and CPAs. The experiences and recommendations of past clients can be invaluable...
What should you expect?...Once you select a REALTOR® you will want to establish a proper business relationship. You likely know that some REALTORS® represent sellers while others represent buyers. Each REALTOR® will explain the options available, describe how he or she typically works with individuals and provide you with complete agency disclosures (the ins and outs of your relationship with the agent)...
Once hired for the job, the REALTOR® will provide you with information detailing current market conditions, financing options and negotiating issues that might apply to a given situation. Remember: Because market conditions can change and the strategies that apply in one negotiation may be inappropriate in another, this information should not be set in stone. During your time in the marketplace REALTORS® will keep you updated and alert you to each step in the transaction process.

Setting the Stage to SELL

2008-05-10T12:53:00.004-04:00

Staging Secrets: Make Your House Irresistible to Buyers
Source: http://www.frontdoor.com/ accessed May 7, 2008

Learn how to stage a home for a quick sale. From the front door to the backyard, each space of your house can benefit from these makeovers. FrontDoor.com, accessed

Before-and-After Gallery Designed to Sell Bedroom Makeovers More Staging

Current Listings & Recent Sales

2007-09-10T22:40:00.011-04:00

FOR SALE:

183 Reservoir, Westfield, MA, right out of Home and Garden, this gorgeous 3 bed, 1 garage cape sits on almost on acre, large deck, central air, vinyl siding, replacement windows, newer high efficiency GAS heating system, finished basement, dining room, updated kitchen, hardwood floors @ $257,000!

111 Aldrich St., Belchertown, MA...better than new! 2003 built Colonial offers a sprawling lot accented by gorgeous landscaping and decorative fieldstone, pavered walkways/patio, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling, fireplace and a convenient 1st floor laundry, master suite w/ full bath and walk-in closet. Call today, 413-263-3704...$354,900.

9 Madison St., Westfield, MA, 4 bed 2 bath cape in need of a little TLC to shine again! You're off to a good start with hardwood flooring, newer vinyl siding, newer replacement windows, new 1st floor kitchen and bath flooring. Large private lot, nicely landscaped including a gorgeous entry porch dotted with window boxes. A true value at $139,500! Call Becky Bonafilia, 413-263-3704

Recently RENTED:

63 Blueberry Hill Rd., Sixteen Acres, Springfield, Updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch. Fully applianced including laundry appliances, snowblower and lawnblower for outdoor upkeep! One year lease required, rent to own a consideration. $1250. month.

RECENTLY SOLD:
52 Clematis, Agawam, MA @ $214,100!
11 Livingstone Ave., Westfield, MA @ 164,000!
33-35 Walnut St., Agawam, MA @ 195,000!
86 Bosworth, West Springfield, MA @ 137,000!
115 S.Shelburne, Greenfield, MA @ 164,900!
18E Castle Hill Dr., Agawam, MA @ 237,000!
64 Thalia Dr., Feeding Hills, 3 bed 1 bath ranch @ 244,900!
69 River Rd., Agawam, 2 bed 1 bath ranch @ 174,900!
11 Balfour Dr., Springfield, 4 bed, 1 bath cape @ 137,000!
173 Brookfield Lane, Agawam, 2 bed, 2 bath garden condo @ 237,000!
99 Valley Brook Rd., Feeding Hills, 3 bed 1 bath ranch @ 239,000!
1 Hilltop Acres, Granby, MA @ $625,000!
20 Water's Edge, Ludlow, MA @ $152,000!