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
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Looking for a springtime hobby?
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
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
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.
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.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Time is Now
$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.
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.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Home Sale Tax exclusions
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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