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
Monday, March 8, 2010
Home ownership can offer tax savings!
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
(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
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sweets for your Sweet
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.
(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?
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.
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.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Energy effieciency could mean tax credits
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
"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.
$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.
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.
$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.
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.
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