With tax day just around the corner I thought I’d share some tips from House Logic that you might be able to use this year if you have not already prepared your taxes.   If you have already prepared your taxes you might think about these credits for next year.

• 
  

  Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

  Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

  Replacing your roof with a qualifying energy-efficient metal or asphalt roof can cut your cooling bill and earn you a $1,500 tax credit. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

  A federal tax credit makes adding insulation an even cheaper way to improve your home™s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read

• 

  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

I hope you have found this information helpful.   If you want additional tips for your home you might take a look at houselogic.com

Hi and welcome back to my blog.   This week I’d like to share some information regarding home security.   As of late this is a very hot topic in my area as well as in most metropolitan areas across the country.

Exterior- First, when looking at your home make sure the bushes and trees that are close to your home are trimmed.   This will make it more difficult for an intruder to hide and will also allow others to see the front of your home. Shrubbery that is adjacent to your home should not be taller than two feet.   Thorny shrubbery is always recommended when close to any windows.   Trees should be trimmed at least six feet in height to allow for lightening considerations as well as to deter a person from hiding.   Lighting is the single most cost effective deterrent to crime.   Front porch lights should be turned on during the hours of darkness.   One of the worst things you can do is turn off your porch lights when you go to bed.   Motion detectors can be used on the sides of your home and also in the back yard.

You might think about the color of paint used on the outside of your home, try to use a bright reflective color.   This will cause a silhouette when a person is against the house.   If you are home alone you might consider placing a large pair of work boots on the front porch or large dog bowls near the entry/exit doors.   The bigger the better, this makes the intruder wonder if there is a large dog in the home.   Lastly, make sure that you don’t hide keys outside your home.   It is just a matter of time before the wrong person finds the key and uses it to burglarize your home.

Doors and Windows- Make sure the exterior doors of your home are steel or solid core doors.   Especially in some of the newer construction homes the builder may have tried to cut costs in this area. If you live in an apartment make sure that the door into your actual apartment is a solid core door even if the main door into your building is a solid core door, the door going into your specific apartment should be as well. If you have a solid door make sure there is a peep hole to see through. Make sure you have a deadbolt on all of your exterior doors and that the throw from the deadbolt is at least one-inch.   Examine the striker plate for the deadbolt, make sure the screws are at least three inches in length. Be sure and double check your basement and lower level windows.   Make sure that every window and door have prevention devices and that they are in working order.   If you have the sliding windows in your basement you should consider sliding window locks.   If the windows are not in use or you are not home make sure all your windows are locked.   Remember that interior latches such as a chain type should not be used for protection.

Think about having an alarm system installed.   If you have an alarm system make sure you use it.   Join your neighborhood watch group.   If your neighborhood doesn’t have a watch group, form a group.   If you don’t have a dog think about visiting your local humane society.   Not only are dogs great company, they are also a big crime deterrent.

These are just a few of many prevention tips for your home that I hope you found helpful.   Remember you want to make it as difficult as possible for an intruder.

Hi and welcome back to my blog.   Last week I discussed the decision to downsize and provided an article that I hope was helpful. While I indicated that my husband and I were wrestling with this very decision, I was overwhelmed this week with deciding which smartphone to buy. So no decision was made on our part, on either front.   I  may have narrowed the smartphone list to  two,  but still no decision.  

I did want to bring to your attention that the first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 is coming to an end soon. While it is still February if you are going to take advantage of this you must be under a binding sales  contract by April 30, 2010.   A home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify as long as you have a binding sales contract by April 30, 2010.   This may seem like you have a lot of time but remember that it takes time to find that perfect home.  What if something goes wrong with this tranaction?  You need to make sure you have enough time to start your search over again.  Let’s not forget you need to also have your financing in place and for first-time buyers this may take a bit longer.

These deadlines also apply to the $6,500 tax credit that will benfit some existing homebuyers.   I have attached a link that will more fully explain how these tax credits will help you.  

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

Here is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $6,500 in income taxes and who receives an $6,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS. A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $6,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $6,500 deduction, the taxpayer™s tax liability would be reduced by $975 (15 percent of $6,500), or lowered from $6,500 to $5,525.   The tax deduction is what you will get if you purchased a new car recenlty that met the governments criteria.

Good luck house hunting…

Hi everyone and welcome back to my blog.   I ran across an article regarding deciding to downsize.   I thought I would share the article on my blog.   This is a big decision to make when the time comes. I know because my husband and I are struggling with this exact issue.   Should we downsize and be able to save more money and have less upkeep.   Or, should we stay in our house that we really like with a good location and have put so much work into.   There are pro’s and con’s to each decision.   Enjoy the following article and hopefully it can help guide you to make the tough decision a little easier either for you or someone you know.

 

 

 

Visit:
http://www.Frontdoor.com/news/article/55318
to view this article.

 

 

House Match: Downsizing to the Right Fit

When life happens and you’ve got too much house, it’s time to think simpler

By Geoff Williams and Annalisa Burgos, FrontDoor.com | Published: 10/13/2009

It seems like only yesterday you were having your first child and setting up a home for a growing family. Fast forward to today, when your youngest calls to say she’s found the perfect apartment and that the chair from the family room would really fit into her new living room. Your downsizing journey has officially begun.

It’s safe to say homeowners typically don’t daydream about buying a smaller home. But minimal maintenance is definitely an upside to not living large. After all, the time and money you used to spend on cleaning and upkeep can now go toward fun things. That’s why some people see downsizing as a step forward, not backward. If you’re thinking less space is the place, you’re not alone.

Watch videos of house hunters downsizing to the right fit >>

HOW YOU KNOW IT’S TIME TO DOWNSIZE

Choosing less space often has to do with a desire to live simpler, whether you’re retiring or just want an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lifestyle. When children grow up and move out of the family home, for example, Mom and Dad are left with an empty nest that’s too big for them. Or if adult children have moved out of the area, parents may want to live closer to them and the grandchildren.

Many adults 55 and older are leaving the suburbs behind and moving into condos or lofts in downtown areas. Not only are these homes easier to maintain, but they are also in walkable neighborhoods with easy access to amenities such as culture, restaurants and nightlife.

Sometimes the choice to downsize isn’t actually a choice. Some life events, such as a divorce or unemployment, are unexpected and force you to find a smaller home for financial reasons.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE DOWNSIZING:

• The Questions to Ask Yourself >>
• The Cost to You >>
• The House for You >>
• The Neighborhoods and Areas for You >>

THE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Does size matter to me?

Think about how much your identity is wrapped up in your house.

“For most of us, where we live not only fulfills our needs for shelter but also tells the world who we are. “More than any other possession, a house is used by our family, friends and neighbors as a barometer of our status and importance within the community,” says Genevieve Ferraro, who knows what it’s like to move from a large home to a smaller one: her 1,800-square-foot house in Chicago is next to one twice that size and the only one in her neighborhood that hasn’t added additional rooms.

“Moving to a smaller home goes against ingrained conventional thinking that ‘bigger is better,’” she says.

Meaning that your psyche may feel like ‘smaller is worse.’

Will I miss some important things about a more spacious home?

Ask yourself: Will moving into smaller digs feel like a step forward, because I’m living more environmentally friendly and simplifying my life? Or will it feel like a step backward?

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell, 45, blogs about her experiences after moving from a 1,100-square-foot house in Kansas City, Kansas, to a 480-square-foot home in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

She says there are some things she misses about her larger house (it was more centrally located, for example), and she kind of wishes her small house had cathedral-style ceilings to make the rooms look a little more spacious. But she loves that it takes her only two hours to clean her entire house. “And that includes cleaning out the refrigerator,” she says.

Karen Scott, 55, echoes the sentiment, saying that moving into a smaller house can be “amazingly freeing.” She and her husband moved from a large house in southern Florida to a smaller one in Stuart, on the Treasure Coast. With her other, bigger house, says Scott, “Every weekend, I spent from four to eight hours a weekend, just doing yard work in the summer. Plus, the house was twice as large, and even though I had help, it was still a lot of responsibility. My husband doesn’t have to worry about cleaning the pool and mowing the grass, either. It’s great how much more time you have to do what you want to do. I loved puttering in my yard, and I still do, but on my terms now.”

How will other life events affect my living in a smaller home?

Consider possible scenarios you may not expect, such as adult children moving back home.

One of Scott’s daughters, a 23-year-old, may move into the “downsized” home while she attends a nearby university. Scott, who co-owns a company called Asset Advisers and has a consulting business in commercial real estate, says she won’t regret downsizing if her daughter moves in, but it’s a good cautionary tale to be aware of.

After all, one grown adult who’s often off at college may not be too cramped, but what about a son or daughter (or even another relative) who may need to move in for other reasons? Would you enjoy sharing one bedroom and bath with them?

Print out these questions to ask yourself when trying to find the perfect fit >>

As you look for a new home, make sure it fulfills your physical and emotional needs as well as your financial ones. Just because you can find a bargain doesn’t mean the home is worth it. After all, if you’re going to make the effort to move, you should do it right.

<< When to Downsize I The Cost to You >>

THE COST TO YOU

It seems simple enough: you’re going to spend less than you would for a larger house, so the only financial consideration is, do you like to have more money?

Answer: Yes.

Done. We’re moving. Easy-peasy.

Except — not so fast. Genevieve Ferraro (whose website, The Jewel Box Home, has the tagline “celebrate living small”) points out that it’s easy to forget that fewer rooms will mean less space for all of your stuff, and it’s even easier to forget that that might cost you money.

How much will it cost to replace the furniture? “When moving to a smaller home, even furniture needs to be downsized,” says Ferraro. “Large pieces overwhelm small spaces.”

So if you have furniture that’s too large for some of your rooms — that king-sized bed may not fit comfortably in a bedroom made for a prince — you may feel obliged to get rid of the bed and buy something else.

Ferraro points out that smaller furniture costs less than larger pieces, so that will be a relief to one’s bank account. Still, if you’re spending a lot of money to replace furniture in order to save money eventually, you may start to wonder, “Why am I making this move again?”

How much will it cost to get rid of the stuff I don’t need or won’t fit? If you don’t have a thorough plan for selling or giving away your things and you do it in a rush (giving valuables away to places and people you don’t truly care about), you may start to feel right away that you’re losing money.

Consider things like family heirlooms. Fewer rooms means less storage space. Karen Scott had to answer the question all downsizing homeowners need to ask: “What were we going to do with all of our antiques and treasures that we could not take? I had to make some very tough decisions, and there were some casualties. You hold onto antiques because of family connections, but really, they are burdens, and you are only a steward.”

How much will I get when I sell my current home, and will it help cover the cost of buying my new home? Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell says that when they sold their home two years ago, they weren’t able to make as much on it as they thought they would (join the club), and then their small house cost more to build that they originally anticipated, because they decided to have an additional home office separate from their other home. So instead of spending $45,000, they wound up owing their bank $70,000.

“Everything cost more than we thought it would,” says Fivecoat-Campbell, who also hadn’t planned on having to construct a water well.

But she is seeing a return on their investment in downsizing. She estimates that she and her husband save $500-$600 a month with a smaller mortgage, less property tax and tinier utility bills.

<< Questions to Ask Yourself I The House for You >>

THE HOUSE FOR YOU

In this particular stage, you’re moving because your current home no longer fits you, your lifestyle or your income. You’re looking for something more suitable or more economical, and your search should reflect that fact.

When it comes to low maintenance and convenience, an “attached” home — such as a townhouse, condo, loft or co-op, in which you share walls and/or common areas with your neighbors — is a popular choice. You won’t have to worry about fixing the roof or mowing the lawn. But keep in mind that these homes are managed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs), which collect monthly fees for maintenance services and impose rules for the community, so research the HOA before buying in a particular building.

Learn how to buy a condo or loft >>

When it comes to home style or architecture, the lower the maintenance, the better. Stay away from Victorians, Arts and Crafts or other styles that may require extensive renovations and major upkeep. Keep it simple. Ranchers and bungalows are your best bet for low-key living.

Know which home styles are high maintenance >>

Lastly, when shopping for a smaller home, know how small you’re willing to go, and be prepared to make some adjustments. For instance, Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell notes that not every married couple or family would necessarily enjoy the intimate quarters a small house provides.

“In our house in Kansas City, we had a television in every room, and so if my husband wanted to watch something else, he’d go off into another room. But here, we have one television, so we’ve had to learn to share the remote,” she says, sounding amused. “And that’s been a good thing. I would think that even for people with kids, a smaller house would bring people closer together. I know a woman who lives in a 5,000- or 6,000-square-foot house, and when everyone lives in a separate wing of the house, I’m not sure how, as a family, you become closer.”

<< The Cost to You I Neighborhoods/Areas for You >>

THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND AREAS FOR YOU

If you’d like to stay in the city you’re in, look for neighborhoods or communities with detached homes, townhouses or condos. You’ll typically find a higher concentration of them closer to the center of town or downtown. This is especially helpful if you work downtown and want to keep your commuting costs low.

Oftentimes these neighborhoods are also pedestrian-friendly, meaning everything you need can be found within walking distance. Also consider buying in up-and-coming neighborhoods: you might find an affordable home that could potentially increase in value once the area is fully developed.

Learn about the 12 different kinds of neighborhoods >>

Also research builders that specialize in smaller homes, says Genevieve Ferraro, observing that Robinshore, headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, is “jumping on this smaller home concept bandwagon” and that Maine-based Devon Woods also specializes in creating subdivisions with smaller houses.

And if you like really small homes — tiny homes, they’re often called, the kind that make you feel like you’re living in a big closet — there are builders who specialize in that.

Learn how to buy a tiny house >>

And, of course, your real estate agent should know where the smaller — and good-quality — houses are.

<< The House for You I When to Downsize >>

House Match: What Kind of House Fits You?

• Starting Out: Buying Your First Place
• Trading Up: Buying a Bigger and Better Place
• Downsizing to the Right Fit
• Enjoying the Good Life With a Second Home

Hello and welcome back to my Blog.   I ran across this interesting article and thought I’d pass   it on to all those Sellers who are trying to set their home apart from all the other homes currently on the market.  

In a Down Market, Just Add Color

(ARA) “ When it comes to your home™s exterior, color is currency. With millions of homes across the country currently on the market, smart homeowners are differentiating their houses and wowing potential buyers with color – from the roof all the way down to the landscaping.

œFortunately, you don™t have to resort to beige siding and basic black shingles to play it safe when it comes to exterior color, says Leslie Segrete, co-host of the Money Pit home improvement radio show. œContrast can be tastefully done with the home™s enduring architectural elements, while bold or trendy can be reserved for elements that are more easily changed, like landscaping.

Whether you™re planning to sell your home in this highly competitive market, or just create a classic look you™ll enjoy for years to come, here are some things to keep in mind when adding color to create curb appeal.

From the Top Down
Homeowners might not think of their roof as a part of the overall aesthetic of their home, but it is one of the first things a prospective buyer sees. A roof can account for as much as half of your home™s exterior, yet is an often-overlooked design opportunity. œA new roof is certainly a selling point for a house, but an interesting new roof “ one that makes a statement with color or design “ can really help pump up curb appeal and enjoyment, Segrete says.

Color choices in asphalt shingles have been expanding in recent years, and it™s no longer necessary to resort to costly exotic materials “ like tile or slate “ to create a character-filled look. You can add elegance or whimsy by creating patterns with splashes of color outlined in a contrasting color against a conservative background. Owens Corning, America™s number one brand of roofing shingles, offers a wide selection of shingle colors that can be used in contrasting colors to create eye-catching designs in your roof shingles.
You can see examples of a diamond motif and download information from the Owens Corning website, www.owenscorning.com/ibs2008.

Color Cues
Color can help sell a house, real estate experts agree, and a poor color choice can alienate your neighbors; not only will it be an eyesore but it can devalue your home and others around it.

According to Segrete classic, clean and elegant, white consistently shows up on the top of the list in surveys of Americans™ most popular color choices for homes. Earth tones of beige, green, brown or tan usually follow closely in terms of preference. While, historically, the more conservative colors have been popular to Americans, times are changing and homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color. Blues and grays are slightly less popular, but still considered within the range of what™s acceptable. Reds and pinks are the least popular, unless, of course, your home has a brick façade or is in a tropical or historic neighborhood.

Whatever color you choose, don™t forget that complementary colors and shades can be used to highlight the architectural style of your home. Darker color blends provide contrast while lighter colors simplify a home™s lines and angles and can make the home appear larger. For example, you may be able to get away with lavender on a gingerbread-style Victorian, but the color would be far less appropriate on many of today™s modern homes.

Liberty to Landscape
Landscaping is the area where homeowners can have the most versatility “ and fun “ with color. Because plants are not permanent, it™s possible to take risks or make bold statements with color choices. If you don™t care for something or your real estate agent advises you to tone down the color scheme, it™s relatively easy to redo small landscaping elements.

While you have more wiggle room choosing plant and floral colors, do keep in mind positioning and location, especially for large elements like trees or shrubs. Generally, you want colors near the home that will contrast or complement the color of the house itself, and remember to avoid one of the worst landscaping faux pas “ obscuring windows or the front door with large trees or shrubs.

With a little know how, homeowners can easily differentiate their home from the neighbors, and in a down market that can make other sellers green with envy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Well we have made it through January!   Spring is just around the corner  but with the big thaw also comes warm weather maintenance.   I’d like to share a few maintenance  tips for those of us that live in the colder climates (actually these are good ideas no matter which part of the country you may live in).    First, start by looking at your roof.   After all of the snow and ice has  melted you may notice some loose shingles or flashings.   If these items are not taken care of the rain and wind will find a way to enter your home and can cause even greater damage.   Also, be sure to check around your chimney for any  crumbling brick or loose flashing.   It might be best to have a professional come out and take a look if you have any questions.   It could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.  

Don’t forget to clean out your gutters.   With Spring also comes heavy rains that could cause problems if your gutters are clogged.  

Check your siding on your house for any popped nails or cracked stucco.   Then get the garden hose or power washer out and give your house a bath (don’t forget the windows too).  

 The next big item is the yard.    Your once lush green yard will need some attention.   Clear out any remaining leaves from the fall and  cut the yard down low.   Then apply a fertilizer to help it spring back to life.   Your local hardware store can help you pick the best fertilizer for your yard.   Cut back any dead tree branches and also any flowers and plants that will be starting to bloom in the warmer weather.

Then lastly, enjoy  the warm weather and put away the snow shovel! Remember home maintenance is never ending but it’s well worth it.

For additional tips please click on the link below.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_home_ext_maintenance/article/0,1797,HGTV_3735_5386974,00.html

Until next time.  

Lisa

Hello and welcome back!   The 2007 Cost vs. Value Report is just out.   This report shows you what your  percentage of return  might be on home improvement projects  when you sell your home.   According to Remodeling magazine, exterior and replacement projects bring the biggest return.  

Home office remodels rank at or near the bottom of the national averages,   However, minor kitchen remodels rank  among the highest value  projects.    You should also consider whether   a remodeled space reduces the number of rooms or available square footage. An example of  gaining square footage  would be by adding a bathroom under a stairwell.   This had previously been unused space.    

In the Kansas Ctiy area adding a wood deck  with a job cost of $10,546 you can expect to  recoup approximately 75.2% of the cost.   Adding siding (fiber-cement) at a job cost of $12,578 you  will see a recoup of approximately 82.1%.    A minor kitchen remodel with a job cost of $21,672 will recoup approximately 74.2%.  

So if you are thinking of starting a home improvement project during this coming season click on the link below for a complete copy of the article.   Good luck on your project.

 http://www.costvsvalue.com/  

Lisa

Hello and welcome to my Blog!  

Well tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I hope  as you are reading my  blog that you are able to give thanks for all the gifts in your life no matter how small they may seem.   If one listens to the daily news it seems that there is absolutely nothing we have to be thankful for.   All we seem to hear about is the credit crisis and the housing woes.   Oh, and let’s not forget about the rising oil prices.   We must remember that these are simply market corrections and the current state of affairs will not last.   Does anyone remember the gas lines of the 1970′s and the insane  mortgage rates of the early 1980′s?  

Those times were far worse than what we are going through now and we did survive those times.    In fact  this is one of the best times to buy a home.   Interest rates are declining and with the huge inventory it couldn’t be a better time especially for first time home buyers who are thinking about jumping into the home-buying arena.   It’s also a great time for investors who are looking for investment property.

If you have ever thought about buying  investment property now is the time to get out there and see the deals that  await.  

As you are enjoying  your turkey and pumpkin pie tomorrow give thanks for what you have in your life instead of what you don’t have.   Until next  time.

Lisa  

Welcome to Lisa Gash’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Lee’s Summit.