MonicaMillerHomesBlog

Inexpensive maintenance that can save you thousands!

A little bit of maintenance on your home now can save you thousands on costly repairs down the road. Here are a couple of items you should review at least every year.

1. Gutters- Make sure they are clean, water can flow out and that you have extensions to get the water away from your foundation.

2. Grade- Check that the dirt around your home will help move water away from the home. If you have any low spots or negative drainage, bring in dirt or remove it as necessary. This will keep your basement and foundation dry.

3. Change your filters- This should really be done every quarter, but if not remember to change it before you turn on the heater or the air condition. This should keep your HVAC running smoothly for a lot longer.

4. Caulk and paint- check your trim and exterior. If it needs a new paint job or just a little touch up don't put it off too long. You will find that the cost to replace or repair siding is a lot more expensive then the paint is alone.

Home maintenance does not have to be a big chore. Just keep on top of things before they get out of hand. Most maintenance can be done for just a couple bucks.

If you have any questions or suggestions please add a comment or email me!

Spring is a great time to add charm to your exterior

Spring is a great time to add charm to your exterior and simple things can make a dramatic difference.

Try one of these ideas.

1. Purchase a couple interesting pots from a hobby store add plant colorful flowers purchases from the hardware store. Add these cheerful plants to your front porch or deck and they are guaranteed to add a smile to your face.

2. Paint your front door. An hour and one quality gallon of paint can add a nice splash to the front door. There are paint & prime in one paints now that will cut down on cost and time.

3. Consider shutters! Won't work on just any home, but shutters can be a way to add a lot of charm from the curb.

4. Go garage sale shopping. Find an old wood chair and paint it a cheery exterior color and add to your porch or deck.

5. Reconsider the flowerbeds. It may be time to add mulch, change the plants or add a bush.

Do you have some great ideas? I would love to hear them. Whatever you decide to do, get outdoors and enjoy!

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

Tax Benefits of Homeownership

The tax deductions you’re eligible to take for mortgage interest and property taxes greatly increase the financial benefits of homeownership. Here’s how it works.

Assume:

$9,877 = Mortgage interest paid (a loan of $150,000 for 30 years, at 7 percent, using year-five interest)
$2,700 = Property taxes (at 1.5 percent on $180,000 assessed value)
______

$12,577 = Total deduction

Then, multiply your total deduction by your tax rate.

For example, at a 28 percent tax rate: 12,577 x 0.28 = $3,521.56

$3,521.56 = Amount you have lowered your federal income tax (at 28 percent tax rate)

Note: Mortgage interest may not be deductible on loans over $1.1 million. In addition, deductions are decreased when total income reaches a certain level.

Where to start if you want to Go Green

Last spring it hit me. I need to do something even if it is little as my contribution to going green. So I hit the research to find what it meant to and what I could really do.

Going Green can be as simply as recycling and you know it is better to do one little thing then nothing at all. Here are some easy ways to start going green.

1. Recycle: Most trash companies offer this service for a nominal fee
2. Go paperless with online bill pay
3. Use a Smart power strip to cut standby electric use by appliances
4. By Energy-Star
5. Use a reusable water bottle
6. Buy from the local farmers when possible.
7. Change your bulbs to the fluorescent, even if the old bulbs have to burn out!

When you are ready to purchase or sell a home consider an EfficiencyWorks Certified Real Estate Agent, like myself, who can help you to full advantage of energy efficiency measures and designs when buying or selling real estate property.

Don't Forget Daylight Savings Time

Love the old saying
"Spring Forward"
"Fall Back"

So guess what don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead. I will surely miss the sleep!

Want to know the history and details of Daylight Savings Time. Check out this website:
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.php

When the Census comes a knocking

Soon the Census will be walking through the area neighborhood by neighborhood. Here is some timely information to keep you safe. Remember there are always people out there looking for a way to scam people. Don't become a victim.

If a US Census worker knocks on your door, ask to see their
identification & their badge. Never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address
information. The only information you have to provide is the number of people that occupy your home. They might ask for basic financial information such
as salary range, but you don't have to answer any questions about your
financial situation.

The Census Bureau will NOT ask for Social Security,
bank account or credit card numbers. Don't give your personal information out including: your Social Security number, credit card or
banking information to anyone.

Also the Census Bureau will not be contacting people by Email, so don't open attachments, click on links, or reply with information to anyone claiming to be with the Census Bureau.

If in doubt check into it further and always error on the safe side.

The Extended Tax Credit details.

Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

To stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

Extended the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
Expanded the credit to include up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Who Qualifies:

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009 you will need to check into the guidelines for the 2009 First-Time Buyer Tax Credit.

Eligible Properties:

The Home Buyer Tax Credit applies to any primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

Credit Amount:

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors: price of the home and the income of the buyer.

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit. These income limits are not the same as the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits.

Other Common Questions:

Can a Buyer Still Get a Credit, if their Income Exceeds These Limits?

Some buyers may still be eligible for the credit or a portion of the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If they don’t close by April 30, 2010?

As long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Does the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. If the property is sold during the first three years of ownership, however, the full credit amount will be recouped at the time of the sale.

Please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 for specific details and tax advice.

New National Assocation of Realtors Consumer Site

REALTORS Launch Consumer Web Site

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® just launched HouseLogic, a new consumer Web site about all aspects of homeownership.

This website is designed to helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect and increase the value of their homes. “Backed by the resources and industry insights of NAR and its REALTOR® members, HouseLogic will engage and involve consumers throughout the lifecycle of homeownership,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder.

If you own a home or are considering purchasing one, keep this great website in mind.