The Stimulus Package Helps More Than Just First-Time Home Buyers

With Congress reaching agreement on a $789 billion stimulus package for Americans and the President expected to sign it into law, the clock may be ticking for this year’s home buyers and homeowners.

The package contains two benefits related to housing.

The first provision is fairly well-known.  It gives first-time home buyers an $8,000 tax credit provided they purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009. 

This is a true tax credit.

To reduce misuse and abuse, however, the $8,000 credit is contingent on home buyers holding property for at least 3 years.  If the home is sold in fewer than 3 years, the tax credit must be repaid to the government.  It’s also worth noting that the date range applies closings and not sales agreements. 

Closings must occur within these 8 months to be eligible.

A second noteworthy feature in the package is that the stimulus package gives existing homeowners incentive to “green” their homes.  With available tax credits for energy-efficient windows and doors, furnaces and insulation, homeowners can claim larger tax deductions based on home improvement, up to $1,500.

But, just because the government provides housing-related tax benefits doesn’t mean you should just act on them blindly. Tax liability is a highly individual item and you may be ineligible for any number of reasons.  Be sure to discuss your plans with a qualified accountant before committing to a plan.

Introducing Real Estate Today

The National Association of Realtor’s has begun a new venture in radio! We will soon have a weekly two-hour talk radio show, Real Estate Today.

Real Estate Today will premiere the weekend of February 14-15.

Listen to a sneak preview/excerpt from the show at http://www.RETRadio.com.

Visit the site anytime after the premiere to listen to current or past programs.

Beginning on February 14, satellite radio subscribers can hear Real Estate Today on America’s Talk, XM Channel 158, Saturdays 5-7 p.m. EST; Talk Radio, XM Channel 165, Saturdays 1-3 p.m. EST; and Stars, Sirius-XM Channel 102, Saturdays 6-8 a.m. and Sundays 9-11 a.m. EST.

If you’re in the Washington, D.C., area, you can listen to Real Estate Today on the show’s flagship station, 630 WMAL AM, every Sunday from 1-3 p.m., EST, beginning February 15.

Columbus, OH Real Estate on Yahoo! Real Estate – Houses for Sale & more

Quoted from http://realestate.yahoo.com/Ohio/Columbus

Housing Market Snapshot Columbus, OH Real Estate Market Snapshot updated Monday, February 2, 2009

Listing Type Number Median Price PriceChange
from Jan

Homes for Sale	2,880		$113,900	-8.1%
New Homes	5		$201,765	+0.1%
Foreclosures	2,938		$57,200	-4.7%

Bath Trends: The Royal Treatment

How far the bathroom has come in housing history, from an unheated shack outside to a treasured private retreat. Sure, the basic functions of a bathroom are intact and in place, but in today’s master suites, especially, the space has evolved to include a variety of spa-like amenities and luxury features.
As a Realtor, I’ve notice the how important the master bath is to buyers (after the kitchen). I am also looking at remodeling our bath as well so I’ve been very tuned into bath trends and since I like to dream check out these current bath trends:
Shower Power: Forget about a single showerhead hung from the wall. Today’s showers offer multiple, adjustable heads on every wall and from above, with wall-mounted control pads to set and manipulate spray patterns, intensity, and temperature. Some heads, called shower tiles, are set flush to the wall or ceiling to provide a gentle spray, while handheld shower wands allow users the ultimate in water control.
Tub Time: Bathtubs are not only getting longer and deeper, and with requisite whirlpool jets, but also can include mood lighting and spillover troughs to create a more relaxing experience. Called “chromatherapy” by one plumbing manufacturer, these tubs feature underwater LED lights that gently change color across a wide spectrum of soft pastels; effervescent bubbling action from multiple underwater ports enhances the soothing effect. Meanwhile, overflow tubs enable a deeper soaking experience without the worry of making a mess.
Wellness Centers: In addition to featuring luxury items, bathrooms (especially master baths) are getting larger — large enough, in some cases, to include in-home spa amenities including massage tables and yoga or dance studios that offer more convenience, privacy, and cleanliness.
Clothes Care: Along the same lines as the in-home spa and studio concept is the idea of a home-based laundry center, including personal dry-cleaners and closet-like clothes fresheners and flat-rack dryers in addition to traditional laundry equipment. If the bathroom has the footage, why not install such products to make life easier, cut down on errands, and save a bit of money while attaining a higher level of quality care for your clothes?
Personal Service: Master bathrooms have become destinations. As such, they need additional conveniences, including laundry and clothes storage as well as a place to prepare snacks and refreshments. Often called “morning kitchens,” these mini-service areas offer built-in coffee and espresso makers, compact refrigerators, bar sinks, microwave ovens, and perhaps undercounter dishwasher drawers (not to mention adequate cabinet storage) to privately serve the owners as they get ready for work in the morning or wind down at the end of the day.
Universal Access: Whether to accommodate a temporary injury, a more chronic disability, a young child, or an elderly relative or guest, the concept of universal or accessible design can be easily and affordably achieved in any bathroom without sacrificing style or luxury. Multiple-height vanities, lever-handled faucets, D-shaped cabinet pulls, and zero-threshold showers with built-in seating and handheld heads are just a few design and product ideas that support universal design. 3 piller homes