Dressing your home with designed exteriors

(ARA) – Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling for a different look, one of the first things you need to consider is your home’s curb appeal. Common curb appeal updates include landscaping, walkway and patio renovations. Another remodeling practice that can lead to major curb appeal is updating the surfaces of a home’s exterior walls.

A designed exterior is one of the hottest trends in the exterior cladding category, and it’s one of the most dramatic upgrades you can make to a house. Adding flair to your home by mixing a variety of materials on your exterior wall surfaces, including siding, stone, brick and shingles, can considerably boost resale value.

Builders and remodelers pull these solutions from textbooks as well as portfolios of some the world’s most creative designers. Designed exteriors combine several looks and styles to create a unique and eye-catching first impression. Mixing materials gives a home character and sets it apart from other homes in the neighborhood.

The hottest home fashions
Buyers are always looking for the biggest return on investment. Technological advancements in home exterior materials allow builders to decrease installation time and use products that can stand up to harsh weather conditions. Stone veneer products — the fastest growing home exterior category — offer customizable cut and color options, and they’re growing in popularity across the nation. Michael E. Nelson, founder and president of Nelson Design Group, LLC, uses stone veneer products in many of his designs.

“In new homes, 90 percent of projects use stone veneer when considering mixing exterior materials,” says Nelson. “The material is rapidly replacing the previous choice of brick.”

Armed with huge product catalogs, companies like United Stone Veneer by Ply Gem create stone veneer products made of cement that weigh a fraction of actual stone and are simple to install. According to Dave Barrett, president of United Stone Veneer by Ply Gem, the company offers eight different styles of stone in more than 38 different colors to meet custom building needs. “We offer a wide variety of stone styles because stone preferences vary around the country,” says Barrett. “The variety ensures that all customers can find a combination of stone veneer styles and colors that will match the style in their area.”

“The rustic look of mixed materials using stone is taking over across the U.S. and replacing traditional brick-styled homes,” says Nelson. These materials are often used around the bottom quarter of a house or on accent walls in combination with vinyl siding or polypropylene shakes and shingles.

A vintage look
Another building material used in creating designed exteriors that promotes the popular rustic look is board and batten siding. Unlike traditional siding that attaches horizontally across a home, the board and batten look creates vertical lines. According to Jerry Blais, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem, a building products company, the board and batten look is growing in popularity.

“Many of our customers are using vertical board and batten siding to differentiate their home from neighbors,” says Blais. “We are also seeing customers use board and batten in the main area of a wall and then accent it with shakes or shingle looks in accent gables, or peaked areas just below a roof.”

Blais recommended Cedar Discovery Hand Split Shakes and Quest Signature cedar-look siding, both from Mastic Home Exteriors by Ply Gem, as two options that have a real wood look with the benefits of durable vinyl siding.

According to Nelson, housing developments that previously did not allow vinyl siding are beginning to permit products like this because of their realistic and aesthetically-pleasing designs.

Increased value
Value and upkeep are two important advantages to keep in mind when building a home with a designed exterior. Blais offered some key points for those considering designed exteriors.

“Although the initial cost of a designed exterior may be higher than purchasing siding alone, the increase in curb appeal translates to higher sell-value and competitive differentiation,” says Blais. “The key is to deliver a high-quality product that requires little to no maintenance and will continue to look great for years to come.”

For more information about designed exterior products and options, visit www.plygem.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Solutions to help homeowners outsmart Mother Nature

(ARA) – Protecting your home means you’re pitted in a constant struggle against the forces of nature. Products and improvements that help you beat the weather are a smart investment.

Look for “weather beater” products that are low maintenance or that provide solutions to harsh climates and moisture.

* Sump pump systems
Water damage can happen to any home in an instant, ruining valuable electronics or priceless family heirlooms. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a main sump and battery backup pump. Visit www.waynepumps.com for more information.

* Cellular PVC decks
Moisture can be your deck’s worst enemy if it’s made of wood or has wood content. Decking and porch materials are available that have the rich looks of wood, but are resistant to moisture, insects and freeze/thaw conditions like those from www.azek.com. .

* Low-maintenance pergolas and canopies
Rain or hot sun does not have to limit your outdoor enjoyment. Enhance your entryway or backyard with a beautifully crafted pergola or canopy from www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

* Durable caulk
Water damage and energy leaks can threaten your home and drain your wallet. LIFETIME Caulk from Red Devil (www.reddevil.com) has a durable “lifetime” seal and a warranty against weather damage.

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If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Benefits of Home Staging? Stager Puts Skeptic to the Challenge – Home Sells in 2 Days

“Staged home sell faster and for more money,” says Barb Schwartz, the creator of home staging and owner of one of the largest home staging accreditation programs in the country, Stagedhomes. With the growing popularity of hit HGTV shows like Designed to Sell, Get it Sold, and Secrets that Sell, home staging has become one of the most popular marketing tools in real estate today and in some areas it’s as expected as receiving a home inspection. Home staging is preparing a home for the real estate market by making all necessary repairs and creating a neutral environment that anyone can visualize living in. This is achieved using techniques such as decluttering, furniture rearrangement, color correction, careful accessorizing, and highlighting a home’s best assets and architectural features.

Stagers believe no seller should sell their home before staging it and provide some interesting facts and statistics to back up their claims.

1. A 2007 survey of Accredited Staging Professionals by training company StagedHomes found that 94% of staged homes sold on average in one month or less. Homes that were staged spent 80% less time on the market than those that were not staged. It should also be considered that market, location, price, and condition all play a role in the successful sale of a home and these statistics would reflect a not only carefully planned staging but also strong pricing.

2. Only 10% of buyers can visualize the potential of a home, according to Home Staging Resource, another large home staging training program. That means 90% of buyers cannot visualize size and scale. They need furnishings in place to give them a frame of reference.

3. It’s easier for Realtors to show and sell their buyers a staged home because they know the property will be in pristine condition. Realtors are often more prone to attend broker open houses because staging creates a buzz and excitement in the industry. Thus increasing showings.

4. Professional Staging attracts the eye and creates a psychological appeal that draws buyers away from the negatives of a home and puts the focus on the positives.

5. Pictures and virtual tours are more enticing when staged. Powerful pictures will attract more buyers to a home when placed on the MLS and Realtor.com.

6. Staged home often appraise at a higher value. A 2007 HomeGain survey of 2,000 practitioners found that the return of investment from home staging was as much as 343%.

7. Providing a professional and objective eye, home stagers can tell a seller what will appeal to the current market and make suggestions such as remove grandma’s pottery collection so that sellers will notice what they are buying, not what a seller isn’t selling.

8. By neutralizing a property, buyers can visualize themselves living in a home, rather than the current owners.

Some skeptics, like Ana Zawadzki, believe a home can sell itself. “If a buyer likes the home enough,” says Zawadzki, “They’ll buy it no matter what it looks like.” Despite skepticism, the Zawadzki’s allowed Simplicity Home Staging & Design to help them stage their home. When their home had an offer the second day on the market, the family was convinced, “Staging really works.”

Home staging is not decorating or interior design. Though some of the same design principals are used, the objectives are actually the opposite. Designers are personalizing a space while stagers are depersonalizing and neutralizing to help a home appeal to any buyer. Buyers considering staging their home, should consider consulting with a professional home stager who can guide them with the proper techniques to help their home look its best for a sale.

Darlene White is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Simplicity Home Staging & Design, a home staging firm that specializes in northern New Jersey homes. She is also a jounalist and the staging correspondent for Final Hunt Real Estate Showcase DVD Magazine, with a featured segment entitled “Staging to Sell.” Darlene has staged numerous homes some of which have received offers before they could be entered into the MLS. She can be reached at 862-268-0514 by the web at simplicityhomestaging.com or via email at info@simplicityhomestaging.com

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Important Factors Regarding How to Buy HUD-FHA Properties

There are many different types of homes which can be purchased on the general market today.  The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is a federal agency developed for the purpose of managing federal housing and related issues.  Within this encompassing federal department is the Federal Housing Authority which further carries out the goals of HUD.  There are certain properties known as HUD-FHA properties and these will be discussed in detail as well as the process for buying these homes.

What HUD-FHA Does With Regard to Property Purchases

In order for a home to be a HUD-FHA home, it has to be owned by the federal agencies.  They obtain the initial property in the following manner.  Individuals can apply for a HUD-backed loan through their individual lender.  From that point onward, HUD vouches for the repayment of the loan and will repay the lender should the borrower fail to do so.  In the event that the homeowner fails to pay their mortgage and a foreclosure is instituted, HUD will repossess the property, pay off the lender any amount currently due and then take full ownership of the property.  From this point onward, the property belongs to HUD and the agency can dispose of the property as it sees fit.

After the property has been taken and is in the rightful ownership of HUD, the next step is to sell the property to another homeowner.  If HUD uses a real estate broker to initiate the sale of the home, the broker will take over certain pertinent duties related to the sale of the home and receive a commission, usually 6%, for doing so.  It is important to note that real estate agents are allowed to bid on HUD homes and purchase them on their own but need to go through a HUD broker. 

As for the condition of a HUD property, all HUD properties are sold as is on a cash basis.  This does not mean that an individual has to have cash in hand to buy it but they will need to obtain a loan from an outside lender.  HUD homes are usually of a lower to intermediate price range of home and some homes will be in better conditions than others will.

How to Find a HUD-FHA Home

There are a few different ways to locate HUD homes.  One who is interested in buying a HUD home can search the newspaper real estate advertisements, contact a HUD broker or contact HUD directly for a listing of HUD brokers in the area.  Once a potential HUD home is found, it is time to proceed with the purchasing process.

Buying the HUD Home

When a potential HUD home has been located and the individual is expressing an interest in purchasing it, it is important to adequately inspect the property and make sure it is what you are looking for, both inside and out.  If the house is what you desire, you will need to submit a HUD bid package to the area HUD office with a 5% deposit.  This deposit is non-refundable should the prospective buyer fail to follow through with the purchase.  The individual will wait for the bid to be accepted and if so, will have 30 days to close escrow. 

Reasons to Buy a HUD-FHA Home

Perhaps the number one reason to purchase a HUD home is for the reasonable price that is being offered on the home.  HUD homes tend to be more reasonable in price than non-HUD homes so it entices individuals to show an interest and ultimately purchase homes of this type. 

Some individuals buy HUD homes not only for the price but also for the overall quality of the home itself.  Although most HUD homes are of a modest level, there are some which individuals find to be perfect for their needs.  Whether they have the right amount of bedrooms and bathrooms or are in a desired location, some people buy HUD homes without ever really looking for a HUD home in particular. 

Taking advantage of the homes which are offered by HUD is extremely attractive for many individuals.  Not only are these homes reasonably priced but they are also on the market and off of the market as quickly as possible since HUD is anxious to sell the home and have one less home to look after.  If an individual is looking to buy a home that is reasonably priced, usually a quick sale and at times in the perfect location for the homeowner, then considering the purchase of a HUD home might be the perfect thing for a prospective homebuyer to do.

Working with me as your real estate agent can be helpful as well time savings.  I have the skills and experiences in order to make sure that you have a positive HUD Purchase.  

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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How You Can Use A Mortgage Loan Modification Prevent Foreclosure

Mortgage modifications are become more and more common, with the rising foreclosure rates in the United State, until recently mortgage, companies have been reluctant to provide help to people facing foreclosures by utilizing a mortgage modification program. Lenders are starting to use them more often not with the huge influx in homeowners that are in jeopardy of losing their home to a foreclosure. The lenders have come to realize that by working with the homeowners they have a chance at taking additional loses that are putting many mortgage companies into bankruptcy.

A mortgage modification or often times called a loan modification allow borrowers the opportunity to re-negotiate the terms of their mortgage loans, thereby reducing the required monthly payment. This option gives people facing a financial hardship the chance to save their home from a foreclosure. Establishing a new payment plan trough a successful mortgage modification will help you avoid foreclosure.

Lenders and borrowers have many reasons to work through this hard situation together, and establish a suitable plan that works for all parties involved. Selling you home may not be an option, especially with today’s market conditions and the circumstances that have causes this unfortunate situation to begin with. Therefore, if your home is to be saved from foreclosure, you and your lender will have to work together.

Mortgage modifications are often times a reasonable solution to prevent foreclosure. By negotiating a new payment, structure lenders still get their money and the borrower is able to keep their home. However, negotiating a mortgage modification is not that simple. Successful loan modification will require documentation to prove your current financial position with the lender. This information is also use to verify your ability to pay the new loan if the bank is willing to work with the homeowner.

While not all banks offer this type of solution, it never hurts to talk to them and find out. Who knows, it may be just what you need to prevent losing your home to a foreclosure. Lenders are staring to work more with borrowers facing foreclosure in this difficult time, lenders do not want your home, they are in the business of lending money not property management, and with the close to 2 million homes in foreclosure lenders are running out of options too. Qualifications for this type of solution, may be difficult and time consuming, but keep in mind what your goal is. Protect your most valuable asset, save your home from foreclosure with a mortgage loan modification.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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A home improvement project that pays you back 4 ways-Insulated garage doors save on taxes, energy, add value and curb appeal

(ARA) – Do you think that the bailout is only for the big guys? Think again.

There’s a home improvement project this year that not only adds value and curb appeal to your home, but saves energy and offers up to a $1,500 federal tax credit to homeowners. The project? A stylish new insulated garage door.

Huge tax credit
Qualifying insulated garage doors purchased in 2009 and 2010 earn a sizeable tax credit — more valuable than a tax deduction — that reduces taxes dollar-for-dollar from the bottom line of your federal tax bill.

Under legislation passed in 2008, the tax credit maxed out at $500 or 10 percent of the product cost. But under the federal stimulus legislation announced in February 2009, the tax credit tripled to 30 percent of the product cost, up to a maximum of $1,500. This means that the door helps pay for itself through the tax credit incentive.

Full details on the tax credit and qualifying garage doors can be found at GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial Web site sponsored by the garage door industry.

Energy savings
The driving factor behind the tax credit is energy savings — another money-saver for homeowners and a positive step for the environment. Homeowners find that the room next to the garage is often the coldest room in the winter.

Older, non-insulated garage doors can allow cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer to enter the house, increasing heating and cooling costs. A new, qualifying insulated door can make a difference in the temperature of your home while helping to reduce your energy bills in both winter and summer.

New styles boost curb appeal
In the last five years, a new breed of stylish garage doors has hit the market. And adding style to your home means adding value as well.

A garage door typically makes up more than one-third of a home’s front facade. A “plain vanilla” garage door can make your home look bland and boring — especially if it looks just like every other garage door on your street.

The latest styles offer:
* The carriage house look, a throwback to yesteryear that fools the eye by echoing the hinged, swing-out door styles of quaint and charming carriage houses — yet the doors open just like any other modern garage door.
* Sleek, contemporary doors available in vibrant colors, opaque glass and aluminum, and a range of metallic finishes to complement modern homes.
* Steel raised-panel doors with a wood grain print surface that requires minimal maintenance, beautifully imitating the rich colors and patterns of real wood.

Get the job done
Don’t know where to begin in looking for new garage door styles?

A wide variety of new styles are featured at GarageWowNow.com to point you in the right direction. Before and after images on the Web site allow you to see how new garage doors have dramatically changed the appearance of homes. And if you find a door that catches your fancy, the door manufacturer is clearly listed and you can go directly to their Web sites.

And remember, installation is best left to the pros. GarageWowNow.com’s ZIP code search function will help you find a professional in your area who can install your new door in a few hours.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Courtesy of ARAcontent

 

The technology that makes your home’s walls more durable

(ARA) – With an $8,000 federal tax credit available for first-time homebuyers and tax incentives on the table for home improvement projects, you may be thinking this is the right time to build or renovate a home. While you’re diving into the fun aspects of choosing paint colors and light fixtures, don’t overlook the importance of what’s behind the walls.

Paying attention to the wall construction is crucial for the home’s strength and value, especially given current design trends toward walls with many windows and doors, and walls and ceilings over 10 feet high, says Stephen Hann, president of Hann Builders in Houston.

Most homebuyers don’t think to ask about the wall studs and other materials they don’t see,” says Hann, recipient of the 2008 National Custom Home Builder of the Year Award. “But the types of studs and how the structural framing is built help determine how well the home will stand up to the environment.”

 Two key aspects of the home’s walls that homeowners should speak with their builder about are the lateral bracing, and the construction of any tall walls — those over 10 feet high. The right materials in these areas will help create a solid, quality home for years to come.

Shake, rattle and roll

Your home should be able to stand strong against tough environmental conditions, such as high winds and earthquakes. When these forces act on a home, it is at risk for having the walls pushed out of alignment with the roof and floors.

To help solve these problems, builders include specially designed bracing in the walls. This often involves 4-foot-wide sheathing panels with extensive nailing. But in many modern home designs, numerous windows create narrow walls in which this isn’t possible.

For such walls, building product manufacturers have developed pre-made engineered wood panels that provide the needed strength in widths of 12, 18 or 24 inches. Such panels fit into tight spaces, yet provide more predictable and consistent performance than wall bracing built on site.

Making the wall braces in a factory, rather than in the field, means greater precision,” says Carlos Guilherme, vice president of sales and marketing for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser, manufacturer of the wood iLevel Shear Brace. “When the wind blows or the earth shakes, homeowners want to know that the house is built strong.

 Reach for the sky

 In many modern home designs, walls over 10 feet high are common in entryways, family rooms and great rooms. Typically, builders construct these tall walls using conventional lumber. As lumber is usually only available in lengths up to 12 feet, builders stack two shorter walls on top of one another to achieve the necessary height. This creates a hinge point that can cause drywall cracks and leaks around windows.

To provide greater stability, more builders are using engineered wood wall studs, such as laminated strand lumber (LSL). The boards are strong, straight, and long — up to 30 feet. The continuous pieces run the entire height of the wall, avoiding hinge points. Their high stiffness also helps the wall remain straight during high winds, rather than bending and creating openings near windows. To make the studs, manufacturers take logs apart into small wood strands, which they bind together under heat and pressure with durable adhesives.

Homeowners like the look of tall walls, but they don’t realize that the type of stud can make a big difference in how well the wall holds up over time,” says Guilherme. “With engineered wood studs, you can build taller and have a high quality wall.

 While you may not be accustomed to thinking about wall framing issues, speaking with your builder now can save years of hassle and thousands of dollars in repairs later.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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For more information on structural framing solutions, visit www.ilevel.com or call (888) 453-8358 to speak with an iLevel by Weyerhaeuser expert.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Home Inspection Helps Ensure Dream Deals Don’t Turn into Nightmares

 

 

(ARA) – You found your dream deal on a foreclosed home, but will that great price tag come with a different kind of higher cost? Buying a repossessed property, short sale or a home offered at a bargain price — because of its condition — can mean you’re assuming much higher risks.

Repossessed and short sale homes are often abandoned and neglected, leaving them with much more potential for unforeseen structural defects, plumbing, electrical, heating systems, environmental issues and many other problems. Fixing these woes can cost far more than the financial savings from a distressed property purchase. There also may be unknown defects, such as mold or radon, that could affect your family’s health and safety.

Still, it is possible to get a dream deal on a distressed home. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to have the house thoroughly inspected by a professional, so you can reduce these potential risks as well as financial costs. A home inspector can help you identify potential problems in the home you’re considering buying, so you know in advance what you’re getting into — and what you should walk away from.

There are many ways to find a home inspector, including consulting family, friends, your attorney, real estate professional or mortgage professional. You can also find information on inspectors across the country on www.ashi.org, the Web site of The American Society of Home Inspectors, the organization that sets the standards of practice for the inspection industry.

Homebuyers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a home inspection. If you’re selling your home, having it inspected before you list it may help sell your home in less time and for more money. Moreover, homeowners can benefit from maintenance inspections, such as an energy inspection, which can help reduce monthly energy costs, and a home safety inspection that can help seniors stay in their homes longer.

If you’re thinking of hiring a home inspector, ASHI offers a few tips on how to evaluate candidates:

* Visit the “Find a Home Inspector” section of ASHI’s Web site to find a qualified ASHI inspector in your area. Many inspectors also list their specialties and other background information, such as their experience, on this site.

* Ask the inspector how he operates. What format will the report be in? Ask for sample reports.

* Talk with each candidate to see who is the best fit for your needs and comfort, as well as for the property being inspected.

* Check all references. Don’t automatically go with the lowest price. Remember, the old adage is often true — you get what you pay for.

* Attend the inspection to ensure you get the best value — and most information — for your investment.

A home inspector can be your best ally in ensuring your dream deal doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Visit www.ashi.org and take the Virtual Home Inspector Tour to see and hear more about home inspections.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Courtesy of ARAcontent

Backlog of homes for sale drops again in May

Backlog of homes for sale drops again in May

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More tax breaks for homeowners in 2009 and beyond

(ARA) – Homeownership and green improvements will be more affordable for more Americans in 2009, thanks to several provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The changes will put more money in taxpayers’ pockets and allow homeowners to save thousands of dollars over the next several years. 

The First-time Homebuyer Credit has been extended and increased to qualifying individuals who purchase a home in 2009 before Dec. 1. First-time homebuyers are defined as those who have never owned a principal residence or who have not owned a principal residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase.

For 2008 and 2009 tax returns, the credit is equal to 10 percent of the home purchase price, up to $8,000. It phases out when modified adjusted gross income is $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for joint filers. Married taxpayers must both qualify as “first-time homebuyers” in order to receive the full credit.

Taxpayers who claimed the full $8,000 First-time Homebuyer Credit on their 2008 federal return cannot claim it on their 2009 return. Those who have not claimed the credit should determine which year to use it based on your income. If you expect your income to decrease in 2009, it will likely make more sense to claim the credit on your 2009 return rather than your 2008 return.

The only scenario in which the credit must be paid back is if the home ceases to be the owners’ principal residence within 36 months of the purchase date. Then the full credit amount must be repaid on the federal return for that tax year.

The credit was initially created to be claimed after a home is purchased, but the Obama administration is now allowing qualifying taxpayers to use it to cover certain purchasing costs. Homebuyers with mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration may be eligible to receive advances on the credit, which could be used for closing costs, fees and additional money for a down payment beyond the FHA’s required 3.5 percent minimum.

Anyone can apply for an FHA-backed mortgage, regardless of income. However, there are limits on the size of the mortgage, and lenders may charge a fee for the credit. Some states are also offering similar programs.

The new stimulus plan also includes tax credits equal to 30 percent, up to $1,500, for certain energy-efficient improvements to residential properties. The Residential Energy Property Credit can be claimed on 2009 and 2010 returns for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment such as solar hot water headers, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines may be claimed on 2009 to 2016 returns under the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit.

In addition to homeowner tax breaks, the 2009 act includes several new or increased credits and deductions. You can easily learn which provisions you may qualify for on your 2009 taxes by answering simple questions in TaxACT. Preview versions of TaxACT 2009 software will be available in October, allowing you to plan ahead and get a head start on your return. When you’re ready to prepare and file your 2009 return, TaxACT will help you complete the correct forms for the credits in a matter of minutes.

Read the details of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 at www.IRS.gov and learn more about TaxACT at www.TaxACT.com.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com 
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Courtesy of ARAcontent