Archive for June, 2009
Going Green? 3 Tips To Help Make That Happen!
June 12th, 2009 categories: Home Improvements and Design
Today many people are familiar with going green, but a lot of people don’t know 
where to begin. Here are 3 easy tips to help begin that process that wont cost you a lot of money:
- Efficient Lighting - A) Take a look at the lighting in your home and see if you’re using older, inefficient bulbs. BR type bulbs, with the slight bulge designed to focus light where needed, are exempt from efficiency and standards. B) Once you have replaced the incandescent bulbs with CFL’s in your home, consider replacing older specialty lighting with new lamps (a bit more expensive but worth it).
- Stay Warm This Winter – A) Leave shades and blinds open on sunny days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. B) A bit more expensive, but worth it! Insulate your water heater with a fitter water heater blanket. Insulate at least the first 6-10 feet of hot water supply pipe with pipe insulation and set your hot water heater at 120 degrees.
- The Great Dishwasher Debate – A) Don’t rinse your dishes under running water, instead scrape them and put them in the dishwasher. Skip the dry cycle and use the “energy saver” or “light wash” setting. B) Install a faucet aerator that can save 3 to 4 gallons per minute when you turn on the tap. If you hand wash dishes, don’t let the tap run. Scrape food off the dishes, soak them in a soapy wash bin and then rinse in another bin.
For more Green tips, please email me at: kathy@kathyvilla.com
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5 Ways First-Time Buyers Could Miss Out On This Year’s Tax Credit
June 11th, 2009 categories: Buyers, Real Estate News
As a leader in real estate, I am repeatedly asked specific questions about today’s market, especially in today’s economy. In an effort to provide more information to my community, I am sending you this Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking System “e-article,” in which I provide useful real estate information to my real estate networks. If you find the enclosed information beneficial to your family and friends, I encourage you to forward it to your “social network” as well.
5 Ways First-Time Buyers Could Miss Out On This Year’s Tax Credit:
The 2009 First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit passed by Congress this year just might be the best financial opportunity available to qualified home buyers in a generation. The new credit is retroactive to January 1, 2009. Unlike the 2008 package, this is not a loan. Eligible first-time buyers receive an $8,000 tax credit from Uncle Sam that does not need to be paid back.
Sweetening the Pot, the law states that a first-time buyer is not necessarily a first-time buyer; the tax credit is available to any buyer who has not owned a home for the past three years. But the opportunity comes with some caveats. Here are five ways you could potentially miss out on this golden opportunity:
- Miss the buying deadline -The law states a home must be purchased between January 1 and November 30 of this year. But that means the transaction must close – not simply be in progress-before December 1.
- Delay on new construction -Because you must actually close on a home by November 30, 2009, you need to be careful about new construction estimates. If you want to buy a newly-built home, you should buy one that is either already completed or is about to be completed. New construction buyers must occupy the home by the deadline date.
- Misunderstand your eligibility – The right to use the tax credit is gradually phased out as adjusted gross income (AGI) rises from $75,000 to $95,000 on a single return or $150,000 to $170,000 on a joint return. If unsure of your eligibility, check with your tax advisor.
- Fail to plan ahead - There is an exception to the no-pay-back rule: You do have to repay the $8,000 if you sell the house within three years of the time you buy it. The home must be your principal residence and there is a recapture provision if you move out or sell before three years.
- Muss the boat for no good reason – Inertia…fear of rocking the boat…just-too-busy syndrome. Take advantage of today’s buyer’s market and talk to a real estate professional – Call me! and find out if and how the tax credit applies to your particular situation. Time is running out to take advantage of this financial incentive.
As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, I am committed to providing the most up-to-date information on the details surrounding the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. Please email me at Kathy@kathyvilla.com with any questions you may have and please forward this article to any family and friends who may qualify for this great opportunity!
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Beverly Hills Lease Reduction! 9166 Hazen Dr, BH, CA 90210
June 10th, 2009 categories: Buyers
REDUCTION: Life.Style.Complete: 9166 Hazen Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 – Reduced: $22,000 from $30,000
The perfect turnkey lease fully-furnished and fully equipped with state of the art amenities. This beautiful light & bright 2001 home was designed by famed architect Richard Landry. The home has large public rooms, mahogany and marble floors, several French doors leading to lovely garden area, a lush pool with waterfall and jacuzzi, an outdoor living room with fireplace, and BBQ area. The grand staircase leads you to the master bedroom with his/her bathrooms and closets and 4 bedroom suites. 6th Bedroom/bathroom downstairs. Experience European tradition with modern amenities.
Click for Virtual Tour – www.9166hazen.com
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Economic Calendar Weekly Update!~
June 9th, 2009 categories: Money and Mortgages
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Weekly Economic Calendar For The Week of June 8– June 12 |
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NRT Top 1,000 Agents For The First Quarter 2009
June 3rd, 2009 categories: Kathy's Corner
I’m excited to share the below letter I just received. I am truly blessed to have had such a good 1st quarter.
May 2009
Dear Kathy,
You are among the best of the best.
Given that NRT was recognized once again this spring by Real Estate magazine as by far the strongest “Power Broker” in the nation, agents truly have to be exceptional to stand out in our company. However, your performance last quarter was exactly that- exceptional. I am pleased to inform you that you have earned the distinction of being named to NRT’s Top 1,000 Agents for the first quarter of 2009. Your superior professionalism and sales leadership has placed you among the elite top 2% of all agents in the industry’s strongest company.
Your achievement is even more impressive given that your high-level of production occurred during what many now feel was the most challenging quarter of our professional life time. You have truly proven that you are the best of the best.
I am extremely proud that you are part of NRT and I sincerely appreciate all that you do for us. Thank you for your efforts and best wishes for continued success.
Sincerely,
Bruce Zipf
I want to thank all of my incredible clients for their continued support and all of their wonderful referrals.
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Weekly Economic Calendar from KPL
June 2nd, 2009 categories: Money and Mortgages
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Weekly Economic Calendar For The Week of June 1– June 5 |
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If you have any questions, contact KPL or email me at: kathy@kathyvilla.com
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