|
|
| Brought to You By: Randy Elgin | |
|
Randy Elgin 10999 IH10W; Ste 175
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 232-2310
Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide Buying a home is a complex decision with many factors to consider.
Make the process easier for yourself by asking for my free guide, "10 Easy Steps to Buying a Home."
Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you.
Quick Quiz
Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
A riddle for you this month: I am at the beginning of everything, and the end of time. What am I?
Recipe:
Valentine's Raspberry
Heart Cake
Ingredients
• Yellow cake mix (such as Pillsbury or Betty Crocker)
• 1 cup raspberry jam
• 2 tbsp. water
• 2 pkg. fresh raspberries
• 1 oz white chocolate
Directions
Bake cake according to instructions on packet. Completely cool.
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out hearts, and then split each heart horizontally into two layers of equal thickness.
Boil raspberry jam with water until slightly thickened, and brush onto hearts.
Stack one cake layer on top of another and arrange raspberries on top layer.
Brush raspberries with jam.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over raspberries in a pretty pattern.
Recipe by Lynn Enchante
Ask the Agent
I want my next home to be "green." What should I look for?
Energy-efficient homes can lower fuel bills, improve indoor air quality and comfort, reduce construction material costs, lower ongoing maintenance and operational costs, and reduce water usage. An environmentally friendly home will probably have:
1. Effective insulation - to ensure even temperatures throughout the home
2. Energy efficient windows - to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer
3. Tight construction and ducts - to reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise and to improve indoor comfort and air quality
4. Efficient heating and cooling systems - to improve home comfort and use less energy
5. Efficient products - such as light fixtures and appliances with an energy-efficiency designation.
|
|
First-Time Buyers: Tax Credit Up for Grabs First-time and seasoned homebuyers received some good news recently.
On Nov. 6, 2009, the federal government extended a valuable tax break to homebuyers under the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.
The legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress as part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing the country.
The act includes elements that extend time frames for homebuyers and ease eligibility requirements.
It extends a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers.
It also extends a credit of up to $6,500 to current homeowners purchasing a new or existing home.
The credit applies to sales occurring between now and April 30, 2010, and covers home purchases completed by June 30, 2010.
The income-based qualification system allows for a $125,000 limit for a single taxpayer and a $225,000 limit for married couples filing joint returns.
The final tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home being considered and it only applies to homes valued under $800,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers.
But there's more good news.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is allowing monetization of this tax credit, meaning that buyers with a Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgage can apply for and receive their anticipated tax credit immediately rather than wait until they file their income taxes to receive a refund.
This allows homebuyers to apply the funds to closing costs. Homebuyers can also use the funds to increase the amount that they put down on their home.
The tax credit applies to any home that is being used as a principal residence and includes detached homes, condominiums, townhouses and a wide variety of manufactured homes.
Show Your Love with Valentine's Gifts from the Heart
 If you want to show how much you really care about a loved one this Valentine's Day, forget about the shopping. Instead, give a timeless treasure or precious moment. Here are some ideas.
Heartstrings
Send a heart-felt message by collecting family photographs, audio recordings and other uniquely personal items. Don't forget original works of art by the children, poems or other expressions of your feelings. It's a simple idea that's sure to become a family heirloom your loved one will cherish forever.
Time Is on Your Side
A wise man once said that the only true commodity in life is time. This year, give the most valuable gift possible, and that is time with the one you love. Set aside an uninterrupted day or evening to spend with him or her, or take the family out to let your loved one have a bit of personal time to himself or herself. Either way, rest and relaxation is always in style.
Sweet Treats
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create sweet treats and other culinary delights in the kitchen. Go beyond cookies and cakes by making heart-shaped eggs with heart-shaped toast for breakfast.
A Few of Their Favorite Things
Everyone has a favorite song, preferred food and special place, so make the most of the day by putting it all together into a surprise package. Load up your loved one's MP3 with favorite music, pack a picnic with his or her favorite food and head out to a favorite location to create a perfect day..
Picture credit.
Clear Out the Clutter: A Simple Road to Happiness
 It doesn't take long for closets to become cluttered, but sooner or later even the most dedicated packrat must make room for new belongings.
Stop procrastinating and instead schedule time to tackle storage sheds, the garage and closets.
Not only will you feel better, but by planning ahead you can help others out during these tough economic times.
Free Up Space: De-cluttering is the fastest way to free up space without adding cost or upkeep. In fact, less stuff means less cleaning. If you haven't used items within the past year, then it's time to toss them. Exceptions include family heirlooms, collections and other keepsakes.
Possession Perspective: Save time and money by keeping a healthy perspective on your possessions. Many people are surprised by the sense of newfound freedom achieved by keeping a healthy attitude about belongings. Allow them to complement - not compete - with your life. Not only will you spend less by breaking the shopping habit, but it's often easier to organize and enjoy the things you keep without the headache and hassle associated with cluttered closets.
Guilt-Free Living: Sometimes it's difficult to let go, but it's healthier to look ahead to the future than live in the past. Learn to let go without the guilt by donating unneeded items to charity. Not only does it provide you with a fresh start, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that the items will be put to good use.
Picture credit.
Wondering How Much Your Home is Worth?
How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, I'll be able to help.
Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.
I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.
I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.
And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!
Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office.
What Sellers Need to Know About Property Appraisals
The appraisal process can leave sellers in a state of confusion. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge can be detrimental to obtaining the best price and fast closing for even the most competitive properties. Following are some guidelines to follow for best results:
1. Understand the Home Value Code of Conduct (HVCC): The code stipulates that brokers, loan officers and others who earn income from the close of a loan cannot select a specific appraiser or attempt to influence an appraised property value by questioning or disputing the appraisal.
2. Understand the Appraisal Process: Determining the value of a property requires experience in evaluating the local market, type of property and market value. Most appraisers take location, condition of the home, comparable sales in the area and potential income data into consideration when creating a Uniform Residential Appraisal Report or similar form.
3. Delineate the Scope of Work: Determine in advance whether or not you need a limited or complete appraisal, including the intended use of the report, delivery date and who will have access to the appraiser.
4. Don't Confuse Price With Value: Many sellers confuse asking price with the market value of their home. While the two should relate to one another, they are not necessarily the same. For example, investment income may represent a premium over the market value due to the additional income generated. Ask your agent about special situations that may impact price versus value.
|
| This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale. |
|
<<< Previous Next >>> | |
|
|
