Tuscany Homes

HOTW #5

2010-04-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

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HOTW #4

2010-04-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

This image was found HERE.

What You Need To Know About Obama's New Mortgage Aid Plan

2010-03-30T09:17:00.002-07:00

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration on Friday announced a major reworking of its troubled $75 billion plan to prevent foreclosures. The revamped program is now designed to aid jobless homeowners and people who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth.

Here's a look at the details:

Q. How many homeowners will this help?

A. The effort is designed to enable the government to reach its original goal of helping 3 million to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure by the end of 2012. That benchmark has so far proved impossible to approach. Only 170,000 homeowners have completed loan modifications, out of 1.1 million who began the government's Home Affordable Modification Program since it started last year.

Q. How many borrowers are in trouble?

A. About 6 million homeowners have missed at least two months of payments. And experts warn that 10 million to 12 million borrowers are in danger of foreclosure over the next three years. A growing risk is among homeowners who are "under water": They owe more on their loans than their homes are worth.

Q. How does the new plan work?

A. Borrowers will get help in three ways: Jobless homeowners can get a three-to-six-month break on their mortgage payments. Banks will get financial incentives to reduce mortgage balances for under-water borrowers. And lenders can offer refinanced loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration to these borrowers.

Q. When will all these programs be available?

A. Government officials didn't specify but said they should become available in the coming months.

Q. I'm unemployed. How do I get help?

A. That piece of the program is designed to give homeowners more time to find a job. Borrowers will have three to six months in which they'll have to spend no more than 31 percent of their monthly income on their mortgages. If you do find a job during that time, you will be evaluated for a loan modification that could permanently reduce your payments. To qualify, you need to live in your home, have a mortgage of below $729,750 and receive unemployment benefits.

Q. What happens if I don't get a job after the time is up?

A. Lenders will encourage you to consider a short sale, in which you sell your home for less than the mortgage amount. Another option is a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, in which you agree to hand back the property to your lender.

Q. I owe more on my mortgage than my house is worth. Will this help me?

A. Maybe. The program depends on the willingness of mortgage companies to participate. Their track record has been shaky at best.

Q. How does it work?

A. Mortgage companies that already participate in the government's foreclosure prevention program will have to consider reducing the mortgage amount for borrowers who owe at least 15 percent more than their home's current value. Those reductions will happen gradually over three years and apply only if you miss no payments. Those companies will receive expanded incentives to do so.

Q. What kind of incentives?

A. For every dollar of principal the lender reduces, they will receive a subsidy of 10 to 21 cents. The larger subsidies will help reduce principal of borrowers who are less under water.

Q. How do I qualify?

A: You must have a mortgage of less than $729,750. You also must show that you are in financial trouble. And you have to be spending at least 31 percent of your pretax income on your mortgage payment.

Q. So how do I apply?

A. Call the company that sends your mortgage bill, also known as your mortgage servicer, to see if you qualify. If you can't get hold of someone, try a nonprofit housing counselor. NeighborWorks America runs a national network of foreclosure counseling agencies. Try: http://www.findaforeclosurecounselor.org/

Q. How does the refinancing program work?

A. Some borrowers will be able to refinance into loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which insures loans against default. The FHA will get $14 billion in incentive money from the federal bailout fund to make this happen. Lenders will have to reduce the homeowners' primary mortgages by at least 10 percent.

Q. How do I qualify?

A. Homeowners must not have missed any payments on their home loans, must live in their home as a primary residence and must provide proof of income.

Q. How do I apply for the FHA plan?

A. You don't. It's voluntary for mortgage companies. They'll evaluate whether they want to offer this option to homeowners.

We found this article here.

HOTW #3

2010-03-29T07:15:00.001-07:00

This image was found HERE.

HOTW #2

2010-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

This isn't a house per say...

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BEDROOM

2010-03-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Your sanctuary is beginning to look more like the last place you want to be. Take the time to spring clean your bedroom with this step-by-step tutorial. Spring cleaning your bedroom will give you back a peaceful night's rest.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1-2 hours

Here's How:
Start with the 15 Minute Bedroom Cleanup or for a child's room the 15 Minute Kid's Room Cleanup. This will help get the room into a workable place for you to begin.

Dust down the ceiling and corners.
Consider if the walls in your home need to be washed. Don’t forget air vents, doorknobs, and switch plates. Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Clean the ceiling fan.
Dust the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions.
Dust down any blinds and other window treatments. Dust down and wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Wash all bedding, comforters, mattress pads, pillows, etc.
Vacuum and flip your mattress over to provide even wear. Clean out from under your bed. Replace bed with clean bedding.

Dust down and clean all accent lamps and knickknacks.
Use a vacuum attachment or duster to clean the lamp shade, lamps, and any extra decorative items.

Dust down all dressers, chests, and nightstands.
Clean any mirrors.

Clean flooring.
Dust and mop for hard floors. Professionally clean carpet, or vacuum and spot treat for mildly soiled floors.

Tips:
Either do the closets first or save them for last. Don't try to get started de-cluttering in the middle. You might get distracted and end up with nothing done.

Music, an audio book, or a good friend on speaker phone are great ways to help pass the time.
Don't skip under your bed. For many of us it can be scary, but it has to be done eventually.

What You Need:
Broom or vacuum
Mop or carpet machine
Spot carpet cleaner
Dust mop
Dust cloths
Mild cleanser
Laundry products for laundering bedding
Mirror and window cleaner

This information was found HERE.

BATHROOM

2010-03-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Your medicine cabinet is overflowing. You can't remember what color the tile in your shower used to be. An invisible person wouldn't be able to recognize himself in your dingy mirror. Have hope. This spring cleaning how-to will get your bathroom back in shape.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 45 minutes-1 hour

Here's How:
Follow the 15 Minute Bathroom Cleanup.
This will get rid of trash and laundry, enabling you to deeply clean the room. Don't do the floors in the 15 minute cleanup. We'll do that in a later step.

Dust down the ceiling and corners.
Consider if the walls in your home need to be washed. Check here for information on how to clean some wall surfaces. Dust and clean all wall art. Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead light wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Dust the vents and fans.
Dust the outside of vents and fans. You may need to use a gentle cleanser mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies, curtains, blinds, etc, to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Dust down any blinds and other window treatments. Dust down and wash windowsills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Scrub the shower and tub.
Don't forget fixtures. Launder or clean your shower curtain and replace the shower curtain liner. Clean shower doors. Dissolve soap scum buildup with commercial cleaner or natural cleaners. Do not use lemons and vinegar or other acidic cleansers on tile grout. The cleansers will eat away the grout.

Scrub down the toilet.
Don't forget the handle, crevices on the outside, and underneath.

Wash the inside and outside of medicine cabinets, linen cabinets, etc.

Wash down the sink and fixtures.
Don't forget to thoroughly clean your mirrors. Since your spring cleaning, use cotton swabs to scrub in tight spots on your sink.

Shake out bathroom rugs.
Launder them and hang to dry.

Sweep and mop the floor.
One of the best ways to get a floor REALLY clean is to use a rag or towel while on your hands and knees. If this is not an option try going barefoot and scooting a large towel around the floor with your feet. It provides more contact and pressure with the floor. Press gently, and be careful and slow. Even though this is the last step, the floor is not the best place to rest.

Empty and wash out the trash can.
Lining the trash can will save time when it needs to be emptied, and help keep it cleaner longer. You can buy small commercial trash sacks, or use leftover grocery sacks and help recycle.

Tips:
Make sure to leave the window open to ventilate the cleansers you will be using. If you like singing in the shower, try singing while cleaning it. It will help pass the time.

What You Need:
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths
Small bucket with handle
Sponges or stiff brush
Cleansers of choice
Broom and mop or towel
Plastic sack to line trash can

This information was found HERE.

LIVING ROOM

2010-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

While we may be doing an excellent job of maintaining our living areas, occasionally we need to do more than maintenance. Take the time to review what goes into a living room spring clean up. Find a list of supplies along with step-by-step instructions to do a thorough spring cleaning in your living areas.

Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Here's How:
Begin with a 15 Minute Living Room Cleanup. This will clear out the clutter and give you room to do the actual spring clean up. Don't worry about cleaning the floors in the 15 minute clean up. We will do this later.

Dust down the ceiling and corners of walls.
Determine if the walls need washed in dirty spots. Spot wash, remembering air vents, doorknobs, doors, and switch plates.

Dust and clean all art and photographs along the wall.
Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleanser or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Dust and clean the ceiling fan.
There is nothing more embarrassing than turning on a ceiling fan and having large chunks of dust fall down on your guest's head. Use this spring cleaning time to dust down the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap. Take down any light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies, curtains, and blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the manufacturer's directions. Vacuum and clean windowsills and corners. Wash the insides and outsides of the windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Dust and clean out the couches and chairs.
Use a vacuum cleaner with attachment to clean out couch crevices. Check to make sure none of your missing items have found their way into the abyss of the couch. Clean slipcovers, accent pillows, etc. Use an upholstery attachment on a rug shampoo machine to clean soiled couches and chair surfaces if needed. If a light cleaning is needed use upholstery spot cleaner. Test in a hidden area first.

Dust down and clean all accent lamps and knickknacks.
Use a vacuum attachment or duster to clean the lampshades, lamps, and any extra decorative items.

Remove books from bookshelves.
Dust down the books and the shelves.

Dust down accent tables and the entertainment center.
Unplug and dust down all the electronics. Check cords for fraying and wear. Dust down the television screen.

Clean the carpets and rugs.
If your carpets and rugs are heavily soiled it may be time to call a professional. You can also rent cleaning machines to use. Be sure to ask for one with an upholstery attachment. If your carpets are only lightly soiled vacuuming and spot treating may be all that is necessary.

Take the time to clean the doormats inside and outside your doorways. Wipe them down. Dust them off. Whatever needs to happen so that shoes don't transfer the dirt of your mat to your home.

Tips:
Listen to music, an audio book, or a foreign language tape. The time will pass a lot more quickly if you have an enjoyable atmosphere. This is a great time to commandeer the stereo for what you want to listen to. If anyone objects, offer to let them have a turn with the stereo and the spring cleaning.

Partner up with a friend or relative. After you get done spring cleaning your living room, help her do hers. Misery flees when company is around.

Gather all of your supplies together first thing. Trying to sort through the pantry cabinet for your dust cloths might make you frustrated enough to de-clutter the cabinet. It's easy to forget what your initial goal was.

What You Need:
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths
Small bucket with handle
Sponges
Vacuum with attachment
Gentle cleanser
Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional)

This information was found HERE.

DINING ROOM

2010-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Whether your dining area is used only on Thanksgiving, or seven days a week, spring cleaning is a great time to get the room in pristine condition. Take the time to review what goes into a dining room spring clean up. Find a list of supplies along with step-by-step instructions to do a thorough spring cleaning in your dining areas.

Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 30 minutes - 1 hour

Here's How:
Dust down the ceiling and corners.
Consider if the walls in your home need to be washed. Check here for information on how to clean different wall surfaces. Don't forget air vents and switch plates.

Dust and clean all wall art.
Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleaner or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Clean the Ceiling Fan.
You know what's worse than a fly in your soup, a large chunk of dust from your ceiling fan in your soup. Dust the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with water and a cleaning cloth. Take down light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies and curtains to wash or have cleaned according to the directions. Dust down any blinds and other window treatments. Dust down and wash window sills and corners. Wash the inside and outsides of windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Wash down the dining table, chairs, and any other furniture thoroughly. If you have wood furniture that needs to be oiled or waxed, do this now. If your chairs have an upholstered seat, spot clean the seats.

Clean the carpet and rugs.
You can choose to use a carpet professional, rent a cleaning machine, or vacuum and spot-treat according to soil level.

Tips:
This room will probably be one of the easier rooms in your home. With the uprising of eat-in-kitchens many of us find our dining rooms not used. Save this room for a day when you don't have a lot of time or pair it with another task.

Using music can motivate you to stick with a job. Throw on some tunes and dance while you dust. Although you might want to wait until after you've shut the blinds.

What You Need:
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths
Small bucket with handle
Sponges
Vacuum with attachment
Gentle cleanser
Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional)

This information was found HERE.

HOTW #1

2010-03-15T19:07:00.004-07:00

This image was found HERE.

KITCHEN

2010-03-15T09:33:00.003-07:00

Cluttered cabinets, dusty drawers, and a refrigerator with things behind it you haven't seen since, well, this time last year, are not the components of an ideal kitchen. Revive this important room in your home with a step-by-step tutorial on Spring Cleaning the Kitchen.

Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 1-2 hours

Here's How:
Begin with a 15 Minute Kitchen Cleanup.
This will clear out the clutter and dirty dishes, and give you room to do the actual spring clean up. Don't worry about cleaning the floors in the 15 minute clean up. We will do this later.

Dust down the ceiling and corners of walls.
Determine if the walls need washed in dirty spots. Spot wash, remembering air vents, doorknobs, doors, switch plates. Walls will likely need to be washed more often in this room than in others. You may not have noticed that the hand mixer or blender sloshed goop all over the wall. Take your spring cleaning time now to clean the grease, grime, and spilled food from your walls.

Dust and clean all art and photographs along the wall.
Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleanser or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Dust and clean the ceiling fan.
You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap. Take down any light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies, curtains, and blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the manufacturer's directions. Vacuum and clean windowsills and corners. Wash the insides and outsides of the windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Apply oven cleaner to the oven and clean the refrigerator.
Leave the windows in the kitchen open to avoid the overpowering smell. Don't forget to vacuum the coils of your UNPLUGGED refrigerator. This is a great time to sweep and mop underneath it too if you can find some help to move it. Be careful of scratching your floor.

While the oven cleaner works, begin sorting through the freezer and refrigerator. Throw out any expired food, mostly empty containers, and items that you bought and never used. Put the stuff to keep on the counter. Take out the refrigerator shelves and drawers. Wash them down, being careful with glass shelves. Wipe down the entire inside of the refrigerator and freezer before replacing shelves and food. Wipe down and clean out the oven according to the directions on the oven cleaner.

Take the knobs, burners, burner covers, and spill catchers off of the stove.
Follow your stove/oven owner’s manual for information on proper cleaning methods for your model. (The one you carefully filed, when you bought the stove, just for an occasion like this.) Some stove tops lift up to allow easy access to spills and crumbs. Wipe down the entire stove.

Wipe down and clean the toaster, blender, and other small appliances.
Wipe down and clean the microwave. If the spills in the microwave are fossilized, try bring a water-filled glass cup to boiling in the microwave. The steam should help loosen the gunk. If the microwave smells, boil lemon juice. Unplug all appliances first. Don't forget the turntable.

Clean out kitchen cabinets.
Reline if needed. Remove mismatched lids and bowls. Take out anything that isn't being used on a regular basis. Reorganize and wash down the insides and outsides of cabinets.

Run the dishwasher empty.
Try adding vinegar or baking soda to the empty dishwasher before running it. If your dishwasher has a food trap in the bottom, clean it out. Wash down the outside of the dishwasher.

Wash down the counter tops in your kitchen.
Don't forget back splashes.

Wipe down and clean out any drawers.
Organize your flatware. This is a great time to install drawer dividers to better organize your kitchen drawers.

Wash down the sink.
If you have a garbage disposal now is the time to pour baking soda with warm water and/or a lemon peel down the disposal to freshen the drain. Put ice cubes through the disposal to sharpen the blades.

Sweep and mop the floors.
Don't forget baseboards. One of the best ways to get a floor REALLY clean is to use a rag or towel while on your hands and knees. If this is not an option try going barefoot and scooting a large towel around the floor with your feet. It provides more contact and pressure with the floor. Press gently, and be careful and slow. Even though this is the last step, the floor is not the best place to rest.

Tips:
Gather all of your supplies together first thing. Trying to sort through the pantry cabinet for your oven cleaner might make you frustrated enough to de-clutter the cabinet. It's easy to forget what your initial goal was.

Reward yourself by ordering in for dinner tonight. Forbid anyone to touch your spotless kitchen at least until breakfast the next morning. Any longer is probably cruel, but they can handle it overnight.

Listen to music, an audio book, or a foreign language tape. The time will pass a lot more quickly if you have an enjoyable atmosphere. This is a great time to commandeer the stereo for what you want to listen to. If anyone objects, offer to let them have a turn with the stereo and the spring cleaning.

What You Need:
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths
Small bucket with handle
Sponges
Vacuum with attachment
All-purpose cleanser, dish soap, or mild cleanser of choice
Oven Cleaner
Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
Broom and mop or towel

This information was found HERE.

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-11T14:09:00.003-07:00

Well, Spring Time is coming sooner than we think, and with that comes the dreaded Spring Cleaning.

Since homes are our specialty, we decided to dedicate all next week to helping you clean out the gunk, room by room.

But, just to kick things off, here is a little spring cleaning checklist to get you in the mood.

What is a Short Sale?

2010-03-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

By: Roby Pagong

Most homeowners today are turning to short sale in order to avoid foreclosure. This gives them the chance to pay off their loan and move on. However, how does one apply for such? What are the things they need to prepare and what happens if the lender rejects the short sale proposal?

A short sale takes place when the property’s value is lower than the remaining mortgage balance. The homeowner at this point can present a short sale package to the lender and see if he gets an approval. The approval of the lender is necessary because he will surely lose at the arrangement. Approving the package would mean that he will accept a discounted payment for the amount owed.

If you want to get an approval, you need to have a very good package. You should first have a hardship letter. This should indicate the reason why you are no longer able to make the monthly payments. It could be because of growing medical expenses. You may also have encountered death in the family. You can also indicate that you lost your job. Make sure that you attach the supporting documents.

In addition to that, you should also present an offer from the buyer. Make sure that all the requirements needed for the package is complete. Call your lender ahead of time to ask about the other requirements. You need to be familiar with all your documents so that you can convince the mitigating officer during your meeting. For most lenders, short sale is the last option. If they could earn more if they foreclose your property, then they will.

Most lenders will reject short sale package because of the offer made by the buyer. If the lender thinks that your property is worth more than what you claim, he will send a broker to check the property. If he is right about the value, your package will surely be rejected. To prevent this, make sure that the value presented is reasonable. Make sure that you are there when the broker checks your property. You can walk him through the house and present the documents concerning the repairs made on your property.

What happens if the lender rejects your proposal? Well, try again. However, this time, make sure that you have better offer. Ask your buyer to make a higher offer. If your buyer refuses, look for another buyer who can offer a better value.

For buyers, bear in mind that foreclosure is a tedious process and may take months before the closing takes place. This is why you have to be very patient. You can help by making a good offer. See to it that the value you are offering is suitable for the property.

Short sale is a good option if you are in threat of foreclosure. However, you have to make a good short sale package to convince the lenders. If your package gets rejected, try it again. This time around, talk to your buyer to increase the offer. If not, look for a buyer who can make a better offer.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Minimize Electric Bills

2010-03-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

By: Fredrica Smith

Economic recession and environmental degradation are the two issues most individuals and families face today in any country. You can deal with these issues by starting right in your own home. You have to focus on your home essentials that they are working efficiently. For one, you can start by evaluating the efficiency of your air conditioner, regardless of its type.

Recent studies reveal that the biggest chunk of electricity consumption in many households can be attributed to heating and cooling costs. This can be brought about by the poor maintenance of the HVAC systems and facilities. Dirt that is accumulated in the equipment can affect the proper circulation of cool or hot temperature indoors. Such condition pushes your equipment to work doubly hard. And for it to do that, it has to consume twice as much as the total wattage per meter reading. This is the common case experienced in areas with hot temperatures. The tendency of most homeowners living in such areas is to operate their AC units almost the whole day non-stop. This then would lead to sky-high power bills. In order to have some savings, here are some suggestions in making your air conditioner units function efficiently:

Filters should always be cleaned. This component is found in a different part according to the AC type. Room air conditioners have the filter in the grill facing the room. Central air conditioning systems have filters along the ducts. Check if your unit has replaceable filters. These can be bought from AC wholesale and retail stores. Remember that the longer time frame the unit is turned on, the more dirt it can accumulate. Changing the filter at least once every two months would do your unit good. Reusable filters should be dusted weekly.

Other components that collect dirt are the evaporator and condenser coils. These components would only work well depending on the maintenance of the filters. Therefore, if the filter is dirty, the coils would be in that condition too. An annual checking of the coils would be preferable for its safeguarding. If you have air conditioner units that have outdoor condenser coils, you have to make sure that these are free from dust particles, leaves and other debris. This is because the unit itself is exposed to outdoor environment. Moreover, aluminum fins in the coils are further components that gather dirt easily. A fin comb can be used to clean this area.

The condensate drain should also be evaluated that it is not clogged. This component contributes a lot to manner of the whole unit how it reduces humidity inside the room. And there will be excessive moisture once its channels are blocked with dirt. You might face problems of staining on your walls or floor due to the dripping moisture. A thin stiff wire can be used to poke the drain channels for you to be able to see if there is any formation of blockage. If such is the case, you can use a wet dry vacuum to free the drain from any dirt.

An easy alternative through replacing your present air conditioner would save you a great deal of effort and time. There are newer energy saving AC types that promise lower electric consumption and even minimized absorption of dirt. Upon purchase of this unit, you can also take advantage of tax benefits awarded to homeowners who use energy efficient appliances and equipment. Inquire in your local area whether such remuneration is available.

Some homeowners may deem that the air conditioner is just a miscellaneous home item. But the benefits it can give you when it is efficiently working are massive. Try out the above said tips. You can surely enjoy lowered electric bills and even help improve the condition of the environment.

President Obama's $3.8 Trillion Fiscal 2011 Budget Proposal

2010-03-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Read all about it HERE.

The Difference between FHA and Traditional Loans?

2010-03-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

By: Rose B

Are you planning to get a home loan that would support your home purchase? If you are planning to do this, you should know everything you need to learn about processing application. You should also start learning available mortgage options in the real estate industry. Your knowledge will guide you all throughout the process of getting a mortgage and having an approval from your lenders.

What kinds of plans are available for borrowers like you? These are the FHA and Traditional loan types. Evaluating which of them suits you would be simpler once you understand the difference between them. Read this article and try understanding their unique features and characteristics.

Characteristics of an FHA Loan

Accredited federal agents usually issue an FHA loan. The Federal Housing Administration backs it in order to ensure that more borrowers get a chance to secure mortgage approvals. The government designed this program to help more citizens get the chance of fulfilling their American dream.

Since it is supported by such agencies, applicants get more chances of securing this loan type. It has lenient policies when it comes to screening candidates. It does not judge a person by his credit history. An individual who experienced bankruptcy or foreclosure can still qualify for it after at least two to three years.

Aside from this, people who do not have the capacity to pay large chunks of down payment also prefer this mortgage type. It requires at least 3.5 % of the down payment, so they would not have to worry about having problems with initial fees.

Characteristics of a Traditional Loan

A traditional loan is widely accepted by most borrowers and home buyers. It has been around on the market for a long time, so more people trust its reliability. However, applying for a conventional loan is not as easy as it may seem. It actually uses strict and firm screening processes to evaluate candidates. Those who do not have good credit histories will have a hard time in trying to qualify as credible borrowers.

It also asks for higher amounts of down payments. It usually requires at least 20% of the entire fee. If borrowers cannot pay for it, the entire application process will be terminated.

An applicant who passes the screening test can choose from fixed and adjustable mortgage rates. Both of these loan types have different pros and cons, so it can be advantageous to some cases while being disadvantageous to others.

Choosing between them

Two main characteristics separate FHA and Traditional loans. Such characteristics fall under the category of required down payments and interest rates.

FHA Loans require smaller down payments. Unlike traditional mortgages, it requires borrowers to pay only 3.5% of the property upon the approval of an application. If you can pay for 20% initial fees, you can choose conventional ones over those issued by the FHA. However, if you can only make a small percent of the property value, choose those issued by the Federal Housing Administration.

When it comes to interest rates, an FHA loan presents better options. Lenders get insurances from the HUD so they can negotiate lower interests. The government also tries to regulate this in order to encourage more buyers to buy houses and acquire loans. Meanwhile, non-federal conventional mortgages have significantly higher interest rates.

Now that you know what sets traditional loans and FHA loans, you can start making an informed decision before entering the application process. Pick the mortgage program that undeniably suits your needs and characteristics.

Cooling Your Home without Using the AC

2010-03-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

By: marco benavides

There are some excellent tips that you can follow for cooling your home without using AC. In essence, the idea is simply to reduce the sources of heat into the home, and then trying to get rid of the heat built up inside.

Among the tips that you can consider is cutting down on the amount of heat transfer through the walls and attic. If the walls and attic are not properly insulated, they will allow more heat transfer and your home will be hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter than it should be.

Check to see whether your walls and attic are under or over-insulated, and cut back on the heat transfer. If you take this simple step, you will get the greatest change in the comfort level in the house for the least cost, and this is always a win-win situation.

You can also install staple a foil radiant barrier to the underside of the roof rafters in the attic, creating an air space between the roof sheathing and the foil, which will keep your home cooler. When you staple the foil to the rafters, place them about three inches apart, place the seams of the foil sheets centered on the rafters, and seal the seams with caulk to prevent heat from seeping through.

You can add some inexpensive, heat-reflecting film to the windows and cut down on the glare and the UV rays that damage the furniture. You will also be cooling the home in the process, when you add the film to the windows that face the sun.

In a hot climate, the most effect film that you can use in sun-control, but it will also have the effect of making everything darker inside. In very cold climates, you can opt for combination film, but keep it away from windows facing south because you will want the warmth of the sun to filter in during winter months.

You should also control your daily activities so that you do not cook, shower, take a bath, cook, wash, dry, bake and/or cook during the heat of the day. All of these activities generate heat, some of them generate humidity, and the effect is that your home will be that much warmer during the heat of the day.

If you have electrical appliances that generate heat, try to limit their use during the warmest part of the day so that you do not add to the heat that is already being felt. You should also limit the use of these appliances to the evening, when things begin to cool off.

If your home is particularly humid, you should also look into purchasing dehumidifiers. A home that is really humid will be a health hazard because it will be a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which can be really detrimental to your health.

Additionally, all that extra humidity will cause your home to feel that much hotter and much more oppressive than it should be. Therefore, follow these simple tips, and you can make your house a lot cooler, without resorting to using the AC.

Buying a New Home vs. Buying an Older Home

2010-02-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

When purchasing a home, you have two choices, buy a home that is already built, or build a new home. They both have their advantages and drawbacks, and hopefully I can give you some insight into the advantages/disadvantages of both. I have been selling homes in Logan, Utah for the last 9 years, this is some expertise I have gathered along the way.

Advantages of buying an older home:

Larger Building Lots - With the amount of land available dwindling by the day, homes that were built years ago come with bigger lots. This especially holds true in larger cities, the bigger the city, the less room there is to build. If you want a bigger lot, most the time you are going to have to live in the country, and the price of land is only going to go up.

Price Per Square Foot - In older homes, unless they have been updated, usually come at a cheaper price per square foot. If you want more home for the money, buying an older home, and updating it yourself could be a sound investment.

More Character – Older homes come with character, and I have noticed when selling homes, younger couples like older homes because of the character. They feel more rustic and an older home feels comforting, it makes you feel like your back home when you were younger.

Mature Trees And Vegetation – Older homes have had time to settle in and the landscaping is well into it’s prime. An older home with large trees, mature plants, and a well groomed yard can create great value.

Disadvantages To Buying An Older Home

Maintenance - As a home ages, appliances age to, as well as other things. If you want your home to maintain value over time, it’s key to keep up on routine maintenance, and if you don’t, you could see your home falling apart before your eyes. No one likes a leaky roof and adding new shingles is one part of routine maintenance.

Wiring And Plumbing – Depending on how old a home is, these two key elements to a home could become a major nuisance. If you buy an older home with bad plumbing, leaky pipes, or frayed/old wiring, you could expect yourself to put a lot of money into fixing these problems.

Outdated - When buying an older home, if you want to resell it, you are probably going to have to do some updating to get a good price. In today’s real estate market, it’s very competitive, and an outdated home is extremely hard to sell. (However, an outdated home that is updated can create some instant equity if done right.)

Advantages To Buying New Construction

Less Maintenance - One of the main reasons to build a new home is the maintenance factor, you won’t have to worry about putting up new shingles or buying a new furnace anytime soon.

Warranties – Most states have a warranty program that requires builders to warrant their work for a certain number of years. In a new home the appliances should all have a warranty on them as well, so if something does go wrong, it shouldn’t be an out of pocket expense.

Modern/Up To Date - Most new homes come with all the fixings, new appliances, air conditioning, modern cabinetry, and new carpet. Newer homes are also held to a higher code that wasn’t around when some older homes were built. As they say, newer homes are more “Green” then older homes.

Energy Efficient - Speaking of Green homes, new homes come with newer appliances, which are more energy efficient. A new home will also have newer insulation which will make the homes themselves more energy efficient.

You Get What You Want – When building a newer home, probably the biggest advantage is customization. You get to choose if you want upgrades, what upgrades you want, and how the home will look; including floor plans, exterior, interior, and the landscape.

Disadvantages Of Building A New Home

Conformity – A lot of newer homes look similar, especially if they were built by the same builder, or in the same community. A lot of builders have a few homes they build, and they just add little things to them to make them look different, but the floor plans are generally the same.

Immature Trees And Vegetation - The last thing to be added to a new home is the landscaping, and sometimes people don’t plan for it. I have seen people build new homes, and not get around to the landscaping for years after the home was completed.

Time And Money – Building a home takes time, unless your using Extreme Home Makeover, it’s going to take months to build your new home. Building a new home can also have unseen costs, which is why it’s important to pick a reputable builder that won’t add extra costs during the construction of your new home.

Finding A Great Lot - After you decide you want to build a home, you will have to find land to put it on. Great lots are expensive, and finding one that is within your budget that has a great location can be tough.

Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or an older home, do your home work, and find a good builder/real estate agent that is going to look after your best interests. Good Luck!

Article written by Lisa Udy. We found it HERE.

Website

2010-02-22T09:36:00.002-07:00

If you haven't checked out our WEBSITE, you really should. And, tell us what you think?

Second Happiest People

2010-02-18T15:21:00.001-07:00

We really liked this article Second Happiest People. Utah is a great place to be!

C Jane's Guide to Provo

2010-02-16T11:11:00.002-07:00

We really enjoy THIS blog with the best where to's and tips of Provo, Utah.

That town has more stuff going on than one might guess...

Setting a Budget and Pre-Qualifying for a Mortgage

2010-02-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

By: Faith Warner

The goal of having a big, elegant house is not something that is impossible to achieve. If you are planning to buy a property and start a new life in it, do not rush into things. You should be aware of the different preparations that would help you acquire a new home without further complications. Read this article and find out more about the things that you should do before having a new property under your name.

Setting your budget

A budget plan is one of the most effective tools in finding a property that you would enjoy for a lifetime. Always prepare a budget list that could guide you in choosing houses that you would like to own in the future. Once you have decided on your price ranges, always stick to it, and never buy something that would wipe out your savings account.

Researching about home listings

The best way to design an effective budget plan is to research about the current prices of properties in the real estate market. By doing this, you will have an idea about how much money you will need to spend on a particular type of property. For an example, if you want to purchase a 4-bedroom home, you should look for listings containing 4-bedroom homes and analyze the prices being offered.

You can also have a clearer idea about the situation of the market by hiring a real estate agent. An agent has all the necessary information that you would need to know about purchasing homes. Never let an opportunity to work with a credible agent slip away.

Pre-qualifying for a mortgage

Before even contacting the owner of the house that you wish to buy, you should secure a mortgage pre-qualification document. This will state the amount of money that you would need to pay monthly in order to keep up with your home loans. It would also give you an idea about the mortgage interest rate and principal amount that you would need to pay regularly. Lastly, it would state the maximum mortgage that you would be allowed to borrow from your trusted lender.

Making a reasonable down payment

Before owning a property, you should calculate the down payment that you would need to make. Remember that the ideal initial payment is 10% of the property’s price. Once you succeed in saving this kind of money, you are ready to face your lenders and ask them for a mortgage.

Why should you make a 10% down payment? The answer to this question is simple. Once you have done this, your lender will be more confident in approving your mortgage requests. It would make them more comfortable because they will understand your ability to repay loans, as well as your credibility as a borrower.

Buying a new home will never be hard if you do the right steps and if you are aware of the technicalities of real estate transactions. Consider hiring a financial adviser who can help you determine the price of a property that you will have no troubles with buying. Always remember that with the right people who will guide you, you can always achieve your dream of getting that big and attractive property.

Valentine's Decor for Kids

2010-02-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

We found this heart bunting on sew mama sew and really liked it. Its perfect for dressing up your house on Valentine's day.

And, if you still haven't made your child's valentine box, check out Tiffany's amazing mailboxes complete with a downloadable template. They are awesome!

How are you preparing to celebrate love?

Help Your Kids Settle in your New Home

2010-02-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

By: Sonia Smith

Moving into a new house is the same as having a fresh start. Although it is an exciting time for you and your family, it could also be a stressful and tough time with all the activities needed. Moving is more difficult for your kids since they do not fully understand the reason why a move is necessary. They would find it hard to leave their old friends and school behind without knowing what to expect from the new location.

Since children will be the ones greatly affected by the moving process, it is important that you should do everything to make the process a lot easier for them. From the very beginning, you should communicate with your kids and tell them the reason for moving. Letting them know how you feel about the move is also helpful. Below are several ways to help your children settle in their new home.

If you are moving into a home where it is easy for you to visit, bring your children along and show the new home to them before you move there. If it is possible to move things bit by bit, let your kids choose things they would love to put in their new rooms so when you finally move, they would feel more at home and at ease there.
If they are transferring to a new school too, take them to a visit of their new school. A tour of their new school grounds will help them settle fast.
After you move, help your kids adjust to your new home. Assist them in making new friends and find ways to get them to socialize with kids in the new place. Research on a neighborhood association that your kids can join to meet new friends. Let them bring along toys to share with children who wants to play with them in the local playgrounds.
Get your children involved actively in painting and decorating their new rooms. Let them choose the decorations, theme and paint colors that they love.
Before, during and after your move, keep your normal daily routine. Kids are more at ease if they know what to expect. Keep bedtimes, mealtimes and playtimes remain as scheduled.
Let your children know that they can always keep their old friends and get them to stay in touch every now and then. Remind them to give your new address and telephone number to their old friends. This way, they can remain in close contact despite being away.

Even if you do not always have a choice when to make a move, it is preferable to make it during summer vacation or early in the school year. Uprooting your children in the middle of the school year could be distressing to everybody. Host a going away party for them to give them time to say goodbye to their schoolmates and friends and will give you a chance to take pictures of all of them together.

Remember to be excited and happy about your move so that your children will feel the same way.

Valentine's Day Calendar of Events

2010-02-08T12:18:00.006-07:00

Check out Utah Valley's Valentine's Day Calendar of Events.

There are all sorts of things going on this week for kids and adults alike.

Counter Top Options and Their Pros and Cons

2010-02-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

By: Sonia Smith

Whether you want to build a new home or enlarge your kitchen, the right material for your counter top is a necessary ingredient to make cooking time more enjoyable for you. Counter tops can make a huge difference on the value of your home and the correct material will bring out the chef in you. In choosing your counter top, you should consider durability, beauty, style and the price of the material and the installation ease.

Your counter top may wind up as your office desk, cutting board, food preparation surface, hot food, headquarters for snack bar. You need an attractive and durable surface. Below are several pros and cons of your kitchen counter top choices:

Solid counter top is made from a blend of acrylic and polyester. This material gives you numerous options. Solid material is nonporous, thus making them excellent in food preparation and difficult to stain. Solids can be made into any shape and size. Nevertheless, avoid placing hot pans directly on its surface since intense heat can pop seams discolour the surface. You will spend $45 to $75 per square foot.
Engineered stone top is a mixture of both natural stone and beauty with the advantage of solid surface materials. It is also nonporous, scratch and stain resistant. Like genuine stone, it has hard surface that could be slippery and cold to the touch. Price is $65 to $85 per square foot.
Granite-rock solid and natural counter top is affordable and more common. They are available in different edgings and colors that may be crafted. The seams are lightly more visible in granite and hot grease stains. Nevertheless, it needs very little maintenance and costs from $75 to $125 per square foot.
Soapstone and marble tops are softer and require more upkeep and prone to stains and scratches. However, they are reasonable and provide distinctive alternatives.
Laminate is the best widely used material in your kitchen improvement. It is also low in maintenance and affordable. The material is grease and stain resistant and has different colors and patterns. However, the dark under layer may be visible and the top is susceptible to hot pans and sharp knives damage. It easily melts at a contact of a cigarette tip and once impaired, it is difficult to fix. The cost is from $15 to $60 per running foot.
Ceramic tile brings out the artist in you and you can create the style of your choice. The material is resistant to heat, scratch and can be replaced easily. The grout can stain or collect food particles, therefore paving the way to bacterial penetration. The tiles may chip or crack and dulls your knives when used in cutting. The high-gloss finish may be ruined by scrubbing with abrasives. The cost is from $4 to $8 per tile.
Stainless steel is very favorable to the high-technology crowd. It is the choice of many upscale restaurants. It is tough on stains, hot pans and creates a contemporary kitchen look. It shows scratches and nicks easily. Avoid using scouring powders and steel wool for cleaning. It requires solid and firm underlayment or else it will dent and cold to touch.
Butcher block uses end-grain hardwood. Its natural and warm, appearance is an attractive choice and perfect for cutting and chopping. It is easy to install and repair and you can easily sand out surface scratches. It should be sealed often, cleaned immediately and treated with mineral oil. Its protective surface sealers are not frequently safe for food and sensitive to humidity and not advisable on very humid places. This also scorches and dents easily and infected and resealed when contaminated with meat juices or dirty vegetables. The price is around $50 a running foot.

The above items are just a few of your many options as a homeowner. Ensure to weight your choices thoroughly before you choose. Consider you and your family’s preferences and needs.

Obama Loan Modification Program

2010-02-02T09:23:00.001-07:00

Go HERE for a comprehensive guide for home owners.

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. The monthly mortgage expenses must not be more than 31% of a homeowner's
gross monthly income. This gives people a chance to save some money, or clear
off other debts.

2. The interest rates applied on the loan can be decreased to as low as 2%.
This will radically bring down a homeowner's monthly mortgage
payments.

3. The terms and condition to avail a home loan modification have been made
liberal. Earlier, with stringent rules, it was difficult for people with medical
bills, credit card debts, or other debts to get mortgage refinance. However, now
their financial complications will not be a hindrance in getting approval for
refinancing mortgage loans. Even homeowners, who were denied loan modification
in the past, may be permitted one now.

4. People with upside down loans can also get the help of refinancing
through this plan.

5. No closing costs or fees will be applied to homeowners who use this plan
to refinance mortgage.

People all across the U.S. have been encouraged to undertake loan modification in order to stabilize their financial condition. Households should take advantage of this opportunity to the maximum.

Choosing a Home Builder

2010-02-01T10:17:00.002-07:00

By: Rob Harding

When deciding on building a home, it is not only a stressful event in your life, it is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built house, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. The home builder you choose can make building your new home a success or a nightmare. Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking a home builder that you want to build your new home.

Make appointments to meet with home builders you are interested in. Your discussions with the builder can determine a lot by the answers to your questions that are important to you.
Compare builders on the same criteria. Choose a specific job, such as shower, there should not be much variance between home builders. Prices will vary though amongst the home builders. If price is the deciding factor, pick neither the highest or lowest, all other things being equal.
Look for quality and value. When looking at new homes, really inspect the quality of workmanship and place a value. Check out open houses and model homes to look at. Model homes are commonly furnished, providing insight on how to use your space within the home. Also, see if you can see an unfurnished home for comparisons. Inspect the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork, and paint throughout the home. Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions.

These are just a few things to consider and look into when choosing a home builder. This is a great time to purchase a new home with the interest rates so low. So choose a home builder who builds quality along with value. Having both can make the difference in building your new home.

Rural Development Loans

2010-01-28T14:40:00.006-07:00

If you plan to build in Eagle Mountain or Saratoga Springs, Utah, make sure you check out Rural Development loans.

They can lower your monthly payment hundreds of dollars.

If you are interested, Tuscany Homes is ready and willing to help you build out on the west side of Utah lake.

To read more information about the loans, go HERE or call Bob Peavley at 801-414-6212.

2010-01-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

More ideas for Valentine's Day HERE.

Check them out.

What Not to Do When Buying a Home

2010-01-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Your mind is set: you want to buy your dream home and you know it’s the perfect time to do so. To ensure that you achieve that goal, here are a couple of things that you need to remember NOT TO DO before purchasing your dream home.

Firstly, postpone transactions involving big amounts of money. This first tip, while seemingly difficult to do, is very important. When you purchase your dream home, the financial institutions and the real estate agency from which you will buy your new home will check your financial records and will be very meticulous about your latest financial activities. Frequently making big deposits or big withdrawals prior to your purchase will make tracing your cash and assessing your net assets a long and difficult process-and it will probably delay your purchase.

Other Big Purchases. Don’t make other big purchases just before buying a home, like a car or an expensive piece of furniture. The thing is, pick one priority investment and focus on it. At first you might be pressured with keeping up with the Joneses that’s why you want a new house and a new car but really, once you compute the monthly income slash, it might dawn on you how much money you just decided and promised to spend. And you might not be able to catch up.

Third tip: don’t be too quick to change jobs. This is integral because not only does it ensure a steady cash flow after you make the big purchase, but also because it allows you to take things one step at a time. Changing jobs is just as stressful as moving, so adjust first to your new home, then when you’re already comfortable, change jobs if you must.

Excuses to Delay Home Purchase. If you kept on “checking out” a lot of prospect home purchases but you kept on finding reasons to delay your purchase, then one thing’s for sure-you are not yet ready to buy a house. Stop checking out the forums on Orem real estate if you don’t really like the neighborhoods there. Stop assessing Provo homes for sale if you will transfer to Texas in a year anyway. Just wait until you’re ready.

This article was found HERE.

Tuscany HOMES

2010-01-25T09:26:00.003-07:00

Check out a few of the things we have done the past couple years HERE.

We think you will like what you see.

Valentine Dinner Dance

2010-01-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

Every year Thanksgiving Point hosts a Valentine Dinner Dance. And, every year the event sells out. Yep, its that good.

Plus, it makes it easy to plan something special for that special someone.

For more information, go HERE.

(the page says 2009, but don't worry, its just a misprint.)

First-Time Home Buyers Who Claimed Credit Can't E-File Taxes

2010-01-21T10:02:00.002-07:00

While the Internal Revenue Service is encouraging taxpayers to file their returns electronically, taxpayers who used the first-time homebuyer tax credit will have to send in their tax return by paper this year.

First-time home buyers who used the credit will have to go to the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov, to download a form claiming the tax credit. Taxpayers can still use tax filing programs to prepare their return, but will have to print it out and mail it in.

The IRS said paper filing will help prevent fraud and catch people who may have taken advantage of the $8,000 tax credit but didn't use it to buy a home.

The IRS said it plans to start processing returns by mid-February, adding it may take an extra two to three weeks for taxpayers who used the home buyer tax credit to see refunds.

Among other documentation required for taxpayers who used the home buyer tax credit:

• A copy of the settlement statement showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, sales price, and date of purchase.

• For mobile home purchasers who are unable to get a settlement statement, a copy of the executed retail sales contract showing all parties' names and signatures, property address, purchase price and date of purchase.

• For a newly constructed home where a settlement statement is not available, a copy of the certificate of occupancy showing the owner's name, property address and date of the certificate.

In November, Congress extended the federal home buyer tax credit program to June 30 for buyers to settle on a property.

Homeowners who have lived in their home for five of the last eight years can also qualify for a $6,500 tax credit if they close on a home.

We found this article HERE

Calculating Your Home Purchase Budget

2010-01-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

By: marco benavides

If the financial and real estate crisis we have been going through for what seems like forever have taught us anything, it is that overstretching our home purchase budgets to get into a home can lead to financial ruin. Things have been blamed on home buyers trying to get into too much house, but lending practices were much looser, and they both contributed to what we are now seeing.

We should also have learned the importance of setting a home purchase budget, and that means being able to do a fairly accurate calculation. Doing the math is not really as difficult as it may seem because you can use the same formulas that lenders are going to use.

However, before you even start thinking about the math, sit down and write the things you actually need in the house you would like to buy, and then make a list of the things you would want your house to have. If you look at the homes with the things you need and the ones with the things you want, you are going to find that the ones with the things you want can be much more expensive.

Before you set your budget, bring your wish list down to something much more reasonable so that you do not end up trying to get into much more house than you can actually afford. If you stay within your means and needs, you will not place yourself at risk of losing your home if you should have some expense come along completely out of the ordinary.

Establishing your budget is as easy as following what is called the 20/28/36 rule or debt-to-income ratio, which is what lenders will use in their calculations. You have to determine your gross annual income because it is what will guide you and let you know how much house you can get into.

The first number in the rule is not actually calculated from your annual income. It stands for 20%, and it is the amount of money you should use for a down payment; 20% percent of the home's selling price. If you can put more toward the down payment, you can lower your monthly payments, so it is something that you should really consider thoroughly.

The number 28 is actually 28% of your gross annual income, and it is the maximum amount that should go to paying the mortgage, real estate taxes and fees. The last number is 36% of your gross income, and it is how much of your annual gross earnings should go toward paying your debts and mortgage.

The lower the percentages, except the 20%, the better off you are going to be because you will be able to meet all of your financial obligations. You will be lowering the risk of losing your home if some financial hardship should come along and bring some hard times. On the other hand, if you are already stretched way too thin, any type of hardship will end up causing financial ruin, and it will perhaps even lead to you losing your house.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Texts to Help Haiti

2010-01-18T09:58:00.005-07:00

The situation in Haiti is truly horrendous. We feel incredible sadness and love for the people who were and continue to be effected by the recent earthquake.

Here is a quick article showing some ways to help.

"It was noted that $5 million had be raised in donations for Haiti though text messaging in the U.S. alone. Today, that number surpassed $10 million, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced. Perhaps more importantly, some of the big players involved in the donations are making moves to make sure the money gets to Haiti faster.

As some people noted in the comments yesterday, there had been talk of 90 day delays for this money donated via text to be released to the various organizations helping out in Haiti. Since then, a number of the companies have committed to giving the money immediately. Verizon, for example, is giving its share (of the then $9 million), $2.98 million, immediately to the American Red Cross. Sprint, meanwhile, is giving 80% of the $1.2 million it has raised so far immediately. AT&T has apparently raised the most so far with $4.2 million (of the larger $10 million) and is also thinking about ways to get the money to Haiti faster.

All of this money has been raised with the help of mGive simply by people using their cellphones to text HAITI to the number 90999. Doing so will automatically donate $10 to the Red Cross, which will be added on to your bill at the end of the month. But that’s not the only way to give over text message."

Here’s a list of many of the ways to text to help Haiti:

*Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross
*Text HAITI to 25383 to donate $5 to International Rescue Committee
*Text HAITI to 45678 to donate $5 to the Salvation Army in Canada
*Text YELE to 501501 to donation $5 to Yele
*Text RELIEF to 30644 to get automatically connected to Catholic Relief Services and donate money with your credit card
*Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to The United Way
*Text CERF to 90999 to donate $5 to The United Nations Foundation
*Text DISASTER to 90999 to donate $10 to Compassion International

Fixer Upper versus Moving-in Ready Houses – Which one makes Good Investment Sense

2010-01-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

By: Rose B

Real property purchase is one of the many options you get in the real estate industry. Dealing with one or two of the many components of this sector may give you some complexity such as in deciding whether to buy a fixer upper or moving-in ready house.

One of the most important criterion needed in all real estate investment and venture is your financial resources. Without money and funds, you can definitely not go anywhere in your quest for a sound real estate investment. Carefully assess your monetary standing as well as your available resources to finance your home purchase.

Home buyers and investors who have not enough funds to spend will more benefit on choosing fixer upper properties. First off, you get to buy a house which is definitely lower priced than other properties in the market. This is due to the low market value of the property given its innumerable prominent repair and fixture issues that you must eventually address as the new owner. Hence enters the next concern that needed your money and budget. Minor and major renovation projects vary on the condition of the house and the preference or discretion of the owner. If you see that you cannot afford some major structural remodeling, find a fixer upper which only requires minor and cosmetic repair and renovation tasks.

Turnkey or moving-in ready properties differ with the former option in terms of the price rate and market value. Since the house is well-conditioned, maintained and have lesser if no repair issues, it definitely comes with a costlier and higher price tag. Should you have the available funds to spend on your home purchase with a turnkey type of property, then you may find that the worries and hassle of dealing with fixture issues is out of the picture. Furthermore, if you have no time to spend on the renovation and in getting a building permit among others, you may opt for turnkey houses.

Your priority and goals in your home purchase venture also plays a very salient and critical role. If you are buying a house for resale purposes in order to make more profits in your investment, fixer upper homes are the best alternatives. You get to acquire these houses in very cheap prices, make some changes and repair here and there, and you are set for a great home selling quest afterward. The key to the profitability of this venture is on the location of the place hence make it your top priority in your search for candidates in this category.

Home buyers especially newlyweds or budding professionals who have no luxury of time for home renovations and the like are highly advised to purchase moving-in ready alternatives. All you have to do is seal the deal, pack your things and move in pronto.

Some first time home buyers may find it perplexing, however wisely selecting between fixer uppers and turnkey properties have sure-fire basis which help you determine if you are indeed making a viable choice or not.

Credit Report - How to correct them

2010-01-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

By: Flynna Jones

As soon as you have asked for a free credit report, the next step is you have to go through with it and look for ways on how to improve your score. It is unavoidable that you can find errors and some inconsistencies. You have to be familiar with your own credit report and be sure to remove those mistakes declared under your name. Anything found in the report is very essential since that will be part of the impression that you will make to the lenders.

There are procedures about the data recording in your credit report. If you have bad records before that were already more than seven years under your name, those can actually be eliminated. Items like lawsuits, judgments, paid tax liens, collections for accounts dispatched, criminal records, past due payments and your financial support your child. This is beneficial for individuals who have poor credit record in the past. Getting rid of these things can give a major effect on your rating especially if you have a serious case.

Though this might sound a bit funny suggestion but looking at your Social Security number, personal info and other important details is very important. There might be cases wherein they are putting the wrong data and thus you will encounter problems later on. This is very common incident in the documentation. The worst thing you can get out of their negligence is they can put wrong transaction under your name and sometimes it can cause bad impression on you. Individuals who are responsible for putting these things are so careless and thus you should be careful and examine your report thoroughly.

A good tip for you to dispute these errors is to file a request for reinvestigation or you can send a letter asking them to make the necessary corrections because it can damage your credit score. Remember that you have to be precise in providing them your corrections so they can easily verify it. The office will then perform the necessary investigation and will contact you within a month to tell you about the development of the investigation. The process can be faster if they will know you are about to apply for a mortgage.

Once your credit score report is already edited, you can begin to improve it. This can be done by getting a new mortgage, new credit card or simply be responsible in paying your dues. By careful examination, you can surely save more time and effort to make your credit score a lot better.

Get Out of Debt Solutions – Pay Off High Interest Debts Quickly

2010-01-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

There are many get out of debt solutions that can help you save money over the course of your lifetime. If you currently have many high interest lines of credit outstanding then it would be a good idea to pay these off as quickly as possible. Not only will this reduce the amount of interest you are going to pay but it will also greatly help your credit score.

When deciding to get out of debt you must make a commitment and know with 100% certainty that you are going to work diligently to remove all unwanted debt. If this is the case with you then it is extremely important that you sit down and do a significant amount of research before you start this process. If you start the process without doing your homework there is a good chance that you could fail.

One of the first things you should do is buy a credit report. When you purchase a credit report you will be able to see what lines of credit you currently have outstanding and what your overall credit score is. This will give you a starting point when it comes to giving yourself a grade for the work you have done. It will also help you address which lines of credit you should address first.

If you have several credit cards that are very close to being maxed out then you would want to address these as quickly as possible. If your credit cards are very close to being maxed out there is a very good chance that you are getting a high interest rate on these credit cards as well. You have likely seen your interest rate increase over the last several months as well.

Paying high interest rate on a credit card is something that will only dig further in debt. Your goal should be to pay up all your high interest credit cards as soon as possible so you will not continue to pay only interest on these cards. You will have to set aside a significant amount of money to dig into the principal when paying on these cards.

Mike Garner from Subprime Blogger

FAQ Tuesday

2010-01-12T09:30:00.001-07:00

Q: How much money do I have to initially invest to move my family into a new home?

A: The initial investment you need to make in a brand new home varies from “0”, yes zero, to however much you as the homeowner wishes to invest. For more information, please contact one of our Preferred Lenders as listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

UPP for Utah County News

2010-01-11T15:16:00.002-07:00

Check out this interesting and informative Utah County website called UPP...and no we're not talking about Utah's Premium Partnership for Health Insurance (the site just chose a common name...their mistake).

Utah People's Post has information around our cities, valleys and state, and will be using professional journalism, citizen journalism, local organizations to spread quality news throughout our state.

Quality news.

From Reflections Winners at your local elementary school to the Gubernatorial Race 2010. It will all be there, online, accurate and ready for you to read, or even write yourself.

The UPP officially launched today. Check it out by clicking on the button below, or read about the ideas behind this new project here.

What NOT to Buy in 2010

2010-01-11T14:45:00.002-07:00

EDITED BY NIKKI WALLER of The Wall Street Journal

As we roll into 2010, expect to see more revolutionary products supplanting old mainstays. As a result, some products seem poised for a dip in sales, which could be a prelude to obsolescence.

Here's what not to put in your shopping cart this year:

DVDs: The days of going to a video store to rent a movie are at an end, and DVD purchases could turn cold, too. On average, DVDs sell for at least $20 each. That's pricier than signing up for Netflix or renting movies from cable providers' on-demand channels.

Home phone service: Home landlines could go the way of the rotary phone, especially as cellphone companies compete for greater market share and alternatives to the landline grow. One example: Skype, which uses the Internet to make calls, hold video conferences and send instant messages -- all for free so long as you're communicating with other Skype users.

External hard drives: These hard drives are one option for people who need more digital space to hold their many songs, movies and photos. But a simpler option may be found in online backup services, like Carbonite.com or Mozy.com, which allow users to back up data over the Internet. These services are more expensive than purchasing an external hard drive, which typically starts at around $70. At Carbonite.com, a one-year subscription starts at $54.95, and at Mozy.com monthly subscription costs total $54.45 for a year.

Smartphone also-rans: In the past few years, several smartphones hit the market with similar features to the iPhone and BlackBerry, but those two phones still command most market share and are expected to stay at the top. This means developers are less likely to create applications and other products that cater to other phones.

Compact digital cameras: Single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, which produce pictures more accurately than super-tiny compact models, are growing in popularity. They're also pricier. For example, Canon's digital compact cameras start at $110, while the SLRs start at $570.

CDs: Thanks to iTunes, CDs aren't coming back, and record stores are feeling the pinch. Most Virgin Megastores in the U.S. have shut down, following declines in sales and revenues, while other national retailers have likewise shuttered.

New college textbooks: Used textbooks cost up to 70% to 90% less than new ones, and you can find them on Web sites such as CheapestTextbooks.com, Amazon.com and Booksprice.com. Sites like CourseSmart.com sell subscriptions to digital copies of more than 7,000 textbooks. TextbookMedia.com allows students to download textbooks for free. You can also rent textbooks on Chegg.com.

Gas-guzzling cars: Skyrocketing gasoline prices dominated headlines during most of the past decade, and they remain volatile. According to the Department of Energy, the most efficient cars include the Honda Civic hybrid, which gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, Volkswagen's Jetta and Golf, and the Toyota Prius hybrid.

Energy-hogging appliances: Appliances that are Energy Star certified and meet new federal environmental standards may have high price tags, but they help lower heating and cooling bills. You can also get a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 on energy-efficient home upgrades through Dec. 31, 2016.

— AnnaMaria Andriotis of SmartMoney.com

Decorating Ideas for Girls Rooms

2010-01-08T09:11:00.001-07:00

Sugar and Spice

Every little girl I know loves pretty colors! For a room she'll cherish, select fabrics with flowers, trellises, cute animals, or butterflies. You might stencil flowers, vines, and butterflies on walls as a colorful accent, using paint colors matched to your fabric or wallpaper choices. Don't forget soft, airy curtains for the windows.

Ocean

If you live near the beach, or just wish you did, create an ocean theme using watery blues for the wall, sand colors on the floor, and clouds in the sky (ceiling). Take color cues from a beachy border wallpaper, art print, or piece of furniture like this colorful stool. You 'll almost be able to hear the waves!

Moon and Stars

Starlight is a great theme, and you'll find many fabrics, wallpapers, and bedding with star patterns. This theme appeals to both boys and girls, and is available in many colors both bright and pastel. Wonderful theme pieces can be the "star" in a room. You might get star-shaped rubber stamps (or sponges) and dip into wall paint to create your own star border, decorate furniture, or make random stars all over the walls or ceiling. A star quilt or rug will complete the theme.

Moonlight is another great one.Create a wonderful, soft look with by the light of the moon. The ceiling might be midnight blue, with painted moon and stars, or use some of the stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars. Embellish a colorful painted bookshelf with crisp white stars, or liven up a plain white chest with a rainbow of star shapes. Find a moon and star quilt or fabric to use for window treatments. Then add a moon cutout headboard.

Angels, Fairies, and Elves

This universal theme will be adored by girls of any age. Angel themes could use faux painted skies and clouds, fluffy canopy beds, and soft icy pinks, blues, and lavendars. Fairy shapes are appealing with transparent wings, sparkling wands, and silvery magic dust. Try to incorporate some sparkles with glittering accents, silver paint, and magical designs.

Flower Power

Bright and bold oranges, sun yellows, lime greens, and watermelon pinks are the basis of this retro-60's look. Find colorful borders and fabrics featuring stylized simple flower shapes in hot colors, and match these with some plain fabrics for ruffles, valances, and window seat pillows. These flower shapes would be easy to enlarge on a copy machine and trace onto the walls in random patterns, then paint with wild colors matched to the fabrics.

Sunshine

Paint a mural of hills, with the sunrise peeking over the top. Use sunny yellow checked bedding and quilts, green rugs for grass, and paint the ceiling a soft sky blue. Waking up will be easy and fun using this summery look which is sure to please many a young child.

Cottage Style

This is a great theme if your child will be using hand-me-down furniture for her room. Think lots of white and paint all the furniture for creating a cottage style room. Then use either light colors (pink, sky blue, pale green) or set the white off against bright clear colors like grass green or marine blue. You can also use fabric patterns such as tea-stained cotton florals, or use brighter florals, ginghams, or stripes. Find more tips on cottage style.

Color Themes

This theme is easy. Just pick the color that your little one LOVES, and go with it--everywhere. Paint the walls in her favorite color, then go for it in borders, fabrics, pillows, and accessories. Whether it is pink, purple, blue, or primary crayon colors -- your little one is sure to feel right at home in a colorful room done just for her.

Butterflies, Bees, and Dragonflies

Anyone who has purchased gifts for girls in the last few years knows that butterflies are big! If your little one loves this look, there are many ways to incorporate it into a room. A mural of garden and butterflies is a natural, or go with a butterfly fabric for the comforter. Small painted designs can be added to chair backs, picture frames, headboards, and flit around a colorful chest of drawers as well. Use butterfly hair clips to perch on a lampshade, bulletin board, or along one edge of a curtain.

Mary Engelbreit

You'll find lots of cute ideas for decorating a girl's room in the "Mary Engelbreit's Childrens Companion" book. Just find a photo you like and follow this whimsical artist's lead. Colorful walls, painted furniture, and stencil designs will give the room a smile. Then "don't look back," as Mary likes to say.

Cats, Dogs, and More

Cats, dogs, horses, bunnies, or other darling animals may be the perfect choice for an up-to-date girl's room. Certainly your little one has a favorite--or make it a menagerie if she can't decide. Choose from color themes in pastels, medium tones, brights, or primary colors, and use these happy designs on furniture, borders, and accessories.

Princesses and Castles

Your Princess can have a room befitting her high status if you use sheer fabrics and fanciful details. Embellish the walls with faux painted castle walls, murals, and blue skies for a truly memorable girl's room. Contrast the weighty look of faux stone walls with trails of stenciled ivy or flowers and swaths of pretty netting used as a bed canopy.

Tea Party

Pretty hats can adorn a room with a tea party theme. She can arrange her toy pals in chairs around a tea table and play until supper time. Be sure to include a pretty tea set and other tea themed accessories throughout the room. Cheerio!

Sports

Young girls who avidly participate in any sport -- whether it's riding, skating, softball, swimming, or soccer -- can readily identify with this decorating theme. Wallies or a wallpaper border is a perfect place to start for a color scheme and in a search for coordinating curtains and bedding. Look for innovative touches to support the theme and be sure to include display shelves to house awards, game photos, and medals.

Storybook Characters

Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit, the Little Mermaid, or Barbie might be the starting point for a wonderful theme room. Search the net for specialty character sheets and bedding, then take your color cues from there. Frame book illustrations as wall art or use cutouts of book pages for decoupage on furniture.

Toiles

The toile look has made a huge comeback in recent years and can help create a more sophisticated look for an older girl. Find this timeless design in fabrics and wallpapers, in colors that range from blue, red, green, black, and beige patterns on a white background, to newer iterations that incorporate multi-colors such as yellow and blue on white or ivory.

French Rooms

Black and white checks, vintage-look accessories, and any type of French poster or decoration can be just right for a fabulous Parisian bedroom. Learn more about creating a French room here.

Shabby Elegant

Tea-stained florals, comfortable slipcovered chairs, vintage accessories, and painted white furniture is the look that's all the rage. Explore the elements of a shabby elegant room here.

By now your decorating enthusiasm should up and running! You'll find more great ideas everywhere you look. Remember to include your child in this process of choosing a theme. Children have wonderful, innovative ideas, and seeing their wishes take shape in a wonderful room, created just for them, will give them confidence and a memory they will never forget.

The information for this article was found on about.com, the picture is from artstudio.com.

Decorating Ideas for Boys Rooms

2010-01-07T09:02:00.001-07:00

A decorating theme is a great way to begin decorating a room for a child. If you're like most parents, you've probably spent lots of time thinking about decorating your new child's room even before he joined your family. While bunnies are cute and teddy bears are darling, you might want something different for the bedroom or playroom.

There are lots of great themes for boys' rooms. A special theme will provide both the focus and the inspiration for a special one-of-a-kind room and can be adapted as your child grows. Time to get started!

Bug's Life
From bees and ants to frogs and reptiles, creatures of nature often capture a child's attention. Browse theme ideas at Posh Tots including a Bug Off Table and Chair Set, Bug bed linens, and or frog lamp. Maybe using this theme in the bedroom will encourage your son to leave the real thing outside!

Favorite Animals
What boy wouldn't love a room focusing on his favorite pet? Whether it's a dog or cat, bird or snake, using this theme will make your son (and his pet) feel particularly at home. Be sure to put up lots of pictures with your son and his best friend around the room and make sure you have stuffed animals scattered everywhere.

Playhouse / Playtown
This theme will provide a wonderful scheme for decorating your son's room and provide lots of wonderful playtime possibilities as well. A whimsical or the cute playtown chest can be your starting point. Or, do a border in kids designs or paint a mural of a street scene on one or more walls. Name the storefronts for family members ("Katie's Groceries", "Ted's Puppet Theatre", "Todd's Bike Shop", "Anne's Pet Heaven", "Sara's Video Den", or Dennis' Book Nook").

Safari
For a safari look, find wonderful, colorful animal wallpaper borders and fabrics at any wallpaper store. Paint the walls blue, tan, ivory, or any of the colors in your wallpaper border. Make pillows and valances from coordinating leopard-print fabrics, and find some stuffed lions and tigers for the corner. Mount a butterfly net, binoculars, or straw hat on the walls. Use colorful mat board and frame some of your child's artwork to display. Maybe he'll draw some lions!

Rustic Cabin
Most every child loves spending time at camp or in the mountains. And what parent doesn't have happy childhood memories of hiking, boating, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors. Birdhouses, bears, moose, and fish might show up in wallpaper borders, in fabrics, bedding, and accessories. For a rustic room you might also choose comfy plaid patterns, flannel fabrics, and log or pine beds. Accessories might use forest themes of animals, mountain scenes, or natural materials such as pine cones, leaves, and sticks. Take another cue from camp and use a sturdy trunk to store toys. With a room this nice, who needs a vacation?

Rain Forest
Choose a colorful jungle border, or try a jungle area rug. Soft fabric snakes and colorful stuffed birds or butterfly cutouts can add to the decor. Make pillows of animal or jungle prints and use themed accessories. Grrr!

Race Cars
With car racing, you think black and white checkered flags, and a finish line. Find an area rug with a car track design. A car bed might be fun, or decorate the walls with a car wall appliques. Add some framed calendar photos or posters of race cars, and put up narrow shelving to display car collections. Zoom!

Outer Space
Take a trip to the stars using a space theme. An Apollo bed set, outer space border, or star-studded rocking chair might be just the items that inspires your child to reach for the stars. Paint reflective planets or stars on the ceiling in arrangements of the constellations.

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines
If Dad is in the service, you might let your boy feel patriotic with a room painted in camouflage and outfitted with tanks and desert colors. But leave the guns out!

Sports
From soccer to baseball to football, sports is a theme that spans the generations. To use a baseball theme for example, use a headboard made from bats, hang curtains from bats used as curtain rods, make a baseball lamp, or hang shelving to display gloves, pennants, and trophies. Paint the room in the colors of your son's favorite team. Sports themed rugs, furniture, and beds are another possibility. Create similar looks for other sports, and you'll have a room that is a big "hit" with sports fans. Play ball!

Wild Colors
Go wild by starting with a lively area rug designed in fun colors for a child. Take your cue from the rug for colors and designs for the rest of the room. Use color everywhere! Paint every surface of a bookcase a different color, and do the same with headboard slats, drawer fronts, and chair legs. This is a great way to help your little one learn his colors! Find a fabric to compliment the rug and use it to tie the room together with window valances or floor pillows.

Movie or Cartoon Characters
There's something for everyone in this theme! Whether your son has been captivated by Mickey Mouse, Alladin, Lion King, Toy Story, or Scooby Doo -- you'll probably be able to find bedding, lamps, and other decorative items that use these themes. Towels for the bathroom and toys will be easy to add.

Pirates
The story of Peter Pan can inspire creative parents to design a wonderful room. Boys intrigued by the notion of pirates will love a room using blue ocean themes, ship masts, portholes, netting, treasure boxes, and secret play hideaways.

Knights and Castles
Artistic parents can faux paint castle walls, murals, and blue skies for a truly memorable room. Use the theme of "A Sword in the Stone" or "Camelot" for inspiration. Find another take on this theme offered by for Mercy's Sake in their Galahad collection.

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
There are lots of colorful choices in bedding, fabrics, and wallpaper that feature transportation themes. Most use bright primary colors and offer eye-catching designs. Make a train track border around the room, hang airplanes from the ceiling, or go wild with a car-shaped bed.

Cowboy Kids
This is a fun theme where you can let your imagination run wild. Think bandanna valances, chaps wall hangings, tin stars, horses, rope borders, and more. The baby dude designs offered by for Mercy's Sake offer some fun possibilities. Or check out OliveKids.com Camp Wilderness or the Wild West theme designs from PoshTots.com for more creative examples of this theme and products to add to your decor.

Dinosaurs
From cute and stylized to realistic and ferocious -- dinosaurs themes are still popular. If you suspect this is a passing phase for your little one, then opt for solid color bedding and walls, using theme elements in borders, sheets, valances, and posters.

The information from this post was found at about.com. Photo from vanessakeatinginteriors.com.

First Time Home Buyers' Checklist

2010-01-06T07:53:00.001-07:00

By: Roby Pagong

One of the most important things that a person invests in is purchasing a home. It takes careful planning and research to be able to purchase the right home. In order to lessen the burden they have to go through, some people will get the services of the real estate agents. However, some do not want to do this because for them, it is just an added expense. This is not the case because the buyer does not have to pay the agent. The seller is tasked to give him his sales commission.

An agent will help you in many ways. He can assist you in finding the home you want basing on the criteria provided. He will also provide you with all the viable options when you encounter problems and most importantly, he will protect your best interest. An agent is definitely a big help especially if it is your first time to buy a house.

To help you, here is a checklist you can refer to:

The first thing you need to do is to check your credit score. You have to see to it that it is high because you will encounter a lot of problems if it is low. When it is low, repair it first. It will take time but it is better than to force yourself to purchase a home and encounter more problems after doing so. Low scores will give you bad mortgage terms. It would also make it difficult to get an approval. And if ever you get an approval, you will get high interest rates.
You should also learn about the different mortgage terms. There are various types. You need to know what they are to be able to choose the right term for your current financial condition. Picking the right term is essential because this will be able to give you the chance to pay your loan more comfortably. This means that you will less likely default your payment because the term is suited for your monthly earnings.
It is also important that you are able to choose a good lender. There are a lot of lenders in the market today. However, some are just out to get your money. In order to pick one, make your own research. Search for reputable banks or firms. They should not only offer low rates. Make sure that they clearly explain their different terms to borrowers as well.
After talking to your lender, look for your ideal home. It should be within your budget. In addition to that, see to it that you consider the location. The location is very important because it will influence your daily life. Moreover, it will also be a factor when you resell your house in the future.
Once you have found the right home for you, prepare for the closing. Read the documents given to you in advance and discuss with your agent what you can do to reduce the closing fees. There are charges that you can negotiate.

You should know what has to be done when purchasing a home. It is also essential that you have an agent to represent you in the transaction.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Free Moving Check List

2010-01-05T10:25:00.003-07:00

Go HERE to get a free "Moving Check List" that lets you know, step by step and up to 2 months in advance, what you should be doing to move into your new home safely and efficiently.

Nothing beats getting rid of extra stress when it comes to packing up all your belongings and hauling them to a new location.

FAQ Tuesday

2010-01-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

Q: What kind of financing does Tuscany Homes offer?

A: Tuscany Homes does not provide loans for their homeowners as this is a violation of Utah State Law. However, we have terrific relationships with preferred lenders who know and understand the quality of our product and how best to provide financing for our buyers. In several of our current neighborhoods, buyers can qualify for Rural Housing Loans which have a tremendous advantage over other types of loans in the current market. For more information, please contact one of our Preferred Lenders as listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

Is Your Homeowner's Insurance Enough?

2010-01-04T11:42:00.002-07:00

By: Vicki Hat

Many people are buying homeowner's insurance (HOI). They buy this not because it is required by the lenders but also to protect themselves to the cost of damages brought about by the different hazards in life. Aside from that, this also helps them pay for any injuries that their homes has caused to other people, may be as guests or not. This kind of insurance is very important for this matter because the damage can be very expensive to pay out of pocket. With the help of insurance, the homeowner's burden will be lightened a bit because all they would have to pay is the deductible (which is a fixed amount) and any excess of the full amount covered by the insurance.

However, some people are very disappointed with their homeowner's insurance. They feel that it is not enough. And they sometimes discover this too late. Some have experienced being so shocked only to be denied of their claim because the kind of damage occurred is not within the policy. This can be very frustrating; especially you do not have enough money to cover for the amount. Hence, many homeowners are left with the question if their HOI is enough.

Determining what is enough

Your insurance can be enough if it can cover all the possible damages that could take place within your property. To know this, you need to know by heart the conditions listed in your policy. This is the only way you can identify if you are properly covered. You need to look into the following things:

How the cost will be calculated? Will it be based on replacement cost or actual cash value? If it is actual cash, shift to a policy with guaranteed replacement cost especially if you have antique houses.
Analyze the policy and check if there is coverage for cost of living and loss of personal stuff.
Coverage for cost of living will pay for the accommodation you have obtained while waiting the house to be rebuilt or repaired. This only pays for a percentage of your insurance. On the other hand, lost of personal possessions will pay for both your stuff and valuables that has been damaged or stolen.
Understand the liability insurance. Most liability insurance has a standard coverage of $100,000. However, if your homes have had several histories of accidents, you can increase your coverage up to $1,000,000. But if you are so sure that your house is safe, you can settle for the basic.

But you also have to consider your funds. You also have to get the best of what your money could afford.

Therefore, it is important that you know your policy by heart. You must also pay attention to the natural disasters that are common in the area. If your basic HOI covers for this then good for you. At least you do not have to spend for the additional coverage. However, if not, you really have to prepare yourself for it. For sure, having the insurance is worth it.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

New Year’s Resolution Guide

2009-12-31T12:16:00.001-07:00

Here are a few links that can help you create and actually complete a New Year's resolution.

Go ahead, give them a try.

Choosing a New Year’s Resolution
How to Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolution
How to Track Your New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:06:00.002-07:00

We just wanted to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Enjoy every minute of it.

Is it the Best Time to Buy Property?

2009-12-30T10:27:00.002-07:00

By: Terry Metcalfe

With the recession and the drop in house prices it is understandable to think that the housing market is all bad news at this point in time. However on the contrary it will probably be the best time ever to purchase a property. Especially if you are a first time buyer the time is perfect to invest in your very own property.

Take a few minutes to consider it all, while everyone else is writing about how awful things are at the moment, the price of property is at an all time low. This is then the perfect opportunity to purchase your very own property at low cost. Alongside this factor it is also possible to get thousands of dollars in help from the Government to buy a residence.

So you could purchase your very own condo or apartment at a peerless price, some of the lowest mortgage loan rates heard of in the last 20 years and to make it even better you can even get money back from the government at tax time. Come January you could possibly be receiving an extremely pleasant bank deposit from Uncle Sam if you purchase a home. If you are looking into saving further money by purchasing a condo that needs some updating it may be worthwhile to use the tax repayment to do some repairs and upgrades to the home. Whilst providing the upgrades to your home ensure they are energy efficient, this will in turn allow you to claim some of the cost back on next years tax.

It is distressing that so many families have had to walk away from their condos over the last couple of years, there is no doubt that many people are having a very tough time of it at the moment but that doesn't mean you have to go without the property of your dreams. Don’t let your pity for them cause you to miss out on a bargain house.

If you are wondering about purchasing a home at a point in the near future then you must really start getting ready now so you and your money are organized when the right house appears on the market. Start off the preparations by paying down any outstanding debt you may have as the first step. The next step is to start saving your money so that you will be able to place a deposit on any property or condo that you have dreamed of.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

EVE

2009-12-29T11:31:00.005-07:00

Salt Lake City’s brand-new, three-day shindig kicks off today. And for just $15 you’ll get to take part in all sorts of awesome activities, such as: brain freeze contests, break dance crews, ice skating, handbell ringers and ugly dog contests, to name a few.

There is also plenty of stuff for the kids too: children’s theatre, storytelling, arts and crafts, etc.

Its all happening in various downtown locations, today through Thursday.

Get a map here.

Check out the schedule here.

Buy tickets online here.

Get a dining deal here.

Snag a hotel package here.

Eve

December 29-31, 2009

Downtown Salt Lake City

http://www.eveslc.com/

Loan Modification Process – Things To Know

2009-12-28T14:03:00.003-07:00

By: David Davis

Need help with your mortgage? Did you receive a foreclosure notice? Are you afraid that you may be a victim of foreclosure? If you have some difficult financial situation that threatens the security of ownership of your home, you almost certainly need to consider loan modification. Though a home loan modification can slow the process, you have fewer alternatives the longer you wait.

However you do not have to wait. Select a loan modification attorney, obtain the best possible deal and craft the procedure as trouble-free as possible. There are several important tips you can do to speed up the loan modification procedure. Once your home loan modification takes place, following steps can assist you obtain more positive results.

Put everything in documents. It is not exceptional for homeowners, especially smaller ones, to lose track of your practical application documents. In order to keep away from holdups, make a top all your efforts are documented and continued file. This acknowledges all the calls you make and receive, both from your lender and loan adjustment lawyer. Keep receptions of all your proceedings, and make copies thus you do not have to unleash of the originals.

Make your own report. Part of every home equity loan modification is a financial worksheet, which will be the primary basis for reservation. Nearly all loaners have their own forms; however it will not harm to make your own as well. If your lender beleaguers on using their worksheet, at least you will have all the information ready.

Keep all your accounts. The financial worksheet will require you to roll up old bills and hold on to the ones that continue adding up. This will assist you go on the actuality as precise as possible. Even though they don’t ask for it, it is best to disclose them in any event. That way, there’s no ground for your lender to doubt your instruction. The more test copy you have, the better your adventures of receiving that home loan modification.

In any case, make sure that you give as precise and verifiable information to your loan modification attorney so loan modification servicers discuss with the lenders to get the best possible rate for the loan.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Health Care Bill Damaging to Building Industry Employers

2009-12-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Read more about this HERE, and help out the local home builders!

Selecting a Neighborhood to Purchase In

2009-12-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

By: marco benavides

There are quite a few things that you should consider before selecting the neighborhood where you are going to live. First and foremost, you need to determine what the needs of your family are so that you do not move to a place that is going to be inconvenient. If you are planning to expand your family, you should move into a place that will allow you to expand or you will find yourself looking for another neighborhood sooner than you imagined.

If you have school-aged, then moving to a place with good schools which are nearby may be more important to you than any other amenity the neighborhood might have. If you want to find out the ranking for the school district you are considering, you can go online and find the information, which is readily available. For most people, getting their children a quality education trumps any other benefits a neighborhood might have. If a quality school district is not close by and you do not want to send your children to private school, then you might consider another area with a higher state and national ranking.

In today's day and age, safety is also very important to most families. Some families will forego other services and amenities if they can live in a peaceful area with very little crime. While you are taking a look at the school district's ranking online, you might also want to look for crime rate information. You can find all the statistics necessary to determine just how crime-free your neighborhood actually is. You can go and talk to your potential neighbors and ask them about any crime problems in the vicinity. You can also go to the police station and request crime statistics for the area in which you want to live.

Considering that most suburbs continue to expand and are further away from the workplace, you may also want to consider the amount of time you will have to spend commuting. Most people have an idea about how much time they want to spend traveling to and from work. If you are looking at a neighborhood that will make your commute take longer than you had planned, then you should consider somewhere else. Long commutes are often frustrating and stressful and these are things that you might be looking to avoid.

Consider the things you would want to have nearby if you were to move to a certain neighborhood. You would certainly want reasonable taxes, good fire and police protection, quality schools, recreation, parks and shopping to be close. You would also want to have public transport to be reasonably close by in case you do not want to drive into work or if driving into work is not convenient.

Take into account what is best for you and your family and proceed accordingly. In the end, a neighborhood is only right to live in if it conforms to the needs of everyone in the family. When you make your selection, make sure you consider the things that are going to make the neighborhood a good place in which to live.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

FAQ Tuesday

2009-12-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Q: Will you build on our lot?

A: Yes! Tuscany has and will build on your lot. This involves custom pricing and time, but we have found that homeowners realize the high value of a Tuscany home and the competitive nature of our bidding. For more information, please contact one of our sales agent listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

Buying vs. Renting

2009-12-21T10:53:00.001-07:00

By: Rose B

The vast and overwhelming market of the real estate industry is a very challenging sector yet the opportunities and rewards are increasingly tempting. Hence, if you have the necessary resources to make an investment in this industry, you may opt for home purchase and ownership. There are however many instances and realities in the economy and financial sector that created a stir in this option. Now home buyers are torn between making a salient and sound decision whether to buy or rent a property for their housing needs.

The battle between home buying and home renting is becoming very confusing that you need to outline the different pros and cons of the two entities. The ultimate goal of every individual is on finding the best alternative that will help them in their housing needs while making sure that they do not burden themselves with too much and too hefty expenses. Thus, which one is really the best for you? Is it buying a home or renting a unit to live in?

One of the first things to consider is the finances and expenses that you are going to incur in whichever venture you opted to choose. For instance, home buying is more demanding when it comes to financial resources. You ought to find a good mortgage loan in order to finance your monthly payment obligations. In the current market, getting a home equity loan is not a piece of cake. You need to submit into the grueling and time-consuming method of applying and getting approved for the loan.

Carefully assess the sales price of the property you are planning to buy versus the amount of rent payment you will provide when you opted for rental. Compare the two amounts and evaluate which one is affordable and within your reach. If you have good sources of income and you know that you can comply with your monthly mortgage payment, then you can go ahead and initialize your home buying transaction. However, if you have limited finances and purchasing a house is hindering you to make ends meet, then renting a house is a wiser alternative.

Home buying and home renting are greatly influenced with the current situation of your employment stability. It is not surprising that in lieu with the economic downturn, many individuals lose their jobs or suffer demotion. Hence, if your job is currently in jeopardy, do not risk the chance of losing a home when you buy one and you cannot keep up with the monthly payment obligations. If you have unstable financial sources, renting a home is more likely than buying one and losing it afterward.

When you buy a house, you surely need to allocate much of your time and effort into it from the moment you occupy the property and the days after that. If you are a very busy person and you cannot attend to the home maintenance issues that are inevitable in owning a house, then rental option is the best alternative to take. You only have to pay the rent and inform the landlord or management whenever you have maintenance problems and they will take care of it for you.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Letters To Soldiers

2009-12-18T07:29:00.001-07:00

XEROX is doing something great...

If you go to this web site www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we care about them; especially during this holiday season.

Facts for First-Time Home Buyers to Consider During Home Buying Process

2009-12-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

By: marco benavides

First-time home buyers can sometimes get overloaded with information during the process of looking for a mortgage loan and buying a home. It is therefore imperative to consider some things before even getting involved in the process. If you go into the home-buying process without a clear and concise idea of what you need, you might run into problems. You might also run into problems if you have not taken into account how much you can actually afford in mortgage loan payments.

Much has been made of people actually not wanting to pay mortgages when they owe more than their home is worth. However, according to an article in Time Magazine back in July, most mortgage defaults still happen because homeowners cannot pay the mortgage. With this in mind, you should make some serious calculations as to how much you can actually pay toward a mortgage loan without putting yourself in a financial bind.

This means that you need to add up your credit card payments, car payment and all your other bills to see how much money is going out of your income to pay for your debts. If your debt obligations and your mortgage loan payments are over 36%, mortgage lenders will normally reduce the amount that you can borrow for a mortgage. Financial institutions want to be as sure as possible that you can pay the money that you are going to borrow for your mortgage. Therefore, if you have many debt obligations, it would be better to pay down your debt and wait to buy a house.

For renters, the best advantage that homeownership has over renting is that you will actually be building equity in your home. It is an investment that will pay off as you make more payments on your home mortgage loan. You will not see much equity during the first few years of the loan because of how much interest you pay off in the beginning. However, the loan balances off in the middle and actually tilts to your advantage toward the end. As a renter, the apartment or house that you are living in will never be yours as long as you are paying rent.

If you are wondering whether you can buy a home despite having bad credit, you should look into some of the mortgage loan programs offered by the federal government. You might want to contact a housing counseling agency funded by HUD. You will find that the federal government offers potential home buyers a lot of information and assistance. You simply have to contact the corresponding agency and request information on the government programs being offered. It is to your advantage to go into negotiations for a home mortgage loan with as much information as possible.

The information you gather will help you determine whether buying a house is right for you at this time and what you have to do in order to get the best terms available. For those who determine that they can meet their debt obligations and mortgage loan payments, owning a home is quite a satisfying experience. Owning a home provides your family with stability and security and most people consider these things priceless.

Article From Real Estate Pro Articles

Mortgage Rates Changing April 1

2009-12-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Fixed or Floating Home Loan?

2009-12-16T11:39:00.002-07:00

Go HERE to read a Q&A about fixed/floating home loans.

FAQ Tuesday

2009-12-15T09:30:00.002-07:00

Q: Will you build our floor plan?

A: Yes! Tuscany does build custom homes for homeowners. For more information, please contact one of our sales representatives as listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

Recovery Act Programs Help Small Business In Tough Economic Times

2009-12-14T14:31:00.002-07:00

Good to know...

If the video isn't working go HERE.

5 Qualifications for a Low Interest Home Loan

2009-12-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Getting a low interest home loan depends on a number of personal factors in your application. While the majority of the factors listed below are personal, there are also market factors that will affect your home loan rate. If you meet personal criteria for a low interest loan, though, you will be less affected by swings in the market at large.

1. Good Credit Score

The first thing any lender will consider when sourcing your loan is how you have performed with credit in the past. Borrowers who have taken out a number of installment loans in the past and paid them off will be the most attractive. If you have never had an installment loan, this will hurt your chances of getting a good rate even if you have performed well in managing your credit card debt. Further, those borrowers who have only positive credit marks but a short credit history may be penalized in their interest rates.

2. Large Down Payment

The more you can put down, the better deal you will get. You will have less total funds in your mortgage. Further, you will providing the lender with a sign of good faith in your ability to save and manage money. Borrowers who have very low down payments often scare mortgage lenders who wonder if they can truly afford the home. You can also avoid paying mortgage insurance on a loan lower than 20%.

3. Shorter Loan Option

Extending the life of your loan will typically lower your monthly payments but raise your interest rate. The borrower needs to anticipate and compensate for inflation in that time period. Paying off your mortgage in 10 to 15 years will lead to a lower interest rate and a lower amount of total funds paid to the mortgage company.

4. Stable Income

One factor many borrowers forget is the income consideration. It is best if all applicants on the loan document have a stable employment history. Working for the same company for at least two years with reasonable raises and promotions is a sign of expected continual income growth. If one of the applicants on the loan has been laid off, recently started a new job or is self-employed, the interest rate may go up. Some purchasers decide to leave one member of a party off an application for this reason. If the single applicant has an income high enough to cover the mortgage payment, this may be a good option.

5. The Right Time to Buy

All the personal factors listed above will not save you if you are looking to purchase at a bad time. You should look for a time when the national interest rate is fairly low. However, a rate close to zero may be indicative of a credit market collapse, meaning lending institutions will be holding back from new loans. It is not best to buy at the top of the market either, when loan rates and home prices are their highest. While you may never be certain when is truly the best time for you to buy a new home, paying attention to these factors helps you make a more informed decision.

This article was found HERE.

10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill This Winter

2009-12-10T08:28:00.002-07:00

Finding ways to cut your electricity bill doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s the simple choices we make that can have a biggest impact.

So, try these 10 small things before the snow flies again:

Tip #1: Crank Down.
In winter, turn your thermostat down by two degrees and wear a sweater. It will save you $180 per year on your energy bill (and just think of the huge energy saving around the province if everyone did this).

Tip #2: Fill Up.
Ensure the dishwasher is full before you turn it on. Dishwashers are more energy and water efficient when full. Researchers have also found the machines consistently do a better job—with less water—than hand-washing.

Tip # 3: Morning Retreat.
A low-flow shower head requires less water and, by extension, needs less heat to warm the water. You can also insulate your water tank and set the thermostat two degrees lower to save energy. The range should be from 60 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius. If you have a set thermostat, this range is midway between “warm normal” or “low medium”. We assure you, you’ll never notice the difference!

Tip # 4: A Cooler Cool.
Simply cleaning the condenser coil on your refrigerator can improve its efficiency. And the next time you’re replacing a refrigerator, look for an ENERGY STAR model, which typically has a more energy-efficient compressor, better insulation and temperature controls that offers energy savings that conventional models can’t.

Tip #5: Clean Heat.
Cleaning your furnace filter every two months can increase its efficiency by 50 percent.

Tip #6: Time it right.
Install a timer on your water heater and furnace to turn it off at night and back on just before you wake up in the morning. Few people realize that waiting to do electricity-heavy activities (such as laundry or showering) before 7 am and after 10 pm can hugely reduce your energy requirements and costs. (In fact, some provinces now raise electricity rates in the daytime (prime time), making it smarter than ever to wait until it’s late to run your appliances.)

Tip #7: Be Caulk-y.
Before you feel the full force of winter, weatherproof your home. Make sure you have enough insulation, get double-pane windows and caulk any cracks. You’ll get rid of those uncomfortable drafts and save money that was flowing out of your home with the heat.

Tip #8: Vampires Beware.
Unplug home electronics when you’re not using them. Most of them have features that make them easier to use—instant-on TVs, for instance—that also suck up electricity, even when they’re not in use to the tune. This can amount to $75 in energy costs per year. Be sure to turn off your computer, too.

Tip # 9: Dry Smart.
Dry two or more loads of laundry in a row to take advantage of an already warm dryer. Remove clothes from the dryer when they’re still warm to prevent wrinkling. And clean the lint filter before every load. A clogged filter can increase energy use by up to 30 percent and also present a safety hazard.

Tip # 10: Light solutions.
Replace your home’s incandescent light bulbs with CFL (http://greenlivingonline.com/article/how-recycle-your-cfls) or LED bulbs. You’ll save energy with the lower wattage it takes to power the bulb but also from reduced cooling costs—incandescent bulbs give off 90 percent of their energy as heat.

We found this information HERE.

Cold Weather Tips

2009-12-09T09:43:00.007-07:00

I think we can all agree that ITS FREEZING OUTSIDE!

With that in mind, it is important for homeowners to know a few tricks to dealing with cold weather in order to keep your pipes from freezing.

1. Keep open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes (such as access doors for sinks), so that household air can warm them. The natural flow of warmer air will help combat many problems.

2. If you have an attached garage, keep its doors shut. Occasionally, plumbing is routed through this unheated space, leaving it vulnerable to winter's worst.

3. Crack a faucet farthest from the place where your water enters the house. A very slow drip will keep water molecules moving, reducing the chance that pipes will freeze. Place a bucket underneath the faucet so the water can be saved for other household uses.

4. Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days.

5. Insulate pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before. Pipes close to exterior walls or in unheated basements or crawlspaces can be wrapped with pieces of insulation. Don't overlook pipes near windows, which can quickly freeze. For particularly difficult pipes, consult a professional on how to select and apply heat tape.

6. Know the location of your water shut-off switch and test it regularly. If a pipe breaks, you won't want to have to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawlspace, on a wall facing the street.

7. If you didn’t get your sprinkler system off and drained this year, make sure to check for leaks when you turn on the system next spring.

If you think a pipe has already frozen, do the following:

1. Don't wait for nature to take its course: Thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a plumber for help.

2. If you do it yourself, shut off the water or test the shut-off valve. You don't want water suddenly gushing from the pipe when it thaws.
Remember: When thawing things, slower is better.

3. A hair dryer trained at the frozen area of the pipe is appropriate. A blow torch is not. Pipes warmed too fast may break anyway.

Certain steps, taken early, can help prevent pipe breaks when the mercury dips:

1. Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly. If a pipe breaks, you won't want to have to find it then or, worse, wait for someone to arrive at your place to find it for you. In most single-family homes, the shut-off valve is in the basement or the crawlspace, on a wall facing the street.

2. Turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems before first freeze. You'll thank yourself in the spring. The alternate freezing and thawing of water in the system can create cracks and weak spots, triggering silent underground leaks or mini-geysers.

3. Turn off outdoor faucets and be sure to disconnect hoses from them. Make sure the faucet and the outside portion of the pipes are fully drained. A valve inside many houses will shut off the water's flow; then open and close the tap outside to release any water in the pipe. Disconnect the hose to assure that freeze-proof faucets will drain and to avoid damage to the hose from freezing water.

4. Winterize unheated or vacant buildings. Significant property damage and water loss can occur before burst pipes are discovered in vacant buildings. If your vacant building has a fire protection system, make sure there is no danger that the water servicing this system might freeze.

5. Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before. Pipes close to exterior walls or in unheated basements can be wrapped with pieces of insulation. Don't overlook pipes near windows, which can quickly freeze. For particularly difficult pipes, consult a professional on how to select and apply heat tape.

this information was taken from HERE

Concert And Cookies

2009-12-08T10:07:00.007-07:00

This week there are two note worthy events happening in good ol' Utah County.

First is the American Fork Symphony's Christmas Concert. It begins at 7:30 p.m at American Fork High School. $3 dollars for individuals and $10 dollars for families. If you would like more information visit http://www.americanforksymphony.org/

Second, you can enjoy Cookies with Santa. 10 a.m. at the Dear Lizzie Boutique and Bistro. reservations are required so please call 801-492-0022.

And, don't forget to enjoy your week!

FAQ Tuesday

2009-12-08T09:30:00.002-07:00

Q: Can we make changes to your floor plans?

A: Tuscany works carefully with architects, subcontractors, and interior designers so that each of their floor plans are carefully thought out and arranged to maximize the benefits to the home owner. However, they can make changes to a floor plan based on the special needs of the homeowner.

For more information, please contact one of our sales representatives as listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

100 Things To Do In Provo

2009-12-07T09:28:00.001-07:00

C Jane's Guide to Provo is compiling a list of 100 things you can do while in Provo. It should be a treat. There will be a post of 20 things each day this week.

Check it out HERE. Its always nice to have a few extra activity choices on the menu.

Homemade Gift Guide

2009-12-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

There are some wonderful homemade gift ideas produced by local Utah companies. The best part about these homemade gems, is that they come in a kit. So, if you are feeling crafty, but don't necessarily know where to start, visit the link below. You won't be disappointed.

Gift Guide: Stories by Me - ABC 4.com - Salt Lake City, Utah News

Christmas Advent Calendar

2009-12-03T09:10:00.001-07:00

While it's still the beginning of December, download this free advent calender from mibo.

More Home-Buyer Tax Credit Q&A

2009-12-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

By Sandra Block, USA TODAY

If you're in the market for a home, the world is your oyster. Interest rates are at record lows. Housing prices in many parts of the country are still depressed. And you may be eligible for a generous tax break, even if the home you buy isn't your first.

On Nov. 6, President Obama signed legislation that provides a $6,500 tax credit for some current homeowners who buy another home. The law also extends the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, scheduled to expire Nov. 30, until next spring.

CHART: Original tax credit vs. newer expanded version

HOME PRICES: Index shows gains; see 20 metro areas

Judging from the mail we've received, a lot of people are interested in taking advantage of this tax break. But the expanded credit also has whipped up a lot of confusion. Here are some answers to questions from readers:

Q: How do I qualify for the $6,500 credit?

A: This credit is available for home buyers who sign a binding contract on a new or existing home by April 30, 2010, and settle by July 1 (deadlines that also apply to the first-time home buyer credit). You must have lived in your existing home for five consecutive years out of the last eight. The home you purchase must be your primary residence. However, the law doesn't require you to sell your old home, says Bob Meighan, vice president at TurboTax, the tax software provider. You can use it as a second home or a rental and still claim the credit, he says.

Q: I sold a home I had lived in for more than five years and bought a new one in August. Do I qualify for a tax credit?

A: No. For existing homeowners, the $6,500 credit is limited to homes purchased after Nov. 6.

Q: Does the home I buy have to be more expensive than the one I own now?

A: No. While the real estate industry is hopeful that homeowners will use this credit to buy a nicer place, there's no prohibition against using it to downsize, Meighan says. That makes this credit particularly useful for seniors who are interested in moving into a smaller home.

If you are planning to move up, keep in mind that you can't claim the credit if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000. Unlike some other tax credits, this one doesn't slowly phase out once you exceed the threshold, Meighan says. If you buy a home for more than $800,000 — and that refers to the purchase price, not the assessed value or the amount of your mortgage — you are ineligible for the credit, period.

The $800,000 cap also applies to first-time home buyers, but only those who purchase a home after Nov. 6. First-time home buyers who bought a home for more than $800,000 between Jan. 1 and Nov. 6 can still claim the credit, assuming they meet the other criteria, Meighan says.

Q: I'm an existing homeowner, and would like to build a new home. Can I claim the credit?

A: Yes, but make sure your builder is good at meeting deadlines. You can claim the credit as long as you have a binding contract in place by April 30 and close by July 1. In the case of a new home, the closing date is the day you move in, Meighan says. If your home isn't habitable by June 30, you won't be able to claim the credit, he says.

Q: I bought a home in 2008 and claimed the old $7,500 first-time home buyer's credit, which must be repaid over 15 years. Did the new law change that rule?

A: No. That credit, which was available for homes purchased between April 9, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008, must still be repaid.

The $8,000 first-time home buyer credit, available for homes purchased after Dec. 31, 2008, doesn't have to be repaid as long as you remain in the home for at least three years. Existing homeowners who qualify for the $6,500 credit don't have to repay that money, either, as long as they meet the three-year requirement.

Q: We have a rental home and would like to sell it to our son, who has never owned a home. Would he qualify for the first-time home buyer credit?

A: No. The legislation specifically prohibits taxpayers from claiming the credit if the sale is between "related parties," Meighan says. A home sale to a parent, grandparent, child or grandchild would fall into that category.

Q: I sold my home this year and have been renting since. If I buy a new home, do I qualify for the expanded credit?

A: Yes, as long as you meet all of the other requirements, says Mel Schwarz, partner with Grant Thornton in Washington, D.C. The eight-year period used to determine eligibility ends on the day you buy your new home, he says.

Go HERE to see the article

New Tax Filing Rules For Home-Buyer Credit Claims

2009-12-02T08:16:00.005-07:00

"If you're planning to claim a home-buyer tax credit on your 2009 tax return, you'd better sharpen your pencil. The IRS says you must file a paper return, and cannot file electronically.

In an attempt to crack down on some of the fraud involving first-time home-buyer tax credit claims filed so far, the new law that extended the credit until next spring imposed a couple of new limits. For example, dependents cannot claim the credit. Anyone younger than 18 on the date of the home purchase cannot claim it unless they make the purchase with an older co-buyer.

Members of the military -- and federal employees working for the Foreign Service and intelligence agencies -- on duty outside the United States have been given an extra year to buy a home with the tax credit. They can qualify if they go under contract by April 30, 2011, and close the deal by June 30, 2011. Others, however, must wrap their deals up in 2010.

For more explanations, including some what-if scenarios, check out the IRS Web site."

By Elizabeth Razzi of The Washington Post
To see the article go HERE

Homemade Snowflake Garland

2009-12-02T07:55:00.002-07:00

Go HERE to learn how to make this very cute and festive Snowflake Banner. There are patterns and everything. Its the perfect craft for when you have a little time in doors and are in need of some extra Christmas cheer.

Tuscany's Ranking As A Woman-Owned Business

2009-12-01T17:50:00.005-07:00

Take a look at Utah Business Magazine's Women-Owned Business ranking for 2008. Then, check out the number FOUR spot.

Debbie Hooge has done marvelous things with this company. We are so proud of her and all of her hard work.

FAQ Tuesday

2009-12-01T09:30:00.001-07:00

Q: What special buyer incentives do you offer?

A: Tuscany builds a home that is superior in quality, workmanship and materials to their competitors. This built-in value is often thousands of dollars of “incentives” to the discriminating homebuyer. Even with the added amenities and value, Tuscany is competitively priced.

In addition, if you use one of Tuscany's preferred lenders, there are several incentives that will be made available to you as the homebuyer. For more information, please contact any of our sales representatives as listed on our website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/).

Christmas Ideas For The Family

2009-11-30T10:38:00.009-07:00

1. First of all go HERE to print off a cute little calendar for the month of December created by m.writes.

Print one to schedule holiday events and print another for your little one(s) as a daily projects advent to hang on the fridge, at kid level. Who doesn't love counting down the days with a big red X in each box?

2. And, since tomorrow is December 1st and the countdown to Christmas will begin make sure to try out Melissa's wonderful idea of wrapping 25 Christmas stories.

Go HERE to read about opening one a day until the big day.

3. Check out THIS website to find hundreds of fun ideas for celebrating Christmas with your children. Creative crafts, tasty treats, and great gift ideas. Plan a fun Christmas party and decorate your home for the holidays.

You can also locate fun Christmas activities in your area, including Christmas Parades, Santa's Villages, and Holiday Celebrations!

4. Christmas Around the World December 4-5 by the BYU Folk Dance Ensemble

5. Festival of Trees December 2-5

6. Here Comes Santa Claus! December 19. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, take a break from the seasonal rush and warm your vocal chords while your family sings along with Santa Claus and the rest of the Utah Symphony.

7. The Polar Express by the Heber Valley Railroad November 27-28, December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 21-23. Join real-life elves and Cocoa Chefs for hot drinks and treats, while sharing favorite carols and a Christmas story. You're sure to feel the holiday spirit when your child's eyes light up as Santa climbs aboard.

8. A Christmas Carol by the Hale Center Theatre November 28-December 23

For more ideas try THIS website. And be sure to enjoy this wonderful Christmas season!

FAQ Tuesday

2009-11-24T08:30:00.002-07:00

Q: Where does Tuscany Homes build?

A: All of Tuscany Homes current locations are listed on their website (http://www.mytuscanyhomes.com/). To find out about our upcoming or new locations such as Morgan, Coalville, Blue Water Villas, Silver Lake and Santaquin, please contact Bob Peavley, our sales agent, at 801-414-6212 for details.

Tax credit spurs U.S. home sales

2009-11-23T22:34:00.001-07:00

The National Association of Realtors said sales surged a record of 10.1% in October, the highest since February 2007.

Read more about this HERE in an article by the Financial Post.

HouseLogic

2009-11-20T10:18:00.001-07:00

HouseLogic is a wonderful new resource for home buyers and homeowners, brought to you by the National Association of Realtors. After creating a login, each member is presented with tasks and articles that teach them how to improve their life, their neighborhood, and their home.

Go HERE to check it out.

A Day Of Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

7 Things All Home Buyers Ought To Know

2009-11-18T09:27:00.001-07:00

"Ignorance is bliss was never said about real estate purchases for 7 good reasons. With real estate, the best goal is not buying, but owning and enjoying."

Go HERE to read an article by PJ Wade outlining the seven things home buyers ought to know.

New Model Home

2009-11-17T14:35:00.002-07:00

Tuscany has opened a new model home in Saratoga Springs (Utah).

751 North Aberdeen Way

It will be open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm.

For questions, comments or concerns call Bob at 801 414 6212.

View Map for directions.

Oh Sweet Sadie Art And Gift Show

2009-11-17T10:13:00.001-07:00

Once again, we are posting something outside of Utah County, but it should be worth the hassle.

Starting tomorrow is the 5th annual Oh Sweet Sadie Art and Gift Show.

It will run from:
November 18 to 21
9:30 am to 8 pm
With a wrap-up party Saturday from 3 to 5 pm

You can find it at:
SoDa Row in Daybreak
(4821 Littlefield Lane, South Jordan)
www.ohsweetsadie.com

Christmas Light Installation

2009-11-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Since the holiday season is right around the corner (and we know how much you LOVE to decorate), we thought it would be nice to list of the few companies that install Christmas lights.

These companies cater specifically to Utah and Salt Lake counties and all will give a free estimate.

Aspen Acres Christmas Lighting

P.O. Box 1484

95 West 100 South

Provo UT, 84603

Phone: (801) 360-9243

Happy Valley Lights
Phone: (801) 710-4721

Ask for Hyrum
http://www.happyvalleylights.com/
sales@happyvalleylights.com

Headman Lawn Care and Christmas Lighting

1932 North Main Street, Unit 3

Spanish Fork, UT 84660

Phone: (801) 426-9199

Email: headmanlawncare@hotmail.com

NorthernLightFX
Phone: (801) 615-6703

Ask for Kavan

SilverLeaf Lighting
Phone: (801) 995-0272

The Christmas Light Professionals

358 South 700 East, Suite B413

Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Phone: (877) 843-5776

Email: thelightpros@me.com

TopStar Christmas Lights
Phone: (801) 573-6774

Ask for Stan

There were a few company-less people that are installing as well...

Dave

(801) 367-6442

Emily

(801) 604-7055

$1.00 per foot (this includes installation and take down)

Thanksgiving Garland by Simply Modern Mom

2009-11-16T10:57:00.001-07:00

There is a great post on how to make your own Thanksgiving Garland by Simply Modern Mom. Its a cute decoration that allows you to express what you are most thankful for.

Go HERE to learn the step by step details.

Joyful Holiday Boutique

2009-11-13T16:17:00.001-07:00

Coram Deo Church is having a Joyful Holiday Boutique:

Saturday, November 14, 2009
9:00am - 3:00pm

24 W. Sergeant Ct. Dr. #201
Saratoga Springs, UT

Go HERE for more information

Top 10 Foreclosure Markets

2009-11-13T11:58:00.001-07:00

Another article from Dan Green...

"Of The Top 10 Foreclosure Markets Nationwide, Only 1 Is Getting Worse"

Go HERE to read it.

Notice the bar chart. Yes, Utah is one of the top 10. Thankfully, it is not the 1 getting worse.

Newer, Stricter FHA Streamline Refinance Program

2009-11-13T09:34:00.001-07:00

Dan Green summarizes the newer, stricter FHA Streamline Refinance Program (which changes effective November 17, 2009)

"Want to refinance on the FHA Streamline Refi program? Better get your application in-process pronto. There are 4 days left to apply for an FHA Streamline Refi under the 'old rules.' Starting November 17, the FHA changes its underwriting guidelines for the popular FHA-to-FHA refinance program..."

To see the rest of his article, go HERE.

Alice Lane - Home Collection

2009-11-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

Alice Lane - Home Collection is a beautiful store, with beautiful home decor and design services.

"Whether you need assistace with the renovation of an entire residence or just finding the finishing touches for your favorite room, we can help."

They are located at 1350 South State Street Orem, Utah 84058

For more information, go to their website.

Foreclosures Went Down 3%

2009-11-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

Foreclosures dipped 3 percent in October, but unemployment could derail the downward trend. Read about it HERE on the ABC News site.

Thanks TeJay Rasband for showing us this article.

Who Plans To Buy Next?

2009-11-11T10:59:00.001-07:00

5 percent of Americans (that would be roughly 153,935,250 people) plan to buy a home next year. Read a Fox News article about it HERE.

Home Buyer Tax Credit Q&A

2009-11-11T10:46:00.001-07:00

A few of the "Do I Qualify?" questions from the Home Buyer Tax Credit are addressed HERE in an article from The Wall Street Journal.

And, HERE by Jamie Smith Hopkins from the Baltimore Sun.

Free Printable Chore Chart For Kids

2009-11-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

ModEco Kids has an adorable, and better yet FREE, printable chore chart.

Go HERE to download and print it off.

November Concert Guide

2009-11-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Go HERE for a list of all the concerts, venues, prices, dates, times...the list goes on...of bands coming to Utah in November.

There are a few updates in the comments below the post, so don't forget to check them out!

Article On Home-Buyer Tax Credit

2009-11-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

USA Today article on Home-Buyer Tax Credit.
Check it out.

Home Buyer Federal Tax Credit (Update)

2009-11-06T16:37:00.001-07:00

Highlights:

The unemployment extension bill that is expected to be signed into law shortly by President Obama has major benefits for both new and existing home buyers.
It extends the $8,000 tax credit until April 30, 2010, for first-time home buyers.
Further, a new $6,500 tax credit has been created for repeat buyers who are purchasing a principal residence during the same period.
Repeat buyers can claim the $6,500 tax credit if they have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight.
Both categories of home buyers have until June 30, 2010, to close on the home after signing a contract prior to May 1, 2010.
In more good news, the income eligibility limits to claim the full credit amount for both groups of home buyers have been raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.
Single taxpayers earning between $125,000 and $145,000 can claim a partial credit of less than $8,000 for a first-time home buyer and $6,500 for an existing buyer, while the phase-out for married couples ends for those earning above $245,000.
Buyers can claim the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid. However, home buyers must use the residence for at least three years or face recapture of the credit amount.
Since tax credit is fully refundable, it means that the home buyer can claim the credit even if they owe little or no federal income taxes. In other words the government would write you a check.
For example, if a home buyer owes the government $3,000 in federal taxes and qualifies for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit, the taxpayer would receive a $5,000 refund check from the IRS ($8,000 minus the $3,000 owed).
Homes over a purchase price of $800,000 do not qualify.

Act Soon to Take Advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit:

Like all good things in life, the tax credit won’t last forever.
Even as the bill neared passage, proponents of the home buyer tax credit made it explicitly clear that the extension would have a limited shelf life and not be extended again when it expires next year. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), a long-time champion of the home buyer tax credit, said, "This is the last extension of the home buyer tax credit. Tax credits like this only work by creating the sense of urgency to take advantage of it, and to bring the market back."
On the floor of the Senate, Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said: “It is important that this tax credit does not become a permanent fixture in the tax code.” Baucus added that the seven-month extension of the tax credit would be “long enough to encourage home buyers to buy homes, but it’s short enough to remain fiscally responsible."

A Great Home Buying Opportunity:

Current market conditions are excellent. With the home buyer tax credit now available to a much broader group of consumers, it adds up to an unprecedented opportunity for home buyers.
Mortgage interest rates are near 5 percent – the lowest level in decades.
There is a great selection of homes to choose from.
Home values in many markets are at the lowest level since 2003.
Many builders have inventory that is “move-in ready,” and they may offer upgrades or other incentives to seal the deal.
Likewise, owners of existing homes who are looking to trade-up or relocate are ready to bargain.
Add it all up and there may never be another buyer’s market as good as today’s.

Please keep in mind that this information will be updated when the legislation is signed by President Obama, which we expect to occur shortly.

National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) consumer-oriented Web site, www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, is being updated right now, and will provide complete details on the enhanced home buyer tax credit after the bill is signed into law by the President. We expect to have it updated by tomorrow afternoon or at the latest, Monday morning.

NAHB will launch a set of resources to help you understand and promote the new tax credit over the next couple of days as well. Check www.nahb.org/taxcreditresources early next week.2009-2010 Home Buyer Federal Tax Credit Fact Sheet, click here.

The information for this post was taken from this page.

The New Guy: Bob Peavley

2009-11-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tuscany Homes recently hired its newest head of sales and marketing, Bob Peavley.

Bob Peavley Bio:

"I was born in Bangkok, Thailand and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. I started my career as a chef and I have a ridiculous love and passion for food. I opened my first restaurant in 1993, and was the General Manager and Executive Chef for a very successful family operated chain.

Obviously, my background is in customer service and public relations.

After I met my wife, Brooke, in one of the restaurants I decided it was time to hang up my coat and start a family (we currently have 2 children). We soon moved to Utah and I began a new career in real estate.

The last five years I have focused my efforts in land acquisitions and development. I have developed subdivisions as small as five lots, and have managed the development of a master planned community. I am a licensed real estate agent, as well as CSP certified.

I am excited and grateful to be a part of the Tuscany Homes team. I look forward to working with a group of professionals who have great respect for one another and have a true respect for their craft."

Vintage Flea Market

2009-11-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend, besides the Rod Works Sale, Piper & Chloe Holiday Showcase and the Bijou Market, there is the Vintage Flea Market .

Knobs

2009-11-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

At Tuscany Homes we realize that style is very important. Each tiny detail counts to make a home unique to its buyer.

We try to stay ahead of the crowd when it comes to this, but there are a few things that are out of our hands.

These KNOBS from ANTHROPOLOGIE are a great way to give your kitchen, bathrooms, or bedrooms a distinct and beautiful look. Go ahead, check them out!