They say there are two things you can count on in life…

We won’t talk about the first one, but the second one may be spread out across your desk at home. It’s tax time, and if you are still scouring your numbers and bought a home recently -- or plan to soon, don’t forget about the Home Buyer Tax Credit. The credit is easy to attain. Just follow these tips from the National Association of Realtors:

1. Close on your home purchase between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, or have a binding written contract in place by April 30, 2010 with a closing date no later than June 30, 2010.

2. Decide whether to:

apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010;
file an amended 2009 return; or,
apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.

3. Attach documentation of purchase to your return.

When to Apply the Credit

Buyers purchasing homes on or before December 31, 2009 may claim the credit on their 2009 tax returns.

Buyers purchasing in 2010 will have the option to: 

Claim the credit on their 2009 return, even if the purchase is completed after December 31, 2009;

File an amended return for 2009 if their purchase is completed after April 15, 2010; or,

Claim the credit on their 2010 tax returns.

If you, or your client, purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: How to Get the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Applying the Credit to Your 2009 Taxes

You will need to do three things to claim the credit on your 2009 tax return:

• Fill out Form 5405 to determine the amount of your available credit 
• Apply the credit when you file your 2009 tax return or file an amended return 
• Attach documentation of purchase to your return or amended return

Visit our website to view great homes for sale: http://www.theparrettgroup.com/

After the jelly beans are gone, what to do with a long holiday weekend?

It’s a holiday weekend and many of homeowners use the extra time off to turn their attention to Spring cleaning and sprucing up their home. If you’ve got the fix it up bug but not a lot of time, here are 5 quick tips on how you can increase your home’s value without spending a lot of money. We think you may even know someone to help you out with tip number one… (*wink*)




5 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value


Tip 1: Spend an hour with a pro.


Invite a Realtor or interior designer over to check out your home. Many Realtors will do this as a courtesy, but you will probably have to pay a consultation fee to a designer. Check with several designers in your area -- a standard hourly fee is normally less than $100.


In an hour, a professional can give you lots of ideas for needed improvements. Even small suggestions, such as paint colors or furniture placement, can go a long way toward improving the look and feel of your home.


Tip 2: Find inspiration.


Want an even cheaper alternative to a professional consultation? Search for remodeling and decorating inspiration in design-oriented magazines, books, TV shows and Web sites. Simply tear out or print off the ideas you want to try and start your to-do list. Keep it simple: when remodeling on a tight budget, do-it-yourself type projects are best.


Tip 3: Inspect it!


Not every home improvement is cosmetic. Hidden problems like deteriorating roofs, termite infestation or outdated electrical systems can negatively impact your home's value. Hire an inspector to check out the areas of your home that you don't normally see. Small problems, like a hidden water leak, can become expensive headaches if you put off repairs. A little investment now can save you loads of cash later.


Tip 4: Paint, paint, paint.


One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is a fresh coat of paint. Newly painted rooms look clean and updated -- and that spells value. Neutral paint colors appeal to the greatest number of people, therefore making your home more desirable. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, tape, drop cloths and brushes. So, buy a few gallons and get busy!


Tip 5: Cut energy costs.


If you think your utility bill is a fixed amount, call your local utility company to find out. Many energy providers offer free energy audits of their customers' homes. They can show you how to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. A power- and water-saving home will conserve your money now, and is more valuable in the long run. Plus, you can use the money you save for more updates!


(Thanks HGTV.com for the tips!)


Visit our website for some great homes for sale: http://www.theparrettgroup.com/

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