Going Green and The New Tax Credit

Saint Patrick’s Day has just passed, Spring is just around the corner and April is on its way.  These things put me in mind of the color green, which led to thinking green living, which then reminded me of the new tax credit available to homeowners in Lake Havasu.
 
Lake Havasu homeowners can tax advantage of a new tax credit which is a part of the stimulus program.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 changed and extended the tax credits for energy home improvements.

    *      The tax credit was increased from a $500 maximum to a $1,500 cap.
    *      The tax credit was extended to include the year 2010.
    *      The tax credit was increased from 10% to 30%.
    *      The tax credit of 30% now applies to items which previously had a specific dollar amount.
 
A tax credit is also available for improvements made in 2008, but what qualifies is more restrictive.  Only certain types of energy home improvements qualify for the tax credit.  In some cases, the tax credit will cover installation costs.  Windows, doors, roofs and water heaters are some of the energy improvements which qualify for the tax credit.
 
The Energy Star website features a Summary Of Tax Credits For Homeowners and other valuable information that you may find helpful.  Going green in real estate is the new trend.  Homes with energy efficient features get more showings, sell faster and get a higher asking price, according to recent surveys.
 
A simple improvement of your Lake Havasu home may not seem like much of a stimulus to our economy.  However, when you think about it, someone will need to do the improvement, which means somebody has a job.  Even if you decide to do-it-yourself, you will buy your green improvement from a local business which creates demand.  Demand creates jobs in manufacturing.  Every little bit helps.
 
You can improve your Lake Havasu home for your own enjoyment while increasing its marketability and value.  In addition, you are able to take advantage of the tax credit and be a part of the stimulus plan restoring economic stability to Lake Havasu and other parts of the nation.
 
Donna Ball, Lake Havasu Real Estate
 
Energy Star website: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
Tax Credit Home Improvement – FAQ

Storage with Style

Do you often find that there never seems to be enough space, no matter the size of the room?  Here are some easy and stylish ways to store your things:

1. Install a pull-out bin below your bar to keep your alcohol bottles within easy reach without cluttering the bar.

2. Store extra writing implements, pans, homework, mail and more out of sight in a kitchen island with drawers.  It is not only practical, but an interesting addition to an otherwise boring island.

3. Dining tables, breakfast bars or a banquette unit with built-in storage are great for double-duty usage.  They provide extra storage without extra furniture.

4. Install a rod over the stove to hang frequently-used cooking utensils in both a stylish and handy manner.  You’ll never have to go searching in the drawers for that potato masher again.

5. Lazy Susans are great for those hard-to-reach areas of bathroom and kitchen cabinets.

6. Replace the bathroom vanity with a vintage sideboard.  Simply install a drop-in sink and add a towel bar on the end and you have extra, attractive storage via the sideboard’s built-in drawers.  More things can be stored underneath the sideboard with decorative baskets.

7. Add extra storage in a small bathroom by adding shallow shelves in between wall studs.

8. Create an interesting bookshelf by placing shelves on a diagonal angle.  This makes storage into an interesting decorative piece.

9. A window seat with a hinged top is a functional as well as beautiful way to add extra storage to a room.

If you have any storage tips that are practical, affordable and stylish, please contact me.

Wake-Up Your Basement

It happens so many times each year.  Homeowners spend time and money to finish their basement.  For many homeowners, it’s a great retreat.  However, most basements that get finished don’t get the upkeep they need.  Even if you view your basement as a rugged play room, it still deserves the same tender-loving-care you give the rest of your home.

Winter is one of the best times of the year to take the time to tackle your basement.  So, here are some tips to help you rejuvenate your basements look:

·         Repaint your basement.  A fresh coat of paint will give the whole area a new look.  When painting in basements with no windows, use newer paints with low VOC.  These are safe to use indoors where there is little or no air circulation.  And, be sure to use a washable paint.  Basements are the messiest rooms in the house and need a good washing regularly.

·         Add new flooring in your basement.  Most homeowners opt for heavy padding and carpet to help cover the hardness of the concrete slab.  However, most basements don’t have enough air circulation to prevent moisture build up and the carpet will mold or mildew over time.  The best solution for this is to paint or stain the concrete itself or use resilient flooring.  Paint and stain can be very beautiful, especially if done in creative designs.  Resilient flooring offers a comfortable surface that’s moisture resistant.  It’s also a good option for the latest styles and colors.

·         Give your basement new lighting.  If you have super bright lights, try adding softer lighting to tone it down a little.  Dimmer switches are great at balancing the lighting in the basement.  You can have more or less light by the turn of a switch.  And, best of all, they’re easy to install and inexpensive.

·         Add decorative molding in your basement.  Baseboards and crown molding will turn your modern basement into a desirable gathering space.

The basement can be used year-round, so take advantage of that space and enjoy it.

Tips for Buying Real Estate

Tips for Selling Real Estate

Lake Havasu City, Arizona Real Estate

Lake Havasu City Realtor® Donna Ball