Real Estate News

Source: The Internet Journalist

1. Buy Energy Star products, as they have met “strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy”.


2. When building or renovating a house, place insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor. It can save as much as 55% of energy in heating and 50% of energy in cooling.


3. Don’t add blinds to your windows, rather “tint” them with Low-E glazing.


4. Invest in a washing line, and use it to dry your clothes. This way, you are taking advantage of solar power, without the solar panels!


5. Buy Energy Saver light bulbs, like Compact Fluorescent bulb. They can use nearly 80% less energy, but can match, or often excel the light output of a traditional filament bulb. They also emit a white light, which is more pleasant on the eye.


6. Buy appliances that can run off batteries, rather than plug them in the wall, like an alarm clock.


7. If installing light in your garden, buy the self-sufficient Solar-powered lights, which have a perfect beautiful glow.


8. Take part in outdoor sport, such as football or tennis. This gets you out of the house, and prevents you from relying on a TV or computer for entertainment, and thus saving electricity.


9. Invest in solar panels. This can be expensive, and so I’ve saved it for last, but with nearly 50% efficiency being reached in testing (If it’s not surpassed already), Solar power will become very viable and more affordable in the future.


10. BONUS: 10. Unplug cell phone chargers / camera chargers if you aren’t using them. They consume a constant stream of electricity when plugged in, which seems small, until you have 6 or 7 of them.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Tips

One: Use Fluorescent Bulbs. Replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They cost a little more, but last up to 10 times longer, use two-thirds less energy and give off 70 percent less heat.

Two: Look for the Energy Star Label. Energy Star-qualified refrigerators use about half as much energy as refrigerators made before 1993.

Three: Get Unplugged. Many home electronics still consume energy even when they are turned off. Many devices with a "standby mode" will continue to use power. Also, chargers and power adapters continue to draw power from the wall socket even if the device is not attached. Unplug these devices or use a power strip to turn off multiple units, when they aren’t being used to make sure that you aren’t wasting energy.

Four: Double-Up on Windows. Replacing old single-pane windows with double pane-windows helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer.

Five: Turn Down the Thermostat. Lowering you thermostat by just one degree can reduce costs by about four percent.

Six: Sustainable Floors. Cork flooring not only looks great, but it’s also natural insulator. So when you look into purchasing flooring, consider using bamboo, cork or another sustainable material.

Seven: Earth-Friendly Decks. A lot of deck material comes from tropical hardwoods. These woods look great and stand up to the elements for a very long time.

Eight: Low-Flow Faucets. Low-flow water fixtures such as showerheads, faucets and toilets reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.

Nine: Buy Renewable Energy. Check with your local utility company and see if you can purchase renewable energy.

Ten: Recycle! After you replace all those inefficient, windows and fixtures, make sure you recycle all that metal and glass. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Find more information about programs in your area at www.recycle.com.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Homes, Informational, Tips

Want to block the aggravation of unwanted pre-approved credit card offers? Consider "opting out". You will have to provide your name, address and social security number but they are free of charge and backed by the three major credit bureaus. www.optoutprescreen.com

OptOutPreScreen.com

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Credit, Informational, Tips

The ABCs of Storage

In many American homes, the change of seasons is a signal for storing away some stuff and pulling out other supplies. Whether it's yard tools or summer clothes, we all have items we put into storage for awhile, and pull out those things we need for another season, like holiday decorations. If you're selling your home, you should try to store away extra items to make your home appear more spacious.

"A" is for Assessment

What do you have and where can you put it? Take a look at all your stuff and then take a look at where you can tuck it away in your home. Walk through the home with a pad and pen and dedicate an hour of your time to finish this first step.

"B" is for Banish and Box

While this may sound easy, it’s where the hard decisions get made. Box up what you're going to keep and banish what needs to be thrown out, held for a yard sale or given to charity.

"C" is for Control

These two steps keep your storage areas neat and organized. They should also become a routine part of your storage plan. Maintaining your storage areas with smaller containers (such as see-through boxes, file folders or portable hanging racks) will keep items orderly and easily identifiable. Cardboard or plastic boxes with removable lids are your best bet for corralling stuff. The boxes are easy to handle and uniform in size.

When selling your home and if in doubt of what things should be stored away, ask your Realtor, he/she can give you some fantastic ideas.

Folsom Realtor: Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Homes, Informational, Selling, Tips

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov provides a quick primer on how to prepare for an unexpected emergency:

1. Assemble an emergency kit that would enable you to survive comfortably on your own for at least three days. You'll need:

• A change of clothes
• Sleeping bags
• Food and water. Plan on using a gallon of water per person per day. Buy canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare.
• Supplies. Include a flashlight, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medicines and toiletries.

2. Make a family communication plan.

• It may be wise to have everyone call an out of state friend or relative.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.
• Select a “safe room” where everyone can gather. The best choice is an interior room with few windows and doors.

3. Learn more about readiness. Planning helps. Knowing what to expect, you and your family will be calmer during an emergency.

• Find out where to turn for instructions, such as local broadcasting networks, which will broadcast information as quickly as possible about the nature of the emergency and what you should do. In case of an emergency, it's always best to be prepared.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting a loan?

Today many lenders are more flexible and allow a greater percentage of monthly income to go toward mortgage payments. But they are more stringent on credit card balances. Lenders often count 5% of the balance as a borrower's monthly payment, instead of the credit card’s minimum payment. If you are planning to pay off some debts before you apply for a loan, consider the ones with the largest monthly payment. Many lenders, for example, prefer to have a car loan paid off, because borrowers are not likely to go out and buy a new car right away. On the other hand, if credit cards are paid off, a borrower might start charging again.

Should I wait until interest rates drop?

Time is money. Can you afford to wait? Of course home buyers want to buy when interest rates are at their lowest. When interest rates are at near-record lows, potential buyers or homeowners looking to move up are asking themselves if the time is right to act. But no one can predict with certainty where rates are headed at any particular time. Waiting for a bottoming out may instead provide time for rates to rise.

What's the debt-to-income ratio lenders use to qualify borrowers?

Many lenders use two ratios when they decide whether to approve a mortgage. If, for example, the ratios are 28/36, the "front" ratio of 28% means the lender will allow a mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) of up to 28% of the borrower’s monthly pre-tax income. The "back" ratio of 36% means all loan and credit payments cannot exceed 36% of the borrower’s monthly income.

For more information visit the California Home Network, your:
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Buying, Homes, Informational, Real_Estate, Tips

Worried about taxes eating away too much of the profit on your home? Under a law enacted about ten years ago, a married couple filing jointly usually can exclude as much as $500,000 of their gain. For someone who is single or married and filing separately, the limit is $250,000.

To qualify for the full exclusion, you typically must have owned the home and lived in it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years prior to sale.

This exclusion applies only to your primary residence. Even someone who couldn't pass those tests might qualify to exclude most or all of the gain under certain circumstances. The seller may be eligible for a reduced exclusion if that person had to sell because of a "change in place of employment", health reasons or "unforeseen circumstances." What are unforeseen circumstances? Examples cited by the Internal Revenue Service include divorce, death, or "multiple births resulting from the same pregnancy."

Some think they’re required to buy a new home to qualify for this home-sale gain exclusion. That's wrong. They're probably thinking about a law that was repealed about a decade ago, under which you could defer tax on the gain on the sale of your home by rolling over the proceeds into a new home that cost as much as, or more than, the old one. Congress eliminated that law, in part because it was viewed as unfair to people who wanted to downsize and buy a less expensive home or to sell and move into a rental. Contact Patrick Warholic, your Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay Realtor for details.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Homes, Informational, Properties, Real_Estate, Taxes, Tips

Imagine a huge, searchable directory of food-related websites. For example, the Food Reads section is divided into magazines, books, blogs, and recipe sites.

For everything on the Web related to online food shopping opportunities; gourmet foods online, ingredients, recipes, regional specialties, food blogs, unique food gifts, and meals delivered--each and every listing has been carefully reviewed & hand-selected.

So for a great food resource, go to: www.food411.com

Brought to you by California Home Network,
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

What you want your child to know about money depends on your personal values. Here are some concepts that are recommended for our children to understand:

1. Spending, saving and sharing are ways to use money.


2. Saving allows you to buy something in the future because you don’t have enough money today.


3. People have a limited amount of money to spend.


4. Money can be spent only once—after you buy something you need more money to buy something else.


5. Planning helps people set goals and make choices about money.


6. People do some things for each other without being paid.


7. People give money to help others.


8. People pay for things in different ways.


9. Some things do not cost any money.


10. People in a community share the cost of some work done for everyone.


11. Paper money and coins are worth different amounts.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

A surge of identity theft crimes in recent months makes this a must read for consumers looking for tips on how to avoid trouble and what to do if the worst happens.

Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft. The ITRC provides consumer and victim support as well as public education. The ITRC also advises governmental agencies, legislators, law enforcement, and businesses about the evolving and growing problem of identity theft.

Go to: http://www.idtheftcenter.org


Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

Ready or not summer is nearly over and has brought along with it higher energy prices and homeowners scrambling to find inexpensive ways to keep their homes cool, with more hot weather to come.

Maximize Your Air Conditioning:

Open windows and use a portable fan instead of running the A/C. Use a fan along with your window air conditioner to spread the cool air though out the house. Don't put lamps or televisions near your A/C thermostat; the heat from these devices can cause the air conditioner to run longer. Consider installing a whole house fan that pulls air through open windows and exhausts it through the roof, which can cool the home quickly and reducing energy up to a third in comparison to an air conditioner.

Little Things Add Up:

Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescents, they produce the same amount of light but use a fifth of the energy and heat. Air-dry dishes instead of using dishwasher dry cycle. Use microwave oven instead of electric oven. Plug home electronics into power strips and turn power strips off when not in use. Lower the thermostat on the water heater, 115 degrees is comfortable for most uses. Take showers instead of baths to reduce use of hot water. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

And remember, if your home is on the market, your Realtor may suggest the air conditioner be on during open houses. A cooler home is more inviting in warm weather.

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Homes, Informational, Tips

I-Neighbors offers a free & easy way for residents of a community to exchange information, add calendar events, recommend cleaning companies and handymen.
Does your neighborhood have a site? If not, then set one up!
Go to: www.ineighbors.org

Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

Real estate professionals see it all the time.

Jittery buyers bolt before they sign on the dotted line. Others walk away after an offer is made. The National Association of Realtors reports more than 10 percent of real estate transactions fail and buyer's remorse is often a factor when deals fall through. For some, it boils down to money. most buyers often "feel guilty about wanting things" and they feel guilty about spending the money on things like a house, also it may be money they really don't have or more than they spent before. The consequences of buyer's remorse aren't just emotional. When buyers walk away from transactions after a formal offer is made, they may lose earnest monies or expose themselves to lawsuits.

Homeowners can avoid second-guessing themselves if they are diligent and patient in their search for housing.

1. Don't jump at the first thing, your Realtor will advise you to look at the comparatives.

2. Your agent might also counsel you to consider not only aesthetics and financing, but also length of commute, tolerance for yard work and area amenities.

Other tips:

1. Hire an interior designer to help you adapt your sense of style to your new space.

2. Jot down impressions of homes you may consider buying, making a list of pros and cons.

3. Take the initiative to meet your new neighbors. Offer a welcome gift in
reverse such as a bouquet of flowers from your new garden.

4. Say the proper goodbye to your former home. Remind yourself what was good about living there -- and why you're moving.

5. Get to know the neighborhood. Visit the shops and stores nearest your new home, and say hello to the owners.

Your Realtor will have other ideas to help you consider All the Angles.

Luxury Homes and Land Specialist

Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of luxury homes and land.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Buying, Homes, Tips

Many people today are looking to simplify their lifestyle by moving to a smaller, newer home.

Here are some tips on how to make the downsizing process go smoothly:

Buy First. If possible, buy your new home before you sell the old one. It's better to buy what you're going to go to first so you can see what kind of space you're physically getting into. That way, when it's time to sell your place, there isn't so much pressure -- you have more freedom. If you have the equity, it works well. If you don't, it's a harder decision to make.

Take Your Time. Family members have a tendency to pressure downsizers to move more quickly than they want to, Sometimes the process can take a couple of years. Make sure you really like the place you're moving to, and know what you're getting yourself into.

Move-In-Ready Properties. If time is short, concentrate in looking for a development that has an inventory of finished units, as well as a furnished model home -- that will give you a clear picture of what your home will look like.

Ask Around. Find a broker who is experienced in downsizing transactions by talking to people who have recently been through the process. A Good Realtor will ask you questions about your lifestyle; yard work, stairs, attached garage, community involvement.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Buying, Homes, Tips

Going to be in an unfamiliar part of town or state and need to get a tank of gas? Since gas prices can vary by as much as 20% within only a few blocks it is important to find the station with the least expensive fuel. Go to:
www.gasbuddy.com

GasBuddy.com can help you find cheap gas prices in your city. It is a network of more than 179+ gas price information web sites that helps you find low gasoline prices. All web sites are operated by GasBuddy and has the most comprehensive listings of gas prices anywhere.

Gasoline prices change frequently and may vary by as much as 20 percent within only a few blocks it is important to be able locate the service station with the lowest priced fuel. GasBuddy web sites allow motorists to share information about low priced fuel with others as well as target the lowest priced stations to save money when filling up at the pumps!

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Click here for MLS searches.

Labels: Tips

Volumes of information and resources for important matters from living wills to divorce and bankruptcy. Designed for everyone; with sections specifically for general public, students, and professionals. Check out their special Real Estate Center; providing information and resources for tenants' rights, landlords, and home ownership. Go to: www.findlaw.com


For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

Google Earth combines the power of Google Search with satellite imagery, maps, terrain and 3D buildings to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. View your home or future home. Take a look at the surrounding landscape. Send a picture of your home or the local area from above, to your friends.




Take a second to download this free site.

Go to:
www.earth.google.com

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

Many local utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the Energy Star Rebate Finder.

Go to: http://www.energystar.gov And click on "Rebate Finder" under the PRODUCTS tab.




For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Informational, Tips

Even a simple error on a taxpayer’s return can needlessly delay a refund and may even cause an overpayment.

Below is a list of some common tax filing mistakes.

1. Social security number(s) incorrect, missing, or don’t match name(s)
2. Required documentation (W-2s, etc) not attached
3. Return not signed
4. Incorrect filing status recorded
5. Math errors (Note: According to the IRS, a math error is an incorrect number entered on the return. There need not be a calculation. Example: reporting wages of $29,472 as $24,972.)
6. Incorrect or missing forms and schedules
7. Standard deduction used when itemizing is more advantageous
8. Social security taxable benefits worksheet not completed
9. Failing to claim credits (child tax credit, earned income credit, etc) or figuring credits incorrectly (Often because of not understanding credit eligibility or calculating incorrectly)
10. Omitting income items – such as interest from savings or checking accounts

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Tips

When looking for a home you probably have a checklist of characteristics that are important to you. However, if you know you are going to be a short-term homeowner here are some special considerations to keep in mind for good resale potential:

House Size — Don’t buy the largest model in the neighborhood. If most of the houses near yours are smaller than your house, they can act as a drag on appreciation. On the other hand, if you buy a small or medium house for the neighborhood, the larger homes can pull up your value.

Prime Neighborhoods — Buying what you need in a more prestigious neighborhood may provide more financial reward that getting what you want in a less desirable neighborhood.

Public Transportation — Even though you many not use them, consider accessibility to public transportation, as well as distance to a major airport.

The Commute — Check the morning and afternoon commute time by driving the major commute routes and to schools and shopping areas.

Schools — Log on to the local school districts website and check out how the schools in the area rank, even if you don’t have school-aged children.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms — three and four bedroom houses are the most popular among home buyers, so if you can stick in that range you will have more potential buyers when it comes time to resell. There should always be at least two bathrooms in a house, or at least the potential
to insert a second one.

For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Buying, Homes, Informational, Properties, Real_Estate, Selling, Tips

It's only March, but not too soon to start thinking about your summer vacation plans. For many people that means relaxing, fun-filled trips away from everyday routines. But it can also mean being gone from your home for an extended period of time. Even if you live in a gated community, leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time can be a huge risk, a costly lesson and an emotional heartache. So the best way to close down a home is to make it look like it is being lived in daily, even though you're away. Here are some security tips compiled from insurance companies, homeowners, and law enforcement agencies.

• Stop all deliveries such as mail and newspapers -- this is a very simple thing to do, but it is frequently overlooked by homeowners. When they're gone papers pile up indicating that no one has been home for a while.


• Set indoor and outdoor lights and even TVs on timers to come on and light up rooms of your home and exterior surroundings. Nothing says nobody is home like a dark house. A television or radio that's set to come on periodically makes anyone lurking around think that someone is home.


• Turn down the telephone ringer on your phone and the volume on your answering machine.


• Unplug automatic garage door openers. Burglars can sometimes figure out the code and gain easy access to your home. Also lock any doors from the garage that give access to the house.


• Do not close all the blinds, shutters of curtains, leaving them partially open gives an everyday-lived-in look.


• If you have a willing neighbor, ask him to occasionally park in your driveway. Burglars will often survey a home at different times and on different days to study traffic patterns.


• Keep your landscaped trimmed back. Overgrown trees and shrubs are a great hiding spot for burglars. While you're gone have a gardener maintain the landscape.


• Install extra safety fastening devices on sliding doors, windows and other openings.


• If you don’t have a security system, buy one. A good security alarm system that is connected to a dispatch center usually will qualify you for a discount on your homeowner's insurance.


• Put a "beware of dog" sign on your fence; even if you don't have a dog.


• Never leave a key under the mat, in a nearby planter, etc. -- or any other common, well-known hiding places. Many burglars don't have to force entry into a home; instead they enter through open/unlocked doors and windows or even with a key, if it's left out for them!

The vital element to keeping your home burglar proof is making it as difficult as possible to break into. Burglars look for easy targets -- leaving a home unattended for a long period of time can put your house in the easy-target category. However, if you take precautions to secure your home before you leave, you'll have greater success keeping a burglar out of your house.


For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Labels: Homes, Informational, Security, Tips

1. Clean up! Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full! You’ll save on both electricity and water, not to mention that oh-so-fun chore of putting everything away less often!

2. Put a damper on it! You would be surprised at how many homeowners leave their damper open all year around! This lets the draft in and the heat and air conditioning out. Close that damper when your fireplace is not in use.

3. Rolling Right! Be sure to have your tires rotated, balanced and checked for proper air pressure every six to eight months. This will increase the life of your tires and give you early warning on problem treads.

4. Gas Guzzlers! Check out www.gasbuddy.com or similar site to find the lowest gas prices in your area. This is great for everyday savings and is a good resource to check before you travel.

5. Airfare Alert! Now that the holidays are over, you might be looking ahead to plan your vacations for the coming year. Be sure to book early for the best fares, consider alternate airports for cheaper flights, and enroll in frequent flyer clubs.


For more information from