Tax credits

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  Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read

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  Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and up to $1,500 on your tax bill. Read
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  Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

  Upgrading to a qualifying energy-efficient metal or asphalt roof can cut your cooling bill as well as knock off up to $1,500 from your tax bill. Read

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  Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation Adding insulation is one of the easier and cheaper ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read
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  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

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© Copyright 2009 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

How your listing agent can hurt you #4

Not getting feedback from showings.

The greatest tool for selling real estate ever invented is the MLS (multiple listing service) system. I'd guess that 90% of homes sell because of the MLS system.

If your house is on the market, the best way to judge if it shows well, if its priced ok, etc. is from the realtors who bring buyers through your property. They have a potential buyer, are probably seeing other homes in your price range and in your neighborhood to compare it to, and know what the buyers comments are after viewing your home. This feedback can be priceless in giving you an idea of how your property is situated in the market.

I am surprised at how many homes I show, and the listing agents never ask for feedback. Probably 1 in 10 ask.

Very cool event

15th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair

Dates: November 7 & 8, 2009 (First weekend in November)

Admission is free. Central Florida's top growers bring more than 12,000 plants. The event features orchid growers and includes native plants, butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camellias, begonias with a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags and unusual containers are also a focus.

Location: Simpson's Cove (Downtown Lakefront)
Contact: Christine Cole
Phone: 352-729-2170

Most of Central Florida to be under once-a-week watering restrictions starting Nov. 1 -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Most of Central Florida to be under once-a-week watering restrictions starting Nov. 1 -- OrlandoSentinel.com

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How your listing agent can hurt you #3

When your house hits the MLS

Signing the listing paperwork and getting your house onto the MLS is the most important steps to getting your house sold. However, the timing of entering your property can be important.

On the MLS that realtors use, there is a feature called the Hotsheet. It is the days' new houses for sale, price changes, solds, expireds, etc. It shows up on the first page of the MLS when realtors log in. Realtors can customize the Hotsheet to show the zip codes and types of properties that show up.

I figure most realtors are in front of their computers more during the week and are out showing properties or holding open houses on weekends. We also tend to focus more early in the morning and then during business hours as opposed to after 5:00pm.

Because of this I almost never enter a house into MLS over the weekend when realtors are not paying as much attention to the Hotsheet, or after 5:00pm when some have stopped working. You also want to make sure realtors know about the house when making appointments for weekend showings, so entering the house on a Friday is not best either.

I try to be one of the first new listings in the MLS on Monday thru Thursday, usually by 8:00am. As the day goes on more an more new listings are entered and its harder to stand out.

Coming soon!

Wadeview Park

4/3.5 2700 square feet.

Previously was $499,000. Now will be $349,900.

Completely remodeled and expanded. Blankner and Boone Schools.

Income Property

There is a show on HGTV called Income Property. They help homeowners redesign part of their home into an income producing rental apartment. Generally its a basement area that was neglected and needs tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades to get into rental condition. Even so, the investment pays off by lowering their mortgage expense every month.

This can be difficult for at least 2 reasons. First, you must have money to make the improvements. Second, the house must be properly zoned so it can legally have more than one residence.

Currently I have a great listing at 815 Palmer Street in downtown Orlando that already has an attached apartment in great condition, and the property is legally zoned to allow the rental. The last tenants were paying $705 per month.

The asking price is $298,900 and the website is www.OrlandoBungalow.com

Reverse mortgages: Seniors should beware of scams -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Reverse mortgages: Seniors should beware of scams -- OrlandoSentinel.com

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