West Broward Real Estate Watch

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To make things just a bit EASIER!

If you are like me, I carry my camera everywhere. Pictures for my listings, pictures of the neighborhood, or like what I am also doing, LOTS of BPO's.

Here is the problem I run into several times maybe a week. I take my pictures and have to wait till I get to a computer to upload my pictures. I have run into problems where I forget my card reader for the camera card. Would have to run home to get the card or just wait till I got home. Which would slow me down, and if you are like me are always on the go. So having to stop to go back home to get it is no use to me.

EyeFiEyeFi

So my husband got me this great Christmas gift to make things just a bit easier for me. Its a wifi camera card called the EyeFi. Basically how it works, if you are near a wireless network and if your camera is on, it will automatically upload your pictures to where you have it assigned to. You can have it upload to your home computer or sites like FLickr. It is the coolest thing. I was at home and the computer was on, I had my son taking pictures around the house and you would see within seconds the picture uploading to the computer.

Now there are several cards to the EyeFi, there is a 2Gb card that only does pictures and there is a 4Gb card that does video and pictures. Now the video will upload as well with the 4Gb card not the 2Gb.

I had to share this with all of you. Just to make things just a bit easier for you as my husband did for me. Leave it up to him to find something like this. When he went to go buy it at Best Buy, they looked at him like he was crazy. But he managed to find it there.

Hope this helps you! Have a Great New Year everyone!

Jeannette Neerpat

ReBarCamp coming to Miami!! Are you Ready??

So have you heard?? ReBarCamp is coming to Miami. This is the first time ever its been here and I am so excited about it!!! I have not been able to make it to any of the other BarCamps due to having young children.

What makes me so happy is I will be able to see all my ActiveRain friends there!! Oh to go through the list of people I will be so happy to finally meet there. Its like we have this family that has grown from blogging. Never in a million years did I ever think the day I started blogging here would I have thought of the friendships I have gained.

So I look forward to Sept 14 and see all of you there!!! I'm ready, are you??

 

ReBarCamp

 

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Searching for your clients, Do you think outside of the box?

How many of you work with out of town clients? I know that most of us are traditional Realtors and send our clients listings like any other.

But what else do you do for them? With inventory still high, what extra steps are you taking to help them with there buying process? Have you started videos yet? No? Well you should!

This past December I had been working with international clients. They were here the in the States for a short period of time. We manage to look at a bunch of homes and both brothers put in offers. One was accepted the other one wasn't. He wasn't here when we found out that the offer was accepted by another person. He really wanted to find a home but was not sure when he would be bacck here.

I told him I would continue to send him listings and when he found one or a few that he liked to let me know I will go with a camera in hand and record the home for him. It will be like you were walking the house yourself. So he agreed and on we went. I must have recorded about 6 homes.

Out of those he really liked one and put in an offer without viewing the house in person. In fact we closed on the home before he ever stepped foot in the House. How's that for selling a home?

You didn't think that shooting a video of a house would sell it did you? You didn't think it was worth your time? Well I am at a point I am working with 2 more set of out of town buyers. And as it turns out might have one it again. They might be putting in an offer.

You never know, thinking outside of the box has its advantages!

Selling Houses and Creating Homes!

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Some Tax Credits for Homeowners

Did you know there are special tax credits for home improvements? A new High Enegry A/C and a list of many others? Well I am just learning this myself and thought to myself, why hasn't anyone shared this with me. Now I know what you are going to say. Tax day is tommorrow, well you can either amend the return or file it on next years return. Either way you get it back!

Good luck!!

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category Product Type Tax Credit Specification Tax Credit Notes
Windows & Doors Exterior Windows and Skylights U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30
30% of cost, up to $1,5002

Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.

More information

Storm Windows Meets IECC1 in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone 30% of cost, up to $1,5002

Manufacturer Certification Statement3 will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)4 that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones.

Exterior Doors U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30
30% of cost, up to $1,5002

Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify.

More information

Storm Doors In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC1, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC 30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Roofing Metal Roofs,
Asphalt Roofs
ENERGY STAR qualified 30% of cost, up to $1,5002

All ENERGY STAR metal and asphalt roofs qualify for the tax credit.

Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty.

Insulation Insulation Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments 30% of cost, up to $1,5002

For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate (example: insulated siding does not qualify).

Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty

HVAC Central A/C Split Systems:
EER >=13
SEER >= 16

Package systems:
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14
30% of cost, up to $1,5002

For a list of qualified products, go to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency product directory Exit ENERGY STAR, click on Air Conditioners, then in the “CEE Tier” enter “Residential Advanced Tier 3” for CAC Split Systems, and "Residential Tier 2" for CAC Package Systems and ASHPs.

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria.

Air Source Heat Pumps Split Systems:
HSPF >= 8.5
EER >= 12.5
SEER >= 15

Package systems:
HSPF >= 8
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14
30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Natural Gas or Propane Furnace

AFUE >= 95

30% of cost, up to $1,5002

For a list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association Exit ENERGY STAR

Not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria for furnaces, boilers.

Oil Furnace

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan No more than 2% of furnace total energy use. Read this FAQ if the fan qualifies, but the furnace does not. 30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Water Heaters Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater Energy Factor >= 0.82
or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
30% of cost, up to $1,5002

All ENERGY STAR gas tankless water heaters will qualify.

There are currently no ENERGY STAR qualified gas storage tank or gas condensing water heaters that qualify.

View ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters.

For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Exit ENERGY STAR

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0 30% of cost, up to $1,5002

All ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heaters qualify for the tax credit.

Biomass Stove Biomass Stove

Stove which burns biomass fuel5 to heat a home or heat water.

Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.

30% of cost, up to $1,5002
Geo-Thermal Heat Pump Geo-Thermal Heat Pump

Same criteria as ENERGY STAR:

Closed Loop:
EER >= 14.1
COP >= 3.3

Open Loop:
EER >= 16.2
COP >= 3.6

Direct Expansion:
EER >= 15
COP >= 3.5

30% of the cost

All ENERGY STAR geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit.

Use IRS Form 5695 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR

Must be “placed into service” before December 31, 2016.

Solar Energy Systems Solar Water Heating

At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

30% of cost

All ENERGY STAR solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit.

Use IRS Form 5695 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Photovoltaic Systems Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement. 30% of cost

Use IRS Form 5695 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Small Wind Energy Systems Residential Small Wind Energy Systems 30% of cost

Use IRS Form 5695 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Fuel Cells Residential Fuel Cell and microturbine system

Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity

Use IRS Form 5695 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Cars Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models

There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan.

For more information visit: Fueleconomy.gov Exit ENERGY STAR

Use IRS Form 8910 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR for hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use.

Use IRS Form 3800 PDF Exit ENERGY STAR for hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles $2,500–$7,500

The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits).

Effective January 1, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Well Its Spring and what a beautiful morning so far! I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter.

Happy EasterThis is what Easter is really about. My 4 year old was talking to me about this. I had told my daughter on friday that it was Good Friday, she looked at me puzzled. I told her that was the day Jesus died and on Easter is when he Resurrected. She was still puzzled. Anthony turned around and said that's the day he woke back up!

Yeah that is putting it simple, but he had it right on the nose!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Easter

 

 

But this is what the kids know Easter as. The bunny comes here too.

 

Happy Easter Everyone!

 

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

Would you like to attend a Buyer's Seminar?

First Time Home Buyer Seminar coming your way to Tamarac, Fl. Do you have any questions about the home buying experience? Well now is your chance to get your questions answered all at the same time.

Subjects that will be covered:

  • New First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit!

  • Special Programs for Teachers!

  • Mortgage Rates

  • Federal State and Local Grants

We will have:

  • Mortgage Broker

  • Title Attorney 

  • Home inspector

to answer your questions.

Call to register at 954-993-4104, space is limited.

Jeannette Neerpat
9000 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, Fl 33024
www.Neerpat.com

Would you like a Free Market Analysis? Visit www.Neerpat.com or call 954-993-4104.

First Time Home Buyer's Seminar~~ March 28

First Time Home Buyer Seminar coming your way to Tamarac, Fl. Do you have any questions about the home buying experience? Well now is your chance to get your questions answered all at the same time.

We will have a Mortgage Broker, Title Attorney and a Home inspector to answer your qiestions.

Call to register at 954-993-4104, space is limited.Buyer's Seminar

ActiveRain a place to build relationships!

When I started blogging here on the rain I really didn't expect to build the relationships I have. I don't think many of us had those intentions. But after reading and commenting and then finally taking the steps from just being on the computer to meeting in person.

Some of us have met for dinner, have met at the BarCamps, or have went on a weekend get away. But whatever out intentions were we have built lasting friendships, sisterhoods, and brotherhoods.

A couple of months ago I came here on the Rain looking to see if anyone would be able to send me fall leaves. I was trying to teach my children about the changing of the seasons, since we really only see 2. Well one person came in and did a FANASTIC job with this projuect. Not only did it help me, but it gave her kids a fun scavnger hunt!!

When I came home from the hospital there was a box and in it was individually wrapped leaves in there own ziplock bags. How wonderful was it for her to take that extra time for that, especially with her busy schedule.

I wanted to make sure my children did a great project with them. And sure enough my daughter had a project she needed for school. 100 days of school and it needed to have a theme. Woo Hoo, lets pull the leaves out and work with them. My daughter was like OH YEAH!!!

So here is a picture of her with her school project and a video clip Thanking Carolyn Starr for the box of leaves!!!

anissa and anthony

ActiveRain, thank you for the business you have brought me and the lasting relationship that I would have never had if you hadn't come along!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Items to consider when filing your 2008 Tax returns

Well its tax time, and before you know it April 15 will be here. It's amazing how time flies! Do you have all your papers together? Here are some tips to get you going in things you may not have known about.

 

1. Economic stimulus payment. You may have received an economic stimulus payment in 2008, based on your 2007 taxes. If so, don’t include it as income on your tax return. It’s not taxable. If you didn’t receive a payment, you may be eligible for the recovery rebate credit, as explained below. You may even qualify for that credit if you did receive an economic stimulus payment.

2. Standard deduction increased by real estate taxes. Suppose you own a home and pay real estate taxes but don’t have enough total deductions to be able to itemize. Good news: You can increase your standard deduction by the state and local real estates taxes you paid, up to $500 ($1,000 if married filing jointly).

3. First-time homebuyer credit. Qualified homebuyers can subtract the credit amount from their federal income tax when they buy the home and even get a refund if the credit exceeds the tax. However, they must pay the credit back over 15 years. The result is that the credit resembles an interest-free loan that must be repaid to the government. Here are the details:

• The home must be located in the U.S. and must be your principal residence (main home). You (and if married, your spouse) must not have owned another principal residence in the U.S. in the three-year period before purchasing the new home. Thus, the home doesn’t literally have to be your first home.
• The home must have been purchased from April 9, 2008 through June 30, 2009, inclusive.
• A special rule allows taxpayers who purchase a principal residence in the first six months of 2009 to treat the purchase as if made on Dec. 31, 2008. This allows the taxpayer to claim the credit for 2008 rather than 2009.
• The credit is equal to 10 percent of the price paid for the home, up to a maximum of $7,500. The $7,500 maximum credit applies both to individuals and married couples filing a joint return. A married individual filing separately can claim a maximum credit of $3,750.
• The credit is phased out for individual taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers) for the year of purchase. Taxpayers with modified AGI over $95,000 ($170,000 for joint filers) can’t claim the credit.
• In the second year after purchase, taxpayers who took the credit must start paying back the credit in equal installments over 15 years, with no interest charge.
• No credit is allowed if: the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse was ever entitled to a D.C. homebuyer credit; the home purchase was financed through tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds; the taxpayer is a nonresident alien; or the taxpayer disposes of the residence (or it ceases to be a principal residence) in the year of purchase.

4. Standard mileage rates. The 2008 rate for business use of one’s vehicle is 50 1/2 cents a mile (58 1/2 cents a mile after June 30, 2008). The 2008 rate for use of one’s vehicle to get medical care or to move is 19 cents a mile (27 cents a mile after June 30, 2008).

These are just a few. IF you would like to see more you can visit here to see more. If you have any questions you can contact me by phone.

Jeannette Neerpat

Perfect time to negotiate your credit cards!

Are you one of those people who have a bunch of credit cards and they are max out and you are bairly making the minium payments on them? Well you know you can speak with your credit card companies to reduce your interest rates, or have some of your late fees removed?

Hey we all get caught up in a bind. I had some hards times myself and needed to talk with them to get some things taken cared of. You see if you call and talk with these companies and let them know up front you are having problems they are more willing to work with you. You shouldn't be afraid to confront them.

Here are some tips to help you get started. You will be surprised how much money you could save by taking these steps! And if you are looking to buy a house within the next year or two, this would be the perfect place to get things rolling!

Get organized.

Draft a list of all your credit cards and their balances, interest rates, fees and credit limits. You might want to pull your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Examine your options.

As in any negotiation, you need walk-away power, which in this case means the ability to transfer card balances to another debt vehicle.

"If one bank is treating you badly, you can transfer your balance and stop using them," Bilker said. "That's really the only way you're going to be able to get anything to happen." If you follow through on the threat, transfer the balance but don't close the account--especially for long-held cards--because it will hurt your credit score.

Learn what to do.

A conversation with a credit card company representative is a delicate dance. Your goal is to get the most favorable terms you can. You should be polite and professional, yet firm.

Bilker's book provides transcripts of phone calls as consumers haggle with customer service representatives. It can give you an idea of how your conversation may proceed.

Fees are low-hanging fruit.

Card issuers are implementing fees all the time, but fees also are the most negotiable, experts said. Many available cards have no annual fee, which makes your card's fee negotiable. Lower interest rates, and especially higher credit limits, can be more difficult to get but are worth pursuing because they're often more valuable.

Use tricks.

If you're not receiving satisfaction from a customer service person, ask to speak with a supervisor. The representative will try to discourage you, saying the supervisor won't offer anything different. But sometimes, you'll get something. If your card has been canceled for non-use or your limit lowered, promise to use the card "today" to reinstate the card or limit. That might work about half the time, Bilker said.

"Card companies in this environment are starting to 'get it,'ƒ|" Arnold said. "They're starting to realize if they run all their customers off, the whole ship is going down."

For a complete look at the article you can go here.

I hope these tips has helped you in some way. Good Luck!

Jeannette Neerpat

 

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