(ARA) - With the revised first-time homebuyer federal income tax credit currently in effect, now is the perfect time to consider making that big purchase, your first home. 

“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments a person can make, but first-time homebuyers and qualified return buyers are in an ideal position to take advantage of unique opportunities in the market, such as low interest rates and the choice among an abundance of for sale homes,” says Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer for ERA Real Estate. 

But before you sign on the dotted line, ERA Real Estate, one of the world’s leading residential franchise networks, offers some helpful tips to ease the transition into homeownership. 

Learn about the first-time homebuyer federal income tax credit 

If you are considering purchasing your first home, or have not owned for at least three years, learn the parameters of the temporary first-time homebuyer tax credit, which is one of 10 provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009. According to FederalHousingTaxCredit.com — a consumer Web site created by the National Association of Home Builders — for those who qualify and purchase before Dec. 1, 2009, the bill provides a tax credit of up to $8,000, calculated at 10 percent of the purchase price. Unlike the previously available credit from 2008, the money does not have to be repaid, as long as the homebuyer does not resell the house for at least three years. “The tax credit can help make the American dream of homeownership a reality for potential buyers who previously could not afford the investment,” says Young. He adds that potential homebuyers should consult with a professional tax advisor for full details on how the tax credit may benefit them. 

Calculate what you can afford 

Before you start searching for your new home, know what you can afford. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, your total monthly mortgage payment — which includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance — should be about 29 percent of your monthly gross income. 

What you can afford is also based on, among other things, how large of a down payment you can make and how much money you can borrow. You can start estimating this figure by using an affordability or loan calculator found on the Internet. These calculators can help compute what may fit comfortably within your budget based on factors such as annual income, annual debts, interest rates and credit score. Though Internet calculators and statistics are good references, it is recommended that you consult a financial advisor to determine exactly how much you can afford. 

Choose a neighborhood 

After you determine your home buying budget, think about where you want to live. Are you going to stay in your current neighborhood, or do you want to hit the open road and start fresh? No matter what, you should thoroughly research the demographics of the area. Some additional factors to consider are how far you will be from work and shopping — and if you have children, do some careful research on schools. 

Make a wish list of needs and wants 

Early in the home-searching process, list your basic needs such as minimum square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, location and of course, the price you can afford. Web sites of leading real estate brands should have guided property searches that allow you to choose one or more of these criteria. If there are features that you would love to have in your home, but could live without, put them on your “want” list. This includes things like a pool, big yard, extra bedroom, etc. 

Work with an experienced real estate professional 

Searching for and purchasing your first home is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming. To help each step in the home buying process run smoothly, consider working with a seasoned real estate professional. Choosing a professional who is knowledgeable in your local and national markets, has access to the newest listings, and can help you negotiate prices, will increase the chances of finding your dream home. 

To locate a real estate professional in your area and to learn more about home buying and the first-time homebuyer tax credit, visit ERA.com. 

Click here if you are interested in building a new home from stock house plans.

Courtesy of ARAcontent 

Cashing in on the insulation tax credit is easy.

(ARA) - “What’s in it for me?” Homeowners will love the answer to that question as they learn more about the new federal economic stimulus bill. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, generally known as the stimulus package, offers special tax credit incentives to homeowners to encourage energy efficiency — the best part is it’s easy. 

Homeowners can get up to $1,500 maximum tax credit for energy efficient home improvement product expenditures. The tax credit is 30 percent of the cost of eligible products up to $5,000 total through 2010. The tax credit applies to products that make improvements to the building envelope, like adding insulation to attics, basements, crawl spaces, exterior walls and properly insulated HVAC systems, since those changes significantly impact energy efficiency. 

Search for house plans for new home construction at Family Home Plans

While the tax incentive within the stimulus package may seem complex and daunting, one company, Owens Corning, has made it simple and painless to claim the insulation tax credit. Homeowners can check out InsulationTaxCredit.com to: 
* Find insulation products that are eligible. 
* Download the Manufacturer’s Certificate needed to claim the credit. 
* Learn how much insulation should be added to areas of a home, see videos on how to install and get an estimate on how much can be saved in heating and cooling energy-related bills. 
* Find local stores to find eligible products and a local professional to do the installation. 
* Additional products that are eligible include windows and roofs that meet ENERGY STAR requirements. 

There are approximately 80 million under-insulated homes in the United States and despite major strides in increasing energy efficiency; homes continue to be one of the largest users of energy, consuming more energy than industry or transportation. It is estimated that properly insulating homes can help owners save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling related energy bills. Tax credits aside, insulation pays for itself over time in energy not used.

“The expansion of federal income tax credits for homeowners will enable more consumers to afford energy efficiency upgrades that will lower their home energy bills — which we project to reach about $2,200 per U.S. household this year — while increasing the comfort and lowering the carbon footprint of their homes,” says Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. 

According to a report from the researches at the McKinsey Global Institute, almost a quarter of possible greenhouse gas reductions would result from measures such as better insulation in buildings that carry no net life cycle cost — in effect, they pay for themselves. That means homeowners can lower their energy costs and qualify for federal tax credits while helping the environment, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

“Homeowners can save twice with insulation — with up to 20 percent savings on their heating and cooling energy bills and a 30 percent tax credit,” says Gale Tedhams, director of sustainability, Owens Corning. “Thanks to the stimulus bill, homeowners have never had a better opportunity to make an immediate difference in the comfort and affordability of their home and help save the planet — and it is easy!” 

Courtesy of ARAcontent 

Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions and Save Money

(ARA) - Is your spring cleaning really as clean as you think it is? Spring cleaning is supposed to be a ritual of purging the accumulated dirt, germs and odor from a winter-weary home to create a clean and healthy living space. Unfortunately, the often caustic and toxic ingredients used in most conventional cleaning products can be just as harmful as the dirt and germs they are meant to eliminate.

Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on its labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it — when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?

The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It’s cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it’s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, homespun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish — and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home green and clean.

Whether you’re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word “aromatherapy” is now being applied to everything scented — from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. According to Tom Havran, aromatherapy product developer at Aura Cacia, “These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels.” He adds, “While house cleaning isn’t exactly a spiritual exercise, adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.”

Essential oils have potent antimicrobial effects along with their clean, pleasant natural aromas. Here are a few “classic” homecare essential oils suggested by Mr. Havran: lemon (clean, sweet, uplifting scent; deodorizing), peppermint (minty, fresh; air purifier; mild pest repellent), and eucalyptus and tea tree (air and surface sanitizers; fresh, therapeutic aromas).

Tom also has a shopping list of key ingredients for making your own homecare products:

* Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — Gently abrasive scouring powder, odor absorber and an excellent base for making your own cleaning preparations.

* Washing soda (sodium carbonate)

* Borax (sodium borate) — Natural mineral compound, laundry booster, multipurpose cleanser, fungicide/insecticide.

* White distilled vinegar (acetic acid)

* Liquid soap (sodium hydroxide) — Choose from vegetable oil-based soaps such as olive oil or sweet almond.

* Distilled water — Clean, distilled water acts as a better carrier and dirt solvent. Tap water will often contain salts and minerals that can lead to spotting and build-up.

* Essential oils

* Spray bottles

* Natural bristle scrubbing brushes

* Squeeze bottles

* Cotton dusting cloth

* Hemp or jute fiber scrubbing cloth

* Tote to put it all in

Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products:

Basic Spray Cleaner
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil

Gentle Scouring Cream
1/2 cup baking soda
Liquid soap
18 drops essential oil

Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms.

Window Cleaner
2 cups water
3 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
36 drops essential oil

Wooden Furniture Polishing Oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
10 drops lemon essential oil

Carpet Deodorizing Powder
1 cup baking soda
18 drops essential oil

Carpet Cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon liquid soap
18 drops essential oil

For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit www.auracacia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - No matter how bad the real estate market seems to be these days, home sales do happen because people will always need a place to live. In fact, more than four million homes were sold in 2008. But with home values falling, today’s sellers are finding out every dollar counts when it comes to keeping as much of their home’s sales price as possible.

Many are deciding to sell their home themselves instead of hiring a real estate agent. Recent studies from Northwestern and Stanford Universities have found that “by owner” sellers are as effective as agents in maximizing a home’s sales price. After commissions are factored, the studies reported, these sellers are able to retain more of their home’s equity than those who sold with an agent.

Furthermore, Consumer Reports magazine found that “for sale by owner” (FSBO) sellers are more likely to get their asking price while agents deliver, on average, a sales price that is $5,000 less than the original asking price.

“In a market where prices are falling, people should really consider selling their home themselves,” says Greg Healy of ForSaleByOwner.com — the nation’s leading for sale by owner Web site. “Selling a home through an agent means giving up 5 to 7 percent of the sales price in the form of real estate commission fees. Selling your home without an agent offers an immediate savings of at least that much.”

Since it is a buyer’s market where there are plenty of homes available, it’s important to be aggressive and make your home stand out. Healy offers some tips to help you sell your home “by owner.”

Price it Right
When you’re not paying a sales commission, you can afford to price your home more aggressively. In this market, buyers are looking for the best deal possible so the more competitive you can be at pricing your home, the quicker it will sell. Homes that go on the market priced above similar homes tend to take longer to sell. So make sure you price your home right to move it fast.

Remember, the market dictates the price of your home, not what you think it should be worth. Use the Internet to research the sales amount of similar homes recently sold in your neighborhood. Get an online appraisal to give you a solid idea of where your home should be priced.

Make a Great First Impression
Today’s buyers are attracted to open, clean, spacious and updated homes. Remove personalized items such as family photos and clear all clutter from countertops, closets, tables and floors. Simple improvements like fixing broken tiles, cleaning carpets and repainting walls in neutral colors can greatly enhance the appeal of your house. If you’re having an open house, remove all evidence of pets (dog kennels, cat boxes, hamster cages) and make sure the house smells great by baking a batch of cookies or lighting a scented candle. If ever there was a time for a thorough top to bottom cleaning, this is it!

Get Help and Market the Home
Using a service like ForSaleByOwner.com helps you avoid paying commission to an agent while still getting support every step of the way. The site is one of the largest and fastest growing real estate websites with thousands of buyers visiting it each day. Using ForSaleByOwner.com also allows you to advertise your property on Realtor.com, the country’s most popular real estate website with more than 5 million monthly visitor.

It is also wise to hire an experienced real estate attorney to help you evaluate complicated offers, act as an escrow agent, review contracts and handle your home’s closing process. Unless you’re significantly experienced in the home selling process, having a real estate lawyer on your side ensures that someone is looking out for your best interests. A lawyer will only cost a few hundred dollars and, as Healy advises, is money well spent.

Selling your home and searching for new house plans go hand in hand. Check out these great house plans at Family Home Plans.

For more tips on how to save money and sell your home on your own, visit http://www.ForSaleByOwner.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Your home is bursting at the seams but buying something bigger is out of the question in this economy. And your improvement budget is limited, so you can’t please every member of the family with whatever renovation you choose to fund. Or can you?

Polls show that many American families prefer to watch movies in the comfort of their own homes rather than public theaters. Yet actual home theater systems - complete with projection screen and surround sound - are costly. Many people are opting for a more cost-effective approach by connecting several audio-visual components, including a flat-screen TV, DVD player and speaker system, to create a home theater experience.

While transforming an extra bedroom, basement or even garage into a home theater may be the ideal, many of us simply don’t have a spare room to devote to just one function. Many home theater owners choose to set up their systems in the family room. Wherever you decide to place your system, plenty of comfortable seating - positioned so that everyone can clearly see the screen and enjoy the sound - is the first essential ingredient.

Flat-screen TVs are now a favored option to an actual projector and screen. Each year, the quality of these electronic showpieces improves while prices drop. Most flat-screen TVs can easily be connected to other AV components, including external speaker systems.

Properly mounting a flat-screen TV on the wall can really create a theater-like effect. You’ll need a special mount to secure your TV, and there are several kinds to choose from. You could opt for a full-motion mount which allows you to move the TV for optimum viewing from any angle. Or, a tilting mount might be right for your setup if the TV is positioned higher on the wall, such as above a fireplace. Sanus Systems is a leading manufacturer of mounts for flat-screen TVs. Visit www.sanus.com to see the range of options.

Sound components will elevate your simple flat- or big-screen TV to home theater status. A good home theater system should have at least five main speakers, according to sound innovators Dolby Laboratories. A center speaker should be mounted just below the screen. Two speakers should be positioned in the front of the room in the corners on either side of the TV, at the same height as the center speaker. Finally, two speakers should be placed slightly behind the seating area and above ear level but facing horizontally and not down toward the listener. These five components give the “surround sound” effect.

Speakers can be placed on bookshelves but may yield better sound if mounted on the walls. Sanus makes speaker stands and mounts that can attach to walls or ceilings, and side speaker mounts or center-channel speaker mounts that attach directly to the TV mount.

Finally, add on your AV components like a DVD player or a satellite TV receiver. While many people simply place these components on a piece of furniture beneath their wall-mounted TV, a wall mount can help streamline the look of your system, eliminate a lot of wire clutter and still provide easy access to the components. Sanus’ Vertical Foundations line of on-wall furniture provides stylish, simple and efficient mounting options for AV components.

Visit www.sanus.com to learn more about mounting systems for flat-screen TVs and home theater systems.

Courtesy of ARAcontent