Jeff's Blog

Appliance Sales Tax FREE
Memorial Day Weekend!
May 29-31, 2010

If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other appliance, shopping Memorial Day weekend will save you money.

During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2010 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day).

You must purchase an appliance that's received the Energy Star rating. Those products not only reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, they'll also save you money in the long run. Qualifying products will display the Energy Star logo ( http://www.energystar.gov/), which may appear on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Earning the Energy Star means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by these two federal agencies.

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase during this sales tax holiday, and an exemption certificate is not required.

"Americans saved somewhat in the neighborhood of $16 billion in their utility bills and reduced gas emissions by the equivalent of 27 million automobiles," Ronnie Volkening of the Texas Retailers Association said. "That's the results up to now and in the year 2007."

The following items will be tax-free:
-- Air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
-- Clothes washers (but not clothes dryers*)
-- Ceiling fans
-- Dehumidifiers
-- Dishwashers
-- Light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
-- Programmable thermostats
-- Refrigerators (less than $2,000)

For More Info:  http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1331/

So you're thinking about buying a condo in Texas or maybe somewhere else.  There are a few things you should ask yourself before venturing on such an adventure.  First off, how are you with those pesky little noises, like hearing the five inch stilettos at three o'clock in the morning above your bedroom, or the neighbor who always lets his door slam at 6am when he leaves for work.  Or, better yet, my one neighbor who left her dog alone in the condo next to me for two days as it howled mercilessly to be set free.  My favorite is the couple down the hall that always seem to have a strange smell wafting from beneath their door come dinner time.  All I can say is please don't ever invite me over!

But, with all that said, I absolutely love where we live.  Yes, there are definitely many little pesky nuances to living in close quarters with others, but the advantage of not having to spend my weekends mowing my yard, maintaining a garden, or worrying about the levels of chlorine in the pool all make my few seconds of nuisance well worth it. 

Not to mention for every one neighbor that causes me some annoyance, I have met one who is amazing and will be a lifelong friend.  Which brings me to the social aspect of condo living.  Because you have purchased this home versus renting, you have a deeper connection than just the same tastes with your fellow neighbors.  You already have something in common to chat about when you run into someone at the mailbox or out back walking the dog.  I have met more friends living in a condo I purchased than I ever did in the gazillion places I have rented all over the United States.  Your social life will flourish with parties, dinners, poker games, committees, etc. 

So in the end, the next time I smell someone smoking a cigarette off the balcony that forces me to close my window, I will only let it bother me for a second so that I can move on to relishing in the fact that I am not alone in this world, but surrounded by the many different, fun, and interesting personalities that make this world go around.

The author Jenny Clancy lives happily in her condo in Marina del Rey, CA J

Looking to buy a new condominium anywhere in Texas?  Get up to 83% of my commission back when you hire me as your agent.  www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

Looking to buy or sell a Resale or Pre-Owned condominium in Central Texas?  When you hire me I i will give you up to 50% of my commission back.  www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Times are tough and I am here to help.  If you find yourself not making mortgage payments and you need to sell your home. Please call me, I can help 512.547.HOME

Short Sale Specialist

Could a short sale be right for you?  Homeowners who have indicated an inability and even lack of will, to pay their mortgage and have no available assets to sell payment could qualify for a short sale.  They must be able to provide a letter detailing their financial hardship.

Call Leahy & Associates, Your Short Sale Solution! 

As an experienced real estate broker, I know that working with the right professionals can make all the difference in the process of purchasing, refinancing, and selling your home.  If you think a short sale may be right for you, call Leahy & Associates today and work with an experienced short sale processor to ensure your short sale goes smoothly and quickly.

Leahy & Associates provides: 

•·        Short sale transactions are completed within 100 days 96% of the time!

•·        No stress! Our short sale processor takes all the liability and risk.

Don't let your home go into foreclosure!  Here are some of the major benefits from a short sale:

•·        Short sales do not destroy your credit!

•·        The lender agrees to accept a lesser amount on the sale without attempting to collect the difference from the homeowner

•·        You can purchase your new home sooner!

I am teaming up with Leahy and Associates so I can help you sell your home. If you call Leahy and Associates directly please let them know I referred you, so we can get the process started. 

                                   Call Jane Kapka, Leahy & Associates' Short Sale Manager,

to get the process started, and let them know I sent you!

512-380-1922 or Leahy@LeahyLending.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

http://www.centraltexashomerebates.com/index.php/short-sale-specialist

Buying a home in Central Texas?  Get up to 50% of my commission back to you when you hire me as your agent and you buy a home through me.

http://www.centraltexashomerebates.com

Save the date for your Texas appliance Rebate!!

This rebate program will NOT be retroactive. It will only apply to purchases made once the program officially begins in April 2010. So if you need an appliance and can wait till the 16th please do.

Sign up for emails to get the most current information.

Program Details:

The State of Texas has received about $23 million from the federal stimulus funds.  This money will be used towards the appliance mail-in rebate program. This program is for consumers who buy certain energy efficient household appliances.

Who Qualifies: Comsumers have to buy eligible ENERGY STAR appliances and replace the same type of old appliance that's functional. The Texas program will also offer an additional incentive to recycle old appliances. You can qualify for rebates for up to two appliances from the approved rebate appliance list Click Here to learn more

Timing: This is very important, so please make sure you get this right or you may lose out on your rebate.  The mail-in rebates will apply to certain appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, 2010. The 10-day period goes along with Earth Day and consumers will have 45 days from date of reservation to install the appliance(s) and submit the paperwork for their rebate.

Rebate Process: Consumers will have an opportunity to reserve an appliance rebate by calling a toll-free number or registering online approximately two weeks prior to April 16, 2010. Please sign up for the email and they will keep you informed to what is going on.  Then after the reserved mail-in rebates are awarded, any remaining funds will be rebated to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis. Consumers can only use these rebates on two appliances and two recycling rebates per household.

To see rebate amount and for what appliances qualify please Click Here.

Hope this helps.

If you want to save more money and you are buying or selling a home please let me help.
I will give you up to 50% of my commission back to you.  See www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com for all the details.

Thank you,

Jeff Kessler, Broker,ABR,GRI

Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate

When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain - the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations.

How to Calculate Gain
In real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate, follow these steps:

1. Purchase price: _______________________
 
The purchase price of the home is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.

2. Total adjustments: _______________________
 
To calculate this, add the following:
Cost of the purchase - including transfer fees, attorney fees, and inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage.
Cost of sale - including inspections, attorney fees, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
Cost of improvements - including room additions, deck, etc. Note here that improvements do not include repairing or replacing something already there, such as putting on a new roof or buying a new furnace.

3. Your home's adjusted cost basis: _______________________
 
The total of your purchase price and adjustments is the adjusted cost basis of your home.

4. Your capital gain:  _______________________
 
Subtract the adjusted cost basis from the amount your home sells for to get your capital gain.

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains
Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
 

• You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.

• You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.

• You meet what the IRS calls "unforeseen circumstances," such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

Thanks to Paula Moore with Trinity Title for this great info.
www.trinitytitletx.com

Get up to 50% commission rebate back to you when you hire me as your agent and buy a home in the Central Texas Area. www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Just wanted to let everyone know that as of today I am a Texas Real Estate Broker.

I got my license in the mail today.

This is a great honor for me to get and I am looking forward to working with my new clients.

I am also interested in finding great agents who are looking to move to a company that gives a great split, help and services.

If you know of anyone looking to move.

Please have them contact me.

Thank you.

Jeff Kessler Texas Broker,ABR,GRI

jkagent@gmail.com

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you're in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on this link to view the JANUARY-2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:
http://HomeRebates.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=239&Period_ID=181

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.

It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the "Home Evaluator" link for a free evaluation report:
http://HomeRebates.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=239&Period_ID=181

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.<br><br>

Sincerely yours,

Jeff Kessler Austin Homes 3400 Doe Run Austin TX 78751 -- | 5128015666

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Jeff Kessler | Austin Homes, Realtors | 512.801.5666 5929 Green Acres, Texas, TX Large back yard and well kept home in a quaint garden home community. 2BR/1.5BA Single Family House   offered at $139,000 Year Built 1985 Sq Footage 920 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 3,773 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms with updated plumbing. Recent Exterior & Interior Paint Roof - Installed 11/09 w/20 year shingles Updated Energy Efficient Air Conditioning, Dishwasher, Hot Water heater and Toilets. Refrigerator (stays with home) Large storage shed in backyard Alarm System, ADT - motion, window & door sensors Recent hardware throughout house Weatherization around exterior doors Termite inspection w/ ABC ’08, all good Recent Tree Trimming and gutters cleaned Garage with Shelves, pegboard and workbench included in sale.   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Laundry area - garage - Yard   ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front Living Dining Kitchen Fireplace Door Contact info: Jeff Kessler Austin Homes, Realtors 512.801.5666 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Dec 20, 2009, 6:06am PST

http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com Changing the way you see real estate. Save money on your next real estate purchase or sale

I get a lot of junk mail and was tried of always taking it to the recycling place.

I decided that I wanted to stop the junk from the source and save a few trees as well.  I did a little research and found this link  http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/  They have a lot of great ideas and ways to help you cut down on the junk.

FREE is the greatest thing about this link.  All you need is a little time and patience, it is that easy.

Please confirm all the addresses and numbers incase they may have changed.

Good luck and hopefully we can all lower our carbon footprint.

J.

Here are a few more ways to save money on your next home purchase or let a friend know how to save.
That would be a great holiday gift.

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

So you may have bought a new home this year, if so, congratulations.  The home buying process can be a fun and interesting process.  Hopefully you had a good experience.

Most likely when you closed on your home you went to the title co and signed a ton of paperwork.

In that paperwork is probably a form to fill out so you can get your homestead exemption. If not I will post a link for you at the bottom to find your Taxing Office.

Come Jan 1st you can then file for your homestead, but not before the 1st.  You have till April 30th to get the form in.

Now is the important part.

Watch out for scams.  You will most likely get a very official looking notice in the mail that says "company name"  will file your homestead for $25.  All this company does is fill in your information and fax the form to the Tax Office. 

THIS SERVICE IS FREE so please don't pay anyone to do this for you.  Just send in the forms yourself.

Here is the link to the Tax Appraisal offices. http://www.txcountydata.com/selectCounty.asp If your county is not in the drop down box then visit this link. http://www.txcountydata.com/links.asp  This site does not have all the counties, but it is a good start.

Enjoy saving money this Jan 1st.

Here are a few more ways to save money on your next home purchase or let a friend know how to save.
That would be a great holiday gift.

For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com

For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com