Nag, Nag, Nag!

Attention All First Time Home Buyers!

I hate to nag, but unless the government extends the time limits on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, it will expire on December 1, 2009. That gives you only 42 days from today to collect $8,000.00 for free, courtesy of Uncle Sam, either as a tax credit or a tax rebate. In certain cases, you can also apply the anticipated tax credit  toward your home purchase immediately, rather than waiting to file your 2009 taxes. The only strings attached are that your earnings are less than $75,000.00 per year and that you live in your new home for the next 3 years. If you make more than $75,000.00 per year, up to $95,000.00 per year, you can still claim a portion of the tax credit, based on a formula provided by the  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For much more information on the Home Buyer Tax Credit, click here: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home.html.

Now I need to stress to you that there are only 42 days from now to find a home and close escrow before December 1, 2009. This is cutting it close, as, due to changing banking regulations, appraisal times for loans are longer, the increase in home sales means that home inspections take longer to schedule, and there are always those little things that can and go wrong during a normal escrow that gobble up days. Not to mention that there will most likely be a glut of last minute escrows during this time that will also slow the process down due to a lack of manpower.

So please, stop waiting! Meet with your Real Estate Agent and your Banker immediately, and start your search for a home right now. Receiving a free $8000.00 from the government will only happen once in your life! Don’t be afraid, take action!

Creating the Perfect Home Office

Here is an interesting and informative article that I copied from a newsletter that was sent to me by Dana Dukelow of Prospect Mortgage. I believe that the article came originally from the Mortgage Market Guide View.

Creating the Perfect Home Office

These days, more and more people are working all or part of the time from home, making a home office a necessity. Here are some tips for creating the perfect home office.

Layout – There is no bigger mistake you can make than purchasing office furniture or equipment without knowing exactly where you’ll be placing it in the room. Before you buy any new furniture, make sure you measure and plot where each piece will go, and don’t forget to account for electrical and cable outlets.

Furniture – A desk that’s roughly 60-inches wide, 30-inches deep, and 29-inches high is not only conducive to work, but it’s highly functional in terms of storing the items you use regularly. Your chair should be comfortable, but its primary function should be to promote healthy posture. Good posture will facilitate strong mental focus and will help to alleviate back and neck pain.

Lighting – Don’t underestimate the importance of quality lighting. If you’re lucky enough to have a window in your office, this should serve as your primary light source during the day. Natural light is easy on the eyes and promotes physical energy as well as a good mood. It’s also free. Large lights like floor lamps and ceiling lights should have the ability to be dimmed. Also, make sure your desk lamp is equipped with a light bulb that’s easy on the eyes. These “soft” light bulbs can be found anywhere, from office supply stores to grocery stores.

Storage – Identifying the type of items you need to store, as well as the quantity, will help you to determine an appropriate course of action. Here are a few helpful hints.

• Closets are great for storage. Not only can they house filing cabinets, but they are also perfect for storing the items you don’t need to access on a regular basis. This helps to maximize the actual workspace of your office.

• Shelving is one of the most versatile options for storage. Shelves can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of sizes. They are easily installed and take up zero floor space.

• Don’t forget about your garage. When it comes to older files or anything that is rarely accessed, a garage can provide ample storage space. Word to the wise, however, the garage can be a dirty place. Plan accordingly by storing paper items in boxes and wrapping equipment in protective plastic.

• Visit a store that’s dedicated to home organization. Nowadays it seems like nearly every mall has a store of this kind. You’d be surprised at some of the inexpensive, space-saving storage options available. Wall Organizers – Dry erase boards, chalkboards, corkboards, and magnetic boards are fantastic tools for keeping clutter off your desk. They are inexpensive and available everywhere in a variety of sizes. There are even combination boards that provide countless options.

Cords – Never underestimate the importance of power strips as they provide the ability to plug multiple devices into one outlet. The better power strips also provide surge protection to the equipment that’s plugged into them. In addition, cord covers are a great way to not only hide cords but to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. They can be purchased quite cheaply at any electronics store.

Décor – Last but not least, once you’ve got all the necessities in, don’t overlook decor. Certificates, diplomas, awards, trophies, and pictures not only complement an office, but they also help to personalize it. Follow these simple steps, and more organization, function, and focus could be right around the corner.