FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS TAX CREDIT
November 5, 2009 at 12:08 pm | In Home Buying Tips, Hot Topics | Leave a CommentTags: new homes, tampa, new homes tampa, tampa new homes, new homes Florida, tampa homes, florida new homes, tax credit, first time homebuyer, first time homebuyer tax credit, irs, home for sale tampa, homebuyer tax credit, new home tax credit, tax credit extension
The Senate voted on Wednesday to extend the home buyer tax credit through April 30, 2010.
The National Association of Realtors had been pushing hard to extend the credit, as well as include non-first-time home buyers, saying the legislation has helped stabilize the housing market and increased home sales, projected at 5.1 million for the year.
Supporters of the tax credit say that it has helped to boost existing home sales in recent months and that the housing market, and broader economy, would suffer if it is allowed to expire. They contend that extending the credit would help further support sales, stabilize housing prices and generate jobs in the face of an expected increase in foreclosures next year, which is expected to put ongoing downward pressure on prices.
“Tax credits like this only work by creating the sense of urgency to take advantage of them,” Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), the measure’s main sponsor, said in a statement. “This is the last extension of the home buyer tax credit, and I urge all Americans whether they’re first-time buyers who’ve always dreamed of having a home of their own or someone who’s been gridlocked in the failure of our move-up market to take advantage of this opportunity.”
- The program is being expanded to include a $6,500 credit to buyers who “move up” or “trade-in” their home for a better one, as long as they have lived in their current property for at least five years.
- The credit will not cover second homes.
- It is limited to homes purchased for less than $800,000.
- The credit will be extended to a larger pool of buyers by raising income caps to $125,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers, up from $75,000 and $150,000, respectively.
- Provisions strengthening the authority of the IRS to oversee the processing of credits have also been included in light of reports of rising fraudulent claims. A HUD-1 settlement statement will now be required when claiming credits.
Indoor Air Temperatures
November 5, 2009 at 8:15 am | In Building Science | Leave a CommentTags: new homes, green, new homes tampa, tampa new homes, green building, green homes, air conditioning, Southern Crafted Homes, new homes Florida, air quality, tampa homebuilders, florida new homes, air conditioning maintenance, thermostats, indoor air quality, humidity
So have you ever been sitting on the couch and your wife says, “I’m freezing and you’re thinking to yourself, geez I was just getting ready to turn the thermostat down because I’m hot.” This is more common than you might think. It is not uncommon for couples and families to have legitimate differences of opinion on indoor air temperature. But heating and air conditioning systems have been carefully designed and installed to do the job they are intended to do. Particularly with new systems where energy efficiency has been so carefully considered, systems are performing more efficiently than ever before. So if there is a disagreement on comfort it is more than likely not the equipment.
Various factors can impact indoor air comfort from a preponderance of houseplants to heavy cooking to burning candles. Because homes are so efficient today humidty and indoor polutants have a harder time escaping the home. Therefore humidiy from houseplants and cooking and toxins from candles and cleaning products cannot be filtered out as easily. So there are a few things you can do to ensure your comfort.
Too much or too little humidity in the air can make you uncomfortable and can actually cause damage in the household. If you create too much humidity in your home you may want to consider a dehumidifier. If your home gets too dry such as during the winter months a humidifier may be the answer. And when it comes to indoor air quality there are many air purifying options available.
As for the argument over temperature control try experimenting with balancing your system. You can open and close registers (supplies) and redirect air flow from your air conditioning system. Try closing off air flow to rooms you don’t use, which will direct more conditioned air to the rest of the home. And learn how to control your thermostat and adjust your system to the various activities going on in your home. Your system is functional so you simply need to understand it and control it to fit your personal needs.
Annual Maintenance
November 1, 2009 at 7:40 am | In Home Buying Tips | 1 CommentTags: new homes, tampa, new homes tampa, tampa new homes, Lennar, MI Homes, homebuilders tampa, green homes, Standard Pacific Homes, tampa homebuilders, new homes pasco county, david weekly homes, homeowners maintenance, home maintenance, pasco county homes
So daylights savings time is on us and time to look at our annual maintenance on our homes. We know about monthly maintenance. The best time to do this is when you get your electric bill each month (check your ac filters, but some vinegar in the condensation overflow line, etc) but this is annual maintenance. Daylight savings time is a good method to remember. To make it easy I’ll print this as a list.
1) Change batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They may not be completely out of charge but it is better to be safe than sorry. Change them all out.
2) Change your ac filters. This should be done monthly but do them now as well. Filters typically cost less than a dollar a piece but a dirty filter costs you much more in the long run.
3) Flush your condensation overflow line. Usually just sticking a wet vacuum hose on the condensation overflow access at the unit and blowing out will do the trick. Have someone at the other end to check and make sure there is water coming out. Or you can attach at the end of the pipe and suck. As long as there is free flow there is no blockage. It is also good to have a professional inspect annually. They will flush the condensation overflow line for you but they will also clean your ac coil.
4) Check all of the GFCI (ground fault circuit interuptors) outlets in the home. These are typically found in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility room, garage and exterior of the home. They have a test button and a reset button. Push the test button and then reset it. As long as both work the outlet and circuit should be fine. (These may be found in other locations as well).
5) Visually inspect attic areas for leaks and presence of rodents or insects.
6) Visually inspect all outlets. Make sure there are no burn marks around plate covers.
7) Visually inspect all light fixtures and clean glass covers. Check for winged insects. When termites swarm this is one area you may find them.
Visually inspect all exterios of windows and doors and recaulk and reseal as necessary. Also check weather stripping to ensure it is truly sealing the doors. This will prevent loss of air flow and prevent water intrusion.
9) Run all plumbing in showers and sinks that don’t normally get used. This will keep the P trap full creating a proper seal and prevent. foul smells.
10) Inspect your roof. If you have a shingle roof look for loss of granules on the composite or asphalt shingle. If you have a tile roof inspect for broken tiles.
This is not a complete list but it will get you started. A home is the single biggest investment you can make. Take care of it.
Water Conservation
September 17, 2009 at 7:58 am | In Green Bulding | Leave a CommentTags: Energy Star, faucets, green building, green homes, green homes tampa, Moen, new home builders tampa, new homes, new homes tampa, shower heads, tampa green homes, tampa new homes, water, water conservation, water consumption, water sense
Everything we do during our time on this planet impacts future generations. And that includes how we use our resources, particularly water. Southern Crafted Homes is proud to parner with Moen Corporation to help protect these precious resources. We realize the importance of both water conservation and waste reduction. Since 1982 Moen has been working on programs to protect the environment through a long standing commitment to industry leading sustainability practices. Southern Crafted Homes demands energy efficient and environmentally sound solutions and Moen is able to provide for that need through flow optimized showerheads and faucets. Moen continuously develops new ideas and innovations that contribute to preserving our planet’s natural resources. We are proud to offer Moen products in every Southern Crafted Home.
A USED HOME IS LIKE AN SUV
August 24, 2009 at 2:14 pm | In Uncategorized | 1 CommentTags: Chinese Drywall, energy efficiency, energy efficient homes, green homes, high fuel costs, homebuilders tampa, homes florida, homes pasco county, homes Tampa, homes west florida, new home, new home builders tampa, new homes Florida, new homes pasco county, new homes tampa, new homes tampa bay, resales florida, resales pasco county, resales tampa, sport utility vehicles, sports utlity vehicles, suv, tampa bay homes, tampa bay new homes, used home vs new home, used homes vs new homes
Is there anyone out there that would buy a car that only gets 10 miles to the gallon? Used homes are like SUV’s that get 10 MPG. They were designed during a time when energy was cheap and they no longer fit the reality of today’s energy prices. The cost of energy will remain at the forefront of our thoughts for as long as it takes us to change from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Those expensive SUV’s are being steeply discounted now and consumers are spending more to buy more energy efficient vehicles like the Prius. They’re paying more for the vehicle so that their weekly out of pocket expenses are lower.
A used home is just like that SUV only much more expensive. Up until recently most homes air conditioning systems only had a 10 SEER ac unit. The SEER rating is the efficiency rating of the system. The higher the number the more efficient the system is. But the ac is only part of the story. How a home is built, insulated, and sealed will also impact and determine how efficient a home is. The type of windows, doors, insulation, house wrap, sheathing, shingles and other building products used are all important to how a home performs.
We know logically a new home should cost more than a used one. But we have to confidently demonstrate the value. Being able to show them what is behind the walls carries great value at a time when we know other builders are having to address Chinese drywall, mold, quality issues, and poor service. Remember you only have to apologize for price once but you will apologize for poor quality and service forever. Simply put you don’t know what you are really getting with a used home. Forget about the toe nails in the carpet for a minute. On a used home you have issues such as unseen wood rot, insect infestations, mold, structural damage, systems such as air conditioning and water heaters that have not been maintained, degraded insulation, and diminished life spans such as for roofing, paint and flooring.
The question is about price versus cost. One day a man asked W. Edwards Deming how much he had paid for the pair of shoes he was wearing. His reply was “I don’t know I’m not done wearing them yet.” We all know we can go to Payless or Walmart and get a pair of shoes for under $20. Those shoes might wear out in a few months and over the course of the year you might invest another $20 several times. Or you can buy a good pair of shoes that are designed and built to last.
With a new home you pay a little more up front but you do so with the peace of mind that everything is new and has been inspected many times. It comes with a warranty and a guarantee that should something occur it will be properly addressed and in a timely manner. With a used home nothing is covered and the costs for repair or replacement are often unforeseen and can be catastrophic. Can you imagine moving into a used home in August only to have the air conditioning go out the following week. How many thousands of dollars will it cost to have the system replaced? Or how about the first utility bill for a home that has a 10 SEER ac system and R-19 insulation? The $100 a month savings on the mortgage payment doesn’t look so good compared to the $500 utility bill. For new homes in Tampa, Florida this is important.
If you know your primary competition is used homes know the facts to effectively arm your customer with the knowledge they need to make the best choice.
- A new home has never been lived in.
- New homes are in new neighborhoods where the infrastructure and amenities are new.
- New homes allow for personalization
- New homes are energy efficient and have high performance materials
- New homes have water saving technology
- New homes are wired for Smart technology, high speed internet, and home entertainment
- New homes have the latest appliances
- New homes are more comfortable and have healthier air quality
- New homes carry warranties and guarantees
- New homes are built to the most current building and hurricane codes
- In a new home you can include your options and upgrades in your financing
- New homes are safer
- New homes do not require as much maintenance and up keep
- It’s easier to get to know your neighbors in a new community because everyone is new
- You have more flexibility in financing options with a new home
- And with a new home you’ll be the first person to walk on the carpet, use the plumbing, and operate the appliances.
You’re already giving enough money to the oil companies for your vehicle. No need to keep paying top dollar for natural gas, electricity and water for your home too. Those dollars are better invested in the home itself.
Sustainability
August 23, 2009 at 2:54 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a CommentTags: business green, green, green businesses, recyclables, recycling, sustainability
As many of you who follow Southern Crafted Homes know we are working on being not only an environmentally conscious homebuilder but also an environmentally conscious business. Join us in working to reduce the amount of plastic and styrofoam that so many businesses generate by using ceramic or porcelain coffee cups, plates and real silverware. It is a one time expense that results in no waste. It’s but one small thing that can be done to help the environment.
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
