Treen’s Pools

“Quality and Dependable Service for 20 Years”
Sales, Service, Repairs & Installations
Phone: 315-717-6499

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Waterville Sheds

2009 Sate Route 12, Waterville, NY 13480,
Phone: 315-534-4483

“Quality Wood & Vinyl Buildings”
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Save Money on Tax Prep and Get Your Refund Faster

Regardless of whether you are entitled to a refund or owe money, you can easily save some cash this tax season by using tax preparation software. And thanks to electronic filing offered by the IRS, receiving your refund faster has never been easier.

Virtually all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their federal return for free by using tax preparation software offered by the Free File Alliance LLC, an IRS-approved group of private sector tax software companies. Taxpayers can choose whatever program they prefer. For taxpayers who must also submit a state return, most alliance members offer a low-cost way to transfer their federal data to quickly complete the state form.

“Tax preparation software makes preparing returns easy and fast through simple interview questions and robust tools to identify deductions for the largest possible refund,” explains Leigh Aragon, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, Inc. “The current economy has helped many taxpayers realize that using a quality product like TaxACT is less expensive and just as accurate as having your taxes prepared by an accountant or CPA.”

The average tax-preparer fee for an itemized 1040 Form with Schedule A and a state tax return is about $205, according to a survey by the National Society of Accountants. The average cost to prepare a Form 1040 and state return without itemized deductions is $115. On the other hand, using tax preparation software to prepare your Federal and State returns can cost as little as $13.95 (when using TaxACT Standard to prepare your federal return for free and to e-file your state return for $13.95).

To receive your refund in the fastest way possible, the IRS recommends e-filing with direct deposit. “These are tough times, and e-file is the best way for people to get cash in their pocket quickly,” says IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Filing electronically with direct deposit can get refunds to taxpayers in as few as 10 days. Combined with important changes in the Free File program, we believe e-file is a better option than ever before for the nation’s taxpayers.” It can take four to six weeks to receive a refund check if a return is sent via standard mail.

E-filing is considered just as safe — if not safer — than mailing your return because the data is encrypted. E-filing helps the IRS process returns faster, allowing you to receive your refund sooner. Even taxpayers who owe money are encouraged to e-file now and pay later (on April 15) via direct withdrawal.

The use of e-filing has steadily increased over the last few years, thanks in part to the partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance LLC. Since the alliance was created in 2003, more than 24 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through the program, with nearly 4.8 million tax returns filed through Free File last year.

More information about e-filing and a list of all companies participating in the Free File Alliance can be found at www.IRS.gov. Information about TaxACT is available at www.TaxACT.com. (ARAcontent)

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

 

3 Things You Should Never Assume When Buying a House in Rural America

By Dlee Smith

I define rural America as any location that does not have city water or a sewage disposal system. My wife and I are now living in a house we purchased just a very few months ago. I want to spare you the problems we have dealt with because we made assumptions, taking certain things for granted, and thus did not make sufficient inquiry. That is a thing we all think we are too smart to do but by the same token it is easily done.

Here are 3 things you should never assume.

1. Never assume because a person or family has lived in a home for a long extended period of time that that means the water is fit to drink. We made the assumption and found out after the fact that we had sulfur water. The prior owner had never purchased bottled water and had always used the water she had and she had lived here for decades. I was aware of that and thus I made an assumption.

Never ever buy a home out away from city water without tasting the water. I cannot emphasize that too much. If you fail to do it you may end up with a water quality far from what is desirable.

2. Never assume that just because the family that lived in the home before you had plenty of water that you will too. If they say they have plenty of water that may be simply a function of how many people are living in the home and/or the amount of water they use. Your needs may be greater than theirs.

We ended up with water we could not drink and an inadequate supply because we made assumptions. We ended up drilling a deep well that cost us $7,500. How would you like to tack that onto the cost of your home, onto your purchase price after the fact?

3. A third assumption I made was that the drainage was okay. Never assume that. I just got through digging down to the septic tank and having it cleaned ($250) and have discovered that while it did need cleaning that the real problem is back flow into the septic from the drainage system. When we closed the lid to the septic tank, after about an hour of pumping, we still had a continuous back flow coming in.

The drainage issue is one that is very easily overlooked. It does not come into your mind when you go look at a house. It is not something you see when you take the tour. Try your very best to find out about it before buying. It is too easy to assume all is well.

These issues are not minor but as major as you can get. A lot of people have had to deal with sorrow and a lot of problems and expense because they too did what we did. In fact, the man who drilled my deep well told me about a man who they had dug a well for. He had built a brand new home and then after the house was built he drilled the well. Guess what? There was no water to be had. It was an empty hole. He ended up with a brand new home he could not live in and could not sell.

To hear the rest of my story, go to my blog where I will also give you another two or three tips from things we learned the hard way and so you can avoid them. My blog.

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

 

Smart Ways to Stretch Your Dollars

It’s wise to make financial resolutions and find ways to spend smart and save in the upcoming year.  Jennifer Openshaw, successful author, radio host and financial expert, offers the following smart tips to stretch your dollars in 2009:

Change the Channels
We all have services we no longer need. Do you really watch all your cable channels? Have you got hundreds of unused cell phone minutes you’re still paying for? A second home phone line you never use? Gym membership you don’t want? They all made sense at one time, but what about now? Take inventory. Check your bills and credit card statements. Find the suspects, and then ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”

Make It Last Longer! Clean It. Fix It. Keep It.
Simply put, it pays to make things last longer. Cars, furniture, computers or the deck on the back of your house — a little care can pay big rewards. So dedicate time (and maybe a little money) to really cleaning up that old car. “My friend has saved megabucks by keeping his Ford Explorer in good shape for 17 years. Some folks buy three new cars in that amount of time,” says Openshaw.

Used Doesn’t Mean Abused
Quite often, “used” goods will work just as well as new ones — and cost a fraction of the price. “Used” also includes open box and returned items in stores. “I just bought a lawnmower. New $439, I got it for $129 — used twice maybe — and runs perfect!” says Openshaw. Learning to buy used if you don’t already can also be a great way to save on items you need. By becoming a member of an online shopping portal or community of sellers like eBay or Craigslist, you’ll open up a two-way road of buying and selling — and saving along the way.

Save While You Spend
Use coupons, look for sales or sign up for a savings program like Keep the Change from Bank of America that helps you save money while you spend (BankofAmerica.com). Keep the Change automatically rounds up check card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference from your checking account to your savings account. The savings really help as you kick off the New Year. Plus, with Keep the Change, you’ll get a match.

Do-It-Yourself
By taking over your own gardening, car washing, house cleaning or even a little home improvement, you’ll not only save money, but get some great exercise while expanding your pride of ownership. And it isn’t just grunt work — instead of the weekly trip to a restaurant, try a fancy do-it-yourself meal experience. You can turn DIY into stay-at-home fun, especially if you get the family involved.

Take a Calculated Risk
Have you ever thought about raising deductibles on your property, auto, health or other insurances? That extra few dollars of coverage can really add up. “I have a friend who just raised the out-of-pocket family maximum on a purchased high-deductible policy from $4,800 to $8,000 and saved $2,844 a year in premiums by taking on $3,200 more in risk,” says Openshaw.  Source: ARAcontent

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

 

FHA Refinance Programs

FHA mortgages have always been very good loans for the homebuyer. In today’s market the FHA refinance programs offer maximum benefits to the homeowner that wants to lower payments or get out of an adjustable rate mortgage. FHA offers three types of refinance mortgage loans: Cash-Out, No Cash-Out, and Streamline Refinance.

A FHA streamline refinance can only be used to refinance a current FHA mortgage and it should lower payments. This program will not allow the borrower to receive any money back at closing. The main advantage to this mortgage is that the borrower, under certain conditions, does not have to requalify for the loan. The mortgage may also be done with or without an appraisal.

Loan Type Conversion Allowed:

1. 30 yr fixed to 30 yr fixed: The resulting loan must have lower payments.

2. 30 yr fixed to 15 yr fixed: Payment cannot be more than $50 higher.

3. Fixed Rate Mortgage to Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Owner occupied homes only

4. Adjustable Rate Mortgage to Fixed Rate Mortgage

5. ARM to ARM:

6. 203K to 203B

FHA Streamline Refinance “Without” An Appraisal:

The new loan amount cannot be more than the original loan amount, OR more than the current principle balance plus closing cost. … Whichever is less. This only applies to owner occupied as non-owner occupied borrowers can only refinance the existing balance, and do not have the option of rolling in the closing costs.

Credit verification required is only mortgage payments. Tewlve copies of cancelled checks, front and back will do this unless the underwriter prefers an in file report to verify mortgage payments.

Streamline Refinance “With” An Appraisal Required:

A FHA streamline refinance with appraisal allows the homeowner to finance the closing costs, points, and prepaids if all fits within the loan to value limits. The loan amount may be the current principle plus closing costs, points and prepaids, OR, the appraised value x 97.75% (97.65%, or 97.15%, high or low cost state). Whichever is less!

IF the smallest of these two values is greater than the original mortgage balance credit verification is required.

Streamline Refinance – “Credit Qualification Required”:

The loan is calculated based on the previous formulas. Qualifying requires full employment verification, credit report, and debt to income compliance. These loans are used when the new mortgage payment will be higher, deletion of a borrower on new mortgage, or in assumptions involving due-on-sale clauses.

FHA Refinance, “No Cash Out”:

This no-cash-out refinance loan may be used to refinance a FHA mortgage, a VA mortgage, a conventional mortgage, or a non-conforming mortgage and requires the borrower to fully qualify. Second mortgages may be included in the new loan if they are older than one year, if not older than one year, you must prove that the funds were used solely to repair or rehabilitate the home. If not, paying off or including these loans would be considered a cash-out refinance.

This loan can be used to buy out the equity of an ex-spouse provided it is documented in the divorce papers. It is still considered a no-cash-out because this equity is considered indebtedness.

If the home was purchased less than a year ago and is not currently a FHA loan, the loan amount will be the appraised value plus closing cost, OR the original sales price plus closing cost. Whichever is less!

If the home purchase was more than a year ago and not currently FHA, the mortgage amount will be calculated the same as a “streamline refinance with an appraisal”.

FHA “Cash Out” Refinance:

This loan can be used to refinance a FHA loan, a VA loan, or Conventional loan. This loan has many advantages: Max loan to value is 90% for conventional loans but FHA loans allow 95% plus a portion of the closing costs.

Author Connie Sanders built a web site to help homebuyers learn FHA guidelinesfha streamline refinance. (Source: http://www.search-raven.com)

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

Why Real Estate Is Bubble Proof

Several years ago, economists began using the term “bubble” to describe the incredible yearly increases in the price of an average home in many U.S. markets. Inevitably, when those increases tapered off and home prices glided back to more normal levels, they said the bubble had “burst.”

I firmly believe that the housing market (as well as commercial real estate) will continue to expand and that young, first-time homebuyers have the most to gain from it. I see nothing on the horizon to change my outlook either-not today or 10 years from today. As long as the United States experiences steady population growth, there will be constant demand for homes. Growth guarantees an ongoing appreciation of residential property values for years to come.

In my book, Bubble Proof, I go to explain two very important things: call them the “macro” and “micro” concepts of “bubble proofing.” I’ll share some of that insight here.

First, the macro: Real estate is bubble proof over the long term because it has always shown itself to be resilient and rewarding. Real estate is always in demand. Someone is always buying, selling or investing in property, so there’s always a market for it. Its major segments-residential, rental, commercial-don’t move in lockstep, so that a diversified “real estate portfolio” can be built and adjusted for performance.

It is also important to note that, unlike the stock market, real estate trends are foreseeable from a distance. Prior to any up or down movement in the business as a whole, we have reliable predictors: interest rates, home sale figures, building permits and the like, issued monthly and debated endlessly by economists, business reporters and experts.

Contrast that with a normal week on the stock exchange. Some days, market losses can amount to 2 or 3 percent due to some upsetting event: an overseas terrorist attack, an OPEC announcement or a poor blue-chip earnings report. Unless your last name is Buffet or Kerkorian, normal investors can’t divine the stock market’s next move. But I can tell you where my real estate holdings are headed-and that kind of predictability helps make them, and me, “bubble proof.”

Now for the “micro” explanation of “bubble proof.”

I advocate the purchase of houses, duplexes, condos, apartment buildings or even office or storefront space only if they meet certain requirements, and therefore are “bubble proof.” In other words, applying my methods, homebuyers and investors can bubble proof their investments.

What constitutes “bubble proof” real estate? Obviously, not all real estate qualifies. I certainly wouldn’t advise a client to buy land on a decaying waterfront, or in a bad neighborhood, where only a Herculean government program could possibly turn its fortunes around. But I do recommend that prospective buyers seek out the countless quality opportunities to acquire and profit from real estate using the bubble proof approach.

In my book, I provide an in-depth examination of the components that go into bubble proof purchasing, starting with your first home and then branching into investment properties. For the purposes of this article, I will keep it brief and just touch on the basics that every deal needs:

* Affordability. Without a doubt this is the most important factor to consider, whether it is your first home or your twenty-fifth condo. This may sound obvious at first, but it is amazing how many people stretch too far and get trapped when their low interest adjustable mortgage shoots skyward.

* Favorable conditions. It doesn’t matter what has happened elsewhere; focus on where you want to buy. Look for markets that are appreciating, and where homes are selling and not sitting. Be sure the nearby area is prospering, not struggling. (Here’s how to tell: Find the towns with the best schools, and then go house hunting.) You may have to research newspaper archives, business journals and the Internet for some of this information, but it will keep you from committing a major blunder later on.

* Location. Here’s where Realtors earn their stripes. They know the local market, inside and out-and about opportunities that you would never unearth on your own. Remember: Your goal is equity growth, not looks, so forget about buying the nicest house on the block. Instead, buy a house that needs work, in the best neighborhood you can find.

* Realism. Buy for today and trust that the future will take care of itself. No market is immune to bumps and dips in the road; but smart buying can overcome nearly every obstacle. Real estate using the Bubble Proof tools will not make you rich overnight, but it will over time.

* Common Sense. Make sure that any real estate deal you strike makes sense today. If the property is affordable, in a good market, fundamentally sound and has real potential to appreciate, then -and only then-you should pounce. Buying in an area that’s only projected to boom is a fool’s errand. Let speculators lose everything instead.

By meeting each of these requirements, a home or property acquisition meets my criteria for being “bubble proof.” It’s easy to see how these basic standards mesh into a bulletproof vest, if you will, that protects my investment before I’ve even placed my down payment. With these safeguards in place, buying your first house should be almost anticlimactic, because you’ve eliminated the negative factors that can result in disaster.

Author Tonja DeMoff is a best-selling author and one of the highest producing and best-paid realtors in the United States. Her latest book, Bubble Proof is available now. Visit Tonja on the web at http://www.tonjademoff.com. (isnare.com)

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

Benefits of Home Inspection

For the majority of people, a home purchase is the most substantial and important financial obligation they will ever take on in their lifetime. It makes perfect sense that home buyers guard their financial commitment by investing in a well-done home inspection. When purchasing a new property, home inspection is essential for your own protection. While conducting the inspection, an inspector will tour the home systematically and methodically in order to assess its physical condition. One important aspect to remember about home inspections and buying a home is that it is very important to make your offer on a property contingent on the results of the home inspection. This means that if the inspection uncovers some major problems with the property, you can withdraw your offer without penalty. This is the purpose of doing home inspections.

The Inspection Procedure: What to Expect

While conducting a home inspection, the inspector will take a thorough and meticulous look at the property to assess its physical condition–but be aware that this is very distinct from an appraisal which is required by the bank giving the mortgage. The home inspector will be able to explain to you all about what kind of shape the property is in, but will not provide you with an estimate of its value.

During the inspection process, the inspector will study everything in the home and assess the condition of its structure, construction, plumbing, electrical systems and other parts of the home, to identify whether any structures or systems require repair or even replacement immediately or in the near future. The inspector will determine as well the longevity of the home and things like the furnace, air conditioning system and any appliances that come with the house, taking into account the structural features and electrical, plumbing and other systems, and determine how much functional life each feature has remaining. A home inspection will generally take at least two hours, but of course this depends on the size of the home. Typically, you might expect an inspection to take around an hour for every thousand square feet of property. Once the inspection is complete, you should receive a written report of the inspector’s discoveries within seven days.

Crucial Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

Before you hire a home inspector, it is prudent to ask important questions to make sure you are getting an inspector you can rely on to carry out a thorough inspection of your prospective property.

-What does the inspection include?
-How many inspections have you done, and how long have you been an inspector?
-Are you a veteran residential inspector?
-Are you a member of any state or national associations?
-How long will the inspection take to be accomplished?
-What do you charge?
-How quickly will the inspection report be available to me after the inspection is complete?
-Will I be allowed to attend the inspection?

These are all significant questions to help make sure that your inspector has the experience needed to thoroughly investigate the property which may become your home. Be sure to ask if you may attend the inspection–a negative response from the home inspector is definitely a negative sign, and attending the inspection is a great chance to learn about your likely new home, from an expert. They can show you things and you can ask questions on things that might be unclear from just a written report.

Author Lee Bell. Take a look at Tramonto scenic home for sale in Phoenix, AZ. You may want to browse Valencia homes for sale in Chandler. Consider Troon Village condos for sale. (Source)

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

 

Types of Real Estate Listing Contracts

A listing contract is an agreement between you and a licensed real estate broker that authorizes the broker to represent you in the process of selling your home. There are several different types of listing contracts, but very few of them are used. The most common one used is the “Exclusive Right to Sell.” Here are some of the listing types: 

Open Listing 

This type of contract is for people who want to both sell their home and work with real estate agents. What the contract does is gives the right for agents to show your home and gives them an amount of commission if the client chooses to buy your house. The up side about open listing is that there is usually nothing exclusive or painfully bonding about them. The downside is that you can expect no, or less, marketing or advertising. 

One-Time Show 

This type of listing contract is pretty much the same to open listing. It’s generally used by people trying to sell their own home but allows an agent to show the home. The listing contract identifies the potential buyer and guarantees the agent a commission if that buyer purchases the home. Just like open listings, this type lacks any marketing effort. 

Exclusive Agency Listing 

During your home selling, you will find that different types of listing contracts involve a lot of different people. This one involves a broker. Basically, an exclusive agency listing will give you the right to sell your own home, without paying the broker any commission, unless the house is sold through a licensed real estate professional. Should the house be sold without any help of agents, the contract allows homeowners to pay no commission at all. The reason why this type of listing contract is widely used is the lure of not having to pay your broker. 

Exclusive Right to Sell Listing 

The most popular type of listing with sellers and brokers, this contract gives the full right for your broker to do whatever it takes to sell your house. For obvious reasons, this is probably the type of contract where you can expect the most motivation from the agent – a good marketing effort can take place here, and the homeowner’s work is much reduced. 

Before you choose your contract, always make sure you know every type of listing contracts available to you. Keep in mind how much effort you would like to put in to the selling process – this is often what distinguishes the types. Discuss the possibilities and disadvantages of each type. Remember, a listing contract is your first legal step in selling your house – take that step very carefully. Plus, as state laws vary, and the above was a very abbreviated explanation of basic contract types, one would be very foolish to enter into any listing contract without have an attorney review the documents. 

Author Bob Schwartz, San Diego real estate broker with w/30 years exp. He has a popular San Diego real estate blog Bob’s other sites are: Downtown San Diego real estate &  San Diego real estate agents. Copyright 2008 Promotions Unlimited – websitetrafficbuilders.com. (Source: iSnare.com)

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NY Investment Property News & Resources: CNY Property Listing, Homes Going Green, FSBO Property Listing, Investor Real Estate PDF Magazine, CNY Property

 

6 Family Christmas Vacation Tips

A family Christmas vacation can be a wonderful experience. It can fill you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas is a magical time to be surrounded by loved ones, friends and the spirit of the holidays. It’s also one of the busiest traveling times of the year. But, not to worry – there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation. A few tips will make your trip a breeze. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa 

If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don’t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Forget 

Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning 

If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early 

When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you’re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don’t want to be left standing in the cold. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Forget The Chef 

If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated. 

Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions 

One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like “How will Santa find me if I’m away from home,” have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It’s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place. 

For great family Christmas resources check out http://music.christmashub.com and  http://www.christmashub.com

(Source: iSnare.com)

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