Your Home Inspection

You have made your offer and it's been accepted. Now it's time for your Home Inspection. Hiring a qualified Inspector is as easy as going to http://www.ashi.org/ and locating an Inspector.
Once your Inspector arrives he should inspect the roof by actually getting on the roof and walking around looking at the roof material, flashing, gutters, the exterior of the chimney and the cap.
He then will walk around the house looking at the exterior material, be it brick or siding. Also checking the exterior of the foundation. In completing his exterior Inspection he should observe the power cable going into the house any decking supports, gates and fencing
As your Inspector conducts the Home Inspection he will be making notes of his findings. He may from time to time suggest having an item looked at by a qualified technician. Don't quiz him everytime he makes a note wait til the end when he will give you a written report.
Once he enters the home he should check the attic for insulation depth, make sure all ceiling lights/fans operate properly. He'll check each electrical socket for polarity and check for GFI's near water sources.
He'll check all bathrooms and kitchen for functionality and to make sure there are no leaks. He should also make notes of the general condition of the interior.
During the inspection he will review the interior foundation for potential leaks, cracks or damages. Finally he will inspect the furnace, water heater electrical panel and dehumidifier.
A normal inspection should only take a couple of hours. In attendance should be yourself and your Real Estate Agent. Once you have your inspection it's time to ask the inspector questions on anything of concern. Remember he is not a specialist only an inspector and as such should never offer repair services/bids.
The St. Louis Chapter of AMERICAN SOCIETY of HOME INSPECTORS 800-743-ASHI www.stlashi.org CERTIFIED INSPECTORS as of Friday, July 05, 2013 Adams ACI, Charles 314-805-5538 Aadams Inspection Services LLC Armstrong, Steve 636-931-7888 Castle Home Inspections Barclay, Robert 888-246-0242 BrickKicker Inspection Services Bean, John 800-285-3001 BPG/ABA Inspections and Consulting Becker, John 314-307-1856 ABA/BPG Inspections & Consulting Bench, Tim 636-240-7209 JCTB Inspections, Inc. Bentz, P.E., Jerry 800-285-3001 ABA Inspections and Consulting Binsbacher, Jeff 314-249-8371 R. Heyl & Associates Birenbaum, PE, David 314-650-5200 Engineered Inspection & Consulting Services Bonney, Sam 314-570-5135 Cardinal Home Inspection Services Borah, Chad 314-645-7871 Pillar To Post Bossard, Tom 636-477-0800 Heartland Inspection Services Boyd, Michael 314-744-0153 Architective Home Inspection LTD Brewer, Wayne 636-282-8800 Brewer Inspection Services Inc. Brown, Edward 314-576-6410 Guardian Home Inspection Services Bryant, Rick 636-887-6316 HouseMaster, Guaranteed Home Inspections Caby, Richard 314-645-7871 Pillar To Post Cawein, Joseph 800-285-3001 ABA/BPG Inspections & Consulting Clark, Timothy 800-285-3001 ABA/BPG Inspections & Consulting Coffman, Rick 314-645-7871 Pillar To Post Copanas, Frank 314-456-0783 Acropolis Home Inspection Delahanty, Dan 314-892-4047 Show Me Home Inspections Dickinson, Patrick 314-645-7871 Pillar To Post Dingledine, Gary 800-285-3001 ABA/BPG Inspections & Consulting Donjon, John 314-249-8310 ABA/BPG Inspections & Consulting Eisterhold, Carl 314-531-5663 Building Inspection Consultants Engebretson, Eric 314-434-8900 Midwest Inspection Service Entwistle P.E., Ron 800-285-3001 ABA Inspection and Consulting/BPG Fay, Myron 618-580-1120 Z & C Home Inspection Services Fox, Jerry 314-308-6489 AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service Gennaro, Anthony 314-865-2500 Blue Ribbon Inspection Service,LLC Gould, George 314-575-6781 National Property Inspections ST LOUIS Gould, Robert 636-940-1005 National Property Inspections--ST CHARLES Graczak, Joseph 314-283-4765 Suburban Home Inspection Service Inc. Guffey, Gordon 636-282-8800 Brewer Inspection Services Inc. Hardy, P.E., Kyle 800-285-3001 Buyers Protection Group Henderson, Michael 618-235-4330 Amron Home Inspection Services (IL lic.) Heyl, Thomas 314-918-0600 Bean and Heyl Home Inspections Inc. Heyl, Richard 314-504-8504 R. Heyl & Associates Heyl, Ryan 314-374-2262 R.Heyl & Associates Hoffman, Dave 314-680-1834 Apple Inspections, LLC Hosie, Christopher 314-226-3272 Allen Engineered Inspections Jardine, Henry 636-240-5700 Amerispec Home Inspection Jardine ACI, Matthe 314-308-6489 AmeriSpec Home Inspections Jinkerson, David 636-386-1684 Hickory Home Inspections, LLC Jones, Reginald 314-409-4312 HomeSpector, LLC Kelley, Wesley 636-456-0001 7 Oaks Home Inspection llc. Kelly, Terence 314-580-0430 Apex Home Inspections Klein, Nathanial 314-571-9671 Pillar To Post Knight, Tim 636-978-9111 A.C.E. Home Inspections Krause, George 314-497-1234 Elite Home Inspections, LLC Krausz, Lawrence 314-277-9516 Krausz House Inspections Landolt, David 618-550-2800 Inspector Plus Inc. (IL lic.) Lewis, Jay 314-822-0559 Lewis Building Inspections Loesch, P.E., Gerald 314-249-8370 BPG/ABA Inspections & Consulting Lucke, Chris 314-874-5820 Missouri Property Inspections MacNeill ACI, Paul 314-392-9313 Apple Inspections LLC Mayer, Aaron 314-323-7458 Housewarming Home Inspections McCarty, Manuel 314-741-3300 Home Inspection - USA McNamee, Steve 636-936-8706 Homecheck Inspection Service Michalicek, Rick 314-238-6639 Moore Home Inspection Services Minderman, Nick 636-456-0001 7 Oaks Home Inspection Moore, Emmitt 314-727-6868 Moore Home Inspection Service Morrell, Harry 314-223-7310 Allied Building Inspections L.L.C. Morrissey, Michael 314-583-7654 Inspect-It 1st Nance, P.E., Charles 314-805-5576 CHN Inspections LLC Norman, Don 800-285-3001 BPG/ABA Inspections and Consulting Perry, Mark 618-570-8045 Accredited Home Inspection (IL lic.) Pohlman, Curt 314-276-1592 Pohlman Building Inspections Postol,P.E., Theodor 314-878-2884 Building & Home Inspection Consultants, Inc Rathjen, Fred 636-458-5300 Amerispec Of St. Louis Rathz, Mark 636-896-0123 WIN Home Inspection-St Charles Reese, Donald 314-795-7067 Dependable Home Inspections Reese, Robert 636-978-9111 A.C.E. Home Inspections Reichle, Paul 636-528-1554 Missouri Property Inspections Reuther, Frank 636-394-0869 Gateway Residential Inspectors Inc. Richards, William 314-605-4445 Home Inspections of St. Louis LLC Roark, Gary 636-685-6773 Armstrong Home Inspections LLC. Ronollo, Steve 314-276-4872 Excel Home Inspections Rothweiler, Jack 636-931-7888 Castle Home Inspections Ruttle, Richard 636-677-5868 Homestead Residential Inspection Sagehorn, Damon 314-821-8282 Engineering Evaluations Inc. Saladin, Thomas 800-285-3001 ABA/BPG Inspections and Consulting Sandweg, ACI, Dan 314-277-4982 Inspections Complete, LLC Sebaugh PE, Allen 314-401-9370 Allied Building Inspections LLC Shorette, Steve 636-282-2747 Candid Inspection Services Smith, Laurence 636-561-2844 Regional Home Inspection Co. Smith, Johnnie 800-285-3001 BPG /ABA Inspections & Consulting St. Clair, Robert 314-330-5423 Reliable Home Inspections Inc. Steinman PE, Gerald 314-517-5938 BPG/ABA Sullivan, Kevin 800-285-3001 Buyers Protection Group Vander Schaaf, Denni 314-249-8386 ABA Inspections and Consulting/ BPG Villhard, Wes 314-952-7007 Cornerstone Building Inspections Voss, Louis 636-795-0070 Countywide Professional Home Inspections Warren, Mark 800-285-3001 Buyers Protection Group Weisbrod, Doug 636-208-1966 Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspections Wessling, ACI, John 314-520-1103 Wessling Home Inspection Services LLC Whiteley, Deryck 314-932-5557 HouseMaster Guaranteed Home Inspections Zaloudek, James 314-406-2848 Assisting Homebuyers Inspection Service Note: ALL ASHI Members or others permitted to use the ASHI logo may not be listed on this document

8448 Saint Andrews Ln, House Springs, MO 63051 - Zillow

8448 Saint Andrews Ln, House Springs, MO 63051 - Zillow

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How to have your family prepared in an emergency

Would you be prepared if you and your family had to evacuate your home during an emergency?
The American Red Cross reports that only 10 percent of the families in the US have an emergency plan, a disaster kit, and first aid training including CPR.
The first step to be prepared is to assemble a grab-and-go bag that contains crucial supplies that you'll need in the event of an evacuation. The Red Cross has pre-packed kits for $65 at www.redcross.org or you can assemble your own. Label each bag and keep them accessible.
Your Grab-and-Go bag should contain
Personal travel size toiletries
Light-weight flashlight with extra batteries
Extra pair of eye glasses
Whistle on lanyard
3 days of prescriptions
Bottled water 2-3 gallons
High protein-High energy food bars
Change of clothes
Photograph of each child and adult
First Aid Kit
Battery powered radio
Extra set of home and car keys
Safe deposit box key
Credit Card
Cash
Copies of birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, passports and SS cards

By being prepared in an emergency you will be able to supply yourself during an evacuation or loss of home.

FSBO or Real Estate Agent To Sell Your St. Louis, Mo. Home?

FSBO or Agent, Which Is Best For Selling Your Home in the St. Louis Market?
By Frank Helderle



With the growth of the Internet, the prospect of 'going' FSBO — For Sale By Owner — as a method for selling your St. Louis, Missouri home is more attractive than ever.

One of the largest expenses involved in selling a property is the payment of an agent's commission — often in the 6% range. But agents do earn their money, by providing expertise on the market and sales process, by advertising widely and by assisting in the negotiation and closing phases of a sale.

Still, 6% of $200,000 is $12,000 and many find the prospect of keeping that money for themselves irresistible. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to use an agent or 'go' FSBO.

In order to sell a property quickly and profitably, you have to know the market. If your listed price is even 1% off the St. Louis, MO., real estate market average you will either sit on the property for a long time or fail to make as much as you could have on the sale.

Beyond the need to get an accurate, professional appraisal — required whether FSBO'ing or using an agent — agents can provide 'comps' listing the recent sale price of comparable properties. They also know the market and can often tell you whether your price is reasonable.

However, with the increasing availability of similar information on the Internet, FSBO is becoming a more realistic option. If you can access and analyze the data, FSBO may be for you.

Agents put your property in a database called an MLS, a Multiple Listing Service, to which other agents as well as potential buyers — through the agent — have access. MLS data is more difficult for the average person to gain access to and in some states you need a license to obtain the data. Almost in every case, one is required to be a member of the MLS service and pay a fee.

This is only the first step toward advertising your property far and wide to potential buyers. But, again, with the growth of Internet sites advertising homes for sale, along with other traditional options, you may find you no longer need the service once provided almost exclusively by agents.

Some individuals are natural negotiators and some have learned through long experience how to attract buyers and get the best deal. Some, though, will always be on the losing end of a proposition. Only you can decide how effective you can be in negotiating a fair, acceptable price and whether that process is enjoyable or torture.

Once you've listed the property, advertised it widely enough to attract buyers and negotiated a price one will accept, the most difficult part of the process begins. Every state and country including St. Louis has a long and complex list of laws about how a real estate transaction has to be carried out.

Deposits have to be made of the right amounts and at the right times in an escrow account, and insurance regulations have to be met. Title history is investigated and a hundred other details completed before ownership can be transferred and profits (if any) gained. If you don't have the knowledge or temperament for this sort of thing, FSBO is not for you.

But, on the bright side, there are dozens of books, Internet sites such as this, and low-cost 'seller assistance' businesses that can guide you through the process.

Investigate before you decide, and best of luck. There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in St. Louis real estate. For complete information about the St. Louis, MO., real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything St. Louis real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 314 267-4841 or email me at stlouishomes@yahoo.com or visit www.realestatetrio.com to view the entire St. Louis, MO., MLS..

Thrifty Solutions To Update Your Kitchen

Here are a few tips sellers can use in changing that old outdated kitchen into a new showplace buyers will compete over.

Add space and light by removing a wall and opening up the space.

Do not move the plumbing.

Unclutter your counter tops by installing hideaway appliance lifts.

Buy ready-to assemble cabinets in lieu of custom cabinets.

Consider alternative counter top materials.

These are a few inexpensive ideas to make your kitchen desirable. For additional ideas contact The "H" Team today.

How to Check Quality in Your New Home

The Quality of Homes
The H Team

There are houses and there are houses. Just like anything that is produced in our world from cars to clothing, there is a high quality manufacturing and there is poor to medium workmanship.
In her book "The Fearless Home Buyer" Elizabeth Razzi gives those telltale signs of a well built home.
Windows are an easily-spotted signal of quality. They're one of the most expensive components of a home. You can determine the brand used by looking for the name in the corner of the glass. Look for neatly mitered and whether the window is double panned which offers good insulation in both summer and winter. Look at the windowsill and the wall below to see if there are any water stains or softness in the wall-a sign that there could be a condensation or leakage problem with the windows.
Bathrooms are another area where the quality of the workmanship is important. Pay special attention to the floors and walls around (and downstairs from) a shower stall Look for signs of recent painting, a spongy feel or mold. Water that leaks from a tub or shower over time can rot sub flooring, a common problem in homes built with inferior materials and workmanship.
When you expect the exterior of the home, note the kind of siding that is used. Wood siding is beautiful but requires routine re-painting. Vinyl or aluminum siding is economical and long-lasting, but check it for dings, tears and fading.
As always, if you are uncomfortable about the quality of a home you are interested in purchasing, it's a good idea to hire a professional inspector to confirm or allay your fears.
As Real Estate professionals, we look forward to working for you and answering any questions you might have about quality and workmanship of any home you may be interested in. Call us anytime.

Sales Tax Holiday Information

The Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from April 19-25, means a savings of at least 4.225 percent sales tax fee to people who purchase new ENERGY STAR ® qualified appliances in Missouri during the holiday. The reduced price represents the elimination of the state's sales tax from the purchase.
Several local governmental entities have also opted to participate in the holiday. This means that some purchases will be exempt not just from the state sales tax, but also city, county and special district sales taxes. Nine counties, 57 cities and eight special districts have opted to participate in the holiday. Anyone who buys a qualified appliance in Missouri that has earned the ENERGY STAR will be exempt from paying the state sales tax. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program allows manufacturers of appliances to voluntarily label selected appliances if they meet certain criteria. The goal is to promote appliances that perform as well or better than similar appliances while using less energy. The program has saved businesses and consumers billions of dollars since its inception in 1992.ENERGY STAR-certified appliances that qualify for the sales tax exemption are: Clothes washers Refrigerators Freezers Dishwashers Water heaters Furnaces Air conditioners Heat pumps The sales tax exemption only applies to the first $1,500 on each appliance. If an appliance costs more than $1,500, the regular sales tax rate is in effect for any of the purchase price above $1,500.Examples of appliances NOT eligible for the sales tax exemption are clothes dryers, trash compactors, conventional ovens, ranges and stoves. Lighting fixtures, office equipment, home electronics and other non-appliance ENERGY STAR labeled-products are also not eligible for the sales tax exemption. Counties that have opted to participate in the holiday and have eliminated their county sales taxes on qualified purchases are: Adair, Crawford, Daviess, Gasconade, Johnson, Morgan, Pettis, Ripley and Ste. Genevieve.Participating cities are: Airport Drive, Arnold, Aurora, Ava, Bethany, Bowling Green, Branson West, Brookfield, Butler, Carrollton, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Desloge, Dexter, Fenton, Fredericktown, Fulton, Gladstone, Hannibal, Hazelwood, Hermann, Hillsboro, Ironton, Jackson, Kahoka, Kansas City, Kirksville, Lexington, Macon, Marble Hill, Maryville, Memphis, Mexico, Osceola, Overland, Pacific, Perryville, Platte City, Raymore, Republic, Richmond, Rock Hill, Rock Port, Rolla, Salem, Salisbury, St. Charles, Ste. Genevieve, Sunset Hills, Tarkio, Town & Country, Union, Unionville, Warrensburg, Warsaw, Washington and Willow Springs. Additional information regarding the Show-Me Green
Sales Tax Holiday can be obtained at http://dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/green/ or e-mail the Department of Revenue at: salesuse@dor.mo.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
From an article written by Matt Newport

Buying Your First Home

Buying Your First Home
Home ownership is the cornerstone of the American Dream. But before you start looking, there are a number of things you need to consider.
Before You Start Grab your current household budget so you can consider your financial situation and your ability to make mortgage payments.
Ask family and friends if they can recommend experts, like a lawyer, a Realtor and an inspector, who can help with the home buying process.
Think about your lifestyle and how it might affect your choice of home and neighborhood.
Do a little research on current home prices in the neighborhoods you plan to target.

To begin your search visit The H Team at http://www.realestatetrio.com for more information.

Why Determine the Value of Your Home

What's it Worth?

As a stock holder many Americans check the stock market everyday, looking at TV, online and the newspaper. But fail to take stock of their own home. Up to 95% of today's home owners do not know the value of their largest investment, their home.
A comparative market analysis (CMA) provided by a Real Estate Professional can bring you up to speed.
The CMA is normally used as a way of measuring value. When you are buying or selling or even refinancing, a CMA is essential in setting a price and in choosing the proper time to sell.
There are numerous other reasons to run a CMA including your net worth or to provide adequate replacement insurance or to leverage your equity.
Get your free CMA today by contacting The H Team.

Thinking Of Buying A Foreclosure Property

Six Questions You Must Ask

Is Now A Good Time To Buy A Foreclosure?
Because local market conditions vary the answer is going to be different. Buyers should be asking questions before they make an offer on any foreclosure property.
What's The First Step A Buyer Needs To Make?
Get pre-approved for a loan before you begin shopping.
How Can You Tell A Bad Foreclosure From A Good One?
There are lots of great deals out there. Make sure you work with a Realtor who can guide you through the potential problems associated with buying a foreclosure.
I'm A Qualified Borrower Can I Appeal To Banks For Better Terms?
Lenders have lots of defaulted mortgages, many of them will offer a below-market loan on a bank owned property.
What Are The Costs Of Buying A Foreclosure?
Figure commissions, closing costs, repair costs and upgrade costs and add at least 10% to that figure as a "surprise" fund.
How Does Choice Of Neighborhood Affect Foreclosure Investments?
Avoid areas overrun with foreclosures, particularly newer subdivisions in overbuilt suburban areas. Choose established neighborhoods with good schools and transportation.

For additional information, questions or a list of local foreclosures please contact The H Team today.

Interior Painting Tips

Interior Painting Tips

Get The Surface Ready
You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean, free of hand prints, dirt or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaking.


Select The Sheen and Color
Lighting has a big effect on the way your color appears. Try a small trail sample available at most Home Improvement Stores. Higher sheen paints are more durable than flats, so use them in high traffic areas. Satin or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection.
Don't Buy Cheap Paint Although you may want to save a buck or two it isn't worth it on paint. Purchase top quality acrylic-latex interior paint which goes on smoothly and is easy to clean up. Painting the interior of your home is a big job so you want the quality to show.
Choose The Right Tools
If you're using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter your nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water based paints.

Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
For a list of licensed quality painters in the St. Louis area contact The H Team.

How To Beat Negativity

Our economy is hurting. Most Home Sales are sluggish and we all have a lot of uncertainty. It's very easy to get discouraged.


Breaking Negativity
From Jon Gordon


1. Tell Yourself A Positive Story
2. Model Yourself After Success
3. Focus On The Important Stuff
4. Replace "Have To" with "Get To"
5. Refuse To Participate In The Recession
6. Boost Your Marketing And Advertising
7. Create A Positive Vision
8. Invite Others Onto Your Bus
9. No More Complaining


For a copy of the complete article please contact The H Team for your free copy

Being Prepared For Severe Weather

Severe Weather Season Begins

Red Cross Urges Preparedness During Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week

Knowing what to do and where to go during severe weather can be the difference between life and death. In 2008 severe weather killed 28 and injured 271 people according to the Missouri Severe Weather Service.

Provide A Home Tornado Plan
Pick a place where the family can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It can be a basement, a center hallway, a closet on the lowest floor or the bathroom. Keep this area uncluttered. If you’re in a high rise you may not have enough time to get to the lowest level so pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. If outside, lie flat in a low lying area, and cover your head.

Assemble A Disaster Supplies Kit
Include a first aid kit and any essential medications along with items for infants, the elderly or disabled. You also need canned food, a can opener and at least 3 gallons of water per person. Include protective clothing, bedding or sleeping bags, a battery or crank powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service on)

When A Thunderstorm Approaches
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for the latest information. Find shelter in a building or an automobile. Keep windows closed and void convertibles. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Avoid using the telephone and electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower. Turn off the Air Conditioner. Power surges from electricity can overload the compressor. Close blinds and shades, they will prevent shattered glass from flying around your home.

Protecting Yourself Outside During A Thunderstorm
Go to a low lying area away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make sure the place you choose is not subject to flooding. Make yourself a small target. Squat with your head between your knees. Do not lay flat on the ground this makes you a larger target.

Provided by The American Red Cross
Contact The H Team for a free list of items for your disaster supplies kit.

7 Steps For Removing Mold From Your Home

What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus made up of tiny microscopic organisms that can grow almost anywhere. It multiplies itself via spores and shows itself in a variety of colors. The most common place to see mold is in your bathroom since mold needs moisture to grow.
1. Wear a face mask, goggles and rubber gloves. Do not touch mold with bare skin.
2. Seal off the area to prevent tiny spores from spreading to other parts of the home while removing.Open the windows and cover heat and ventilation registers.
3. Wash the affected areas with a mild detergent solution, such as laundry detergent and warm water. As an added step, wipe the area down with a solution of a 1/4 cup bleach and one cup of water. (Warning: Do not mix ammonia and bleach; the fumes can be toxic.)
4. Dry the surface completely. Use fans, blowers, dehumidifiers or natural ventilation.
5. Apply a borate-based detergent solution. Don't rinse. This will help prevent the mold from growing again.(Borate will be listed on the ingredient label.)
6. Don't take shortcuts. Never paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. The paint will peel and the mold will resurface.
7. Call a professional. Just when you think you've won the battle you may see dormant spores reappear or spread to clean areas of the home, particularly if proper removal procedures were not taken. You may need to contact a mold remediation company to resolve the problem.

Contact The H Team today for a list of licensed Mold Remediation Companies in the St. Louis, Mo. area.
For more information
Source: The Truth About Mold (Dearborn, 2008)

Top 5 Reasons To Consider Selling Short

ARE YOU UPSIDE DOWN?



1. Avoid foreclosure and help save your credit

2. Ease financial sress and recapture a sense of happiness

3. Reduce debt and regain control of your finances

4. Make a fresh start and restore your confidence.

5. Move forward with the help of a short sale specialist

Hiring a Realtor who is experienced in selling “short” will greatly increase your chances of success. Contact The H Team Today for a free confidential review

Key Individual Provisions of 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009

Tax Credit on Installing Energy Improvements To Your Home

NON BUSINESS ENERGY PROPERTY CREDIT

What Is It?

A Tax Credit of up to $1500.00 for qualifying residential energy improvements including windows, doors, siding.

Who Gets It?
Taxpayers who invest in such energy improvements to their property.

When Do They Get It?
When taxpayers file their 2009 and 2010 tax returns.

What Does The Taxpayer Need To Do?
When 2009 and 2010 tax returns are completed make sure to claim the maximum benefit under this provision. Be sure to reduce your credit by any non business energy property credit claimed the previous year.

Consult your tax professional for additional information. Not intended as legal advice

Get Your Free Report of Tax Provisions For Individuals Here

Buy A Vehicle - Get Tax Credit

According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 if you purchase a vehicle before 2010 you qualify for a tax credit.

Who Gets It?
Individuals who purchase new vehicles after 2/16/09 and before 2010. Benefit starts to phase out for individuals with MAGI or $125k/$250k

When Do You Get It?
When taxpayers file their 2009 tax return

What does the taxpayer need to do?
When you file your 2009 tax return, make sure you claim the maximum benefit under this provision. You may claim this deduction even if you don't itemize.

Contact your tax professional for complete details.Not meant as legal advice


Looking for additional details of the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009? Contact The H Team for a free copy of the Key Individual Provisions

DOGTOWN USA 3 BR 2.5 Baths Under $90K

Three bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch home has much to offer. Vinyl siding, hardwood floors in all 3 bedrooms, Livingroom and breakfast room, Master bedroom suite with updated half bath. Breakfastroom walks out to very large covered deck and privacy fenced yard. Lower level is partially finished with family room, rec room with large bar, full bath and additional room with closets that could be 4th bedroom. There is also a laundry room and stotage room. Covered carport and off street parking. Home needs a little updating but well worth the price for this home.

Contact The H Team for a tour or view the entire MLS with no sign-up required

A Few Upcoming Events in St Louis, Mo.

Upcoming Events
By The H Team


Eco Expo
Join us at the Saint Louis Science Center, April 18-19, at the region’s premier green event, featuring

» Product demonstrations
» Eco-friendly interactive exhibits
» Activities for kids
» Live music in the outdoor beer garden
» Plus much more!
Eco Expo


March Morpho Mania @ The Butterfly House

The Morphos are back! Witness more than 1,500 iridescent common blue morpho butterflies in free flight inside the Conservatory throughout the month.
Butterfly House


Easter Egg Hunt @ Shaws Garden

Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Garden is a gorgeous backdrop in Spring, and kids go crazy when meeting “Bunny” the Garden rabbit.
Shaws Garden


The Boat House @ Forest Park
The Boathouse in Forest Park has been a favorite spot for generations of St. Louisans
Bands will be returning in May
The Boat House

The Incentive for Greening American Homes

The Incentive for Greening American Homes
Written by Peter L. Mosca

Green is good, and the Obama Administration and Congress believe it should be an integral part of pulling America out of its economic doldrums. According to the National Association of Home Builders, expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the new economic stimulus package puts more money in consumers' pockets by providing financial incentive for home owners to go green on their renovation projects in 2009 and 2010. While more efficient homes save on water and energy bills, these tax credits will make such home upgrades even more affordable.

The Internal Revenue Code section 25C tax credit for existing homes, which had expired at the end of 2007, was reinstated as part of the economic rescue package passed by the Bush Administration last fall. Homeowners could be rewarded for installing energy-efficient windows, doors, roofing and insulation as well as furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps. But remodelers found that the terms of the 25C credit -- equal to only 10 percent of the cost of each product and with a lifetime cap of $500 -- weren't strong enough to push enough homeowners off the fence and into action.

Now, the credit rate and lifetime cap have been tripled – to 30 percent and $1,500, respectively – the list of eligible improvements expanded, and the deadline for applying has been extended through the end of 2010. Congressional estimates indicate that the new rules for the tax incentive will increase aggregate remodeling activity by more than $6 billion.

"The new tax credit also aligns with industry research indicating that even the most aggressive efficiency goals for new homes won't make a dent in overall energy consumption. Instead, remodeling and retrofitting the nation's older homes is by far the more efficient solution," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, a remodeler from Tucson (AZ).

"These new tax credits are another way that home building industry can combat the potential effects of global climate change by encouraging home owners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes," said Miedema.

A 2008 California study revealed that 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family envelope energy consumption can be attributed to homes built before 1983.

The bottom line: Retrofitting existing homes with energy-efficient features is four to eight times more carbon, and cost-efficient than adding further energy-efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.

Details on qualifying improvements are available at the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov. It is expected that homeowners will need to complete Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) and submit as part of their 2009 income tax returns to claim the credit. Further, homeowners should retain for their own records information that includes:


Name and address of the manufacturer

Identification of the component

Make, model or other appropriate identifiers

Statement that the component meets the 25C standards

Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied

Additional information for storm windows, if applicable

A declaration that the certification statement is true.
Due to the efforts of nonprofits like NAHB, the National Association of REALTORS and its affiliate organizations like the CCIM Institute, more and more businesses and individuals alike understand that 'green' is good for our economy, for our health and for the sustainability of our nation's communities