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Robert J Russell, IRES, REALTOR, Broker
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The popular first-time homebuyer tax credit that was scheduled to end this month is being extended. President Obama signed a bill that extends the up to $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers for seven months. An additional incentive for the housing industry is for homeowners. The $6,500 tax credit will benefit some existing homeowners who are also buyers and whose primary residence has been owned, used, sold, or being sold within at least five consecutive years of the previous eight years. The legislation is part of a bill that also extends unemployment benefits. Bruce Walker, Director of Marketing, RealEstate.com Reportedly, the credit would be available for people earning up to $125,000 a year and couples making up to $225,000 per year. This is an increase from the current income limits of $75,000 and $150,000, respectively. The extension of the first-time homebuyer credit lasts through June of next year. Buyers must sign a contract by the end of April 2010. The incentives come at a good time for the housing industry. “We’re getting into a historically slow time of year. You have the holidays and folks just aren’t in the market to buy a home. I think now, you’re going see a little bit more interest and we may see some upticks through the end of the year that could carry some momentum into the first part of the year which is traditionally the heaviest homebuying season,” says Walker. He believes these incentives will not only cause more homes to sell but will also have an impact on related industries. “I think one of the areas that will get a secondary benefit is going to be the home improvement industry. When someone buys a home they will often put additional work into it to make it their own. They’ll paint, put up wallpaper, and hang current rods. They may clean floors — so that home improvement sector is going to see, I believe, a secondary lift as well,” explains Walker. What this means to consumers? “When they see that home prices have dropped, there’s going to be fear in the market and people are going to wait to see other people get involved — get back into the market. So, as consumers are pushed off the fence with these incentives I think we will see a strengthening of the housing market as a direct result and people are going to get re-engaged,” says Walker. But some wonder are the incentives a risk that will cause homeowners to later default? “People have been skeptical of the economy for the last year or longer,” says Walker. Economists with the National Association of Realtors estimate that approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year. |
Hey!
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It’s quick, easy, and you’ll be helping me out because if you provide this – I can send you a card, email, present or even a new car !
http://www.birthdayalarm.com/bd2/5671107a8806672b1485816622c677400466d905
Robert J. Russell
www.robertjrussell.com
972-679-9029
RISMEDIA, November 21, 2009-Trulia, Inc. has announced that 25.6% of homes currently on the market in the United States as of November 1, 2009 have experienced at least one price cut during the past 12 months. More than 40% of the top 50 major metros across the U.S. are experiencing price reduction levels above 30%, significantly higher than the national average. The average discount for price-reduced homes continues to hold steady at 10% off of the original listing price. (more…)
Combat fat! Your allies in battling bulge? Foods that do the work for you. These edibles have proven lipid-melting powers that help you slim. That’s a win.
By Veronica Byrd
Almonds Almond joy! Dieters who ate 3 ounces of these nuts every day reduced their weight and body-mass index by a solid 18 percent compared with an 11 percent drop in the no-nut group, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found. Almonds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, which can speed the metabolism of fats. Stick to 12 per serving.
Berries Vitamin C-loaded fruit such as strawberries and raspberries can help you sizzle up to 30 percent more fat during exercise, suggests research from Arizona State University at Mesa. Blend a vinaigrette of 1 cup berries and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar.
See our tips about Real Estate: http://www.robertjrussell.com
Cinnamon This spice could make your waistline nice. Sprinkling ¼ teaspoon on your food may prevent a postmeal insulin spike-this increase normally occurs after you eat and “signals the body that it should store fat rather than burn it,” explains Lauren Slayton, R.D., of New York City. Add a dash to your oatmeal, yogurt or coffee.
Mustard Hello, yellow. The spice that gives mustard its color, turmeric, may slow the growth of fat tissues, a study in the journal Endocrinology notes. Eighty-six mayo in favor of any mustard; sprinkle turmeric on cauliflower and roast for a tangy side.
Oranges Prevent pound creep with this citrus star: It contains fat-torching compounds called flavones. Women who ate the most flavones had a significantly lower increase in body fat over a 14-year period, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds. Snack on slices or drink freshly squeezed OJ (with pulp!) for the biggest payback.
Soybeans These green gems are rich in choline, a compound that blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Add ½ cup edamame to a salad.
Sweet potatoes Trade up to sweet taters. They’re high in fiber, which means no drastic insulin jumps and thus less fat packed onto your hips. Bake a small sweet potato-think of two bars of soap as a portion size-and top with a dollop of lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese.
Swiss cheese Holy cow: “Calcium-rich foods reduce fat-producing enzymes and increase fat breakdown,” says Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Put toe to toe with some of its cheesy counterparts, Swiss is a heavy hitter in the calcium department; layer a slice on a lunchtime sandwich, or stack some on high-fiber crackers.
See our tps about Insurance: http://www.InsurancePricedRight.com
RISMEDIA, November 10, 2009-Here at Buffini & Company we’ve coached over 50,000 people in a one-on-one capacity, and have dedicated ourselves to studying, researching and supporting people through the growth process. One thing I’ve noticed recently is that people are taking a step back and beginning to examine some of the practices they employ in their business.
When the market is flying high and sticking a sign in the yard brings in multiple offers it can be easy to think you’re doing better than you necessarily are. The harsh reality is, however, a tougher market always exposes the real truth behind how you’re actually doing. And some of us have gotten off track. Below, I detail “The Five Detours on the Road to Success.”
1. Lack of Accountability
Every human being does better with accountability because we truly cannot see our own shortcomings; outside perspective is the best way to gain clarity on our patterns.
2. Loss of Motivation
Motivation, by its very nature, is designed to dissipate so we need to seek it out continually. As my friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar, says: “Motivation is like bathing. You have to do it on a daily basis!”
3. In Need of Direction
Once you get things moving and gain some momentum you actually need more direction than you did when you were just starting out. This is borne out by countless people who work their whole life and have nothing to show for it.
4. Isolation
All you have to do is watch the “Animal Planet” documentary on predators in the wild to know how detrimental isolation can be: Predators never attack the pack; they always look for the isolated, hurt, wounded, and lost, the ones who’ve stopped moving forward. Self-employed people are more predisposed to this isolation than anyone else.
5. Drift
While “isolation” is a predator, “drift” is a killer; it’s the “silent assassin” because we don’t know how far and how fast we’ve drifted until something catastrophic happens.
As you can see, the “Five Detours” are things we all face and it can be easy to get off track in both business and our personal lives. But let’s examine the solution side of things. If there are detours, then rest assured there are also rules of the road to get you back on track.
Stay on Track with These Rules of the Road
1. Stay Accountable
While it may not be natural to seek out accountability, let’s just have a look at what happens in its absence. Tiger Woods – the greatest golfer in the world – recently missed the cut at the British Open. Just so happens it was the first time in five years he didn’t bring his coach to a tournament.
2. Brainstorm and Network with Others
We humans do much better when we mastermind together, which is why we facilitate networking at our events, as well as in our Coaching programs and Small Groups. Surround yourself with positive, resourceful, successful people, because they’ll lift you up rather than drag you down.
3. Plan Daily Doses of Motivation
Just think of your daily motivation like an essential vitamin, with nothing but positive, good-for-you side effects. Plan daily doses by listening to affirming CDs in your car or by reading good books – just a few lines here or there will go a long way.
4. Follow the System
You know you’re in need of direction – everybody is. And we’ve developed a system that works. Now, I know that few people ever follow the system 100%, but what if that means you’re missing out on a 30% jump in your income?! Would that be worth increasing your commitment to the lead-generation activities by just 10%? The Referral Systems work; but only if you do!
5. Work with a Coach
A Coach has the expertise, tools and strategies to help you get your business cranking. That accountability and direction will help you avoid drift – the deadly killer.
This much I do know…there’s a reason our Coaching Members averaged $192,000 in income in one of the worst markets we’ve seen…
The fact that you’re still in business means you have weathered the storm and, as I’ve said before, a recession is a terrible thing to waste. Follow the rules of the road and you’ll be launching a great new year.
For more information: Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com
RISMEDIA, -President Barack Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension which will extend the tax credit until April 30, 2010.
The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers who are purchasing their first home from the current November 30 deadline and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate.
The following details apply to the homebuyer tax credit expansion:
Who is Eligible
-First-time homebuyers, who are defined by the law as buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase, may be eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit.
-Existing homeowners who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence (“repeat buyer”), may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.
-All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.
Income Limits
Homebuyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full credit ($8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers) if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000.
-For married couples filing a joint return, the combined income limit is $225,000.
-Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit.
-The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $145,000 and married couples with a MAGI that exceeds $245,000.
Effective Dates
-The eligibility period for the tax credit is for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010. However, home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.
Types of Homes that Qualify
-All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify, including newly-constructed or resale, and single-family detached, townhomes or condominiums, provided that the home will be used as their principal residence. Vacation home and rental property purchases do NOT qualify.
Tax Credit is Refundable
-A refundable credit means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference.
-For example:
-A first-time buyer who qualifies for the full $8,000 credit who owes $5,000 in federal income taxes would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $3,000 payment from the government. If you are due to receive a $1,000 refund, you would receive $9,000 ($1,000 plus the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit).
-A repeat buyer who owes $5,000 would pay nothing to the IRS and receive $1,500 back from the government. If you are due to get a $1,000 refund, you would get $7,500 ($1,000 plus the $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit).
-All qualified homebuyers can take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax return.
Payback Provisions
The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.
The www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com site is being updated. Check the site next week for more detailed information on the new tax credit.
Over the last few months I have found myself really fighting the changing market. You would think by now I would’ve simply accepted it as long as it’s been going on. But, I’ve kept telling myself and my clients that it’s going to get better after this or that. And, while it gets a little better it doesn’t seem to last. In fact everyone would agree that this is the most inconsistent and unpredictable markets either of us have ever seen.
While most luxury real estate marketing professionals are still reeling from the downturn in the market and working harder than ever just to keep up, some are seeing the enormous opportunity that the new era of the internet has to offer and they are starting to reach for the gold ring. Yes, there is a gold rush out there. But, what may not be obvious is what the new gold looks like and how to find it.
The new gold is all about identifying an uncontested niche in your marketplace where you can add extraordinary value; then staking your claim to ownership of that new market space. It is about cashing in on who you are, what you are most passionate about and leveraging the new media tools to reach and connect with your ideal clients in a focused manner.
What Is the Catch?
You need to know who you are, what you stand for, what you are passionate about what you can do better than anyone else in your marketplace. You need to discover you unique voice. Only then will the new media tools make any sense to you in terms of their potential to tap the gold reserve that awaits you. The tools are meaningless otherwise. Only when you become “follow-worthy” will you attract and retain your audience, and also convert that audience into cash flow.
You Must Discover Your Golden Voice
The blog is a great example of a new media tool that is useless without knowing your unique voice. Luxury real estate agents have been hearing, for a couple years, that they need to blog. They have been promised that Google will magically send traffic to their sites if they just spew “content”. Never mind that the content that they are writing about or the stories they are reporting are of any interest to a target market. Forget the idea of original content. After mindlessly regurgitating other people’s information, most agents abandon their blogs within 60 days concluding that it was a waste of time and was of little value in terms of generating immediate leads, let alone transactions.
What an awesome tool the blog is for those who have discovered their unique “golden” voice, a voice that is “follow-worthy”! Blogs offer anyone the opportunity to become a syndicated columnist because followers can subscribe to their “column”, keep up on the latest installments and also engage in discussion with the author and other followers. Plus, it is virtually free! So, is the help you can get from your silent marketing partner, Google. Google wants to help create a perfect match between you and your potential audience, your ideal potential clients because they sell more ads when users experience better search results.
Right now, there is an abundance of unexploited marketing niches right under your nose, where you can become the undisputed market leader. But, you will not perceive these untapped “gold mines” if you do not know your own mind. You first need to discover your own golden voice.
For more information on Luxury & International Properties visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com
Have you ever come across the saying “analysis – paralysis?” This is a superb phrase that ideally describes the processes and difficulties faced by a large number of entrepreneurs in this day and age. Just about anyone can easily end up spending most of their time thinking to themselves “what if”, and going over – repeatedly, the very reasoning behind their endeavours, or they can press on ahead. You can ask yourself whether your marketing campaign will yield real results, or you can go for it and see what happens. Most of the time, the aspiring entrepreneur falls short and will turn away from his or her targets due specifically to this kind of analysis.
If you are establishing an online business, you know that you need to use the power of Internet marketing to help you become established, to make people aware of your existence and to draw them to your sales funnel. One of the best ways to do this is to use the power of article marketing. In spite of the fact that this has been proven time and again to be one of the most powerful ways of marketing your online business – and a crucial factor in website development as well, many people still second and third guess its effectiveness.
It is quite common for newcomers to the arena to be exposed to the power of article marketing and to fully understand and comprehend its concept, yet the character sitting on their shoulder whispers some words of doubt. It is not good enough to accept that article marketing has been around for a considerable period of time and has stood the test of that time, but rather the question arises once again whether it is “for you.”
Understand that time does not stand still and neither do your competitors. One of the most important traits that you can possess as an entrepreneur is the efficient use of time. Time management dictates that once you have decided upon a course of action, you put it in place and continue to move forward toward the goal. Over analysis just wastes time. Once you’ve decided, after due diligence and research that you have a course of action, you must be willing to act on this.
There are a lot of people out there who see article marketing as a process which just takes too much time. The actual fact is that this is one of the wonderful aspects of this particular approach. The creation of educational and informative content and the distribution to others can scarcely be a better way of informing people about your authority, expertise and ability to meet their needs. By the time prospects arrive at your website, they may be partly qualified as they will have read through the information that you are putting out and have decided that they need to move towards the next step.
As article marketing is by definition a process that takes time, it is common for people to start such a campaign and then to stop it. If you are creating good content and distributing it accordingly, the odds are that your article marketing campaign will work, but it will take your confidence and ability to continue with the process until you see results.
Many entrepreneurs do not feel confident enough to create the content themselves and this is where a ghostwriter can come in very handy indeed. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to help you create the content according to your requirements, and to help you distribute it to the best authority sites on the Internet. A dedicated approach here and a commitment to success will undoubtedly bring real results.
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