Financial
Home Improvement Projects Rate of Return on Investment
Featured, Financial by Meredith Portman
Thinking about adding a deck or revamping the kitchen so you can up the price of your home before you sell? You might want to crunch the cost vs. value numbers, complied by Remodeling magazine, before you do. Read on to see the projects that gave the best and worst rate of return on investment Read in full.
How to Prepare Your Own Home Inventory Report
Featured, Financial, Homefront Featured, Safety and Security by Janet Kaufmann
If your home was destroyed by fire or vandalized by theft, could you recreate from memory a list of all your possessions including purchase date, cost, serial number and model number? A detailed list of damaged or destroyed possessions is required for all insurance claims. If you don’t have a home inventory, read on to find out how to prepare one. Read in full.
Homebuyer Federal Tax Credit Extended and Expanded
Featured, Financial by Danny Lipford
If you’re considering buying a home, now is the time! The $8,000 federal tax credit for new homebuyers—which was to expire November 30, 2009—has been extended through April 30, 2010. In addition, it’s been expanded to include a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who buy a home as well. Read in full.
How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for Existing Homeowners
Featured, Financial by Danny Lipford
Homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years, and meet certain other requirements, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $6,500 if they purchase a new home by April 30, 2010. Read on to find out how you can qualify. Read in full.
Home Inventory: How to Document Your Personal Property
Featured, Financial, Safety and Security by Janet Kaufmann
A home inventory is a comprehensive report which includes detailed descriptions and photos of the personal property in and around your home. While considered a key component in documenting insurance claims, a home inventory is also valuable for estate and financial planning. Read on to find out more. Read in full.
How to Claim the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit for New Homeowners
Featured, Financial by Danny Lipford
First-time homeowners, including anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years, may be eligible for a refundable federal tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home by April 30, 2010. Read on to find out how. Read in full.
Good Times Ahead
Danny's Blog, Financial by Danny Lipford
The recession is over. I have decided that I’ve heard enough positive news about the stock market, housing starts, banks recovering, etc. that I’m convinced that we are on our way back from a tough period in America. Times like this make us appreciate what we have and where we live. I’m proud and ready for great times ahead . . . for everyone. Read in full.
How to Hire a Handyman
Ask Danny, Financial, Repairs and Installation, Video by Danny Lipford
Zeb asks, “Can you give me some advice on how to hire a decent handyman?”
Start by asking how many years they’ve been in business, how they price their work, and if they provide a free estimate. It’s also important to be sure they carry liability insurance in case they are injured on the job. Watch this video.
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners
Doors and Windows, Featured, Financial, Green Home, Heating and Cooling, Insulation, Repairs and Installation, Roofing by Danny Lipford
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes federal tax credits that can save you $1,500 or more when you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. Here’s the bottom line on what’s covered, and how you can qualify. Read in full.
Put Uncle Sam to Work on Your Home
Financial, Quick Picks by Jenn Lingle
According to a survey conducted for Johns Manville, one-fourth of homeowners are considering using their federal economic stimulus check on home improvement projects. Landscaping was the most popular item, followed by upgrading a bathroom or kitchen, painting a room, and adding insulation. Planning to get Uncle Sam to help out around your home? Leave a comment below to let us know what projects you have in mind.







