Financial
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 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 purchased a home in 2009. 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.
Finding the Best Gas Prices
Financial, Quick Picks by Jenn Lingle
With gas prices fluctuating daily, it’s hard to know if you’re getting a good deal or being ripped off when you stop to fill your tank. Websites like GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com take the mystery out of shopping for fuel by listing the prices stations in your area are charging. Since the information is submitted by consumers, check to see which site has the most current listings for your area. Better yet, sign up and start reporting prices yourself!
Rate of Return for Home Improvement Projects
Financial, Quick Picks 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 2008-09 cost vs. value numbers, complied by Remodeling magazine, before you do. The data is searchable by region and provides average prices, resale value, and the percent recouped for most major home improvement projects. Bottom line: unless you do the work yourself, you’ll probably get less out than you put in, so plan on sticking around to enjoy it.
Contractor Scams: Avoid The Rip Off
Financial by Danny Lipford
Contractor scams are one of the oldest tricks in the book, and they can hurt more than just your wallet. Luckily, home improvement expert Danny Lipford provides a wealth of articles on how to select the right contractor and avoid getting ripped off. Read in full.
Hiring a Handyman
Ask Danny, Financial, Video by Danny Lipford
Hiring a handyman is not easy and many people have had unpleasant experiences trying to do so. They don’t show up, they don’t return calls, they say they can do the work, but then do a poor job. In order to avoid this type of disappointment, here’s some advice. Watch this video.
