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4 days ago
If you're not in the habit of receiving IRS tax tip newsletters (no, they're not my favorite emails either), you might have missed these ten helpful tips from the IRS regarding the new, extended first-time homebuyers' credit. It's got lots of goodies -- not only a deadline extension, but a raise on the income limits, and an opening up of eligibility to some people who are actually already homeowners. Here ya go: You must buy - or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence - on or before April 30, 2010. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you've lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on ...
24 days ago
The "Green Guru" (Susan Cosier) of Audubon Magazine fielded an interesting question this month: A reader was curious about how to move in an environmentally friendly way. Here's a quick summary of her fine suggestions: Look for moving companies that have incorporated green practices. For names, try the website of GreenMoversUSA. The website's owner, Mark Ehrhardt of Brooklyn-based Movers Not Shakers, uses biodiesel trucks and reusable plastic packing containers. Apropos of the above, buy some plastic containers of your own for moving. (I find they're plenty handy after you've moved in, too.) If using cardboard containers, give them away for reuse afterwards, perhaps by advertising them in the "free" section of Craigslist. For packing materials, avoid styrofoam peanuts. Instead, choose recyclable or biodegradable materials like newspaper, cornstarch-based packing peanuts, or popcorn. If you're packing your own truck, fill it up to ...
33 days ago
I thought our book Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home had a pretty complete list of what to do when planning a move -- but this recent article in The New York Times mentions something we forgot: Ask for the cell phone numbers of the people actually driving off in the moving van with your stuff, and give them your cell phone numbers! Who knows what mini-disasters this might avert . . . . The article also gives some handy costs breakdowns on everything from cardboard boxes to truck rentals to tipping the guys loading the truck.
41 days ago
If you're selling a home with lots of competition from foreclosures, you probably feel like you've got some unfair competition -- they can sell for cheaper than you can or want to go. However, Amanda Gengler of Money magazine's October, 2009 issue makes an important point for home sellers in this situation: It's better to try distinguishing yourself from the competition, not undercutting it. Foreclosures are often in crummy condition -- trashed, even. If you spruce your house up to where it's attractive and move-in ready, you're likely to find a buyer who'd rather not deal with the mess and hassle of a foreclosure. Read her full article here.
51 days ago
I never thought I'd see the day when an IRS agent (who introduces himself as "Prince") would take to YouTube to promote a tax credit, but here it is. He doesn't really say much, but you can still help him become the next YouTube hit!
