As our daily lives get busier and the definition of family expands beyond the traditional image of marriage and 2.2 children, we tend to seek more flexibility.  Therefore, flexibility may be the new buzzword of 2010. 

We have flexible work hours, flexible schedules, and now we need flexible living space.  Buying a home in today's real estate market is one that can be emotional and should be deeply considered.  This new home will be the main station for your family, neighbors, friends, work, school and play.  Therefore, each room will need to be laid out to accommodate the traffic pattern of your busy life.

Here are a few rooms to consider when thinking of a more flexible home:

Kitchen

This is one space where we cook, we entertain, we do homework, and even do crafts here.  Open areas for multiple people and simultaneous activities are usually on the top of everyone's wish list.  If you have a limited space, a corner of the kitchen or an adjoining dining room for these activities are perfect.

Home Office or Library

You can easily create a small home office or library in part of the dining room, extra bedroom, den, or even an extra closet.  Just one wall of bookcases can speak values regarding the functionality of that particular room.

Basement

The basement offers many extra options if the space is partially finished or unfinished.  You have the opportunity to create your own dream room, whether it be an exercise room, media room, craft room, game room or something else.

Outdoor living spaces

Whether you have a large open space or a small lot, you can still get creative beyond the deck or patio.  Use your landscaping, sitting areas, or pathways to bring your family and friends together.

Seeing your home through a different lens can help you imagine your home's space as it can actually be used to its fullest potential.  There are so many possibilities to use almost each room in your home flexibly.

As of January, the homebuyer tax credit countdown has been officially underway.  Therefore, if you want to get in on the expanded U.S. Homebuyer Tax Credit, now is the time to do it.  Qualified buyers who are under contract by April 30, 2010 will beat the deadline.

Back in November 2009, Congress decided to extend the tax credit and amended it to include some repeat buyers in hopes of securing a more continuous real estate upswing.

So, do you qualify for the either tax credit?  I may be able to answer some of the most commonly asked questions for you below:

Q. Who is eligible for the tax credit and for how much?

A. First-time homebuyers are eligible for up to $8,000 and repeat home buyers are eligible for up to $6,500.

Q. Who is a first-time buyer?

A. A first-time home buyer is defined as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence for three or more years prior to the purchase of the property.

Q. Who is a repeat buyer?

A. A repeat home buyer is defined as existing homeowners who have lived in their principle residence for at least five consecutive years.

Q. Are there income limits for those eligible?

A. There are income limits.  Single filing taxpayers can claim the full $8,000 for first-time buyers or $6,500 for repeat buyers as long as their gross income is less than $125,000 annually.   The limit for married couples is $225,000.  And any single taxpayer whose income exceeds $145,000 annually or any married couple taxpayers whose income exceeds $245,000 annually is not eligible for the tax credit.

Q. What are the effective dates?

A. November 6, 2009 through May 1, 2010.  However, you must sign the sales contract by April 30, 2010 to qualify for the tax credit and you must close on the property before July 1, 2010.

Q. What properties qualify for the tax credit?

A. Single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums.  Rental and vacation properties DO NOT qualify.

Q. Do I have to pay back the tax credit?

A. No, you never have to pay the tax credit back.

I hope this helps answer all your questions about the tax credit for first-time homebuyers and repeat buyers. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me anytime (806) 678-1031.

The Amarillo Family YMCA will launch a new campaign today to help get Amarillo's kids fit.  They will be encouraging Amarillo, Texas families to get fit while raising awareness about child obesity. Child obesity is of growing importance in the community of Amarillo, Texas, and the Amarillo Family YMCA wants to get the local youth more active and educate them on how to eat healthier.

The event will kickoff on January 18, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Amarillo Family YMCA North Branch location (1330 N.W. 18^th Ave.)  Amarillo's Mayor Debra McCartt will also be there to deliver an address to all families and participants. Healthy snacks and fitness activities will also be on the agenda for the evening.

Statistics show that there are 17.5% of children ages 6 to 11 who are overweight nationally.  This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Around 20% of Texas children are considered medically obese, according to the Texas Food Bank Network.  Therefore, the YMCA feels it is very important to get this campaign out to the public as soon as possible.

The campaign will be financed by the United Healthcare Global Youth Services Grant, which is targeted at promoting healthier lifestyles.  Participants will receive educational materials, including workbooks and DVDs with information on how to stop childhood obesity.

The program will end on April 24, 2010, which is Global Youth Service Day.  The YMCA will also unveil the materials it has created on this day.

This campaign is open to the public.  For more information, call (806) 373-1811.

There's a new health clinic in downtown Amarillo that recently opened up.  The operators of the High Plains Clinic call it the only primary care office in Center City.  However, there is another High Plains Clinic in Amarillo, Texas.

The clinic will be aiming to provide a medical home for patients who don't have a regular doctor or who can't find a physician who is taking new patients or who accepts Medicare.

The clinic will serve over 600 Park Central Retirement Community residents along with those who live and work around downtown Amarillo. The High Plains Clinic can be found on the campus of Park Central Retirement Community at 11400 S. Van Buren St.  They will be open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

High Plains Clinic is staffed by a medical doctor, a former emergency room physician and physician's assistants.  The clinic is complete with five exam rooms and an X-ray machine.

As the clinic begins seeing patients regularly, they may add after hours and weekend hours down the line or a separate clinic offering these extra hours.

This is another great service that is making Amarillo, Texas a better community with dedication and services close at hand.

Many of us are looking for fast, free ways to save energy each winter.  Therefore, I have some tips and advice to help you get your 2010 started off right. 

Easy things you can do every day to lower your energy bills:

* Lock all your windows to create an airtight seal and to prevent drafts.  Just closing your windows only minimally helps.

* Always turn off lights when leaving a room.

* Do laundry in cold water only. However, be sure to use liquid detergent when using cold water.

* Wear extra clothing and lower your thermostat.  Every degree you are able to lower your thermostat, you will save 5% on heating costs.

* Keep doors closed to rooms you don't use frequently such as guest rooms, closets, laundry rooms, etc, to reduce heat in those areas.

* Use power strips when possible so everything plugged into them can be turned off when not in use.

* Use up all the free solar heat you can get by opening blinds and shades during the day.

* Only run full loads in your dishwasher.

* Always remove the lint from your dryer after each load and clean the outside vent monthly.  If possible, run your dryer in the evening to help heat your home on colder days.

* When needed, use more blankets at night to keep your heat down and keep your energy costs low.

Simple, small like these things can add up to big energy savings around the home.  You will be happily surprised when you find your energy bills dropping each month with your efforts.

Ponds can be a great addition for any backyard and many homeowners like the idea of the tranquil addition of a pond.  But often, the idea of adding a pond to your yard can be slightly overwhelming.  However, with these simple guidelines, your dream pond can be a reality in no time.

The hardest part may be deciding which style pond will work best for your lifestyle or personal taste.  There are several popular choices such as fish ponds, plant ponds, waterfall ponds, combination ponds and much more.  Each one will need its very own planning with specific features in mind. 

Usually, there are five basic components to create a flourishing pond:

* A good pond liner is needed to begin your project.  Liners are a great way to create custom ponds and water gardens.  A liner of at least 45 millimeters thick is recommended.

* Purchase a pump for your pond, but make sure it is the proper size.  The water in the pond needs to be turned over at a rate of one time per hour.

* Your pond will also need a filter.  The correct size filter is important, too.  It needs to be about 5% of the size of the pond.

* A skimmer will also be needed.  The skimmer houses the pump and acts as a pre-filter, too.  It will actively sort debris into the skimmer where you will clean out the basket regularly.  Your pond will be cleaner and clearer on the bottom with a skimmer in use.

* The addition of a UV light clarifier will keep the pond crystal clear.  This allows you and your filter to work much less.

For those who like less maintenance and upkeep, you may want to consider the pond-less water garden.  It appears as though the water is disappearing into the ground and is ideal for today's fast paced world.  With only a pond liner and a pump, you can create a beautiful focal point to your lawn that requires less maintenance and equipment.

For more homeowner tips and advice, visit the "home tips" page of my website.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

The US Fish & Wildlife Service is hosting a public meeting December 15, 2009 and needs public input on a management plan for the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. 

The buffalo may not roam the area any longer and nature doesn't manage the land itself anymore, but the federal government does and they want to hear what local Canyon, Texas residents have to say. 

Tuesday's meeting will help the government get input from locals and hear what they want to consider in the creation of a comprehensive management plan that is meant to guide the agency's leadership at the refuge over the next 15 years.

The refuge is made up of 7,664 acres along with deer, birds, turkey, owls, prairie dogs, marshes, woodlands and beautifully carved canyon walls.

The plan will include things like grazing, hunting, management practices and take into consideration existing plans.  Wild turkey, mule and white-tailed deer are the most popular for visitors.  However, other wildlife can be found, such as neo-tropical birds like tanagers, warblers, orioles, and flycatchers, which attract many bird watchers.

Over 300 species have been recorded at the refuge, some as awesome as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and mountain plover.

There was a lake on the refuge land that began filling in the late 1930s, after a dam was built as part of a federal program.  The lake waned as the water supply from Tierra Blanca Creek and other natural springs dried up.  But a flood in 1978 filled the lake and the US Army Corps of Engineers declared it unsafe and had the lake drained.

Currently, management includes controlled cattle grazing and farming that leaves one-third of the crops growing for feeding the wildlife.

So, Canyon and surrounding area residents, this meeting is important to get feedback.  You can easily attend and give your input.  The meeting begins at 3:00 pm on December 15, 2009 at the Refuge headquarters, 1.5 miles south of Umbarger on 168 Farm-to-Market Road .

Realtor® Tom Kile - Canyon, Texas Real Estate 

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There are too many people each year that truly need the help of the Empty Stocking Fund in Amarillo, and this year is no exception.  Each story is unique in its very own way.  Therefore, when I came across one story in particular, I felt the need to mention it in my blog.

Two sisters from Amarillo, Texas are in need this holiday season.  Health problems plague them both, and it is up to them to take care of one another.  One sister is bound to her wheelchair while the other is no longer able to work due to circulatory problems and diabetes. 

One sister's medication runs over $100 a month and the other sister's medication runs just over $50 a month.  These two combined take a big chunk out of their Social Security.  And, since they don't have any family in Amarillo, they are completely dependent on each other for everything.  Once their monthly bills are paid, there is very little left over.

These sisters are known as Empty Stocking Fund Recipients #15 and for Christmas this year, these two sisters are only asking for winter clothes and food.

If you are interested in helping these sisters or any other needy families this holiday season, you can send your donations to the Empty Stocking Fund at PO Box 2091, Amarillo, TX 79166 or bring it in person to the Empty Stocking Fund coordinator herself, Susie Self, at the Globe-News building, 900 South Harrison Street.  If you would like to donate your gently used items, you can drop them off at the Downtown Women's Center Thrift City, 600 S. W. 10^th Ave.

Happy Holidays - Realtor® Tom Kile

Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

Great stories like this just have to be shared.  There's a very happy man from Happy waking up in a brand new home worth $185,000 that he won in a raffle drawing at the Big Texan Steak Ranch on Sunday night. Farmer and rancher, Dudley McNeill is the new owner of a beautiful 1,775 square foot home in the City of Amarillo, Texas.  Mr. McNeill got the news over the phone since he was unable to attend the drawing, but never-the-less it was great news to him.  The home was raffled off as part of a fundraiser for the international Myelin Project, which does research for cures of demyelinating diseases along with promoting education about them.

The home is a brand new 1,775 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom dream for many who paid their $50 to get a chance to win.  The raffle sold $150,000 worth of tickets, which is $10,000 less than the $185,000 appraisal value.  The beautiful home sits at 3600 Springfield Ave. within the City View development near Hollywood Road in the City of Amarillo, Texas.

Although the fundraiser didn't make any money for its cause in the end, many are still optimistic and have future hopes.  Over 100 hopeful people turned out at the Big Texan in high hopes of winning the home.  And this was a very unusual raffle.  Unlike most raffles in which the first name drawn wins, this raffle was complete opposite.  The last name to be drawn was the big winner.

It's really great to hear stories like this about the communities in which I serve and to be able to share them with others.

Your Sound Choice In Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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The homebuyer tax credit has officially been extended.  President Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension, which will last through April 30, 2010.  And, there is a $6,500 credit to repeat buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are looking to relocate.

The new extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill which will continue to give an $8,000 tax credit to homebuyers purchasing their first home and now $6,500 to repeat buyers who just want to relocate.

These tax credit expansion details apply:

Who is Eligible for the Tax Credit

* First-time homebuyers are eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit.  A first-time homebuyer is defined as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence for at least three years prior to the purchase of the property.

* Repeat buyers are eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.  These homeowners are existing homeowners who have lived in their principal residence for at least five consecutive years. 

Income Limits that Apply to the Tax Credit

There are income limits that apply to those who are eligible for the tax credit. 

* Single or head of household single filing taxpayers can claim the full $8,000 credit for first-time buyers or $6,500 credit for repeat buyers as long as their gross income is less than $125,000 annually.

* For married couples who file a joint return, their combined income is limited to $225,000.

* Single or head of household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $225,000 are eligible for a partial credit.

* Any single taxpayer whose income exceeds $145,000 or any married couples whose income exceeds $245,000 is not eligible for the tax credit.

Tax Credit Effective Dates

Eligible homes must be purchased between November 6, 2009 and May 1, 2010.  However, the sales contract must be signed before April 30, 2010 to qualify for the tax credit and the property must close on before July 1, 2010.

Properties that Qualify for the Tax Credit

* Single-family

* Townhomes

* Condominiums

* Vacation and rental properties do not qualify.

Payback Provisions of the Tax Credit

There's good news here.  You never have to pay back the tax credit.  It is a true credit and does not have to be repaid unless the homeowner sells the property within three years of the purchase. That's the only catch.  Live in the home for three years and keep the tax credit forever.

Your Sound Choice in Amarillo Real Estate - Realtor® Tom Kile

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