The Terrible Toll of a Bad Winter: The Season’s Wicked Weather Cost HOW Much?! - 02/25/11 06:50 AM
With so many people looking at water damage from ice dams and facing today's rain (and inch and a half in some areas of Massachusetts) this is the perfect topic for a blog today.
Homeowner insurance appraisers are at a premium for time as they are booked through the next month to document claims from the damage.  Wet walls, ceilings and floors are commonplace in homes throughout New England.  This blog is curtsey of HouseLogic.  They have pulled together some interesting numbers on just how much it costs to repair this damage as they look back at a season of costly … (1 comments)

Kitchen Remodeling…add storage not space - 02/22/11 06:42 AM
It's not a secret that a kitchen can make or break a house sale.  It's the room we spend the most time in and it's the room that most buyers give the highest priority.  Even if you are not considering selling your house - we still all focus on the kitchen.
I thought this would be a great blog to go with our in-store demo at Lowe's this evening.  We will talking with the experts in kitchen cabinetry at Lowe's in Ware (http://www.meetup.com/Lowes-Home-Improvement-In-Store-Demos/events/16642827/) as part of our weekly series.  Stop in the find out more about your kitchen cabinet choices, costs … (1 comments)

New listing! 3 bed, 2 bath in Hudson - this home just says VALUE - 02/20/11 07:49 AM
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Repair and Replace Kitchen Counters to Stay on Top of Scratches - 02/19/11 06:24 AM
The spring market is upon us!  It seems a tad early this year but with all the news articles about rising interest rates many buyers are making their choices now instead of waiting.  As a seller or soon-to-be-seller, don't wait!  Get your home ready and on the market now to take full advantage of this early market.
This is the first in a small series of articles to help you get your home "sale ready".  The kitchen is often the first room that a buyer will go to during a viewing and is vitally important to the overall impression of your … (2 comments)

Today! Open House at Adams Street SchoolHouse Lofts - 2pm to 4pm - 02/13/11 11:43 AM

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Tuesday! How-to-Clinic at Lowes - FLOORING! - 02/13/11 11:42 AM

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Marlborough Twilight Open this Wednesday! - 02/13/11 09:59 AM

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Millbury Broker's Open Thursday! - 02/13/11 09:52 AM

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New Listing! VALUE in Hopkinton with a WorkShop! - 02/13/11 09:49 AM
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2011 Energy Tax Credits: What You Need to Know to Collect - 02/11/11 07:36 AM

2011 Energy Tax Credits: What You Need to Know to Collect
Yes, taxes continued.  I know, I know...how could we make Friday any more exciting?
The Energy Credit has been a great way to save net money on your home improvements.  Looking ahead to this time next year, make sure you are choosing the right places to invest your green money.  Washington is giving you less green for going green, as the feds reel back the 2011 energy tax credits from a lavish $1,500 to a paltry $500.  Keep your receipts and be ready this time next year.
Other limits on … (2 comments)

Ack, I want help filling out Form 5695! - 02/10/11 06:51 AM
What is a Form 5695??  Your energy tax credit! This is a great tax credit that encourages energy upgrades in our homes.  Sidestep snares in the complex IRS Form 5695 to get all the 2010 energy tax credits you've got coming.
Fill out the right part of Form 5695
What type of system did you install? If it's one of the following, complete Part 1 for Nonbusiness Energy Tax Credits.
Biomass stoves Insulation HVAC systems Roofs Non-solar water heaters Windows, doors, skylights Storm windows and doors Max credit: 30% of the cost of the improvement, up to $1,500.
If you installed … (2 comments)

10 Common Errors Home Owners Make When Filing Taxes - 02/09/11 05:28 AM
As promised!  More on taxes!  I know, I know...it's crazy to talk about such exciting stuff without a party hat on but an IRS audit or missed refund money is no party either!  Here are the ten most common errors that home owners make on their tax returns.  Don't rouse the IRS or pay more taxes than necessary-know the score on each home tax deduction and credit.
Sin #1: Deducting the wrong year for property taxes
You take a tax deduction for property taxes in the year you (or the holder of your escrow account) actually paid them. Some taxing authorities … (2 comments)

Schedule A Form: 6 Home Deduction Traps - 02/08/11 06:39 AM
Yes it's that time of year again!  The snowbanks are getting higher and taking on a "brownish" tint - the joy of winter has passed with the holiday season and we're all looking forward to spring - why not spend this time doing something fun!  Like taxes!  Woot!  No really...it's a chore but it's necessary and as a taxpayer you are entitled to every deduction available to you.  That's right, the IRS WANTS you to have an accurate number for your total tax liability.
This week I will have a series of articles on "Don't Miss Tax Breaks" for home owners.  … (2 comments)

Saving for the Super Bowl: How to Throw a FREE Game Day Fiesta (and win a $100 gift card) - 02/02/11 05:13 AM
This is a great contest sponsored by HouseLogic.  HouseLogic is a free site for homeowners (houselogic.com) that is full of how-to articles, Facebook links and home ownership information.
Get 6 smart tips to save big on your game-day party-and share some of your own tips for a chance to win a Super Bowl bash on us.
1. Cheer for charity
Have fun watching the game with friends and family while supporting a good cause-and take a tax deduction, too. Here's what to do:
Choose a charity or cause you love. Provide guests with suggested donations. For example, if you want to … (1 comments)