Please contact me to find your North Idaho Dream Home. Be sure to ask me about your free customized MLS home search "Portal." Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
Set your thermostat as low as you can find comfortable.
Make sure that warm air registers, baseboard heaters, or radiators are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
Turn off kitchen, bath, and ventilating fans as soon as they have done their job (so they don't remove any more heated or cooled air than is necessary).
Keep draperies and shades open on south-facing windows during the heating season to allow sunlight in. Close them at night to reduce heat losses.
Close off unoccupied rooms, and turn down the heating for these rooms.
Add insulation to heating system ductwork that is in cold basements or attic spaces.
Use duct tape to seal ductwork that leaks hot air at joints, etc. (use UL approved tape that will last longer).
Add insulation above the ceiling, inside walls, and beneath floors.
Add caulking and weather-stripping.
Install storm windows, insulating shutters, or drapes.
Install storm or insulating doors.
If you use electricity for heating, consider installing a heat pump.
Install an air-tight wood stove.
Convert to an energy-efficient oil or gas furnace.
Consider a solar heating system.
Please contact me to find your North Idaho Dream Home. Be sure to ask me about your free customized MLS home search "Portal." Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
Notice! An urban legendhas circulated since 2002 claiming that motorists can dial #77 or *77 to reach the police, or to determine if the unmarked police car behind them is a real "Officer of the Law" or .... etc. As you can see from the map at http://www.911dispatch.com/911/mobilenumbers.html , #77/*77 is NOT the universal number for the police. Law enforcement recommends you either dial 911 or determine your state's local highway emergency or special circumstance number.
So, if you encounter an unmarked vehicle with flahing lights trying to pull you over, call 911 or your local Highway Notification Number (see below) to determine if it is an officer of the law, before you pull over.
Although 911 has been designated as the "official" number for reporting emergencies in the United States, manyother numbers have been implemented for reporting highway situations: accidents, intoxicated drivers (DUIs), or disabled vehicles. In most cases, dialing these special numbers routes the call to the agency with jurisdiction over the state highways or Interstates, rather than to the local law enforcement agency.
This map does not depict which states allow 911 dialing from wireless phones to report an emergency. Instead, this map show other telephone numbers established by the states to reach a state-level law enforcement agency to report highway situations, some of which could be considered "urgent."
Confusingly, calls to these numbers may also be routed to the same agency that handles emergencies for the highway, resulting in their use by motorists for actual emergencies.
Take Kansas: they have 911 service that reaches local or county agencies, but the Kansas Highway Patrol advertises three numbers: 911, *HP (to reach the Highway Patrol directly) and *KTA (to reach the Highway Patrol for turnpike-related matters).
And continuing the confusion, if you're traveling adjacent to a state boundary such as Virginia, Maryland and DC, dialing one of these special numbers could connect you with... well, who knows which state or agency you'd hear on the phone? That's the disadvantage of non-standard numbers, and of wireless phones whose signal can go in all directions.
This map was originally developed by the Missouri Highway Patrol, and has been periodically updated by DISPATCH Magazine On-Line. Let us know of any errors or changes.
Some of the alternate uses for the above numbers include:
The Iowa State Patrol Web site for a list of mobile emergency numbers.
We have a report that Colorado also has the number *CSP for reaching the State Patrol from wireless phones.
In Kansas, motorists can dial *KTA while on the turnpike.
In Illinois, the number *999 number is operated jointly by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and the state's DOT, and is intended for "emergencies," which the Authority defines generally as being "stranded" on the tollway.
On the Indiana toll-road, *11 reaches the state police
In Louisiana, *24 reaches the Coast Guard
Dialing *555 in Prince George's and Montgomery County (Md.) reaches the Park Police
Dialing *11 reaches Emergency Operations for the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Dialing *ISP in Idaho is intended to report DUI drivers.
I would love to help you find your North Idaho Dream! Please contact me to find your next home. Use my free MLS home search "Portal." Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
You may be able to benefit from additional housing related provisions, including the following:
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Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs
This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings
This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing
This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section 8) to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.
Expanding Housing Assistance
This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.
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I would love to help you find your North Idaho Dream! Please contact me to find your next home. Use my free MLS home search "Portal." Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed a bill to extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) through June 30, 2010. The bill also opens up opportunities for others who are not buying a home for the first time.
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
What are the New Deadlines?
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It's important to remember that the tax credit is just that... a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Higher Income Caps
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.
Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible
Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.
Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.
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I would love to help you find your North Idaho Dream! Please contact me to find your next home. Use my free MLS home search "Portal." Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
NOTICE: Today, November 6th, President Obama signed the Extension, expanded the Eligibilty requirements, Income limits and included NON first time Homebuyers up to $800,000.
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House Approved on Tuesday Nov 3rd and Senate May Pass Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension Today (Update2)
It appears the House and the Senate may approve the extension of the tax credit today. They must have a home under contract by April 30th and it must close by June 30th. It remained at $8000 for first time home buyers. They also included a $6,500 tax credit for non first time home buyers.
It is a $45 billion plan to expand a tax credit for first- time homebuyers, extend jobless benefits and provide tax refunds to money-losing companies.
The Senate voted 97-1 to end debate on the measure and clear the way for final approval. The Senate is likely to pass the legislation and send it to the House, where Democratic leaders predicted it would be quickly forwarded to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.
Daylight Savings Time is November 1st at 2:00 A.M.
Please move your Clocks BACKWARD1-Hour at 2:00 a.m. This change will be in effect until March 8th, 2010.
NOTE: Also, be Sure to change the batteries in all of your devices such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as flashlights, clocks, remote controls and other battery operated devices.
Please contact me with any of your Real Estate / Relocation / New Construction and/or Referral needs:
Pam Jank, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, RRS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro
FREE MLS Listings Search at: Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-446-0660 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 1924 Northwest Blvd Coeur d'Alene, ID 838314
Oct. 29--A Senate committee reached a compromise to extend the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, a boost the housing industry expects will help it pull out of its two-year-old downturn.
The compromise measure expands the tax credit to non first-time buyers and also raises income ceilings, while also extending the deadline to to April 30, 2010.
Under the new proposal, people who have lived in a primary residence for five consecutive years would be eligible for a $6,500 credit when purchasing a new property.
Incomes limits will be raised to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples, vs. $75,000 and $150,000 previously.
The maximum house value rises to $800,000.
There are a lot of details not yet released. However, it is my understanding that:
Home buyers would not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their principal residence for at least 36 months.
The amendment includes a military waiver provision, meaning the recapture provision would not apply in the case of a member of the Armed Forces, military intelligence or Foreign Service who is on qualified official extended duty. In addition, members of the military who have been deployed overseas for 90 days or more in 2008 or 2009 would have until April 30, 2011, to claim the home buyer tax credit.
The amendment also includes anti-fraud language that provides math authority to the IRS to do greater oversight during the processing of the return rather than waiting for an audit situation. The amendment requires the taxpayer claiming the credit to be 18 or older as well as requiring a HUD-1 settlement statement to be attached when claiming the credit.
Many banks have tightened up standards on their mortgage loans in the current lending enviorment. Many Homebuyers are being turned away becasue their Bank does not offer FHA financing options.
FHA is a great way to go if the borrower is putting down less than 20%, even if the borrower has an excellent credit score. Today, many banks are not offering conventional loans with private mortgage insurance for borrowers under 740 with less than 20% available for the down payment. This makes FHA Insured loans loans the only alternative for a homebuyer to obtain financing.
APR based on 3.50% down payment on a $300,000 sale price
FHA Rate Updates for: 10/21/2009
FHA Insured Program
Rate
APR
30 Year Fixed
5.000%
5.497%
15 Year Fixed
4.500%
5.853%
5/1 ARM
4.250%
3.718%
3/1 ARM
3.875%
3.389%
An FHA loan can be obtained with a credit score as low as 640. Many banks are not lending borrowers with a credit score under 680 and some even require a 740 credit score, certainly for the best terms. FHA offers great rates with reduced monthly mortgage insurance, more liberal debt to income allowance, only a 3.50% down payment requirement and up to a 6.0% seller contribution toward your buyers closing costs.
Below is a comparison of FHA and Conventional financing requirements for a $300,000 sale price on a single family residence in Orange County, California.
Loan Program
FHA
Conventional
Best Option?
Credit Score Requirement
640
740+
FHA
Maximum Qualifying Ratio
55%
44%
FHA
Down Payment Requirement
3.50%
20.00%
FHA
Base Loan Amount
$289,500
$240,000
FHA
Cash Required to Close
$11,500
$60,000
FHA
Average Closing Time
30 days
60 days
FHA
All of the the above information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please verify through your local FHA Lender.
See my earlier Blog regarding USDA 102% Financing Loans. Click on the following Link:
Yesterday the House of Representatives unanimously voted to extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to active military personnel, foreign service and intelligence officers. HR 3590 extends the existing tax credit to this group until November 30th, 2010. The bill now goes to the Senate, and is expected to pass with the same ease.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) because it was thought that military personel serving oversees this year did not have the same opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit. If the original qualifications are met, the extension applies to military personnel who spent at least 90 days of the current calendar year oversees. It also does not require borrowers to payback the tax credit if they are deployed after receiving it. The current tax credit requires borrowers payback the tax credit if they do not occupy the home within three years of receiving the tax credit.
No word yet on whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended for all eligible borrowers.
Your North Idaho Real Estate Pro:
Pam Jank, Realtor, ABR, GRI, CRS, RSPS, PPS Previews Property Specialist Web: Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale email to:pamjank@hotmail.com Phone: 208-661-2282 Fax: 208-772-628 Toll Free: 800-829-2555 EXT.1275 COLDWELL BANKER SCHNEIDMILLER REALTY 435 W. Hanley Avenue Coeur d'Alene, ID 838315
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