$6500 for existing home owners/upto $8000 for first time'ers.

There has been some confusion about the tax credit only being for first time Home Buyers but this is not the case. The added surprise is that current home owners thinking of moving down/moving up can also take advantage of a tax credit. Not as much as for the First Timer'ers but substantial none the less. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Arizona

Ever want a vacation that is totally different? Let me tell you; If you live anywhere in the mid-west or east-after living in an oasis of trees, rain, grass, and the critters that come with it, Arizona is the place you should choose.

There is nothing more arid, land that has been stripped of trees and grass, more brown and less green than this landscape. Getting back to basics...that's what it is. Rocks, dirt...lots of dirt..., critters all in search of water and food. And that includes the 2 legged kind. Speaking of critters- a whole new variety exists in the the world of Arizona. From scorpions to black widow spiders to rattle snakes, the landscape teams of creepy crawly dangerous things.

Yet there is a beauty here that one cannot find anywhere else. Rocks can be and are beautiful. Reds and blacks, and crystals, golds and silvers and turquoise. Cactus are beautiful. Dangerous if you fall back on or into one but their beauty is something to behold especially when they flower.

BLOG BLOG BLOG: Tax Credit...do you know the latest?

BLOG BLOG BLOG: Tax Credit...do you know the latest?

Tax Credit...do you know the latest?

I have a new link on the front page about the new/continuing tax credits for both first time and existing home owners to consider. It's a great motivational tool for the person in the right position.

Thinking of Buying? WOW! great time. and, by the way...don't waste any time...this has been extended to APRIL. Don't miss out.

Thinking of Selling? Here is an additional incentive! Up to $6500 tax credit for you.
Look into it...check it out...go up to the link now and see if this is something that would benefit you!

What's HOT and - NOT

Trends have certainly changed since the economy has change. One would not recognize the turn of events and, if you were caught up in the trends a few years ago... you might be disappointed to know that a lot of those are a thing of the past! Perhaps you spent a lot of money only to find that the country is going for recycled and more efficient, more energy conscious? You decide.
For what is in:

Recycled counter tops. Granite- still good but losing out to other materials like: Pressed Paper? How about Eco counter tops made of porcelain, salvaged items like glass and old mirrors? Guess I'll just have to hold out a little longer until I can see this trend over Granite.

Natural Flooring. Vinyl and Tile...still good choices but..cork, bamboo, and Marmoleum are coming on strong.--never heard of Marmoleum? Really? Don't feel so bad...but look it up. You will probably recognize it. And it is supposed to be cheaper, as well. I think it looks a little like the old linoleum squares of old-really old.
LED Lights. This one I can hold on to. I like what I've seen and they seem to work well.

Decorative Back splashes. You've seen these on HGTV: glass, tile, pebbles. I would personally keep in mind the 'ease of cleaning' factor when choosing to one.
Mixed Materials.You know the trouble you went to matching all your cabinets and counter tops? Not so much. I'm not sure would endorse this one completely but then, I haven't seen a lot of homes embrace this one as yet.
What's Out:
Whirlpool Baths. Why? Because most owners found they don't want to use them all the time and there is upkeep and cleaning issues for those LARGE garden style tubs.

Heavy Ornamentation. This one was never a big hit with me, anyway. Cleaner lines, less ornamental and more contemporary are the order of this day.
Soffits. With the advent of the 'old style-new 42" cabinets becoming so popular, I'm not surprised. Soffits create dead space that can't be used for anything - not even as a shelf to show off collectibles.
Anything over the top, glitzy, or not energy efficient is making its way out of the door and out of the picture.

So, what do you think? Are you looking at all the shinning brass hardware and wondering if it's time to slip into something more subtle? or consider some energy saving choices ? Have you gone GREEN yet or thinking about it? I'm thinking of waiting till the wheel spins again back in the style I have now. Just not sure how many more years I will have to wait.