Shopping for a house with kids

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Leah Jacobsen

Being a mother of four, I know how doing anything with children can be a big
adventure. Whether it is grocery shopping, football games, or visiting with
friends. When it comes time to shop for a house it isn’t any different. Hiring
a sitter or leaving the kids with grandma may be the first thought, but if that
is not an option or your children really want to come along, here are some
things you can do to make the experience a good one for everyone.

The best way to start out any adventure is with preparation. During the process of
house shopping it is very important for everyone to be prepared and to know
what to expect. As a parent they are many things you can do to make the process
go smoothly. Start by talking with your agent and let him or her know that your
children will be coming along with you. If you have several children or little
ones still in car seats it may be easier to take your own vehicle. Next talk
with your children let them know what to expect and set some ground rules such
as no touching when visiting homes, using your quiet voice, and saving
questions for the ride to the next house. Depending on the age of your children,
set realistic expectations. Here are some dos and don’ts,

  • Don’t visit too many houses at one time; set the maximum at five or six.
  • Don’t set an appointment to look at houses when your children are tired or hungry.
  • Do involve you children in the process, ask them which house they like, which room they would want, and what they like or disliked about each house.
  • Do make a goody bag with a few favorite toys, small notebook for writing questions or keeping a checklist, some stickers and a bottle of water.
  • Do have something fun planned for afterwards, a trip to the park, or ice cream shop, or just a fun activity for when you get home.
  • And finally don’t hesitate to reschedule if someone is not feeling well or if after a few houses everyone is already tired and cranky.

With a little planning, finding a house can be an experience that the whole family
will enjoy and remember for years to come.

Posted in community, family, First time home buyers, homes in fredericksburg, homes in Spotsylvania, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

January 2012 Market Statistics

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Leah Jacobsen

Interested in how the Real Estate Market is doing? Here are January’s statistics:

Spotsylvania

  • Average sold price was $174,636
  • There were 95 homes sold during Januray
  • Listings spent an average of 78 days on the market
  • Sellers received an average of 92.7% of their original listing/asking price

Stafford

  • Average sold price was $225,000
  • There were 101 homes sold during January
  • Listings spent an average of  73 days on the market
  • Sellers received and average of 93.87% of their original listing/asking price

Fredericksburg City

  • Average sold price was $250,000
  • There were 15 homes sold during January
  • Listings spent an average of 77 days on the market
  • Sellers received an average of 96.11% of their original listing/asking price

Caroline

  • Average sold price was $125,000
  • There were 29 homes sold during January
  • Listings spent an average of 125 days on the market
  • Sellers received an average of 86.8% of their original listing/asking price

King George

  • Average sold price was $180,000
  • There were 13 homes sold during January
  • Listings spent an average of 69 days on the market
  • Sellers received an average of 93.92% of their original listing/asking price

Culpeper

  • Average sold price was $161,500
  • There were 31 homes sold during January
  • Listings spent an average of 91 days on the market
  • Sellers received an average of 91.75% of their original listing/asking price
Posted in community, Fredericksburg area market statistics, homes in fredericksburg, homes in Spotsylvania, Real Estate, Spotsylvania Market Statistics, Stafford Market Statistics | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

2011 Energy Tax Credits: What You Need to Know to Collect

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Leah Jacobsen

By: Donna Fuscaldo

Published: January 23, 2012

They’re not as much as they used to be, but there are still energy tax credits to be had for upgrades made in 2011.

Other limits on IRS energy tax credits besides $500 max

  • Credit only extends to 10% of the cost (not the 30% of yesteryear), so you have to spend $5,000 to get $500.
  • $500 is a lifetime limit. If you pocketed $500 or more in 2009 and 2010 combined, you’re not entitled to any more money for energy-efficient improvements in the above seven categories. But if you took $300 in the last two years, for example, you can get up to $200 in 2011.
  • With some systems, your cap is even lower than $500.
  • $500 is the max for all qualified improvements combined.

Certain systems capped below $500

No matter how much you spend on some approved items, you’ll never get the $500 credit–though you could combine some of these:

System Cap
New windows $200 max (and no, not per window—overall)
Advanced main air-circulating fan $50 max
Qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler $150 max
Approved electric and geothermal heat pumps; central air-conditioning systems; and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters $300 max

And not all products are created equal in the feds’ eyes. Improvements have to meet IRS energy-efficiency standards to qualify for the tax credit. In the case of boilers and furnaces, they have to meet the 95 AFUE standard. EnergyStar.gov has the details.

Tax credits cover installation—sometimes

Rule of thumb: If installation is either particularly difficult or critical to safe functioning, the credit will cover labor. Otherwise, not. (Yes, you’d have to be pretty handy to install your own windows and roof, but the feds put these squarely in the “not covered” category.)

Installation covered for:

  • Biomass stoves
  • HVAC
  • Non-solar water heaters

Installation not covered for:

  • Insulation
  • Roofs
  • Windows, doors, and skylights

How to claim the 2011 energy tax credit

  • Determine if the system you installed is eligible for the credits. Go to Energy Star’s website for detailed descriptions of what’s covered; then talk to your vendor.
  • Save system receipts and manufacturer certifications. You’ll need them if the IRS asks for proof.
  • File IRS Form 5695 with the rest of your tax forms in 2012.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn’t intended to be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice, and remember that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Posted in community, Finance, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Taxes and home ownership | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter’s Nip?

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Leah Jacobsen

By: Oliver Marks
Published: September 24, 2009

Getting your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.

Who does the job?

The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service, or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some plumbers handle heating systems.

What is involved?

The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage. He’ll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He’ll replace the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he’ll test the exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the burner for maximum efficiency.

How much will it cost?

You’ll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil, which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.

When is the best time to do the work?

Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it’s in top shape for the start of the heating season. Of course, that’s when technicians are the busiest, so if you can’t do it when you want, do it when you can—as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don’t expect your provider to call to remind you that it’s time. Even if you subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the schedule in the fall.

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How to Inspect Windows, Doors to Stop Air and Water Leaks

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Leah Jacobsen

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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