This very cold winter season has certainly made us long for the warm days of summer. If you are like me I am ready for daffodils and crocus and the smell of fresh cut grass in the air! The ground hog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd so I presume we have 6 more weeks of winter to endure.
In light of the cold temperatures and as a reminder in preparation for the dread of April 15th, there are many tax breaks that you can take advantage of on your taxes if you winterized your home last year. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify for a tax break, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs also qualify for the credit, though the cost of installing these items does not count. Eligible homeowners can claim these credits when they file their 2009 federal income tax return. Because these are credits, not deductions, they increase a taxpayer’s refund or reduce the tax he or she owes. An eligible taxpayer can claim these credits, regardless of whether he or she itemizes deductions on Schedule A. Use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to figure and claim these credits. The form is available on www.IRS.gov. As always be sure to check with your professional CPA for further information.
The housing market continues to amaze us. The nationwide market is acquiring momentum, recording a solid increase of 15% over December 2008, and for the first time in three years the national average price of homes sold went up – that’s right, actually increased by 0.6%. Every area of the country (except the Northeast) was up in home sales and had a gain in average price. The cyclical downturn that began in the summer of 2005 is starting to run out of gas! Yes there will continue to be downward pressure on prices but unit sales, boosted in the first half by the tax credit and the continuation of high affordability factors, will be better than 2009. We are very optimistic that 2010 will be a very good year; it has already conveyed those positive signs! Your personal Realtor can “consult” you on the best housing deals out there and the strategy on how to make it happen.
The market in Trent Woods has picked up significantly in the month of January. While one month does not a trend make, it surely makes a positive proclamation! There were 6 homes sold in January in Trent Woods and the average sale price has doubled! Those kinds of “stats” give us all a positive feeling and start the year off in a positive direction! Below you will find graphics showing January ‘09 through January ‘10 stats for the Trent Woods area only. We have stayed ahead of the curve in all areas of the national statistics with a lot of energy to continue on for you; our neighbors and customers! Now, let’s pray for spring!
Download Trent Woods Times Feb 2010 Statistics
