Archive for April 2009

Broken Light Bulb

Sometimes, especially on exterior light fixtures, the glass bulb breaks away from the metal base. There is no best way to remove the base from the fixture, but here are several options. Before replacing an exterior light, purchase a higher quality bulb with a brass- plated or copper-plated base that will not rust. You could coat the threads with a special dielectric grease available at automotive stores. Dry lubricant, Permatex Anti-Seize, and Vaseline will also work. To remove the broken base, first make sure the power is off. Wear eye protection. Protect the immediate area from broken glass that may remain on the base. I like to use a needle nose pliers to grab the metal rim of the bulb and twist it. You can also jam the nose of the pliers into the base of the bulb to get a grip. Sometimes opening the pliers inside the metal threads will give you a grip. If all else fails, use the needle nose pliers to collapse the metal threads until you can remove them.
I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

It just takes one buyer to sell your home

As the all-important spring selling season approaches in an historically slow housing market, sellers need to do all they can to market their home - and that includes staging it to attract and “wow” potential buyers. Home stagers know just the right moves to take a house from bland to grand and bring home the biggest return on investment.
Attention to detail throughout the home can make the difference between a house that sells and one that sits on the market In particular, improvements to the kitchen and bath - the two rooms that sell a home - will always help bring in the buyers.
Here are some easy, effective home improvements and tricks trade that can make a big change without breaking the bank, and all the difference in selling and enjoying a home.
Curb appeal: First impressions are everything, and this has never been truer than in today’s market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.
Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles.
Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.
It’s important to complete all your improvements before your home goes on the market because as the saying goes…you never have a second chance to make a first impression. It just takes one buyer to sell your home.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Homes under $300k in Benson Hill & Fairwood area

Here are my top 10 pick of homes for sale in the Renton, Benson Hill & Fairwood area.
Home List
All homes are under $300k. If you would like a private showing of any homes give me a call.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

2009 Homebuyer tax credit

The homebuyer tax credit is one of 10 key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama into law on Feb. 17, 2009.
The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

See the changes here.
I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Buy a home for under $250,000

Looking to buy a house in renton.
Here is a list of 33 homes all under $250,000.
Don’t miss out on your $8000 for first time home buyers.
Need more info or would like to look inside of one of the homes. Just call me.
HOME LIST
I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Claim your $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

First-Time Home Buyer? Choose When to Claim Your Tax Credit
With the deadline for filing federal tax returns fast approaching, the National Association of Home Builders (
NAHB) has made information available for qualified home buyers about how and when to claim the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.
The basic eligibility requirements for the credit are: the home must have been purchased on or after Jan. 1 and before Dec. 1, 2009; the buyer may not have owned a home in the three years prior to the purchase; and the buyer must have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) less than $95,000 for single tax payers or $170,000 for married filers.
Two factors affect the amount of credit qualified buyers can claim: it can only be equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to a maximum of $8,000; and it is reduced for buyers with a MAGI between $75,000 for single taxpayers ($150,000 for married filers) and the upper income limit.
To claim the credit, buyers must complete IRS Form 5405 to calculate the amount of the tax credit, and enter it on line 69 of the IRS 1040 income tax return.
Qualified buyers have several options for when to claim the tax credit, but they can claim it only after the purchase of the home is complete, which in most cases happens when the title of the property transfers.
Buyers who complete their home purchase prior to April 15, 2009, can claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return. If the qualifying home purchase will be completed shortly after April 15, buyers can file an extension for tax year 2008 and claim the credit when they file their 2008 return, which must be done by Oct. 15. Or home buyers can claim a qualified purchase on their 2009 income tax return, which they will file in 2010.
Some things qualified buyers should take into consideration when deciding whether to claim the credit on their 2008 or 2009 returns include how quickly they need the refund and their expected income for 2009. There are no restrictions on how home buyers use the money, but they may want it quickly to pay for expenses related to the home purchase such as moving costs, furniture or remodeling. If homeowners expect their income to change next year due to factors such as retirement or a salary bonus, they should calculate how the income limits will affect their credit amount.
This information is provided to familiarize consumers with the first-time home buyer tax credit, and is not intended to serve as tax advice or as a legal opinion on tax status or consequences. Individual tax considerations will vary, and it is recommended that a tax professional be consulted to determine how this information applies to particular circumstances.
For more information, visit
www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Roofing Systems

The roof is part of the exterior but requires more individual attention. It is designed to protect all the components of the dwelling. There are many roof styles and finished materials. Each style and material is inspected carefully for wear, leaks, defects and other deficiencies. Roofing problems that go undetected can cause serious harm to other components of the building. Styles and types of roofs are dictated by location, age, and preference. Your inspector will carefully evaluate the condition of the material used, note defects, and discuss the possible remaining life expectancy of the roof surface.
Roofing Systems – Coverings
There are many different types of roof coverings. Each one must be installed properly and has a design life expectance. Some roof coverings such has high grade slate or tile can last over 100 years! Other roof coverings such as asphalt rolled roofing last only 5-8 years. The various roof coverings are each prone to different types of problems. Usually the longer a roof covering is designed to last, the more expensive it is to repair or replace. Particular roof coverings are selected for a building based on the climate of the region, the cosmetic desire and the economic realities of matching the roof covering with the type of home. The roof surface is one of the most important components of the inspection. The protection of the inner building all starts at this point. The inspector will check the surface for any visible wear or damage.
The inspector is also looking for improper installation and/or alterations which may be causing problems now or down the road. Besides end of normal life expectancy issues, bad installations are the most common reasons for roof failures. If a roof is installed improperly, repairs are usually only temporary and replacement is typically required.
Roofing Systems – Attics
The attic of the home is the upper most portion of the dwelling, which remains in the interior. Attics are often used by homeowners for storage and sometimes finished for additional living space if construction style allows, unfortunately even when it doesn't. When an attic is unfinished and accessible, the inspector can inspect for the quality of the construction, the insulation, water penetration, venting, pest or rodent entry and exposed electrical hazards.
An inspector will always point out that when an attic is finished he/she will not be able to inspect the enclosed areas. Your inspector will be looking for signs that may indicate hidden problems as well as a safe and professional finishing job which will not interfere with the venting and insulation systems of the home.
Roofing Systems – Designed
Roofs are designed in an abundance of styles and combinations. Most roof designs have a pitch or slope. The slope of the roof allows it to shed water, reduce ultraviolet exposure and prolong the life of the roofing material. Roofing designs are selected to both protect the building and add ascetic appeal. Gable and Hip roofs are the most commonly seen roofs on homes. Flat roofs are often used to add curb appeal and save expense on construction. Each roof design is constructed differently and has potential problems if not installed and maintained correctly. When roof coverings have been changed as they wear out or renovations are undertaken, the roof design must be able to accommodate the new installation. Many roofs are designed using a combination of alternatives.
The inspector will carefully check the roof framing where visible, the sheathing, flashing, and roof covering for any visible defects or wear. A badly designed or installed roofing system can be a source of constant problems and extensive damage to the inner building envelope.
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC
218 238th Ave SE
Sammamish WA 98074
g_rinehart@hotmail.com
http://www.rinehartinspections.com
(206) 901-1549

Emotion and Stress Lead to Poor Financial Decisions

Refinancing Home Mortgages:
Emotion tells us to take the lower interest rate no matter what, while logic says to weigh the cost versus the actual savings. Look at how much it will cost to refinance and how long it will take to recover the cost. If it will take three years to make it up and you’re planning to stay in your home for 10 years, then it’s a no brainer.
Sometimes knowing the facts isn’t enough when we are emotionally close to the decision. Two additional ideas to help consumers get past the fear and emotion are:
-Create a financial plan or revisit the one you have.-Schedule an appointment with a trusted advisor.
“Even in a difficult economy, people with a financial plan through a financial advisor report greater confidence in their ability to retire comfortably, greater financial security on a day-to-day basis and they report feeling less financially stretched,” said Spiker. “Households with a financial plan have greater comfort with their levels of savings and personal debt, providing greater confidence when facing the uncertain outlook for 2009.”
Consumers are faced with a number of difficult financial decisions right now. Now, more than ever, they can benefit from the support of an educated and trusted advisor who can help them replace fear with fact and emotion with logic as they navigate their financial futures.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Timely Home-Related Tax Tips

Tax season is upon us, and homeowners everywhere will reap the benefits of tax breaks and incentives. Homeowners and potential home buyers should know what expenses are deductible and the ins-and-outs of new tax laws.
1. Deduct the interest you pay on your home loan on your tax return. A mortgage interest deduction reduces your taxable income. And because your mortgage payments for the first few years are heavily comprised of interest, they are almost entirely deductible.
2. Deduct property taxes and points you paid to lower your loan’s interest rate. The IRS offsets the expense of your state and local property taxes by allowing you to deduct those fees from your itemized income tax return. You may also get a tax benefit if you paid “points” at closing to lower your mortgage interest rate.
3. Take advantage of new laws in a challenging market. Look into new tax laws that may allow new homebuyers to get an $8,000 tax credit, short sellers to escape penalty for forgiven mortgage debt, and homeowners to contest property taxes in a struggling market.
4. Request a property tax reassessment if your home’s market value has declined. If your property value is significantly lower now than when you bought it, show proof of your home’s current market value and recent comparable sales in your neighborhood to your local tax assessor for a tax adjustment.
5. Research past and proposed assessments that may apply to your home. Understanding property taxes and assessments in your area will give you a more accurate homeownership cost, as well as help you predict and control your monthly expenses.
6. Get a reliable estimate of your property tax bill. Don’t rely on the old tax data passed down from your home’s previous owners. Depending on the circumstances of the sale, your tax bill can differ from their bill.
7. Wrap your property taxes into your monthly mortgage payment. If you’re daunted by that huge tax bill once or twice a year, consider setting up a convenient escrow account. (As this also protects the lender, they are more than happy to do the work.)
8. Understand how capital gains tax is calculated. When you sell your home, you’re taxed on any profit over $250,000 if you are single, $500,000 if married. But in calculating your gains, the IRS takes into account the money you put into improving the home. Remember to save receipts for any repairs and upgrades.
9. Know how your tax situation changes with every real estate move you make. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, refinancing, or renting your investment property, understand how these situations affect your taxes.
10. See if homeownership lowers your tax liability. Your tax situation varies depending on your stage in life. Upon examining your payroll withholdings, opt to reduce them to be in line with your net tax liability, which will put more money in your pocket each pay period.