A 50 year tradition just keeps getting better ....

The Wolfe family continues after 50 years to have a huge roll in continuing the tradition of spectacular fireworks at Buckeye Lake with BLASST (Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition). Thanks to Tori Wolfe, Marty and Bud Springer and all their volunteers!! Pictures are tough while bobing in the water, but here's my attempt. One of my favorite nights of the year - with the lights, all the boats on the water and the added reflections it's a magical night!

Always a good day at the lake!

Sunday, my husband and I took a quick ride on Buckeye Lake beginning on the North side near the Yacht Club. Always one of our favorite places to stop, but were only out on a mission to get gas before the holiday weekend. We need to make sure we're in good shape for the fireworks on Friday night. There is nothing like seeing the fireworks reflected on the water with all the boats silhouetted against the sky as it is lit up. It's always a magical night!

Before tying up at the dock again, we took a little detour to Compass Point one of our new developments around the lake.

Then its back to reality and dry land ... but its only 20 minutes away to come to another world!

First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

The information on this page pertains to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

For more information, look click here. http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home.html

Rediscovering Newark!

Remember to appreciate what you have close to home!

Last night we decided to check out the Farmer's Market downtown in Newark. I came home with some great locally grown vegetables and Unkle Timz peach salsa. From there, we walked around the square, looking in all the unique shops and dining on large "dogs". My favorite is Matilda Charlotte Antiques, etc. The owner has such a gift for display and showing rustic and formal pieces side by side and making it all look inviting. Makes me want to go home and start all over on my deocorating!

We thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Mayor's Concert held in the gazebo on the square in front of the Courthouse while enjoying a Chardonnay el fresco at Buckeye Winery. My daughter, Katie and I decided to take a carriage ride and learned all kinds of things about canal days and downtown we hadn't known before. We forget to look close to home for these fun little adventures, but Newark has some really rich history and some great things going on downtown on the last Friday of every month.

Love Ohio's "North Coast"

Ohio's North Coast

Ohio's North Coast has lots to offer ... endless blue water, the best sunsets and good down to earth fun. Bike rides, early morning walks, boat rides, swimming, card games, croquet, breakfast with the locals, grilling steaks out and laying in the hamock reading a good book. My husband, two children and I had a wonderful few days getting back to basics and having fun with each other. I love a break where you get to slow things down and spend time with the people who matter the most to you .... doesn't happen quite often enough!

From Perry's Monument to the bustling downtown area to such D.I.Y activities as kayaking to parasailing, the island has a lot to offer. Not to mention novelties like the Xcelerator hand dryer, a.k.a The Nuke, and our buddy Cap'n Stan, its the little things that make the North Coast special. (Nick's contribution).

Nico Piper

I have the cutest new baby neice! She lives on the West Coast, so not sure when I get to see her. Almost as cute as her Daddy was at that age!

IRS Publication 523 Selling Your Home

IRS Publication Selling Your Home

I came across something that said you can deduct Home Staging when selling your home, as an advertising expense. That's a deduction I had not heard of before. To see the full publication, click here.

Real Estate Property Tax Deductions

It's almost April 15th, and seems to be a good time to tax deductions. Home ownership helps you with your tax deductions .... and your bottom line!

Real Estate Tax Definition
This IRS defines "Real Estate Tax" as the annual tax on the value of real property by most state and local governments.

Most state and local governments charge an annual tax on the value of real property. This is called a real estate tax. You may deduct the tax if it is based on the assessed value of the real property and the taxing authority charges a uniform rate on all property in its jurisdiction.

The tax must be for the welfare of the general public and not be a payment for a special privilege granted or services rendered to you.

Deductible Real Estate Taxes
As a homeowner, you are entitled to deduct payments of real estate tax on your property if you claimed itemized deductions on your tax return (you are not allowed to deduct real estate taxes if you claim the standard deduction on your tax return). The IRS allows you to deduct real estate taxes on your main home and any other home you own. There are no limits on the dollar amount of real estate taxes you can deduct. There are also no limits on the number of houses for which you can claim the deduction.

Your payments of state, local, or foreign real estate taxes on your non-business property are deductible. You must have paid them at settlement or closing, or to a tax authority during the
year.

Staycations

I have never had a staycation before, but am thinkng I like this idea. Of course, there are no beaches in Central Ohio and in the March we won't be spending time on the lake. But there is something to be said to going to bed in your own bed, sleeping in late, not having to pack and clean and do all our work before we leave town. No airports, no car rentals, only eating out when you want to. The kids have friends close by to entertain them, we can dash out for a few hours by ourselves and know the kids are happy. We can keep up with work and not be overwhelmed when we return. Sure, we aren't hanging out on the beach in the Carolinas, but I hear they aren't all that warm this time of year anyway!!

According to Wikipedia -
A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high[1][2].
Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals.

Benefits of a staycation -
Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include gasoline for local trips, dining, and local attractions[10]. "The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals... Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000"[10].
Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports[11].
Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business.

Risks of a staycation -
As staycationers are close to their places of employment, they may be tempted to go to work at least part of the time, and their bosses may feel their employees are available to be called into work. Staycationers also have access to their email at home as they would regularly, allowing them to be contacted, and feeling the temptation to keep up with this contact[11].
Staycationers may spend money they had not planned as retailers and other advertisers offer "deals" to encourage staycationers to spend money[12][13]. These may include hotels making package deals in hopes of luring planned staycationers to do some travel.

Ebstein Barr virus

Ebstein Barr is the virus that causes mononucleosis. Once you've had mono, the Ebstien Barr virus remains in your system for the rest of your life. Mono has many symptoms, but the most known is the extreme exhaustion. Normally, people catch the virus between the ages of 10-35 and it lasts for 1-2 months. A year ago, my daughter was diagnosed wtih Mononucleosis and shortly after Chicken Pox. They are both part of the herpes virus. I've spent a great deal of time on the internet researching, because there is no cure besides rest. Having mono alone compromises your immune system; with chicken pox on top of that, my daughter's immune system was highly compromised.

A ten year old going to school every day to the jungle of germs is not the ideal situation for her immune system. For the past year, she's continued to catch everything going around the school and was recently diagnosed with active mononucleosis again. I didn't realize you could have it more than once, but from my reading, I have come to understand that once the immune system drops below the threshhold to keep Ebstein Barr in control in your cells, you will again have active mononucleosis. There is a blood test that reveals the levels of Ebstein Barr to show that it is active.

As a parent, there is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer and not know how to "fix" it. I am amazed at all that she has been able to do and her determination to keep going. The internet is such a wonderful tool for us to have at our disposal, because with a little time, you can research any subject. I have found that we are not alone with the battle against this virus and for such a long time period. The tough part is that I've also found that others are just as frustrated as we have been to find a cure. The common theme I've found is that most of us have turned to natural medicine practices to get relief. We do seem to have found something that is helping .... last night, I had a child with more bounce in her step and more color in her cheeks!

Spending a year running back and forth to doctors and having someone ill for so long takes its toll on the whole family, but I believe we are emerging on the other side of this!

Coldwell Banker King Thompson Team Blue

KICKIN IT 2009 - TEAM BLUE!!

Our office is full of fun agents who love a challenge. Our office manager, Jeffrey Barrett has challenged us with a contest with the office divided into two teams. We earn points for various activities - the losing team has to wash cars and grill hot dogs for the winning team. We have some really creative people in our office!! Team Blue Rules!! Watch for results :)

Target Area Program with OHFA

Target Area Loan Program

OHFA’s Target Area Loan Program helps revitalize federally-designated target areas by making our affordable first-time homebuyer loan products and competitive interest rates available to ANY qualifying buyer purchasing a home in these areas.
What is a Target Area?
A target area is an economically distressed area designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most Ohio counties contain both target and non-target areas. For more information, download a list of target areas from our download center.

Do I Qualify?

Target Area Loan applicants do not have to be first-time buyers. However, the following program requirements apply.
To qualify for an OHFA Target Area Loan, you must:
Meet OHFA’s income and sales price limits. Please note that income and sales price limits may be higher for Target Area Loans.
Be creditworthy. Minimum credit scores may apply.
Have a signed Purchase and Sales Agreement.
Qualify for the loan being requested. Lenders will assess your ability to afford a home by considering income, assets, job stability, liabilities, and other criteria.
Additional information on the program.

First Time Home Buyer Credit and OHFA

First-Time HomeBuyer Tax Credit as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (February 2009)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 amended the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for homes purchased between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009. The credit is 10% of the value of a home, up to $8,000 ($4,000 for a married individual filing separately). Qualified households with incomes up to $75,000 ($150,000 for a joint return) who have not had an ownership interest in a home for the previous three years may take advantage of this credit. In addition, the amended credit may be used by homebuyers who qualify for a Mortgage Credit Certificate or use OHFA’s First-Time Homebuyer Program. The credit is for the homebuyer’s 2009 tax year only, and does not have to be repaid unless the homebuyer ceases to use the home as a principal residence within 36 months of the date of purchase.
For questions concerning the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, contact OHFA's Office of Homeownership at 888.362.6432, or consult a tax professional to determine your eligibility.

Unraveling the Stimulus Package

President O'Bamma will sign the Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law this week. The bill spends $787 billion dollars. There will be as many opinions on this bill as there are dollars spent. Here's a little insight into how it will impact the housing market.

Realtors(R) Advocate Quick Implementation of Stimulus Packageupdated 7:09 a.m. ET, Sat., Feb. 14, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC - Now that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been sent to President Obama for his signature, the National Association of Realtors® is looking forward to swift implementation.

"We are pleased that Congress and the administration have taken prompt action to address the current economic crisis," said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Dallas-Fort Worth. "Job creation and tax cuts are going to help families recover and prosper, and these initiatives will help more people keep their homes and help others become homeowners."

An economic recovery is not possible without a housing recovery, and the legislation contains two important housing provisions championed by NAR. The final stimulus bill increases the first-time home buyer tax credit to $8,000 and eliminates the repayment requirement of earlier legislation. In addition, the credit availability has been extended until December 1. Details here as available.

Story continued here. It will take time to understand how this bill impacts our lives, but it will keep us busy trying to unravel the information.

Valentine's Day for the Romantics ...

Valentine's Day, Katie Style!

My daughter greated us this morning with home made Valentine's Day cards that she had obviously spent a lot of time on. Then we had to make heart shaped pancakes with strawberry perserves or fresh raspberries. Juice was cranberry and the table setting was put together with much care. The boys had red placemats while the girls had pink and then of course Katie dug around until she found contrasting plates for each. I just don't know where she gets these ideas!! I ditched my fondue plan when the kids decided to go to the movies :) Oh, well, sounded like a lot of work anyway.

Valentine Traditions

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:

Good morning to you, valentine;

Curl your locks as I do mine ---

Two before and three behind.

Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. Click for more ....

So much more fun than the stories of St. Valentine's Day Massacre. I'm thinking I must have seen a sparrow on Valentine's Day long ago! That's OK, though, because we're very, very happy!

51 Days Left!

Mother Nature is having fun with us now! How many different ways could percipitation come down today? Sleet, rain, fluffy snow, fine snow coming down in a white out ..... she had out the whole bag of tricks for this much fun! Without our winter wonderland, we wouldn't appreciate spring so much. I do love the change of seasons .... only 51 days til the next change!

There is so much beauty in a day like today. It gives you pause to look at the beauty that a weather event like today can create. Sometimes I believe there's a reason for weather like this, because it forces us to slow down in our crazy, hectic lives. I love the commoradarie that difficult times bring out in people. We had a neighborhood shovelling gang who were helping to get everyone's drive in good shape. But that's the fabric of this community - people reaching out and helping other people!

53 Days Left!

The First Day of Spring will be here in 53 days .... not that I'm counting. OK, I'm counting. The crocus should show us some spring color, though before March 20th.

For our local forcast, read this.

Ripples

"Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others…s/he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of resistance."
~ Robert Kennedy

How powerful is that thought? I think it's an idea to ponder and act upon.

Put Your Best Party Dress On ....

Contrary to what you hear in the news houses are selling and sometimes quickly. I have two listings in contract right now that were only on the market for around 60 days. If the house is presented in its best light and priced right, it will get the attention it deserves. Buyers are excited about low interest rates and selections. They are out there buying!

If you are ready to sell your house, it's time to put your best party dress on for this dance! Your house should shine like it never has before because once your it is listed, it becomes a product. Before I got into Real Estate, I ran my own Interior Design business and am a Certified Home Staging Expert. If you want to be asked onto the dance floor, put on your best party dress and pinch those cheeks.

Advice to follow for home staging can be found on my website for Living In Style. I offer staging to houses that I list.

Time to think about Taxes!

I don't know about you, but I really dread thinking about getting documentation ready for taxes. Last year when I was finished and everything was in order, I bought this great organizer (at a low price, because everyone else was done with taxes). It was perfect for keeping everything where it should be for the year. I came across it just the other day as I was reorganizing my office. It would be such a great tool if it was used!! But, it's never too late, I'm going to pull it out today and as my information streams in I will know where to file it. It's tough to swallow the tax pill, but we enjoy each and every day the privilege of what those taxes buy. You have to love the crazy taxes, in certain states and cities, you'll pay special taxes for buying a deck of cards, possessing illegal drugs, and, possibly, buying things from naked people.

Here's an article that talks about getting organized for taxes:

Getting organized for the tax year
By Kay Bell • Bankrate.com
Even if your tax situation isn't complicated, there's still documentation the Internal Revenue Service demands. But tax filing doesn't have to be an ordeal. And it can be less frustrating and less time-consuming if you have all the material at your fingertips. By being prepared, you'll be ready to file your return at the earliest possible moment (the IRS usually starts accepting returns around mid-January). And the earlier you file, the sooner you'll get your refund.

House Bill Aims to Stabilize Housing

House Bill Aims to Stabilize Housing, Addresses Foreclosures and Stimulus
Washington, January 09, 2009
A bill that embraces the need for righting the housing market—the first big step toward economic recovery—was introduced Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives.H.R. 384, The TARP Reform and Accountability Act, was offered by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chair of the House Financial Services Committee. The bill would require the Treasury Department to develop a program, outside the Troubled Asset Relief Program, to stimulate demand for home purchases and lower property inventories, by making affordable mortgages available for qualified buyers through interest rate buydowns, a priority of the National Association of Realtors®.The measure would amend the TARP provisions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to make significant steps to reduce foreclosures, strengthen accountability and close loopholes. http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/01/house_bill_housing_frank

My favorite place!

Even on a blustering snowy night, my favorite place is the lake. The waves were choppy and the snow blows harder. But being near or on the water always does my soul good. The fire burns bright, the friends are fun and loyal and the drinks taste better and the sunsets are always breathtaking!

This is the Year of the Ox!

The Year of the Ox
2009

In Chinese astrology, each year is represented by an animal. Whether you believe in it or not, it's always fun to read and see how much it fits with what you know. The Chinese New Year follows the new moon and this year the Chinese New Year begins January 26, 2009. The Ox sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. I guess no one would dispute that this year we have a lot of hard work ahead of us to get our country back on track again.

Famous Ox People: Barack Obama, Catherine Freeman, Heather Locklear, Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Meg Ryan, Meryl Streep, Princess Diana, Vivien Leigh and George Clooney.

Here's what it says about people born in the sign of the Ox - This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint. The rest of the traits can be found here.

Whatever you believe about this coming year, I think we're in for a ride! Hold on and make plans not to fall off!

Happy New Year!

2009 is going to be great!

We always start out the new year with high expectations that it's going to be a great year and we're going to accomplish all the things this year that we couldn't get quite right last year. That's a good thing, because we keep trying. I think the key is to make yourself accountable. Last night my daughter asked everyone what their resolution for the new year was and then we decided we're going to start a new tradition. We're going to write our New Year's Resolution down and pack it away with our New Year's Eve decorations, horns and hats to be brought out next year. Then we can see how well we've done and we'll have a whole crowd to be accountable to!

I have to share that we put together one of the best spreads last night. It always comes together somehow when it's time to eat! Our favorite new additions (and lucky ones!) were pork shanks and saurkraut balls. The the pork shanks are grilled with barbeque sauce and are out of this world. The saurkraut balls were from Barley's in Columbus. They were to die for! The tradition to have saurkaut and pork on New's Years Day for good luck was something new to me when I moved to Ohio. I looked up the tradition and found some controversy about where it originated, but here's an interesting piece about New Year's Day food traditions. American New Year's traditions.