Category Archives: Real Estate

Foreclosure Sales: Potential Bargins Can Carry Big Risks

Posted on February 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

The vacant, dilapidated split-level rancher with the broken fence and dangling gutters has long been an eyesore to neighbors on Montrose Street in Alexandria. But Glen E. Scheirer saw it as an opportunity to snap up a dramatically discounted house directly across the street from his son and daughter-in-law, who have a son and another child on the way.

Last May, Scheirer made an all-cash offer of $375,000 for the foreclosure, which he figured would need about $100,000 more in repairs. Fannie Mae accepted the offer, and Scheirer began carting his belongings — including newly purchased appliances and furniture — from his Chantilly home to his son’s garage in preparation for the impending move.

Have questions about the value of a foreclosure? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

But last month, Fannie Mae canceled the deal because it couldn’t determine whether the foreclosure had been done properly, and Scheirer is back to square one.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Does Your Home Need the Ductwork Cleaned?

Posted on February 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

Although many homeowners consider duct cleaning a way to make their indoor air cleaner, research on whether it can really create a more healthful home is in the early stages.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends looking into duct cleaning after fires, floods, pest infestations and in hazardous waste situations, or if you can see particles coming out of your ducts. Otherwise, the agency says it’s not necessary for the average household.

Will this type of maintenance add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions

Tom Keys, president of Atlantic Duct Cleaning in Sterling, Va., says his company has done more than 80,000 duct-cleaning jobs, and that many customers report back that they have better air quality, a cleaner home and lower energy costs. Customers often are surprised at how much debris collected in their ductwork over the years, he says.

“Most of the people who do it, do it for peace of mind,” Keys says. His company has found all sorts of items in ductwork beyond dirt and grime, including class rings, rare baseball cards and construction debris from when the home was built.

Keys encourages homeowners to ask duct-cleaning technicians for evidence that there is dirt in the ducts that should be removed.

On the other hand, John DeSilvia, a contractor and host of DIY Network’s “Rescue My Renovation” (which premieres Feb. 27), doesn’t generally recommend duct cleaning to homeowners. It’s normal for dirt to accumulate and stick to the sides of air ducts, he says. The exception, he says, is if there’s visible mold growth.

If you do have ductwork cleaned, he advises getting a few estimates and ensuring that the service you hire uses high-powered equipment to capture what they dislodge. Otherwise, the effort could backfire.

“Any dust and dirt not collected will be distributed throughout your home, causing a bigger problem,” DeSilvia says.

Read entire article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2013/02/does_your_home_need_the_ductwo.html

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Tax Breaks for Homeowners Survive in 2013

Posted on February 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

It’s tax season. If you’d hoped to file right away to get a quick refund, you may be out of luck if you are claiming such things as an energy-efficient-home credit, residential energy credits in general or a mortgage interest credit.

That’s because Congress’s last-minute fiscal cliff agreement in early January forced the IRS to get a late start on modifying the forms associated with those programs to reflect the tax law changes. Those forms are not expected to be available until late February or early March. If you’re in that boat, check http://www.irs.govduring the next few weeks for an announcement about when they will be ready.

Want to appeal your property tax rate? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com.

Homeowners, though, will get some breaks. First, for the present at least, Congress did not modify or repeal your right to deduct the mortgage interest you pay. There are, however, some limitations for high-income earners. If you are single and earn more than $400,000 (or more than $450,000 if married), personal exemptions will be phased out and itemized deductions will be limited. If you fall in that category, you must discuss your specific situation with your tax and financial advisers.

Disclaimer: For information and entertainment purposes only

Category Archives: Real Estate

Foreclosure Sales: Potential Bargins Can Carry Big Risks

Does Your Home Need the Ductwork Cleaned?

Tax Breaks for Homeowners Survive in 2013

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