Good news! The extension has passed 2 votes by a huge margin and will now face a final vote- late Thursday Nov 5th. Then- it's on its way to the House and the President's desk.
This extension appears to be an expanded version of the first credit. The proposal will provide the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and up to $6500 for move-up buyers who have been in their current principal residence at least 5 years. Incomes should be adjusted as well increasing to $125,000 for an individual and $225,000 for couples filing jointly.
This would be great news for the home construction industry as it begins to recover. As we have come to know- HOUSING equals JOBS!! and the country could sure use more of those.
Contact your Senator to voice your support of the Tax Credit Extension- by Nancy Lisabeth, Grand Bay Builders ph. 231 995 9057
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension?
Happy to hear that the Senate has reached a deal on extending the Home Buyer Tax Credit. The concern has been that when the credit expires at the end of November it would put a tremendous damper on any improvement in the housing market. The recovery is so precarious that this is really important news.
The process to get the Bill through the channels is expected to take at least a week. So, if all runs smoothly it could be on the Presidnet's desk for signing by next weekend or so. Fix Housing First is the industry mantra and a good website for information. Visit www.fixhousingfirst.com for more info.
Let's keep the recovery moving forward- Nancy Lisabeth, Grand Bay Builders
The process to get the Bill through the channels is expected to take at least a week. So, if all runs smoothly it could be on the Presidnet's desk for signing by next weekend or so. Fix Housing First is the industry mantra and a good website for information. Visit www.fixhousingfirst.com for more info.
Let's keep the recovery moving forward- Nancy Lisabeth, Grand Bay Builders
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Showcase of Remodeled Homes Oct 3 & 4, 2009
Grand Bay Builders is pleased to be showcasing a carriage house guest quarters during the upcoming Remodeled Homes Tour the weekend of Oct 3rd and 4th. The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area designated that a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Ticket cost is $3 each or two for $5 and will be sold at each home. http://www.hbagta.com/events/?id=908
I am excited to be hosting our project on West Grand Traverse Bay during this event. Attendees will get an excellent idea of what existing space can become by using good design. I had great fun with color for this "beachy" cottage getaway!
I am also very excited that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. During my recent Women Build training in Columbus- Ohio, I came to realize once again what tremendous things HFH does for families of all types.
Take time this weekend to visit the projects on tour- Leelanau County is a wonderful drive along the bay as you're traveling here.
Location: 6433 S West Bay Shore Dr Traverse City, MI
Hours: Noon until 6pm Sat and Sun Oct 3 and 4, 2009
I am excited to be hosting our project on West Grand Traverse Bay during this event. Attendees will get an excellent idea of what existing space can become by using good design. I had great fun with color for this "beachy" cottage getaway!
I am also very excited that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. During my recent Women Build training in Columbus- Ohio, I came to realize once again what tremendous things HFH does for families of all types.
Take time this weekend to visit the projects on tour- Leelanau County is a wonderful drive along the bay as you're traveling here.
Location: 6433 S West Bay Shore Dr Traverse City, MI
Hours: Noon until 6pm Sat and Sun Oct 3 and 4, 2009
Hope to see you this weekend, Nancy Lisabeth, Grand By Builders ph 231 995 9057
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Importance of Licensed and Insured
At various periods during our years in the construction industry, we have come across the problem of random workers selling their services without real credentials. This current economic situation seems to be one of those times.
If you will be hiring a builder or remodelor for a project, please do those who are licensed and yourself a favor. As you interview to find the right builder, be sure they have their current Michigan builder's license and both liability and worker compensation insurance. I urge you to be aware of the possible consequences if you hire someone without these essential qualifications.
As builders, when we have current insurance, we are protecting you the homeowner in case of injury and other liabilities. Without this assurance- you shouldn't be able to sleep at night!!
From experience, I can tell you that we have been asked to come into many projects that were left in turmoil. These homeowners ended up paying more in the long run. Remodeling is an art form that is learned through years of experience. Please don't expect someone who "used to work for someone" but is now out of work without a license or insurance to be able to perform as well as a qualified builder or remodelor.
Everyone is looking for ways to save a dollar - but hiring the wrong person to do the job could be the most expensive mistake you ever made.
Just looking out for your best interest, Nancy at Grand Bay Builders 231 995 9057
If you will be hiring a builder or remodelor for a project, please do those who are licensed and yourself a favor. As you interview to find the right builder, be sure they have their current Michigan builder's license and both liability and worker compensation insurance. I urge you to be aware of the possible consequences if you hire someone without these essential qualifications.
As builders, when we have current insurance, we are protecting you the homeowner in case of injury and other liabilities. Without this assurance- you shouldn't be able to sleep at night!!
From experience, I can tell you that we have been asked to come into many projects that were left in turmoil. These homeowners ended up paying more in the long run. Remodeling is an art form that is learned through years of experience. Please don't expect someone who "used to work for someone" but is now out of work without a license or insurance to be able to perform as well as a qualified builder or remodelor.
Everyone is looking for ways to save a dollar - but hiring the wrong person to do the job could be the most expensive mistake you ever made.
Just looking out for your best interest, Nancy at Grand Bay Builders 231 995 9057
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New Home Buyer Credit is Now Monetized
The government is understanding that the housing industry is really critical to this country's economic recovery. In an effort to help get the housing market moving, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan has announced an even better deal for first time home buyers. Remember: if you haven't owned a home in 3 years than you also qualify for this program as a new home buyer!
Monetizing the tax credit means that the funds can now be used towards a down payment or towards closing costs. Under the new FHA rule, home buyers who are using FHA approved lenders, can apply the $8,000 tax credit to a downpayment beyond the 3.5% minimum required on an FHA insured mortgage or to their closing costs.
Check with your lender to see how this will help you with a new home purchase.
As you search the market for the perfect home, remember that we can help you with your search. As remodelors with over 30 years experience, Grand Bay Builders will be happy to meet with you at the home to discuss the feasibility of any future remodeling that you may consider after your purchase. We offer this consultation so you can be more confident in the future potential of your home purchase. We want you to know what is possible before you make the purchase!
Call me for details or to schedule a walk through- Nancy Lisabeth 231 995 9057
Monetizing the tax credit means that the funds can now be used towards a down payment or towards closing costs. Under the new FHA rule, home buyers who are using FHA approved lenders, can apply the $8,000 tax credit to a downpayment beyond the 3.5% minimum required on an FHA insured mortgage or to their closing costs.
Check with your lender to see how this will help you with a new home purchase.
As you search the market for the perfect home, remember that we can help you with your search. As remodelors with over 30 years experience, Grand Bay Builders will be happy to meet with you at the home to discuss the feasibility of any future remodeling that you may consider after your purchase. We offer this consultation so you can be more confident in the future potential of your home purchase. We want you to know what is possible before you make the purchase!
Call me for details or to schedule a walk through- Nancy Lisabeth 231 995 9057
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tax Credits for Energy Saving Home Improvements
No need to feel left out of the IRS tax credit stimulus plan if you already own your home. There are 2 deductions you may be able to take if your improvements focus on energy savings.
First, the Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit (25c) has been expanded and covers up to 30% of the cost of products you have installed this year and next. This $1,500 credit is now available through the end of 2010. Items which qualify are HVAC's (heating and cooling), insulation, water heaters, windows and doors as long the products meet the IRS qualifications.
Let Grand Bay Builders assess your home as professional remodelers, to find the best methods for savings energy for your particular residence. It is important to verify that your improvements will qualify for the credit.
The second tax credit now available thru the year 2016, is the Wind Solar Geothermal, Fuel Cell Tax Credit (25d). This credit will cover geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. The up front cost may be higher on these energy improvements but the credit is 30% on these as well with no cap on the cost thru 2016.
As this year's remodeling season heats up, consider taking advantage of these tax credits to reduce your home's energy footprint and reduce your utility bills.
Call us for more information or visit:
www.energystar.gov
www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit
Nancy Lisabeth
Grand Bay Builders
231 995 9057
First, the Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit (25c) has been expanded and covers up to 30% of the cost of products you have installed this year and next. This $1,500 credit is now available through the end of 2010. Items which qualify are HVAC's (heating and cooling), insulation, water heaters, windows and doors as long the products meet the IRS qualifications.
Let Grand Bay Builders assess your home as professional remodelers, to find the best methods for savings energy for your particular residence. It is important to verify that your improvements will qualify for the credit.
The second tax credit now available thru the year 2016, is the Wind Solar Geothermal, Fuel Cell Tax Credit (25d). This credit will cover geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. The up front cost may be higher on these energy improvements but the credit is 30% on these as well with no cap on the cost thru 2016.
As this year's remodeling season heats up, consider taking advantage of these tax credits to reduce your home's energy footprint and reduce your utility bills.
Call us for more information or visit:
www.energystar.gov
www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit
Nancy Lisabeth
Grand Bay Builders
231 995 9057
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Keeping Bathtub Users Independent
As a lover of the bathtub, I am especially aware of the advancements being made in the area of user friendly tub accessiblity for the elderly and physically challenged. The accessiblity issues are many if the user can't climb over the edge to get in or lift themselves up to get out. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Grand Bay Builders can offer our customers various options to either modify their existing bath tub or to replace it with a newly designed unit.
The are many retro fit door inserts which can convert your tub to a walk in shower but we also offer a Safety Bath Door insert which will maintain its use as a tub as well.
If you would prefer to replace your existing tub with something new, Independent Living USA has addressed the problem by designing a Walk-In bathtub with a door shaped to pass over the bather's knees when he or she is safely seated. The Presidential unit is UL approved and has made in the USA since 2003.Grand Bay Builders is pleased to be able to help people stay in their own home environments as long as possible. Keeping bathing accessible is just one of the many areas where we can help.
Long live the therapy of a relaxing bath, Nancy Lisabeth
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
