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

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

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

New Home Tax Credit Info

If you haven't owned a home in 3 years you could qualify for the $8,000 New Home Tax Credit. Now is the perfect time to consider the purchase of a new home- there are many on the market to choose from at great prices.

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 percent 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.

Don't be intimidated by the requirements. Realtors are a wonderful source of information. So consider talking to your local real estate expert and begin the fun of searching for a new home for your family.

Call me - I'll can give you the contact information for friendly, professional realtors in the area who will be delighted to share their expertise. Nancy

Refrigerator Recalls

Maytag has recalled refrigerators marketed under the brand names Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Admiral®, Magic Chef®, Performa by Maytag® and Crosley®. An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. This recall was announced March 10, 2009.


When I saw this recall, I checked my home unit which was purchased in 2001- and discovered it was one of those recalled. I called the Maytag corporation here in Michigan and spoke to a customer service rep who scheduled service that same week. The repair was done in about 20 minutes and I feel much better having the problem corrected.


For more information call Maytag's Recall Hotline 866-533-9817

Power Outage Protection

Spring can bring some wild weather here in the Midwest. We have been helping to bring some peace of mind to our customers. Grand Bay Builders offers the protection of personal home generators. Our customers know that in the case of utility power failure, their homes will continue to function without interruption.

Generators run on the home's existing natural gas or lp fuel. They automatically sense utility power failure and switch predetermined areas or the entire home to the generator. Once the utility restores their service, the generator reverses the switch back to the utility. This process is done automatically and creates a real peace of mind during extreme weather. - Nancy

Check out this video link for a demonstration:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid14602144001/bclid14539912001/bctid14621246001

Promising New Shower Products

I'm intrigued by a new idea in shower drains that may eliminate the need for that round center drain. This Quick Drain product is a low profile stainless steel linear drain. It's 1-1/2" wide and fits nicely at the entrance to the shower or up against a wall. This eliminates the need for all 4 sides of the shower to slope to the middle and could be a valuable option when accomodating a special needs piece of equipment. www.quickdrainusa.com

Another interesting shower product is a new sustainable flooring product for wet applications. I love this idea!!- post industrial wine corks cut into 1/4" thick slices on 12" x 24" sheets. This sustainable floor is advertised as being slip resistant, accoustical and perfect for showers and pool surrounds. Cork is a great green product so this would add LEED points to a project. Being a wine lover here in Northern Michigan wine country, I'm excited about the design possiblities this flooring offers. - Nancy

www.sustainableflooring.com