After a close brush with a deadline that could have impacted tens of thousands of home buyers, the U.S. Congress last night passed an extension of the Home buyer Tax Credit closing deadline.
The extension is included in the Home Buyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623) and will prevent as many as 180,000 home buyers from losing their eligibility for the tax credit through no fault of their own. These households had home purchase contracts pending as of April 30 and had until June 30 to close on their purchases to claim the federal tax credit. Under the legislation that passed last night, these households now have until September 30 to close.
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® supported extension of that closing deadline because buyers are experiencing delays in getting their financing closed. The delays are the result of the large number of transactions that are short sales, which can take a long time to close, and the rush of transactions lenders are processing from buyers submitting contracts before the April 30 contract deadline.
The legislation, which now goes to President Obama for signature, is designed to create a seamless extension of the closing deadline; there will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.
NAR worked closely with congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle in supporting lawmakers' passage of the legislation, which the association says will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation.
Source: National Association of Realtors
For questions on this and other Real Estate related issues, please visit www.groveteam.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Grow a Naturally Vibrant Garden
Organic gardening keeps your harvest healthy without dangerous pesticides
By Debra Lynn Dadd
For spots that provide such serenity, freshness and beauty, many lawns and garden are also remarkably intertwined with deadly substances. Pesticides to be precise.
While the same pesticides used by agribusinesses are on nursery shelves-in smaller bottles with prettier labels-the National Academy of Sciences reports that "suburban gardens and lawns receive heavier pesticide applications than most other land areas in the United States, " including agricultural areas.
For the time-harried gardener, it may be easy to overlook such reports. After all, it's a breeze to spray some week killer or pest spray and be done with it.
What's impossible to ignore is the National Cancer Institute finding that in households where outdoor pesticides were used regularly, children were nine times more likely to develop childhood leukemia. In addition, pesticides are the second leading cause of household poisonings in the United States.
Gardening sans pesticide
The good news is lawns and gardens can be beautifully and healthfully maintained without using risky pesticides. Instead, organic gardening methods can be applied.
Pests are nature's way of eliminating unhealthy plants. Thus the basis if organic gardening is to grow healthy plants, which naturally resist pests. In organic gardening, much emphasis is given to building fertile soil, which in turn produces healthy plants. Compost, rock dust, and other soil amendments are frequently added.
If it becomes necessary to control unwanted insects, animals, and plants, you can use methods that are more natural and harmonious than chemical pesticides. These include traps, companion plants that deter harmful insects, beneficial organisms and insects, and natural botanical pesticides and repellents.
Here are tips for keeping your lawn green without chemicals:
* Let your grass grow. Grass that is 2.5 to 3 inches tall holds moisture in the soil and discourages the growth of weeds. Mow when the lawn i s dry during the cool part of the day.
* Fertilize naturally. Leave nitrogen-rich grass clippings behind to degrade into the soil-building compost. Add compost or manure. Make your lawn self-fertilizing by including clover and other nitrogen-rich plants.
* Cut dandelions at the root, most won't grow back.
* Dethatch in late spring or early summer, then reseed.
* Dry out fungus, dehatch, add soil bacteria and reseed. Fungus grows only in wet, thatchy, over fertilized lawns.
*Aerate twice a year (compacted soil promotes weeds). Add a soil loosener, like compost, then reseed.
* Reseed bare spots and thinning laws to prevent weed growth.
* Water in the evening, deeply and infrequently. Allow the grass to dry thoroughly between watering's.
* Choose the right species. Ask your local nursery for advice.
Spending time outdoors growing flowers and food organically can be a rewarding pastime that also protects your health and health of your loved ones. Once you learn the basics of organic gardening, there is no need for unnecessary exposure to the know toxic effects of chemical pesticides.
By Debra Lynn Dadd
For spots that provide such serenity, freshness and beauty, many lawns and garden are also remarkably intertwined with deadly substances. Pesticides to be precise.
While the same pesticides used by agribusinesses are on nursery shelves-in smaller bottles with prettier labels-the National Academy of Sciences reports that "suburban gardens and lawns receive heavier pesticide applications than most other land areas in the United States, " including agricultural areas.
For the time-harried gardener, it may be easy to overlook such reports. After all, it's a breeze to spray some week killer or pest spray and be done with it.
What's impossible to ignore is the National Cancer Institute finding that in households where outdoor pesticides were used regularly, children were nine times more likely to develop childhood leukemia. In addition, pesticides are the second leading cause of household poisonings in the United States.
Gardening sans pesticide
The good news is lawns and gardens can be beautifully and healthfully maintained without using risky pesticides. Instead, organic gardening methods can be applied.
Pests are nature's way of eliminating unhealthy plants. Thus the basis if organic gardening is to grow healthy plants, which naturally resist pests. In organic gardening, much emphasis is given to building fertile soil, which in turn produces healthy plants. Compost, rock dust, and other soil amendments are frequently added.
If it becomes necessary to control unwanted insects, animals, and plants, you can use methods that are more natural and harmonious than chemical pesticides. These include traps, companion plants that deter harmful insects, beneficial organisms and insects, and natural botanical pesticides and repellents.
Here are tips for keeping your lawn green without chemicals:
* Let your grass grow. Grass that is 2.5 to 3 inches tall holds moisture in the soil and discourages the growth of weeds. Mow when the lawn i s dry during the cool part of the day.
* Fertilize naturally. Leave nitrogen-rich grass clippings behind to degrade into the soil-building compost. Add compost or manure. Make your lawn self-fertilizing by including clover and other nitrogen-rich plants.
* Cut dandelions at the root, most won't grow back.
* Dethatch in late spring or early summer, then reseed.
* Dry out fungus, dehatch, add soil bacteria and reseed. Fungus grows only in wet, thatchy, over fertilized lawns.
*Aerate twice a year (compacted soil promotes weeds). Add a soil loosener, like compost, then reseed.
* Reseed bare spots and thinning laws to prevent weed growth.
* Water in the evening, deeply and infrequently. Allow the grass to dry thoroughly between watering's.
* Choose the right species. Ask your local nursery for advice.
Spending time outdoors growing flowers and food organically can be a rewarding pastime that also protects your health and health of your loved ones. Once you learn the basics of organic gardening, there is no need for unnecessary exposure to the know toxic effects of chemical pesticides.
Update on Seller Financing Requirements
June 24, 2010
Texas Association of Realtors:
Seller-financing license requirements delayed
The federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act requires most property owners who wish to seller-finance to be licensed as residential mortgage loan originators (RMLO). The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, responsible for the act's implementation in Texas, announced last week that it's delaying the licensing deadline from May 31 to Aug. 31.
This delay is the first step toward reinstating the de minimis rule, which allows a seller to finance the sale of up to five properties within 12 months without a license. The Texas Finance Commission will consider a rule change reinstating the de minimus rule at its August meeting. This is good news for private-property owners.
If you should have any further questions on this or any other real estate topic, please feel free to contact the Grove Team at info@groveteam.com or go to our website at www.groveteam.com.
Texas Association of Realtors:
Seller-financing license requirements delayed
The federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (SAFE) Act requires most property owners who wish to seller-finance to be licensed as residential mortgage loan originators (RMLO). The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, responsible for the act's implementation in Texas, announced last week that it's delaying the licensing deadline from May 31 to Aug. 31.
This delay is the first step toward reinstating the de minimis rule, which allows a seller to finance the sale of up to five properties within 12 months without a license. The Texas Finance Commission will consider a rule change reinstating the de minimus rule at its August meeting. This is good news for private-property owners.
If you should have any further questions on this or any other real estate topic, please feel free to contact the Grove Team at info@groveteam.com or go to our website at www.groveteam.com.
Friday, June 25, 2010
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Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items
Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but you’ll spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience. Read
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Sinks
Outdoor sinks are similar to their indoor counterparts; the real difference is the cost of running outdoor plumbing. Read
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Refrigerators
Refrigerators work harder outdoors than in, so it’s important to seek out models designed specifically for the task. Read
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills
With models priced from $29 to $5,000 and up, outdoor gas grills offer convenience and ease-of-use to fit any budget. Read
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Outdoor Appliance Guide: Charcoal Grills and Smokers
With models priced from $35 to $1,000, there are charcoal grills to fit the budget of anyone who’s a fan of traditional barbecue. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
For all your Real Estate needs, contact the Grove Team at www.groveteam.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
ABCs of Landscaping
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Landscaping for Curb Appeal
A well-landscaped yard creates curb appeal and helps your property retain maximum value. Read
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7 Gardening Mistakes to Avoid
Novice gardeners can get their landscapes off to a healthy start by heeding some tried-and-true tips from the pros. Read
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Lawn Maintenance Calendar
Regular lawn maintenance gives your home maximum curb appeal and preserves the value of your property. Read
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Save Money with Your Edible Garden
An edible garden featuring vegetables and herbs can save you a bundle if you keep it simple and raise plants that offer high yields. Read
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10 Tips for Saving Money in the Garden
Smart landscaping strategies can save you money while they add to the curb appeal and value of your home. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Senate approves home tax credit extension
The Senate has approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives that boosted home sales this spring.
The move by the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until September 30th to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000. Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30th to get a signed sales contract and until June 30th to complete the sale.
The proposal would only allow people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. About 180,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements would otherwise miss the deadline. The Nevada Democrat added the proposal to a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November.
Source: MetroTex Association of Realtors, http://www.dfwrealtors.com/newsroom_detail.php?id=108
For more information, contact the Grove Team today!
Direct (817) 337-0000
Email - info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
The move by the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would give buyers until September 30th to complete their purchases and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000. Under the current terms, buyers had until April 30th to get a signed sales contract and until June 30th to complete the sale.
The proposal would only allow people who already have signed contracts to finish at the later date. About 180,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements would otherwise miss the deadline. The Nevada Democrat added the proposal to a bill extending jobless benefits through the end of November.
Source: MetroTex Association of Realtors, http://www.dfwrealtors.com/newsroom_detail.php?id=108
For more information, contact the Grove Team today!
Direct (817) 337-0000
Email - info@groveteam.com
www.groveteam.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
Just Listed - Rustic Meadows in Bedford
3541 Creekside CourtRustic Meadows, Bedford
Offered at $264,000
The Grove Team proudly introduces this new listing in Bedford! Situated on a private cul-de-sac lot in prestigious Rustic Woods Addition, this fabulous home boasts amenities galore! Beginning with the well designed floor plan, upstairs game room, and backyard retreat.
The well-appointed kitchen includes updates such as granite countertops, a faux stone backsplash, functional island, dishwasher, cooktop, built in microwave, and stainless steel sink. Don't miss the wine closet behind the iron door.
Other details that greet you as you tour this home include, faux wall finishes, premium wall textures, updated light fixtures, door hardware, plantation shutters, wood blinds, and bricked archways. Beautiful slate flooring extends from the entry through the downstairs living, dining and kitchen.
Generously sized rooms provide plenty of space for oversized furniture. The luxurious master suite offers relaxation and room for a sitting area. Amenities extend to the adjoining bath with its jetted tub, separate shower, and room sized closet.
Escape out back to experience a lush, green, and relaxing environment. Once outside, you won't believe you are still in Texas! The lot extends beyond the stone creek.
Quick Stats for the home:
# of Bedrooms - 4
# of Bathrooms - 2.5
Sqft - 3,117
Built in 1991
Contact the Grove Team today to schedule your private showing of this amazing new listing!
Direct (817) 337-0000
Email - info@groveteam.com
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