My Beautiful Sacramento

H.R. 2801: Home Ownership Moves the Economy (HOME) Act of 2009  is a bill set to go before congress to extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit to U.S. citizens.  The current home buyer tax credit allows first time home buyers (buyers who have not owned a home in the last three years) to receive a credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $8000. 

There are some restrictions.

• Income must be under $75,000 or $150,000 filing jointly.  There is a reduced credit for individuals earning up to $95,000 or $170,000 jointly. 
  
• The home must be a first time purchase.
  
• The home may not be sold within three years of purchase or the credit will need to be paid back. 

The tax credit allows the buyer to claim the credit either on their 2008 or 2009 tax return and if they do not owe enough taxes after the credit has been applied, the credit balance will be refunded to them in cash. 

The tax credit is set to expire on December 1, 2009.  Real estate agents and lenders are preparing for the rush to get escrows closed in time for buyers to qualify before the tax credit expires.  There are still many buyers who have procrastinated or have not found a home yet and as we are heading to the final stretch of time available to close an escrow, those buyers who are just getting into contract in October may be putting themselves at risk not to close in time.  With stricter lending policies and changes that have occurred in the last year, it may take longer to get an escrow processed.  Many lenders these days are operating with a skeleton crew. 

Home builders and Realtors are lobbying for the extension which if passed will extend the tax credit for one year and will remove the income restriction and requirement that the home be a first time purchase.  Let's hope they are successful in accomplishing this goal since it will increase home sales and create jobs.

If the H.R. 2801 bill is passed to extend the the tax credit beyond the December 1, 2009 deadline there would be:

• No income limits.
• Tax credit for all home buyers, not just first time buyers.

From the article I read, it stated that it is estimated to increase home sales by 383,000 and create nearly 350,000 jobs. Something much needed for our economy. 

Did you know that the Arden Park Recreation and Park District was the first independent park and recreation district formed in Sacramento county?   Proudly serving residents for over 57 years.

Facilities

   The Arden Park Recreation and Park District has various facilities available for use.  The Community Center at Arden Park is great for smaller meetings, wedding receptions, dinner functions, and parties.  The group picnic area is available for company picnics, family and group picnics and parties.  Other facilities that can be reserved include the softball field, soccer field, swimming pool and tennis courts.

Visit Arden Park website!  Be sure to check back on a regular basis to see what is new.

It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul.   Windows are the eyes of the home.  They let the light in providing a framed view of the world outside.  We dress them by adding shudders, shades, curtains or drapes to add style while providing privacy.

The eyes have it. 

 One very basic thing you can do bring out the eyes of your home is to clean them so they sparkle.

• Don't use newspaper for cleaning windows.  Newspaper is not very absorbent and leaves traces of the cleaner on the window. Also, once the cleaner gets on the paper the inks will begin to run and may actually make the windows appear dirtier.

• Use a squeegee to dry the windows and they will stay clean longer than those cleaned with paper towels. Scrubbing with a paper towel creates a static charge on the window, which attracts dust. Other materials to consider are cloth diapers or tight-knit towels, both of which do not leave behind lint. The towels can be found at most mechanics shops.  Wash the windows in the morning. Heat can cause the windows to streak because the washing solution dries too quickly.  If you must clean later in the day, do it on the sides that are shaded.

• Use an alcohol-based rain shield on the outside of freshly cleaned windows to keep them from spotting. Rain shield can be purchased at an automotive store. Apply according to package directions and buff off.

• Quickly clean a few indoor windows with a cloth that has been soaked in white vinegar.

• The simplest solution is two teaspoons of liquid dish soap mixed with five gallons of lukewarm water.

Now for a little color.

Window boxes filled with an array of colorful flowers will enhance the view from the inside as well as the outside.  There are many varieties of planter boxes to choose from. 

The easiest way to have year round, lasting color is to place the plants in the window box while still in their containers.  This also makes the window box lighter and allows air circulation.  If you want to change your plants all you do is replace the pot with a new one.  Plant an herb garden outside your kitchen window.  

Photos from flickr.com       

 Window box at Stratford Flats

Originally uploaded by Dee Pix

Window boxes

Originally uploaded by LindaScannell

Window boxes July

Originally uploaded by Luvzdollz