Florida Homebuilder Centerline Homes | Real Estate Blog

Even though time has run out on the U.S. Government’s $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers, Centerline Homes just announced it is offering an $8,000 discount for a limited time only to everyone on their “move-in ready” townhomes at Briella in West Boynton Beach, FL.

“There was such a huge surge of potential homebuyers visiting Briella last month taking advantage of the tax credit that we decided to extend that same discount for anyone who might have missed out,” explains Vice President of Sales, Deb Marton. “Our $8,000 discount applies to completed “move-in  ready” homes at Briella and can be used in a variety of ways. But hurry because this special offer will not last too long!”

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U.S. servicemen out of the country for 90 days (since 2008) may have an extra year to get the tax credit, up to $8,000, for buying a home.

The active-duty rule is not new. It’s part of the current tax credit law, though its use is limited. The qualification must be for “official extended duty outside the United States for at least 90 days after 2008 and before May 1, 2010.”

Should that be the case, however, the homebuyer has an extra year to buy a home. He or she has until April 30, 2011, to secure a binding contract, and until June 30, 2011 to close on the home. Other conditions such as a maximum $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for move-up buyers still apply.

For advice in regards to the tax credit consult a qualified tax advisor. The applicable IRS publication is posted online (PDF format) at: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3.pdf

Start off Right, Select the Right Plant For Your Location!

• Make a note of the type of soil, sunlight exposure and water conditions of the planting site before you shop. Choose plants that thrive under the conditions you noted.  Almost any plant will survive in your landscape if you plant it in the right place.
• Limit the number of plants that need a lot of water or care.
• Keep only as much grass as you directly use for recreation and other purposes. Plant beds and mulched areas use less water than grass.
• Remove invasive exotic plants so they don't steal water and nutrition from Florida-friendly plants.

Watering

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Here are 13 Tips that will reduce the energy and maintenance costs of your home over the long haul.

1. Check the insulation in your attic. If you purchased an older home with an unfinished attic take a look around up there. You should see at least six inches of insulation everywhere and more if you live in the northern parts of the US. If there’s inadequate insulation or the insulation you have appears damaged then install new insulation.
2. Air-seal your home. Look for any places where air may be leaking directly into or out of your home.
3. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120 degrees.  This is the optimum temperature for your hot water heater. Most people do not utilize water that’s hotter than that, and thus energy used to keep the water that hot isn’t effective.
4. Toss a water heater blanket over that hot water heater. While most modern hot water heaters are well-insulated, some are insulated better than others and many older heaters aren’t insulated well at all. An investment in a blanket for your water heater will slowly and gradually save you money on your heating bill over time by keeping the heat in the water instead of letting it out.
5. Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation. Exposed hot water pipes lose heat as they move water from your heater to your faucet. Insulating them makes a two to four degree difference in the temperature of the water and also allows hot water to reach your faucet faster. Check the pipes into and out of your hot water heater first, as the first three feet out of the heater (and the last few feet of inlet water) are key. Use good quality pipe insulation for the job.

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Winter Maintenance Tips For Your Home

• Clean out your homes gutters and downspouts
• Familiarize family members with the main gas valve, electric, and water shutoffs
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, icemaker and dishwasher for cracks, rot or bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFI) outlets

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