Tax Resolutions for 2012

Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.

Whether it's your only resolution or just one of a few, sticking to your new year's tax resolutions throughout the whole year is the trick to being successful. And just like resolving to be healthy during the year will have you in better shape for the future, following your financial resolutions can make tax time far easier next year.

Use these tips to help build a successful approach to your tax resolution.

Promise to give yourself a tax check-up twice a year. Don't let yourself be shocked when tax time rolls around - the psychological and financial stress of being unprepared for a big tax bill can take a major toll. Do yourself a favor by checking on your tax liability a couple of times through the year. If you need to make adjustments to your withholding, do so as quickly as you can. Even if you find that nothing needs to be changed, you'll have something to smile about and one less worry to occupy your mind.
• Get started now. Procrastination can be your downfall - it often happens that the longer you put something off, the more daunting a task it seems. And the last thing anyone needs is an excuse to be more overwhelmed by the thought of working on taxes. If you know that you struggle with preparing your return, make the call to a professional who can help you. But again, don't wait - tax preparers' appointment books fill up fast during tax season.
• Set up a filing system - and stick to it. The flurry of paperwork is stressful enough when you're doing your taxes - not being able to find a necessary slip of paper only makes it worse. Create files for receipts and other documents and be sure to keep them updated. If you want to go digital, use a scanner to file everything neatly away in specialized folders on your computer.
• Take advantage of tax-saving benefits offered by your employer. If they're available to you, consider how much smarter it is to use pre-tax dollars for things like medical expenses and child care. If you need more guidance about how to best take advantage of the offered programs, check with your human resources department, or your own tax preparer or financial planner.
• 
  Make it a habit to save. Putting extra money away is always a good habit, whether the intent for it is to help pay off tax bills or to purchase a new vehicle. Giving yourself a little extra cushion to fall back on doesn't have to make you feel fiscally stressed, though. Put away $20 here and there, or have a percentage of your paycheck sent directly to a savings account, and you'll be excited by how much you have at the turning of the next new year.

Bothersome as taxes can seem, if you prepare for them throughout the year, you might find the experience far easier the next time you have to file. For more ideas about a financially sound new year, visit

blog.equifax.com.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Co
678-886-8353
fax-678-405-2793
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

What you don't know can hurt you (lead based paint)

There are a lot of homes for sale on the market at this time. Great deals seem to be around every corner. Many of the homes are in older subdivisions that were built prior to 1978.  These homes may have paint that contains lead called (lead based paint). Lead from paint, chips and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. 

Knowledge is power! Here are the facts to help you make an informed decision!

Lead can enter the body in many ways here are a few
* Putting your hand or objects covered with lead dust in your mouth.
* Eating paint chips or soil that contains lead
* Breathing in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces)

Who can be harmed by lead based paint?
* Everyone can be harmed by lead based paint especially babies and young children. Children's growing bodies absorb more lead. Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead.  Also expecting mothers need to be guarded against the harmful effects of lead.

Children with high levels of lead can suffer from
* Damage to the brain and nervous system
* Behavior and learning problems
* Slowed Growth
* Hearing Problems
* Headaches

Adults can suffer from
* High Blood Pressure
* Digestive problems
* Muscle and joint pain
* Nerve disorders
* Difficulties during  pregnancy
* Memory and concentration problems

Where can lead based paint be found?
 * Inside and outside of the home
 * In soil around the home that has been picked up from exterior paint or other sources

Lead based paint that is in good condition may not be a hazard. Lead Based Paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking needs immediate attention.  It can also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or get a lot of wear and tear such as
* Windows and window sills
* Doors and door frames
* Stairs, railings and banisters
* Porches and fences

You can get your home checked for lead hazards by doing the following.
* A paint inspection it will tell you the lead content of every painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it.
* A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposures (such as peeling paint and lead dust) It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.
As always have a qualified professional do the work.

A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Your doctor or health center can do the blood test. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay.

For more information on Lead Based paint give me a call and I will send you a pamphlet on lead based paint in your home it is much more detailed. Most of the information in the article comes directly from that pamphlet so you are getting great information. For those of you that have worked with me before you have received this pamphlet in your packet whether your home is recently built or older because the most confident and savvy buyer or seller is an informed one.

You can also call 1800-424-lead

Real Estate Company

Morrishia Dooley
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com
therealestateavenue.blogspot.com

Holiday safety tips for your home.

The holiday season is a great time to draw attention to your home. Decorating your home with Christmas lights, burning candles and inviting guest into your home makes the season magical. Its so easy to get lost in the holiday spirit we sometimes forget to be safe. To keep your family safe this holiday try these 10 tips..


1. Don't forget to make sure electrical connectors are off the ground and away from metal rain gutters when your hanging your lights. Use plastic clips to avoid using metal nails or insulated tape will do the trick.

2. Connecting more than one extension cord can be a hazard, use a single cord that is able to reach the outlet without stretching, that can't get easily tangled.

3.A fresh cut tree is more resistant from ignition let that be your first option.  When purchasing an artificial tree look for those labeled (flame resistant)

4. Make sure all smoke detectors are working and test them monthly.

5. It's a great idea to install a Carbon Monoxide monitor in your home.

6. If your gas fireplace has not been inspected by a qualified service provider, the glass panel is broken or cracked do not use it.

7. Cut off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

8. A good way to prevent CO hazards in your home is to always have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system, and clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the cold months.

9. When entertaining guest provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.

10. Use your homes burglar alarm system when your not home. If your planning to leave for the holidays never discuss plans with strangers and get a trusted neighbor to keep a eye on your home.

Have a fun, happy and safe holiday!

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

This months featured subdivision (SPRINGFIELD ESTATES)

Springfield Estates subdivision is located in Hampton Georgia. The homes are exquisitely crafted and most upgrades are included as a standard feature. The home prices start in the $170's a great deal and as an added bonus the smallest plan still features a 4bedrm. There are an array of  plans to choose from every buyer will find one that they love.

The Donavan - 4bed /2.5 bath, centrally located kitchen with access to a breakfast room
The Richmond - 4bed /3 bath, guest bedroom on main level & upstairs loft
The Concord - 4bed /3.5 bath, a master suite on the main floor
The Jefferson - 4bed /3 bath, huge owners suite and sitting area

The Oakwood - 5bed /4 bath, spacious kitchen opening to breakfast rm and family rm w/fp
The Rosewood - 5bed /4 bath, kitchen with adjoining breakfast rm that leads to sunken fm rm
The Northpoint - 5bed /4.5 bath, spacious kitchen, private owners bath with walk-in closet
The Northview - 5bed / 4.5 bath, kitchen overlooks keeping rm and breakfast area
The Waverly - 4bed /4 bath  dining rm with separate serving rm has a 5th bedroom option

All of the home plans are two-stories and a few of the plans accommodate those that prefer to have a master or bedroom on the main.

Some of the custom interior features include..
*stainless steel appliances
*coffered ceiling in dining rm*
*crafted cabinetry  with  42" wall cabinets and crown
*vaulted or trey ceilings in secondary bedrooms
*staircase with stained oak handrail & iron balusters
*cultural marble tops in all bathrooms
*hardwood foyer


lets not forget to mention the exterior features..
*4 sided brick
*hardi siding
*steel reinforced poured concrete foundations
*architectural shingles
*concrete patio
*arched single glass front entry door

If you would like to know more about this subdivision or would like to visit the sales center give me a call to set up an appointment.
I have had the pleasure of meeting one of the sales consultants Mrs. Gibson and not only was she welcoming but extremely knowledgeable about all of the homes features that unfortunately could not be mentioned here. There are flyers on site that you can take with you that will give you all the highlights of each plan and what this wonderful community has to offer.

January 2012 Belpointe Real Estate with a guest speaker from nbsp;& Merrill Lynch will be holding a free seminar in the Springfield subdivision on (HOW TO GET 100% FINANCING IN THIS MARKET) after the seminar we will feature a tour of this great subdivision. Give me a call to reserve a seat.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
678-405-2793- Fax
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

READY TO PURCHASE A HOME? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE LOAN

The loan process can be a monstrous experience for most first time buyers. Many lenders have different pre-qualification standards and a seemingly endless process to take you through.  However, with a little credit knowledge and preparation before you speak with a lender buying your first home can be a breeze.

Here are the basics most lenders will ask for on your initial meeting.

  * Most recent 30 days worth of pay stubs, 
  * Last 2 years of w2 or tax returns for the self employed
  * 2 months of bank statements of all your accounts
  * Copy of your social security card and drivers license 
  * Name and contact information for your landlord or leasing center
  * Your debts and assets

This information aids the lender in knowing your maximum purchase price, your debt to income ratio and if you are able to purchase a home at this time. If you are unable to purchase at this time they are able to assist you by giving tips and pointers on what you need to do now to buy in the near future.

A few tips about your credit -
* Even if you have paid an account in full it is not removed from your payment history.
Collections accounts can remain on your account for 7 years from the date of the accounts last activity.
Credit accounts paid as agreed by you can remain on your history for up to ten years. For those accounts you have defaulted on they may be seen for as long as 7 years.
Courthouse Records vary in the amount of time according to the account. Judgements with the exception of a few are 7 years form the date filed.  Bankruptcy chapter 13 can remain 10 years from the date filed whether the are non-discharged or non-dismissed.  Chapter 7 and 11 may remain 10 years after the date filed.
Tax liens that are paid remain for up to 7 years and unpaid tax liens are indefinite

One of the most important things you can do is safe guard your credit. Pull your credit history once a year to make sure it is in good standing. Georgia residents are allowed one free report each year by going online to one of the credit bureaus and answering a few personal questions. Or you can have your credit report mailed to you.

You can order your annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
or call


Equifax:1-800-685-1111; equifax.com 
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; experian.com
Trans Union: 1-800-916-8800; transunion.com



If  you would like to know more about the loan process and would like to speak with a licensed lender about what you need to do to get started give me a call and I will be more than happy to help you find one.
As always call to sign up for our newsletters helpful tips and great information and the best part is it's free.

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate.com

HOLIDAY SPARKLE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

The holidays are fast approaching accompanied by good food and guest. How do you get your home ready for the holiday season without going broke. Instead of breaking open your piggy bank and retrieving the sock under your mattress try these tips instead.

clean clean clean, cleaning your home is one of the most effective ways of enhancing its beauty. Focus on the areas that will give the homes appearance an immediate boost such as...

*Wiping down all walls and baseboards, pay close attention to light fixtures and the area next to the door handles. This is where most fingerprints and grime is found.
*Scrub all corners of the home where dirt can easily build up
*Dust your home and knock down all cobwebs
*Wipe down all blinds and wash the curtains.
*Clean all windows
*Polish those hardwoods until they shine
*Don't forget to pay special attention to those bathrooms

Another way to showcase your home is to declutter. Excess clutter makes the home look small and uncomfortable.

*Donate all those old magazines to a school or community center.
*Clothes that no longer fit can be donated to a local shelter or church.
*Furniture that is worn out toss it, it only aids in making the home look untidy.








Add a few touches

*Nothing adds decor like a few fresh flowers around the home. Sunny Daisies, beautiful red roses and pink carnations demand to be noticed in a positive way.
*Slip covers on the couches is an inexpensive way to change the entire look of the room
*Throw rugs give an added bit of character

with these small changes and tips your home will be a holiday beauty!

Morrishia Dooley
Belpointe Real Estate Company
678-886-8353
dooleymorr26@yahoo.com
www.belpointerealestate@yahoo.com

BELTLINE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If  your a resident of Georgia by now you have heard about the Beltline. The BeltLine is a former railway corridor that circles Atlanta. Transit, parks, walking & bike trails will make-up the Beltline. The project will connect 45 different neighborhoods, redefining the meaning of historic preservation and a more effective way of utilizing green space.
To make housing more affordable the Beltline Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created to assist homebuyers with down payment assistance.  The programs allows buyers to receive up to 30% of the sales price at a zero percent interest rate as a soft second.  What is a soft second? A soft second mortgage is a second mortgage with subsidized affordable rates, which is usually combined with a traditional first mortgage. To be eligible for the soft second mortgage the first mortgage must be a conventional, FHA or VA 30-year fixed.
                                                                                                                          Map of the Beltline
Below are the program highlights

The first time homebuyer requirement is waived for borrowers moving into a target area within the incorporated city limits of Atlanta.
The current residence must be sold prior to closing on the new home.
Borrowers moving into a non-target area must be first time homebuyers.
Maximum purchase price cannot exceed $252,890.
The property must be owner occupied.
Single-family detached homes, Townhomes and condo are the eligible properties to receive program benefits.
The deferred loan requires no payments and is forgiven if borrower occupies the property for at least 15 years.
Loan proceeds may not be used to pay-off other loans, advances or consumer debts.
A $1000.00 administration fee is charged to the borrower at the closing.
Buyers must attend an ADA -approved homebuying seminar.

Maximum limits for 2011 are as followed

Households of 1 to 2 people- $68,300
3 or more - $78,545

Mortgage assistant amounts-

City of Atlanta, Fulton County, APS Employees-  30% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000
Current City of Atlanta Beltline Overlay Residents- 30% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000
Eligible Homebuyers- 20% of the Purchase Price up to $50,000

If you would like to know more about this program or would like to be signed up for an ADA seminar give me a call. Don't forget to visit the website at www.belpointerealestate.com for helpful tips and other valuable information. Also email or call me to sign up for our monthly newsletter get informed with today's trends in real estate is free and very informative. Knowledge is power!

REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Morrishia Dooley
direct-678-886-8353
office-678-365-3153
email-dooleymorr26@yahoo.com

Raising your credit score

As you have heard over and over again it is a great time to buy a home. Interest rates are at historical lows and properties that were in a higher price range have now become more affordable. Although there is great opportunities for many renters to transition themselves into homeowners, many are not able to qualify for a loan due to poor credit. Here are a few tips that may help you on your path to home ownership

*Make your payments on time

Past payment history often tells lenders if you can be extended credit and are responsible enough to pay them back. Most late payments 30 days or more can show up on your credit report. These late payments on your credit report can stay on your report for seven years.

*If you have missed payments get current and try your best to stay current

*If you have credit cards keep the balance low when there is a high debt ratio it affects your credit score.

* Never close unused credit cards, this can have a reverse effect and drop your credit score rather than raise it.

* Re-establish challenged credit by opening up 1 or 2 new accounts and paying on each account responsibly.

*Avoid letting your accounts be turned over to a collection agency

*Try to avoid judgements being file against you,call the other party and try to reach an agreement on the amount your willing to pay to stop the judgement from being filed

* Frequent changes in residence and employment establish a pattern of instability. Find a residence and an employer and stay stable for at least 2 years. (some lenders require 3years )

* Work toward decreasing your debt one way to do this is to limit or cease impulse purchasing.  If it is not a necessity it can wait.

Remember if you are a resident of Georgia you are entitled to 1 free credit report each year. The request can be done online, by phone, or mailed. So monitor your credit

www.annualcreditreport.com

Repairing your credit is a slow process but diligence, good decisions, and being responsible are afew key factors that will get you in a higher fico score bracket.

Home warranty plans what you should look for

Home warranties can have a hefty upfront cost that can range from $340-$475 for basic coverage. A lot of consumers may argue that there to expensive and they don't really need them in most cases anyway.  Although it may be true that the upfront cost of a warranty can be steep the savings are usually seen on the back end. For example your at home it's the holiday weekend and your the host. Amid all the confusion of cleaning your home, buying groceries & making a huge dinner your dishwasher goes out. Even though you are already swamped preparing the house for your guest now your forced to make time to call 5 or 6 different repair companies to find out how much they will charge just to come out and look at the dishwasher & what the cost would be to fix it.

Now look at the same scenario but this time you have a Home Warranty. It would take about 5 min. to call your warranty company and set up a convenient time for them to come out. The service charge would more than likely be less than 100.00 dollars most start at just $55.00. 

With all the home warranty plans out there what should you look for?

Here are a few basic features that should be offered

*Electrical-electric wiring, circuit breakers, burglar alarms & fire alarms, exhaust fans, central vac systems 

  telephone wiring, garage door opener,ceiling fans    

plumbing- tank leaks, pipe leaks, sump pumps, Water heaters, toilets,drain line stoppages
Kitchen Appliances- range, refrigerator, dishwasher,instant hot water dispenser,trash compactor, garbage disposal, built-in microwave ovens
Heating system- duct work ,interior gas lines, thermostats, interior gas lines,multiple units,duct work,geothermal
Air conditioning- motor valves and coils, leaks in refrigerant lines, motor, belts and pulleys, fuses, breakers

Additional Coverage can also be purchased for an additional premium

There are exclusions for each plan out there so ask questions.
A few common exclusions are filtered water towers,humidifiers, coal or wood burning equipment,fuel or propane gas storage tanks,meter boxes,data wiring

 ** Remember to read the terms and conditions page.
There may be conditions on Condos and Multi family units that each option available must be purchased separately. For leased units coverage for a home may only be available to the lessee.

 If you plan to move before your warranty expires find out if it is transferable & if it will be a fee to transfer it. If trying to sell or rent your home that may be an added bonus of why the buyer or renter should consider your home above all the others.

Do your homework before choosing a plan. Find ways to tailor that plan to fit your needs. Above all else remember you are the consumer it's your business these companies are trying to capture. Use that to your full advantage. As always be savvy not sorry!

**A few home warranty companies to start with**
             America's 2-10 warranty -www.2-10agent.com
            Old republic home warranty plan-www.orhp.com 800-445-6999
            First American Home Buyers Protection Plan-1800-992-3400

For those reading my blog I want to extend a personal thank you. Mr. Patrick who ever you are I receive you wonderful comments and want to thank you for taking the time out to express yourself on my blog.



                           


                         

10 ways to save energy in your home!

These days we all are trying to cut back on our lavish expenses and find ways to save money. Your home can be one of the best ways to do that. I am not talking about the expensive ways such as putting a solar energy roof on the home or upgrading the ac unit. Although those are great ways to save money in the long run, there are a lot of inexpensive things you and your family can do to save money now and get immediate results. Here are a few from the experts at Pepco

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees F. at night. You can save 3 percent on your heating costs for every degree you reduce the temperature below 70 degrees F. for the entire heating season. Special Advice to Heat Pump Owners: Heat pumps need to stay at a constant setting, unless you have a programmable electronic heat pump thermostat with adaptive recovery. Check with your heating or air conditioning contractor to determine the type of thermostat you have.

Keep curtains open during the day and close them at night

 

Clean or replace the filter in your forced-air heating system each month. Foam filters can be rinsed with water, but be sure they are dry before replacing. Fiberglass filters need to be replaced periodically.

 

No matter what kind of central air conditioning system you have, clean the outside condenser coil once a year. To clean, turn off the unit and spray the coils with water at a low pressure. (High water pressure may bend the fins.) Try to spray from the top of the unit down and outward.

Turn off  lights when they are not in use

Test your windows and doors for air tightness. Add weather stripping and caulk where necessary. It's low cost and can save you 10 percent or more in annual energy costs.

Get in the habit of turning off the elements or surface units on your electric stove several minutes before completing the allotted cooking time. The heating element will stay hot long enough to finish the cooking without wasting electricity.

Scrape dishes and rinse with cold water from the faucet before loading them into the dishwasher. Avoid using the dishwasher's pre-rinse cycle.

 Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers. Frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the refrigerator at its proper temperature. Never allow frost to build up more than one quarter of an inch.

Install an aerator in your kitchen sink faucet.

For more ways to save visit the Pepco website a www.pepco.com

Don't jump ship because your mortgage is underwater

Drive down any city block and you will see multiple vacant homes. Many are the result of foreclosures.

The owner could not pay the mortgage so the bank took the property back. Others have been completely abandoned. It is never the owners first choice to leave there home. A home that they have worked so hard to obtain and maintain.

 A home unlike so many other purchases we make is one that we expect to get a return on. We are okay with paying a little upfront because we know in a few years our home will be our road to financial stability. Owning a home use to mean you had leverage. You could borrow against your equity to start a business, send a child through college or enhance the quality of your life on your terms.

In recent years we have watched helplessly as our biggest asset has diminished in value. Due to the economy many homeowners are suffering job loss and are unable to pay there mortgages. The first sign of trouble is when a homeowner should contact there mortgage company. However, many homeowners wait until they are completely out of options before they call.

They try and sale the home above market price which is usually what they owe on the home. They reduce the price again and again until there only option to sale is by performing a short sale. They work through numerous short sales. Giving up every tidbit of information the bank request only to secure an offer that the bank rejects. Hence the reason for abandonment.

Once the homeowner has tried unsuccessfully everything in there power to save or sell the home it begins to be overwhelming. They have tried to work it out themselves they have reached out for help through short sales now what? Refinancing is out of the question because they owe more than the home is worth. Many homeowners pack there possessions and say "Let the bank do what they will with it". "I am done!"

Abandoning the home no matter how bleak the circumstances should never be an option.

Call your bank and ask about these programs

THE HARP PROGRAM-(Home Affordable Refinancing Program)This program allows qualified borrowers to refinance a loan that is from 105 percent to as high as 125 percent of a home's value.

requirements-

Your home cannot be in foreclosure.

You may not have made any late payments in the past 12 months

It must be a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan

Your eligibility is also subject to your credit score, current lender guidelines & how your loan structure is currently

With the Harp Program to be eligible you must be proactive. At the first sign of trouble you must give your lender a call.

THE HAMP PROGRAM-(HOME AFFORDABLE MODIFICATION PROGRAM)

This is for homeowners that are underwater and have delinquent payments

requirements*

The mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by others signed with the U.S Treasury

You must be in danger of foreclosure'

The government provides incentives for the lender to do these troubled loans. However they are not required to do them. It is at there own discretion to reject or accept these loans.

To find out more about these loans go to the making home affordable website at

www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

Remember every solution may not be an easy one to find but giving up closes the door to finding one.

If you have any questions or need assistance contact me I am here to help