Holiday Safety Tips

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

Every holiday season fire kills over 400 Americans, injuring 1,650 more, and causing over $990 Million in damage. (Source: the United States Fire Administration)

Following the tips below can help ensure a safe and Happy Holiday season!

Holiday Lights and Decorations:

• Inspect holiday lights every year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, and broken or cracked sockets Before putting them up.
• Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory, like UL approval
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate is is safe.
• Periodically check the wires; they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights unattended.
• Use only non-flammable decorations and keep all decorations away from lit fireplaces and heating vents.
• Never place wrapping paper in a fireplace; it can result in a very large fire and shoot dangerous sparks and embers that could result in a chimney fire.

Caution With Candles:

• If you do use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they can not be knocked over.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Do not put lit candles on a Christmas tree, real or artificial.
• Keep candles well out of the reach of children and pets.
• Never leave candles burning overnight.

Christmas Tree Safety:

• If using a live tree, choose those with green needles that are hard to pull back from the branches. Needles should not break from freshly cut trees.
• Bounce the tree on the ground; if many needles fall-off, the tree is not fresh, and is a fire hazard
• Do not place your tree close to a fire place, or heating vent.
• Do not put your tree up too early, or leave it up longer than 2 weeks, as that is the average time it takes for a tree to dry out.
• Keep the tree stand filled with fresh water at all times.
• Turn-off the tree lights before going to bed, or leaving the house.
• Dispose of your tree properly, do not burn it in the fireplace, or in a wood-burning stove.

As in every season throughout the year, have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor of your home. Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

On behalf of the entire Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau Family, and me, Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos we wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season!

Not So Fast Folks - First Time Home Buyer Credit Not Extended

By Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

There was a misleading media frenzy this morning reporting that the First Time Home Buyer Credit has been extended. Unfortunately, this isn't accurate.

Here are the facts:

• The tax credit extension is NOT currently a stand alone bill. It is being packaged in as part of a compromise on the EI (Employment Insurance) Bill currently in the Senate.
• Democrat and Republican Senators alike are in the process of negotiating the EI Bill with the tax credit included as an amendment. If they agree on the proposed amendments to the EI Bill, it is possible that the Tax Credit Extension Bill could pass the Senate as early as this week.
• The House of Representative has released a statement that they will agree to whatever the Senate decides. If that is the case the Tax Extension could be passed as early as next week in the Senate and House of Representatives.
• If the Senate does not agree to the amendments in the proposed EI Bill, a separate stand-alone Bill will need to be introduced to the Senate. This Bill will likely be introduced by Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA who is also a Realtor) and Chris Dodd (D-CT).

While there is no guarantee that the EI Bill will pass with the First Time Tax Buyers credit as an amendment, I remain hopeful that it will.

I will continue to keep you updated on the subject.

New York to Offer Federal Income Tax Credit to First-Time Homebuyers!

Governor David A. Paterson announced that New York will offer a federal income tax credit to first-time homebuyers to encourage home sales in New York State. The New York State Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC) will enable first-time homebuyers to claim a tax credit equal to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest costs, which could save the average homebuyer around $1,500 a year. This program expands the $8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Credit, which expires on November 30, 2009.

"We applaud Governor Paterson for his vision in creating the Mortgage Credit Certificate program and for recognizing the importance of housing as a primary driver of the Empire State's economy," said Daniel J. Hartnett, president of the New York State Association of REALTORS. "The past four months of increasing home sales across the state have proven the value of buyer incentives. We expect, when coupled with the federal first-time buyer credit of $8,000, the MCC will bring additional buyers back to the market and further boost the recovery of both the state's housing market and economy." The New York State MCC can be used to reduce a homebuyer's tax burden for every year the mortgage loan remains outstanding. With an MCC, 20 percent of the amount paid in mortgage interest becomes a tax credit that can be deducted, dollar for dollar, from a homeowner's federal income tax liability. The remaining 80 percent of the mortgage interest continues to qualify as an itemized tax deduction, as long as there is sufficient federal tax liability. To read the entire State of New York press release, click here.

Open House on Hicksville Foreclosure Property

Come Join me for an Open House!
















Where:
12 Lantern Road
Hicksville, NY 11801

What:
5 Bedroom, Expanded Cape
2 Full Bath, 60x100 property
Asking $329,000

When:
Sunday, August 16, 2009 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

See you on Sunday!

For additional information on this property go to:
http://www.styleagent.net/realty/listings/l1536.html

http://www.nyhomeshowcase.com/properties/index.htm

Five Tips for Making Vacant Homes Feel Less Vacant

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

1. Rent furniture. Staged homes tend to sell for more and in less time. Depending on your market and budget, renting furniture for key rooms can make a big difference. If renting does not work, leaving a few pieces of furniture can provide a sense of space.
2. Keep it comfortable. Leave the utilities on and keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
3. Remove ghost lines. Hide the effects of furniture. Paint the walls the same color, shampoo the carpet, and replace rugs so there is no evidence of what used to be there.
4. Hire a maid. Make sure the home remains fresh and clean.
5. Keep up curb appeal. Hire a lawn maintenance service. Make sure the lawn gets watered and the landscaping stays alive.