8 Ways to Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal

Staging a yard can give a home the all-important, buyer-pleasing curb appeal. Here are some suggestions that are both inexpensive and easy.

• Make it green. Balancing the pH level and feeding the lawn lots of nutrients will give it a lush and healthy look.


• Trim trees and shrubbery. Overgrown branches hide a home’s good looks.


• Mulch everything. Mulch gives flowerbeds visual appeal.


• Edge the beds. Edging makes everything look neat.
  
  Powerwash the siding, sidewalks and patios. Power washing gets rid of all the winter grunge.


• Plant annuals. Lots of geraniums, impatiens and petunias brighten up the look.


• Plant a garden. If the Obama's can do it, so can everyone else.


• Hang a hammock. It suggests life is easy.

What Would You Do $8,000?

What Would You Do with $8,000.00?

(American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2-19-2009)


There has never been a better time to buy your first home!

· Close on a home – new, resale, single family, condo, townhouse- before December 1, 2009 and you may be eligible for a credit of up to $8,000 off your federal income tax bill (and any unused credit is refunded to you).

· Applies to anyone who has not owned a principal residence for 3 years

· There is no recapture of this tax credit if you keep your home for 3 years.

· Full credit if your adjusted gross income does not exceed $75,000 ($150,000 joint return). Credit phases out at $95,000 ($175,000 joint).


Call The Spotlight Team at
781-625-4001 to find out how to we can help your real estate dreams come true!


www.TheSpotlightTeam.com
RE/MAX Heritage, LLC
Melrose ~ Wakefield ~ Reading ~ North Reading

First-Time Homebuyers Have Several Options to Maximize New Tax Credit

IR-2009-27, March 18, 2009
WASHINGTON — As part of the Treasury Department’s consumer outreach effort and with the April 15 individual tax filing deadline approaching, the Internal Revenue Service today began a concerted effort to educate taxpayers about additional options at their disposal to claim the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit for 2009 home purchases. For people who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax credit even if they’ve already filed their tax return.
The Treasury Department encourages taxpayers to explore these options to maximize their credit and get their money back as fast as possible.
“The new credit can get money in the pockets of first-time homebuyers quickly,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “For people who recently purchased a home or are considering buying in the next few months, there are several different ways that they can get this tax credit even if they’ve already filed their tax return.”
First-time homebuyers represent a significant portion of existing single-family home sales. The expansion in the first-time homebuyer credit will make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market this year.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, qualifying taxpayers who purchase a home before Dec. 1 receive up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately. People can claim the credit either on their 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on their 2009 tax returns next year.
The filing options to consider are:
File an extension. Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2008 returns but are buying a home soon can request a six-month extension to October 15. This step would be faster than waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 tax return. Even with an extension, taxpayers could still file electronically, receiving their refund in as few as 10 days with direct deposit.
File now, amend later. Taxpayers due a sizable refund for their 2008 tax return but who also are considering buying a house in the next few months can file their return now and claim the credit later. Taxpayers would file their 2008 tax forms as usual, then follow up with an amended return later this year to claim the homebuyer credit.
Amend the 2008 tax return. Taxpayers buying a home in the near future who have already filed their 2008 tax return can consider filing an amended tax return. The amended tax return will allow them to claim the homebuyer credit on the 2008 return without waiting until next year to claim it on the 2009 return.
Claim the credit in 2009 rather than 2008. For some taxpayers, it may make more financial sense to wait and claim the homebuyer credit next year when they file the 2009 tax return rather than claiming it now on the 2008 tax return. This could benefit taxpayers who might qualify for a higher credit on the 2009 tax return. This could include people who have less income in 2009 than 2008 because of factors such as a job loss or drop in investment income.
The IRS reminds taxpayers the amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers. Taxpayers can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.
IRS.gov provides more information, including guidance for people who bought their first homes in 2008. To learn more about the overall implementation of the Recovery Act, visit http://www.recovery.gov/.

New web commercial for 23 Cottage St., Melrose:
http://ping.fm/FiuzY

Taking Root

Taking Root, Saturday, March 21st, 2-4 PM. Who will join me? Social Cinema is part of Independent Lens, a monthly film series hosted in partnership with Boston Cares, WGBH, ITVS Community Cinema, Hostelling International and The Boston Public Library. The Independent Lens series offers preview screenings of films covering a range of social issues. It is intended to connect communities with organizations and information , and give citizens the opportunity to get involved. Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy-a movement for which this charismatic woman became an iconic inspiration. I hope you'll join me!

Champagne Reception and Open House - 23 Cottage St., Melrose

Champagne Reception Open House tomorrow, Friday March 20th, 5:30-7PM. Stop by 23 Cottage St., Melrose on your way home from work and check out this great property that's wearing a bad outfit. See you there!

Lights, Camera, Action!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! I am thrilled to announce that RE/MAX International will be flying in to film coverage of the Facebook Live! Networking Reception on Monday, April 6th from 6-8. The guest list is growing larger and larger by the day. Call if you would like to join us.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Email me at Juliet@TheSpotlightTeam.com if you would like to post your local event on my blog (www.TheSpotlightTeam.blogspot.com.)

LOCAL HEROES Fundraiser at the Dockside, Malden

LOCAL HEROES is a group dedicated to supp0rting our service men and women overseas. My husband and his company were recipients of their goodwill and hard work when they were stationed in Iraq last year.

Eric and I hope to see you at the Dockside on April 16th!

LOCAL HEROES

Our Mission

LOCAL HEROES, Inc is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization working to support our local servicemen and servicewomen and their families.

100% of all donations received go directly to these local heroes. Since November, 2004 we have met weekly to pack and ship packages to the men and women from the metropolitan area serving overseas.

We recently celebrated our 4th anniversary on November 3rd, 2008. In that time we have shipped over 8500 packages. We average 40 to 50 20 lb. packages each week and incur postage charges of $700 to $800 per week!

Our needs are obvious – we need materials to send (See our “Need List” attached) and cash donations to meet that brutal weekly postage expense. Your help will be greatly appreciated.Need to Contact Us?
PO Box 536
Wilmington MA, 01887

Web Site: http://mass-localheroes.org/

Email us at Info@mass-localheroes.org

Or Call 978-658-3000

Fund Raising:

Don’t forget our next Fundraiser at the Dockside Restaurant, 229 Centre St. Malden.
We will have raffles, a 50/50 drawing, gift certificates, and a host of prizes for every taste.
The Dockside management will donate 10% of all dine-in and take-out foods sales to support Local Heroes this night. Mark you calendar now:

Thursday. April 16th , 2009 -6PM to 9PM Everyone is invited-be there early!


WHAT WE NEED TO BE DONATED:

Postage Money
Cup-a-Soup , Any Dry Soup, Raman Noodles, Chunky Soup, Chef Boyardee, Pretzels, Raisins, Oatmeal/Granola Bars, Rice Krispie Treats, Flashlights, Batteries, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Twizzlers, Sunflower Seeds, Packaged Nuts, Chex Mix, Beef Jerky, General Dry Snacks, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shaving Materials, Powdered Drink Mix, Coffee/Tea ,Hot Cocoa, Sugar Packets, Creamer, Gum/Candy, Instant Oatmeal, Lip Balm ,Shaving Cream, Mach 3 Razors, Stick Deodorant, Shampoo/Conditioner, Foot Powder, Ear Swabs, Mouthwash, Nail Clippers, Toilet Paper, Baby Wipes, Tissues, Hand/Foot Warmers, Sunscreen, Hand Sanitizer, Socks, Movies (DVD), Crossword Puzzles, Playing Cards, Magazines/Books, Band-Aids, Feminine Products, Stationary, Notebooks, Pens and Pencils, Hairbrush/Combs ,Windshield Cleaner-Wipes, International Use Telephone Cards, Home Town Clothing (T and Sweat Shirts)

No No’s:

Aerosol Containers, Glass Containers and the obvious:
Drugs, alcohol, racy literature, etc. You know, just think.

Wakefield Repertory Theatre presents Oklahoma!

Music by RICHARD RODGERS
Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN
Based on the play “Green Grows the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs
Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Director: Amber Hutchison
Music Director: Mark Jacobs
Choreographer: Kristin Gallas
Stage Manager: Monica Bruno
Technical Director: Shanda Hutchison
Costumes: Cheryl Spillane
Producer: Jennifer GuthriePerformance


Dates:
April 2, April 3 and 4 at 8:00 pm
April 5 at 2:00pm

Location:
Galvin Middle School Auditorium525 Main Street, Wakefield, MA

Tickets:
Adults $16 and Students/Seniors $14
Discounts are available for groups of ten or more and WRT members by calling 781-245-1173

Tickets Available Online at www.wakefieldrep.org

April 6th Networking Reception - Facebook Live!

Visit my new blog at www.TheSpotlightTeam.blogspot.com!

Family Wellness & Fitness Fair, March 14th, 10 - 2

HEALTHY MELROSE Family Wellness & Fitness Fair.
Saturday, March 14th, 10 AM to 2 PM, Memorial Hall, Melrose. OVer 30 Vendors featuring demos, samples, give aways, door prizes and valuable info! SPECIAL EVENT: Kidz Fun @ 10 AM. Don't miss it.

Weatherizing Seminar

"Weatherizing Seminar" at Memorial Hall in Melrose this Sunday from 3 - 5:30, presented by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Discover some great tips for saving money on heating costs.

Get Your Tickets

A New Read

I am settling in to read Uncharitable by Dan Pallotta.

Pampering with a Purpose

Hello! As a member of the community, The Spotlight Team, strives to give back and participate in community events. On Sunday, May 3rd 2009 from 1 pm – 5 pm we will be at Oak Grove Village, Main Street, Melrose MA. The event is Pampering with a Purpose to raise money to support the services offered by North Suburban Family Network (NSFN), a program of Hallmark Health. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

There will be a fashion show featuring fashions by Stitch and Gianna’s. Yours truly will be strutting the catwalk in some fancy duds.

Specialty Services for a small additional charge will be:
Wine and Chocolate pairings (Our Glass Wine Co),
Spa Treatments (Forever Young Day Spa),
Manicures, and Massages (Bodyography, Regina Pecor of the Melrose YMCA, Bliss Massage, Ah Massage, Forever Young Day Spa)

Buy some raffle tickets, take your chances on a silent auction and enjoy the delicious light refreshments from area restaurants. Be on hand as Cindy Campbell of SmartRoutes and Director of volunteers of the Brain Injury Association of MA, announces the winners of the raffles and silent auction.

It is a great event, not to be missed. Can’t attend but want to take a chance on a raffle? Let us know and we will forward you the pre-raffle sales sheet so you have an opportunity to win as well.

For additional information on the NSFN go to (http://www.hallmarkhealth.org/northsuburban.php).

Questions and Answers for Borrowers about the Homeowner

Feb. 18 (Bloomberg) -- The following is a reformatted
version of questions and answers on the Obama administration’s
housing plan released today by the U.S. Treasury in Washington.

Questions and Answers for Borrowers about the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:

1. What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?

Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their
homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of
mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed ecurities.

2. I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing osts) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your
property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.

3. How do I know if I am eligible?

Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an
acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

4. I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner
Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the
new payment terms on the first mortgage.

5. Will refinancing lower my payments?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These
borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of theloan. When you submit a loan pplication, your lender will give you a “Good Faith Estimate” that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.

6. What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?

The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have
a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest
rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.

7. Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?

No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.

8. How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?

To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.

9. When can I apply?

Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.

10. What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:

• information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers,
including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or
documentation of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent income tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying
balances from month to month, and
• payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.



Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:

1. What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?

The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.

2. Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?

No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.

3. How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.

4. I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.

5. I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?

Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.

6. I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?

Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.

7. I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?

The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.

8. I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?

Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner

affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.

9. How much will a modification cost me?

There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.

10. Is my lender required to modify my loan?

No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.

11. I’m already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.

12. How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?

You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.

13. What should I do in the meantime?

You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available.

This includes:
• information about the monthly gross income of your household
including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation
of income you receive from other sources
• your most recent income tax return
• information about any second mortgage on the house
• payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying
balances from month to month, and
• payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.

14. My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?

Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower’s eligibility. We support this effort.

Music

"When the music changes, so does the dance."

~African Proverb

I read this not too long ago (though I can't remember where) and it has such relevance. I wrote it out on a post-it that is on my office wall. What it is saying is that we have to learn the new dance that has goes with this new tune. No sense on dwelling on what once was. Embrace the new moment and let's kick up our heels...