<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481</id><updated>2011-11-16T00:37:55.595-08:00</updated><category term='new home purchase'/><category term='tax credit'/><category term='smithville parade of homes'/><category term='2011 spring parade of homes kansas city'/><category term='usda'/><category term='rural housing'/><category term='real estate'/><category term='2010 tax'/><category term='Kansas City Northland'/><category term='Smithville Lake'/><category term='Bald Eagles'/><category term='quality built'/><category term='MHDC'/><category term='closings extended'/><category term='first time buyer'/><category term='credit'/><category term='dow jones'/><category term='northland parade of homes'/><category term='government assisted payment option'/><category term='no money down'/><category term='smithville missouri'/><category term='fed rate cut'/><category term='Missouri Housing Development Loan'/><category term='100% financing'/><category term='new construction'/><category term='down payment assistance'/><category term='zero down new homes'/><category term='lake meadows'/><category term='spring parade of homes clay county'/><category term='close to lake'/><category term='platte county  parade of homes'/><title type='text'>Kansas City Northland Real Estate:  Visit www.YourRealEstateTeam.com</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>27</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-2349057564912310639</id><published>2011-03-01T14:17:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-03-01T14:29:00.111-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Your Front Door</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OzvwRIi2-4/TW1zIpH_Y1I/AAAAAAAAACk/zoKfQFhSSvk/s1600/front%2Bdoor%2Bred.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OzvwRIi2-4/TW1zIpH_Y1I/AAAAAAAAACk/zoKfQFhSSvk/s320/front%2Bdoor%2Bred.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579242105697428306" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The front door of your house is one of the very first things that people see when they come to visit you. It is one of the most important aspects when it comes to your house's curb appeal, yet many people neglect decorating their front door or don't take the time to make it special.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here are some tips for decorating your front door that will be sure to give people a good first impression about your home and to make your entrance warm and inviting.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One of the easiest ways to spruce up your front door on your house is to paint it. One of the most popular colors these days for front doors is red because it really packs a punch and can make your house look more interesting.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you have a house that is painted or sided with neutral colors, painting your front door red is a great way to make a first impression.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If your house colors won't go with red, choose a color that compliments your house and paint your door that color instead. For the most part, dark colors like black, deep brown or red tend to make more of an impact and make your front door a greater visual element of your home.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To really add interest try painting the edge of the door a different color than the center or the panels of the door.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you have a door with windows in it, you may want to consider replacing the windows with stained glass panels or gluing stained glass directly to them to create a glass mosaic. This is a wonderful way to class up your door while adding an artistic element to your home that helps to set it apart from others in your neighborhood.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wreaths are one of the easiest ways to decorate your front door. One of the nice things about wreaths is that you can get them for any season and you can just change them out when the season changes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Try using a wreath of colored leaves for fall, a wreath of red berries for winter and a living wreath with actual herbs or plants growing out of it for spring or summer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All of these different styles of wreaths can either be purchased already made up or you can make them yourself and save money. Either way they are a wonderful way to add an interesting element to the entry of your home.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Another fun way to dress up your front door is to add a wall planter to it. These planters are flat on the back and are designed to hang against a wall. You can hang the planter directly on your door instead and fill it with beautiful flowers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the winter when it is too cold for flowers you can instead add elements like twigs with berries on them, evergreen branches or some other decorative element.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Make your house shine and stand out from the others on the block with lots more useful home &amp; garden tips and decorating ideas. Find a huge selection of articles related to home and garden, family, arts and crafts, hobbies, and much more at http://www.add6.com&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Callen&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-2349057564912310639?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/2349057564912310639/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=2349057564912310639' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2349057564912310639'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2349057564912310639'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2011/03/your-front-door.html' title='Your Front Door'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OzvwRIi2-4/TW1zIpH_Y1I/AAAAAAAAACk/zoKfQFhSSvk/s72-c/front%2Bdoor%2Bred.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-7815823989075245824</id><published>2011-02-02T14:02:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-02-02T14:11:08.283-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Smithville Lake'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Bald Eagles'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='smithville missouri'/><title type='text'>Waterfowl and Eagles in Smithville, Missouri</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/TUnVcpNa06I/AAAAAAAAACU/XO8fWow4OZ4/s1600/Eagle2.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/TUnVcpNa06I/AAAAAAAAACU/XO8fWow4OZ4/s320/Eagle2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569217102295520162" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smithville Lake offers wildlife viewing opportunities during this time of year that aren't available in other seasons. "Flocks of migratory waterfowl are wintering at Smithville taking advantage of the warmer mid Missouri climate over that of our northern neighbors," said Pat Thomas, Director of Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites. "In addition to the resident Canada geese that live at the lake year-round, Snow and Blue geese, a variety of duck species and Great Blue Heron can be seen on the water or flying over the lake on any given day. By early spring Pelican flocks will be stopping to rest at the lake on their long migration south." &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Close on the wingtips of these migratory birds are American Bald Eagles. With approximately 45 to 50 bald eagles wintering at Smithville Lake, sightings are likely, according to Thomas. "Bald eagles often feed on ducks and geese, generally taking the sick or weak," Thomas said. "Bald eagles are huge with a 6 to 7 -1/2 foot wingspan and are easy to differentiate from waterfowl. We do, however, have some juvenile bald eagles residing here. They do not have the telltale white head feathers, but are just as magnificent at their mature counterparts."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Smithville Lake is adjacent to the community of Harbor Lake, Smithville, MO and only moments from Lake Meadows also located in Smithville, MO.  Homes start in the 140's, many plans from which to choose.  This area qualifys for the USDA Rural Housing Loan with zero percent down to those who qualify.  Call Paul Garnett at 816-985-7285, Realty Executives Area Realtors.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-7815823989075245824?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/7815823989075245824/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=7815823989075245824' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7815823989075245824'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7815823989075245824'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2011/02/waterfowl-and-eagles-in-smithville.html' title='Waterfowl and Eagles in Smithville, Missouri'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/TUnVcpNa06I/AAAAAAAAACU/XO8fWow4OZ4/s72-c/Eagle2.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-8247023932940249302</id><published>2011-01-30T13:24:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-30T13:39:53.293-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='smithville parade of homes'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='spring parade of homes clay county'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='northland parade of homes'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='platte county  parade of homes'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='2011 spring parade of homes kansas city'/><title type='text'>Kansas City Parade of Homes , Kansas City Northland</title><content type='html'>2011 Spring Homes Tour- Kansas City Metropolitan area and suburbs   &lt;br /&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For 49 years the Spring Homes Tour has served as the leading resource for consumers shopping for a new home. Produced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, the 2011 Spring Homes Tour will return April 16 through May 1!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you would like more information on the Homes Tour Give Paul Garnett a call at 816-985-PAUL (7285).  He will be host to one of the parade of homes entries and will have spring parade of homes books available.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-8247023932940249302?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/8247023932940249302/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=8247023932940249302' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/8247023932940249302'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/8247023932940249302'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2011/01/kansas-city-parade-of-homes-kansas-city.html' title='Kansas City Parade of Homes , Kansas City Northland'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-4905017733229680664</id><published>2010-08-12T14:58:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-08-12T14:58:38.541-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How Would You Like to Participate in Record for Next 30 Years?</title><content type='html'>&lt;object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/840HrdoSUr8/hqdefault.jpg)"  width="480" height="295"&gt;&lt;param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/840HrdoSUr8?fs=1&amp;amp;hl=en_US"&gt;&lt;param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"&gt;&lt;param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"&gt;&lt;embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/840HrdoSUr8?fs=1&amp;amp;hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"&gt;&lt;/embed&gt;&lt;/object&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-4905017733229680664?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/4905017733229680664/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=4905017733229680664' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/4905017733229680664'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/4905017733229680664'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-would-you-like-to-participate-in.html' title='How Would You Like to Participate in Record for Next 30 Years?'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-7083346224629902050</id><published>2010-07-01T11:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-07-01T11:11:36.317-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='2010 tax'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='new home purchase'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='closings extended'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='tax credit'/><title type='text'>Tax Credit Closing Extended</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After a close brush with the deadline, Congress has passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension the new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There is will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law. NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact this important legislation.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-7083346224629902050?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/7083346224629902050/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=7083346224629902050' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7083346224629902050'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7083346224629902050'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2010/07/tax-credit-closing-extended.html' title='Tax Credit Closing Extended'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-6683913933862634655</id><published>2010-04-30T11:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-04-30T11:40:41.866-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='rural housing'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='close to lake'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='no money down'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='new construction'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='lake meadows'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='government assisted payment option'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='quality built'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='usda'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='smithville missouri'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='zero down new homes'/><title type='text'>Lake Meadows, Smithville, MO, New Homes 100% Financing, NO Money Down</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S9sjTABP_7I/AAAAAAAAAB8/tECwwKa2uUo/s1600/pictures+043.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S9sjTABP_7I/AAAAAAAAAB8/tECwwKa2uUo/s400/pictures+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466001382073958322" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sales have been very bsen brisk for Lake Meadows in Smithville, Missouri.  As of 4/30/2010, there is only one new construction model home available for sale.  The  Lake Meadows area is only moments from Smithville Lake and Paradise Pointe Golf Complex.  Homes start at $149,900 and this area qualifys for the USDA Rural housing loan, Direct Program as well as the Guaranteed program.  This loan offers qualified buyers a no money down option. Call Paul Garnett at 816-985-PAUL for details.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;More homes are under construction to meet the demand of this wonderful neighborhood.&lt;br /&gt;www.YourRealEstateTeam.com&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-6683913933862634655?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/6683913933862634655/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=6683913933862634655' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6683913933862634655'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6683913933862634655'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2010/04/lake-meadows-smithville-mo-new-homes.html' title='Lake Meadows, Smithville, MO, New Homes 100% Financing, NO Money Down'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S9sjTABP_7I/AAAAAAAAAB8/tECwwKa2uUo/s72-c/pictures+043.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-2922252463442621363</id><published>2010-01-18T13:35:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-18T13:35:51.990-08:00</updated><title type='text'>U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-011"&gt;U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-2922252463442621363?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='related' href='http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-011' title='U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/2922252463442621363/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=2922252463442621363' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2922252463442621363'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2922252463442621363'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2010/01/us-department-of-housing-and-urban.html' title='U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-6632399623491037711</id><published>2009-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-09T10:06:43.298-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Frequently Asked Questions - New Tax Credit Rules</title><content type='html'>Frequently Asked Questions&lt;br /&gt;The Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension &amp;amp; Expansion authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers or up to $6,500 for qualified current homeowners purchasing a principal residence between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010.The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;First-time home buyers who purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.Current home owners purchasing a home between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.&lt;br /&gt;Contracts must be written and in-hand by April 30, 2010, however buyers have until June 30, 2010 to close on the property.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?&lt;br /&gt;The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;How is the amount of the tax credit determined?&lt;br /&gt;The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am an eligible first-time homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?&lt;br /&gt;You do not have to close before December 1. Once the new legislation was signed, it was as if the November 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30, the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?&lt;br /&gt;No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6,500 credit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement after November 6. Will I qualify for the $6,500 tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;Yes. The new income limitations go into effect November 6, 2010. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if you go to settlement after November 6, 2010, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phase-out range).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am a first-time homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchse on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If I go to settlement after November 6, will I be eligible for a credit?&lt;br /&gt;Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after November 6, 2010. There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to receive any of the $6,500 tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6,500 credit. For example, say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when they got divorced. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight, what he did since doesn't impact eligibility.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been "purchased" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after November 6, 2009 and before July 1, 2010.In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?&lt;br /&gt;Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of "nonresident alien" in IRS Publication 519.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?&lt;br /&gt;No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Source: National Association of REALTORS®&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-6632399623491037711?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/6632399623491037711/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=6632399623491037711' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6632399623491037711'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6632399623491037711'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/11/frequently-asked-questions-new-tax.html' title='Frequently Asked Questions - New Tax Credit Rules'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-6654614914505758464</id><published>2009-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-28T12:49:34.216-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Life Design Homes, Lake Meadows, Smithville, MO</title><content type='html'>Sales have been so brisk in Lake Meadows, Life Design Homes will be starting 4 more homes priced from 149,900 this week.  They plan to have at least two if not all 4 done before the new buyer tax credit ends.  Call us at 816-985-PAUL.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-6654614914505758464?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/6654614914505758464/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=6654614914505758464' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6654614914505758464'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6654614914505758464'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/life-design-homes-lake-meadows.html' title='Life Design Homes, Lake Meadows, Smithville, MO'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-927948042094348593</id><published>2009-09-22T13:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-22T13:08:22.145-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Lake Meadows Entry - just off 169 Hwy, Smithville MO</title><content type='html'>&lt;a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/SrkuOSRkxfI/AAAAAAAAABU/p9P2WvAYuXk/s1600-h/Lake_Meadows_Entry%5B1%5D.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384385652456736242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/SrkuOSRkxfI/AAAAAAAAABU/p9P2WvAYuXk/s400/Lake_Meadows_Entry%5B1%5D.jpg" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Entry to Lake Meadows&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-927948042094348593?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/927948042094348593/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=927948042094348593' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/927948042094348593'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/927948042094348593'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/lake-meadows-entry-just-off-169-hwy.html' title='Lake Meadows Entry - just off 169 Hwy, Smithville MO'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/SrkuOSRkxfI/AAAAAAAAABU/p9P2WvAYuXk/s72-c/Lake_Meadows_Entry%5B1%5D.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-1598751875511739085</id><published>2009-09-22T12:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-22T13:03:53.889-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='close to lake'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='no money down'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='new construction'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Kansas City Northland'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='first time buyer'/><title type='text'>Lake Meadows</title><content type='html'>New Homes from 140-180"s - There are 8 started and already 4 under contract -- please call us for further details on these popular homes.  This neighborhood is only moments from Smithville Lake.  100% financing is available from USDA for those who meet the income guidelines.  - If you are a first time homebuyer and meet the USDA income guidelines - just think - no money down plus the tax credit for those who qualify and close before November 30, 2009.  Call Paul at 816-985-PAUL or Leigh at 816-985-SOLD today.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-1598751875511739085?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/1598751875511739085/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=1598751875511739085' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1598751875511739085'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1598751875511739085'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/09/lake-meadows.html' title='Lake Meadows'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-1987970583296877349</id><published>2009-06-17T15:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-06-17T16:03:22.778-07:00</updated><title type='text'>New Listings Needed</title><content type='html'>Yes, business is good. The Kansas City Northland / Smithville Lake area has been busy. Call us for a free market analysis of your home. We need more inventory in our area in the $120,000-$190,000 price range. First Time Home buyers are out buying - Please give us a call at 816-985-7285.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-1987970583296877349?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/1987970583296877349/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=1987970583296877349' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1987970583296877349'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1987970583296877349'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-listings-needed.html' title='New Listings Needed'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-1908965160236216057</id><published>2009-02-17T16:53:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-17T16:58:36.148-08:00</updated><title type='text'>First-Time HomeBuyer Tax Credit</title><content type='html'>FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT&lt;br /&gt;As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act&lt;br /&gt;Major Modifications Shaded&lt;br /&gt;February 2009 FEATURE&lt;br /&gt;CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008&lt;br /&gt;APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008&lt;br /&gt;REVISED CREDIT –&lt;br /&gt;EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009&lt;br /&gt;Amount of Credit&lt;br /&gt;Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500&lt;br /&gt;Maximum credit amount increased to $8000&lt;br /&gt;Eligible Property&lt;br /&gt;Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.&lt;br /&gt;No change&lt;br /&gt;All principal residences eligible.&lt;br /&gt;Refundable&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.&lt;br /&gt;No change&lt;br /&gt;Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.&lt;br /&gt;Income Limit&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).&lt;br /&gt;No change&lt;br /&gt;Same income limits continue to apply.&lt;br /&gt;First-time Homebuyer Only&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.&lt;br /&gt;No change&lt;br /&gt;Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.&lt;br /&gt;Revenue Bond Financing&lt;br /&gt;No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.&lt;br /&gt;Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.&lt;br /&gt;Repayment&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.&lt;br /&gt;No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009&lt;br /&gt;Recapture&lt;br /&gt;If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.&lt;br /&gt;If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.&lt;br /&gt;Termination&lt;br /&gt;July 1, 2009&lt;br /&gt;(But note program changes for 2009)&lt;br /&gt;December 1, 2009&lt;br /&gt;Effective Date&lt;br /&gt;Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.&lt;br /&gt;All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-1908965160236216057?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/1908965160236216057/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=1908965160236216057' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1908965160236216057'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1908965160236216057'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/02/first-time-homebuyer-tax-credit.html' title='First-Time HomeBuyer Tax Credit'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-4599856556644531045</id><published>2009-02-03T08:55:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-03T09:01:11.384-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Obama Promises More Low-Cost Mortgages</title><content type='html'>President Barack Obama promised Saturday to reduce mortgage costs as a key part of his plan to improve the economy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Analysts applauded the move, saying that making low-cost mortgages widely available could stabilize housing markets and jumpstart new home construction.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Beyond that, observers say aid for the troubled housing market will help blunt the anger many Americans feel over the financial bailout as the executives of firms that received billions take bonuses while average people lose their homes&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Source: Reuters News, Mark Falsenth&lt;/em&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-4599856556644531045?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/4599856556644531045/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=4599856556644531045' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/4599856556644531045'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/4599856556644531045'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/02/obama-promises-more-low-cost-mortgages.html' title='Obama Promises More Low-Cost Mortgages'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-521952312920818474</id><published>2009-01-30T13:38:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-30T13:53:22.106-08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Missouri Housing Development Loan'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='MHDC'/><title type='text'>New MHDC Program</title><content type='html'>January 30, 2009&lt;br /&gt;You may have already heard about this program but, if you haven't, MHDC (Missouri Housing Development Commission) has announced a new program to work in conjunction with the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit program. --Quote from MHDC web site, --With over 30 years experience funding mortgages for first time homebuyers, MHDC knows that the biggest barrier faced by first time homebuyers is acquiring money for down payment and closing costs.  As a result MHDC created a program that allows homebuyers to receive the value of the tax credit at the time of closing. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;How the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Works:&lt;/em&gt;   First time homebuyers receive a tax credit worth 10% of their home purchase, up to $7500.  The credit is claimed on the homebuyer's federal tax returns.  The credit is refundable, which means that the homebuyer receives a refund for the amount of the credit minus any federal tax liability.  The credit is essentially an interest-free loan from the federal government and must be repaid through an increase in federal income taxes over a period of 15 years.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;How the MHDC Tax Credit Advance Loan Program Works:  &lt;/em&gt;MHDC makes a second mortgage to the homebuyer at the time of closing worth up to 6% of the home purchase price or a maximum of $6750, which is used to cover down payment and closing costs.  The tax credit advance loan is paired with the MHDC financing for the first mortgage in the form of a safe 30 year, fixed rate mortgage.  The homebuyer then files for the federal tax credit and uses the credit refund to pay off the MHDC tax credit advance loan.  If the tax credit advance loan is paid off by the designated deadline (no later than June, 2010), the homeowner pays no interest other than a modest servicing fee.  If the tax credit advance loan is not paid in full by the deadline, principal and interest payments to repay the loan over 10 years begin automatically.  MHDC loan programs are available for households with incomes up to $85,000.  The federal tax credit and the MHDC tax credit advance loan program are both currently set to expire June 30, 2009. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The URL for MHDC web site containing this information above is &lt;a href="http://www.mhdc.com/"&gt;http://www.mhdc.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-521952312920818474?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/521952312920818474/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=521952312920818474' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/521952312920818474'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/521952312920818474'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-mhdc-program.html' title='New MHDC Program'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-9195276215917405919</id><published>2008-10-13T09:58:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-13T10:10:04.991-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Law Makes Housing Affordable for Veterans</title><content type='html'>Daily Real Estate News / October 12, 2008&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Veterans across America now have expanded home ownership opportunities due to the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which President Bush signed into law last Friday.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The bill includes housing provisions for veterans who are already home owners and those who aspire to home ownership, according to the National Association of Realtors.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"This bill will go a long way toward helping veterans buy and keep their homes", says NAR President Dick Gaylord.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Three provisions, in the legislation are critical to help veterans during the current housing turmoil.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1.  The law will make it easier for veterans who have fallen victim to risky subprime loans to refinance their loans into safer, more affordable loans backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2.  The legislation also makes the VA loan limit increase permanent, which will help veterans living in high-cost areas.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3.  The VA also can now offer adjustable-rate mortgages to veterans.  That would make home ownership more attainable for military families and personnel who often have to move more frequently than their civilian counterparts.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"We need to support and protect those who serve our country," Gaylord says.  "Helping ensure that every veteran who can afford to own a home and wants to do so will have the opportunity and that everyone who responsibly owns a home is able to keep it a part of that commitment."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-NAR&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-9195276215917405919?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/9195276215917405919/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=9195276215917405919' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/9195276215917405919'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/9195276215917405919'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/10/law-makes-housing-affordable-for.html' title='Law Makes Housing Affordable for Veterans'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-7102929645200406514</id><published>2008-10-07T10:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-07T10:40:54.868-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='real estate'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='fed rate cut'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='credit'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='dow jones'/><title type='text'>Fed Tries to Unclog Credit Markets</title><content type='html'>Daily Real Estate News - October 7th, 2008&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Wall Street took a nose-dive Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrials plunging more than 800 points at one point during the day before finishing down 370.  The sell-off on Monday sent the Dow below 10,000 for the first time in four years.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The US government, facing increasing pressure to do something about the unstable financial markets, is reportedly weighing a plan to buy massive amounts of unsecured short- term debt in a dramatic effort to break the credit clog.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The market for this financing, in which many companies rely to make payrolls and purchase supplies, has virtually dried up.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pressure is also growing on the Fed to cut its key interest rate, now at 2 percent.  Many predict the Fed will act on or before its next meeting on October 28-29.  This really doesn't  affect mortgages directly but can have an impact on them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Treasure Secretary Henry Paulson has tapped a former Goldman Sachs executive Neel Kashkari who has worked with Paulson at the department since July 2006, to serve as interim head of the government's effort to unclog the credit markets.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Source:  The Associated Presss, Jeannine Aversa (10/07/08)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-7102929645200406514?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/7102929645200406514/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=7102929645200406514' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7102929645200406514'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/7102929645200406514'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/10/fed-tries-to-unclog-credit-markets.html' title='Fed Tries to Unclog Credit Markets'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-5430980965519187415</id><published>2008-08-26T10:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-26T10:41:50.275-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='rural housing'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='100% financing'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='down payment assistance'/><title type='text'>DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE ABOUT TO END</title><content type='html'>Very important changes are being made to the Down Payment Assistance Programs.  All clients using DAP's must have their file submitted to underwriting by August 29th.  The transaction must be  signed, closed and funded by September 30, 2008. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We have been told there will be no exceptions to this new policy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Remember, the USDA / FHA rural housing loan is an excellent alternative for those who require 100% financing.  These loans are available in specified areas and you must meet the income guidelines.  Call us today and we will get you in touch with a qualified lender.  &lt;strong&gt;The Garnett Team,  816-985-PAUL.  &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-5430980965519187415?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/5430980965519187415/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=5430980965519187415' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/5430980965519187415'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/5430980965519187415'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/08/down-payment-assistance-about-to-end.html' title='DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE ABOUT TO END'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-2171443751863560263</id><published>2008-04-11T10:23:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T10:27:45.427-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Mortgage Demand Up</title><content type='html'>The number of mortgage applications increased 5.7 percent last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association weekly mortgage applications survey.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On an unadjusted basis, the index rose 10.9 percent compared with the same a week age. The bulk of the increase came from purchase loans, which rose 8.1 percent compared with the refinance index which was up 3.4 percent.  The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased slightly from 53.4  the previous week to 52.2 last week.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;source: Mortgage Bankers Association (04/09/2008)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-2171443751863560263?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/2171443751863560263/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=2171443751863560263' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2171443751863560263'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/2171443751863560263'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/04/mortgage-demand-up.html' title='Mortgage Demand Up'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-404008681834076368</id><published>2008-03-28T10:30:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-28T10:43:59.704-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Last Minute Home Owner Tax Primer</title><content type='html'>As April 15th approaches, here is what home owners need to know about the deductibility of mortgage interest and property taxes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Taxpayers may deduct on Schedule A of Form 1040 interest on the purchase or home equity debt on two residences, their primary home and another dwelling, including a boat or mobile home. These dwellings must have sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities to qualify for a loan interest deduction. Interest paid on vacant land isn't deductible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Real estate taxes are deductible on all properties owned by the taxpayer - not just the first two. The deduction must be taken in the year the taxes are paid. Taxes placed in escrow are deductible when they are paid to the taxing authority, not when the money is put in escrow. Penalties and interest on late tax payments aren't deductible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Also, in order to deduct taxes and interest, the taxpayer must itemize instead of taking the standard deduction.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Source: Houston Chronicle, Shannon Buggs ( 03/27/08)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-404008681834076368?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/404008681834076368/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=404008681834076368' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/404008681834076368'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/404008681834076368'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/03/last-minute-home-owner-tax-primer.html' title='Last Minute Home Owner Tax Primer'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-3469686230430646947</id><published>2008-02-15T14:40:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-02-15T14:49:56.367-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Housing Finance Update</title><content type='html'>February 15, 2007- President signs Law LIfting Conforming,  FHA Limits&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;President George W. Bush signed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which will send $300 to $1200 rebate checks to millions of Americans - and temporarily lift the limits for both conforming loans and loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration. (FHA).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One of the most visible aspect of the package are tax rebates of up to $600 directed to individuals and $1200 to couples.  Rebate checks could begin arriving in May.  They would be based on 2007 tax returns, which are due April 15.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The measure extends the increased FHA and conforming limits only until the end of 2008 unless Congress extends the time period later.  For areas where the median home price is $333,600 or less, the conforming loan limit would not demonstrate an increase.  The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would determine the median home price for various housing markets within the next 30 days.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-3469686230430646947?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/3469686230430646947/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=3469686230430646947' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/3469686230430646947'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/3469686230430646947'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/02/housing-finance-update.html' title='Housing Finance Update'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-8452911866139869119</id><published>2008-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-01-23T13:11:56.764-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Is Your House Giving You The Cold Shoulder?</title><content type='html'>It's important to seal our homes so cold air doesn't migrate in during the winter months and our cool air conditioned air doesn't migrate out in the summer. Otherwise we're fighting a losing and expensive battle with the great outdoors.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One of the best ways to save energy is to seal homes with caulk and a proper thermal barrier. Caulk is one of the least expensive ways to save energy and installing a thermal barrier requires only good quality workmanship.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Consumers who are thinking about building, remodeling or upgrading their home or building's insulating properties are encouraged to build to Energy Star Standards. It will keep the operating costs of your home down for the life of the building.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One of the problem spots for many homes is recessed lighting. The "cans" often aren't sealed tightly and winter air leaking in and rising hot air leaking out can cause cold drafts. Today the recommendation is to change out the recessed lights for pendant lights or for those who love the recessed lighting as I do some experts recommend using recessed light fixtures with the IC for "insulation contact" designation. That means it is possible to insulate over the fixture and it won't get too hot and cause problems such as melting the insulation, melting the electrical wiring or starting a fire. The IC fixtures have a safety override switch, sensing when the light fixture is trapping too much heat and it turns off the light.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The department of Energy's- Energy Star Website has a Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide Go to &lt;a href="http://www.energystar.gov/"&gt;http://www.energystar.gov/&lt;/a&gt; which will be a good starting point for a discussion with a builder or before heading out to buy supplies for that do-it-yourself remodeling project.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Call us for a builder recommendation- who concentrates on customer service and energy efficiency in new home construction.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.yourrealestateteam.com/"&gt;www.YourRealEstateTeam.com&lt;/a&gt;   Paul &amp;amp; Leigh Garnett, P.C.   816-985-SOLD or 816-985-PAUL&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-8452911866139869119?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/8452911866139869119/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=8452911866139869119' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/8452911866139869119'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/8452911866139869119'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2008/01/is-your-house-giving-you-cold-shoulder.html' title='Is Your House Giving You The Cold Shoulder?'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-6930629819638862124</id><published>2007-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-15T14:01:02.985-07:00</updated><title type='text'>MHDC New Issue Is Here - 10/15/2007</title><content type='html'>MHDC NEW ISSUE IS HERE- This may be the final issue for the year. 6.49% rate, 3% cash assistance, 6.04% Non Cap Rate, 3% available for first time buyers (Have you owned a home in the last 3 years?) New purchase Price Limit $237,000.  Household income guidelines 1-2 persons max income $57,000.  3+ persons max income $65,550.  Call Paul Garnett at 816-985-PAUL (7285).  Reece Nichols Realtors&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-6930629819638862124?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/6930629819638862124/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=6930629819638862124' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6930629819638862124'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/6930629819638862124'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2007/10/mhdc-new-issue-is-here-10152007.html' title='MHDC New Issue Is Here - 10/15/2007'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-895088811327932870</id><published>2007-10-04T16:21:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-04T16:35:20.575-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Housing Finance Update-Downpayment Assistance</title><content type='html'>October 2, 2007 - FHA/HUD files rule in Federal Registry banning Privately-funded down payment assistance programs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The new HUD rule means that home buyers can no longer rely on down payments provided by downpayment assistance programs, including the Genesis downpayment assistance program.  The new HUD rule by the Federal Housing Administration was published in the Federal Register on Monday and is scheduled to take effect 30 days after publication.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;However, AmeriDream, Inc. and Nehemiah have both announced that they filed suits in Federal Court to challenge the merits of HUD's rule and seek an injunction blocking the implementation of this rule.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pursuant to an April 1998 settlement agreement resolving litigation between Nehemiah and HUD, the rule will go into effect six months after the date of its publication for the Nehemiah downpayment assistance program, only.  During the six-month exemption period, Nehemiah will continue to provide families in need with important downpayment assistance and lead the fight against HUD's rule.  Building and Loan will work with Nehemiah during the six-month exemption to provide downpayment assistance to families that require this program in order to realize their dream of homeownership. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;FHA continues to provide highly competitive interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums for borrowers who have had credit challenges in the past as well as for those that have not.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;There is 100% financing available.    We will have new construction soon underway which will qualify for the rural housing loan and can build to suit many buyers under these construction guidelines.  Call us today for details.  816-985-SOLD or 816-985-PAUL&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-895088811327932870?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/895088811327932870/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=895088811327932870' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/895088811327932870'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/895088811327932870'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2007/10/housing-finance-update-downpayment.html' title='Housing Finance Update-Downpayment Assistance'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-5272222092402228141</id><published>2007-10-04T15:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-04T16:02:58.719-07:00</updated><title type='text'>USDA Fmha Rural Housing Loan</title><content type='html'>Soon to be under construction, and will be built to meet the specifications to qualify for the rural housing loan, highly energy efficient construction- 100% financing !   3 bedroom, 3 bath split entry, 2 car garage, finished rec-room. $149,900. Close to lake and golf course.  Call me at 816-985-SOLD.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-5272222092402228141?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/5272222092402228141/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=5272222092402228141' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/5272222092402228141'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/5272222092402228141'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2007/10/usda-fmha-rural-housing-loan.html' title='USDA Fmha Rural Housing Loan'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-272624728725648685</id><published>2007-10-04T15:57:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-04T15:59:49.354-07:00</updated><title type='text'>211 Essex, Smithville, Mo</title><content type='html'>Just listed $214,900.  Two Bedrooms on the main level, and two bedrooms down.  Close to Lake and Golf Course.  Great plan with big open space on main level with kitchen, dining, and greatroom/hearth area.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-272624728725648685?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/272624728725648685/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=272624728725648685' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/272624728725648685'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/272624728725648685'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2007/10/211-essex-smithville-mo.html' title='211 Essex, Smithville, Mo'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722316346582318481.post-1780707903365620805</id><published>2007-09-28T22:09:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-09-28T22:11:43.732-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Kansas City Northland Real Estate</title><content type='html'>Buying or Selling?  Ask us your real estate questions. The Kansas City Northland Area is a great place to live.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2722316346582318481-1780707903365620805?l=yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/feeds/1780707903365620805/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2722316346582318481&amp;postID=1780707903365620805' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1780707903365620805'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2722316346582318481/posts/default/1780707903365620805'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://yourrealestateteam.blogspot.com/2007/09/kansas-city-northland-real-estate.html' title='Kansas City Northland Real Estate'/><author><name>Leigh Hendren Garnett, P.C.</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846734327838345916</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aelTP8EQvuc/S3M-sbE6ZNI/AAAAAAAAABc/qAa-58TNYtk/S220/leigh+photo.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry></feed>
