Archive for the ‘Tips & Hints’ Category
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
Davenport NOW, a city established tax incentive program that launched in July of 2009, provides a 50% rebate of the City’s share of property taxes for 10 years to people who build a home or renovate an existing property in Davenport, Iowa. The program has now been extended to June of 2014!
Davenport NOW was passed to improve economic development, as well as provide more opportunities to small business owners in construction and remodeling. Since the program was established in 2009 the city of Davenport has already rebated over $2.8 million with most participants receiving over $6,000.
In August of 2010, the Davenport City Council approved the expansion of the Davenport NOW program to include a special program for historic properties, which provides an additional tax benefit to homeowners completing historic improvements. Applicants can receive a rebate on the value of the improvements of up to 100% of the city’s share of your property taxes for 10 years. Under both programs, eligible participants may choose a single one-time payment or multiple payments over ten years.
To qualify for the Davenport or Historic Davenport NOW programs this is some of the criteria:
- The property must be in a local or national historic district or listed on the national registry of historic properties.
- The property must be a single family, owner occupied home.
- Improvements must lead to a minimum $5,000 increase in assessed value.
- Exterior improvements must receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Davenport Historic Preservation Commission. City staff can assist you in submitting your improvements for approval.
- The home must be built as new construction or purchased new.
If approved you will then need to choose how you would like to receive you rebate. There are two different methods: Upfront One-time Rebate and Multiple Rebates over 10 Years.
Keep in mind that those receiving a single payment shall do so at a discounted rate. Multi-family residential and commercial properties are not eligible for an upfront rebate.
According to City ordinance, both business and residential property owners may be eligible, as long as the owner occupies the structure. Rental property improvements may also be eligible, but not new rental properties or those converting owner-occupied structures into rental properties.
For more information or to see if you qualify, contact the City of Davenport at 563-888-3380
Tags: Building, caroline ruhl, davenport, eastern iowa, home, home buyer programs, home search, housing market, ia, iowa real estate communities, Iowa Real Estate Market, new construction, New Construction Home Sales, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, quad city, realtors, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, tax credit, tax incentive
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Friday, December 14th, 2012
Are you making a move soon? Although the idea of getting into your new home caries a lot of excitement the moving process itself can be stressful. So, here are some money saving tips that will help you save a little bit more amongst the 16.7 million household moves per year.
1) Unload What You Don’t Need: Ask yourself, what do I have now that I won’t need in the move? Will your furniture fit into your new home? What about that old box in storage covered in dust? Weight is a big factor that can increase the costs to move and put stress on your wallet and back.
2) Time it Right: A midmonth move will save you the most money says Daniel Bortz, the author of 8 Ways to Trim Moving Costs. The busiest moving times are the beginning and end of the months. Summer is the most popular time of the year for families to move, since kids aren’t in school according to Bortz you can get the best deal moving between October and April.
3) Save on Boxes: Try and find used or recycled boxes that you can buy at a cheaper cost, check with local groceries in your area. If you are using a professional moving company, try to pack as many smaller items yourself. This will decrease the amount of time the packers will have to spend. This means, if you’re paying by the hour, less money out of your pocket.
4) Plan and Organize: Color code boxes by room and put a sign on the door with the same corresponding color. This prevents someone yelling outside the truck or within the first steps of your new home telling the movers where each box goes.
5) Cover Your Items: A big benefit of professional movers is you can insure your items in case of an accident. But be sure of what you’re singing. For example be sure to ask if it’s to be replaced at market value or replacement value; make sure everything is clear before you sign the dotted line.
6) Snag a Tax Break: If you’re moving because of a job change you may be able to deduct some expenses. To see if you quality for any tax breaks consult a tax preparer or the Internal Revenue Service guidelines.
7) Price it Out: Seek at least three professional moving quotes. Bring the mover into your home so they can give you a more realistic quote and ask such as “Do you save money if you pack yourself?” Or “What is the insurance plan?”
8) Research the Mover: Make sure the company is reputable. Anyone can put their name on the side of a moving truck. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints or if they have anything filed against them. Also, check to make sure they are licensed and insured. For a local list click here: http://www.ruhlhomes.com/vendors.aspx.
According to a report by Wroldwide ERC the average professional move costs is about $12,230. Hopefully using these tips will help you bring down the cost and make the move into your new house less of a hassle. For any other moving tips or questions you can contact Ruhl&Ruhl at 1-866-441-1776 or visit www.ruhlhomes.com
http://realestate.msn.com/8-ways-to-trim-moving-costs
Tags: buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, davenport, home search, money saving, moving, packing, ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, tax credit
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Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
After hearing the good, the bad and the extremely ugly, many consumers still find the hunts on Black Friday a fun and adventurous family tradition. Although this Blog post is not relevant to the housing market, Ruhl&Ruhl will not be discounting houses on November 23! We do fully believe in helping our community and clientele in any way possible.
So, digging online we found that there are several variations of “Survival Guides” and “Best Practices” for those who dare take on the mobs, the lines and “Mortal Kombat” this day is truly going to entail.
Here are a few tips and tricks that may come in handy:
- Dress appropriately. You don’t want to be standing in line freezing! Layers are good so you can strip them off once inside the heated store.
- Do not under any circumstances get a shopping cart. Once inside the store, you’ll observe people pushing and trying to maneuver their way down the aisles. If you have a cart, it will make it all the more difficult. A cart-free person can move faster and between people.
- Shop with a partner. This not only allows us to split up and get items more easily while one person can start the wait in line while the other runs and finds all the goods.
- Know what you’re looking for before you get there. If you can head straight for the item you want, you’ll have a better chance of getting it before it’s sold out. If it’s a store you’re not familiar with or in a different city, you can even visit it before Black Friday to get the layout.
- Make friends. Who only knows how long you’ll be standing in those lines waiting to purchase your bounty. What better time than to make a few friends? You never know when you might need someone to hold your place in line while you jet off to use the facilities.
Obvious yes, but let’s not forget that this is Black Friday we are talking about. The excitement and the adrenaline can easily take over. So study the above long and hard. And good luck and best wishes for the amazing deals that you will find!
Have a very happy Thanksgiving and keep checking RuhlHomes.com for the most up to date information on the housing market.
Tags: agents, caroline ruhl, realtors, Ruhl and Ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Thursday, November 15th, 2012
With house prices inching up and rents skyrocketing, this could be the perfect time to invest in single family residential real estate. And if you do, you won’t be alone. According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2012 3rd Quarter Metro Area Report says “Investors…accounted for 17 percent of all transactions in the third quarter.” More than one out of every six houses sold are purchased by an investor.
In Sam Khater’s most recent Market Pulse report by Core Logic he says that there are a few major takeaways as to why purchasing a single-family home makes sense now and in the future. He states that the single-family rental market remained very active in late summer of 2012 with increases in demand and with inventory becoming scarcer; this has caused rent prices to rise greatly. Khater also says that nationally rental leasing volumes have been up every month for the past two years. He states that in August they were up 7% on the previous year. Lastly Khater talks about how the lower supply of these houses for rent get swept up by either, buyers (land lords) or renters moving into these houses, this has tighten the supply that is available to both parties, making these homes in high by customer demand.
If you are looking for or considering investing in an opportunity like this, contact a Ruhl&Ruhl sales associate for more details. Perhaps purchasing a single-family home to rent out makes sense you?
For more information on the housing market or real estate trends, keep checking RuhlHomes.com
Some information and statistics provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, home, home buyer programs, home search, housing market, illinois real estate, invest in real estate, investing, investment properties, investment return, iowa real estate, realtors, regional markets, rental homes, rental prices, renting, residential investments, return on investment, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Friday, September 28th, 2012
Many sellers feel that the Spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the Fall and Winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to to sell now.
Only Serious Buyers Are Out
At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere ‘lookers’. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.
There Is Far Less Competition
Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. This year will be a little different as some of the distressed properties being liquidated by the banks (in the form of foreclosures & short sales) will enter the market. However, for those buyers looking for a non-distressed property, the choices will be limited. Don’t wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.
The Process Will Be Quicker
One of the biggest challenges of the 2012 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.
There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up
If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 15% from now to 2016. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.
It’s Time to Move On with Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.
With record low interest rates and the right time of year, there is no reason to wait any longer, if you have been contemplating listing your home, contact Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors today at 563-441-1776 or visit
RuhlHomes.com. We can help you find the right sales associate for you and your family. You don’t have to go it alone!
Blog provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: agents, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, home search, housing market, illinois real estate, Illinois Real Estate Market, iowa real estate, Iowa Real Estate Market, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Quad Cities Real Estate Market, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, sales volume, selling, selling your home
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Monday, August 20th, 2012
Davenport NOW, a city established, tax incentive program that launched in July of 2009, (provides a 50% rebate of the City’s share of property taxes for 10 years to people who build a home or renovate an existing property in Davenport, Iowa) the program has now been extended to June of 2014.
Davenport NOW was passed by Alderman to improve economic development, as well as provide more opportunities to small business owners in construction and remodeling. Since the program was established in 2009 the city of Davenport has already rebated over $1 million with most participants receiving over $5,000.
In August of 2010, the Davenport City Council approved the expansion of the Davenport NOW program to include a special program for historic properties, which provides an additional tax benefit to homeowners completing historic improvements. Applicants can receive a rebate on the value of the improvements of up to 100% of the city’s share of your property taxes for 10 years. Under both programs, eligible participants may choose a single one-time payment or multiple payments over ten years.
To qualify for the Davenport or Historic Davenport NOW programs this is some of the criteria:
- The property must be in a local or national historic district or listed on the national registry of historic properties.
- The property must be a single family, owner occupied home.
- Improvements must lead to a minimum $5,000 increase in assessed value.
- Exterior improvements must receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Davenport Historic Preservation Commission. City staff can assist you in submitting your improvements for approval.
- The home must be built as new construction or purchased new.
According to City ordinance, both business and residential property owners may be eligible, as long as the owner occupies the structure. Rental property improvements may also be eligible, but not new rental properties or those converting owner-occupied structures into rental properties.
For more information or to see if you qualify, contact the City of Davenport at 563-888-3380 or DiscoverDavenport.com
Keep checking RuhlHomes.com for the most up to date information on the Quad Cities real estate market!
Tags: agents, Building, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, davenport, davenport new construction, Davenport NOW, eastern iowa, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home search, housing market, ia, iowa real estate, Iowa Real Estate Market, new construction, New Construction Home Sales, new construction in davenport, new construction incentive, Quad Cities Real Estate, Quad Cities Real Estate Market, quad city, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Wednesday, August 1st, 2012
We have received many questions about a possible 3.8% sales tax which will be put on home sales beginning 2013. Ruhl&Ruhl would like to take this opportunity to do our best to clarify this situation for everyone. Understand that, when it comes to IRS regulations, you should check with your accountant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
To answer the question, is there a 3.8% sales tax on homes in the health bill? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the answer is NO. The Health Care Reform which takes place in the beginning of 2013 did create a new 3.8% tax, but it applies only to a limited amount of taxpayers.
The truth is that only a tiny percentage of home sellers will pay the tax. To clarify, the 0.9% will affect clientele that the government now considers “High Income” meaning they have income over $200,000 (if married $250,000 filing jointly or $125,000 filing separately). If you don’t meet this threshold you will not be subject to this tax. The tax is on “Annual Gross Income (AGI) such as; net income from interest, dividends, rents and capital gains, as well as earned compensation and several additional forms presented on a Form 1040 Income Tax Return, and will be taxed on the earned income over and above $200,000/$250,000 thresholds.
As for the 3.8%, this is a tax on investments for those same “High Income” people ($200,000/$250,000). It is a tax on “Unearned Income“: Unearned income is the income that an individual derives from investing his/her capital. It includes capital gains, rents, dividends and interest income. It also comes from some investments in active business if the investor is not an active participant in the business. The portion of unearned income that is subject both to income tax and the new Medicare tax is the amount of income derived from these sources, reduced by any expenses associated with earning that income.
The portion of unearned income that is subject both to income tax and the new Medicare tax is the amount of income derived from these sources, reduced by any expenses associated with earning that income. Therefore in the case of rental properties, the taxable amount would be gross rents minus all expenses (including deprecation) incurred in operating the rental property. For example, if the gross rents were $100,000 with associated expenses of $40,000, net rents would equal $60,000 ($100,000 minus $40,000) would be included in your AGI.
The tax will only apply on the earnings from the sale of a personal residence if after the closing you received a large return on investment now categorizing yourself as “High Income”, a $250,000 profit for an individual of $500,000 profit for a married couple. Even then it would only be a tax on the amount over and above those thresholds.
We can understand all the confusion as categorizing the facts for this blog post was confusing enough. The law itself is inputted in highly technical language that only a qualified tax expert can fully grasp so please consult them for the most specific information to fit your situation. We offer this just as an explanation. Remember, when it comes to IRS regulations, you should check with your accountant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
For the most up-to-date information on the housing market, continue checking RuhlHomes.com
Tags: agents, Building, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, high income tax, home, home buyer programs, housing market, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, Medicare, medicare bill, Medicare Tax, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, Real Estate News, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Market Share, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, sales tax, tax credit, tax incentive
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Thursday, April 12th, 2012
If you are either buying or selling a home in today’s market, you need a real estate expert. However, we must realize what the term ‘expert’ actually means. An expert in any area cannot give perfect advice as no one can predict the future. But they can give excellent advice based on their insight into their field.
If you go to an attorney with a legal challenge, he/she will look over your case and give you your options. They realize they cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the options. Still, they give the best advice possible and allow you to decide the option with which you feel most comfortable. They then will put together a strategy which hopefully will bring about the most favorable conclusion.
If you go to a doctor with a serious ailment, he/she will give you your options and work with you to develop the best treatment program. They cannot guarantee any program’s success. They will, however, monitor your progress and adjust your treatments or medications. They will stand next to you until the best result is achieved.
Real estate is no different. A true real estate professional will understand your options and simply and effectively explain them to you and your family. Once you chose an option, they will strategize a plan to help you accomplish your goals. They will standby you as the process evolves and will help you make the necessary adjustments if necessary.
They cannot see the future any better than doctors or attorneys and thus their advice will never be perfect. However, just like those other professionals, an expert agent will give you excellent advice that will bring about the best possible outcome.
Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS is the EXPERT in our market! Our Sales associates can assist you in residential sales and offer services in relocation, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at RuhlHomes.com.
Provided By: KCM Blog
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home search, housing market, iowa real estate, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, why work with a realtot
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Friday, April 6th, 2012
Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Annual Plant Sale.
The plant sale takes place May 5th – May 13th with pre-ordering available online at www.bbbs-mv.org through April 23rd. Hanging baskets will be available for purchase at the Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Bettendorf Office, 1228 Middle Road, Saturday, May 5th from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 6th from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Orders can be picked up and other plants are available at the Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport, Becker and Becker in Geneseo and Quick Printers in Macomb.
“This is going to be a great event and we are excited to be a part of it this year,” said Caroline Ruhl. “This is a fantastic way to support a mentoring programs and I know that our Ruhl&Ruhl sales associates are proud to be associated with this amazing program.”
The Plant Sale is held every year the week prior to Mother’s Day. All proceeds from this event benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters to support one-to-one mentoring programs in our communities. Specifically, dollars are used to ensure that the matches made are safe, high quality, compatible, long lasting and impactful for the child, adult mentor, area schools and parents.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported volunteer organization, providing one-to-one mentoring services to vulnerable children throughout a 14-county area in the Mississippi Valley. Today our organization impacts over 1,000 children through one of our four mentoring environments: Career-based, Community-based, School-based and Site-based. Dollars raised through this event underwrite enrollment, matching and match coaches for one year.
A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to more than 275 sales associates, 58 employees and eleven offices, selling more than 4,300 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. The company has residential sales offices in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Iowa City, Maquoketa and Muscatine, Iowa; and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, the company offers services in relocation, property management, real estate investments, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services, home vendor services, insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.
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Tags: realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Monday, April 2nd, 2012
Soon it will cost a little more for some mortgage loans.
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) will have a new premium structure for FHA-insured single-family mortgage loans, increasing the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) it collects by 0.10 percent. These premium changes will impact new loans insured by the FHA, effective April 9, 2012. Loans with amortization terms of 15 years or less, and a loan-to-value ratio of 78% or less, remain exempt from the Annual MIP.
FHA reports that this increase is a part of ongoing efforts to encourage the return of private capital to the housing market and to protect capital reserves, according to a statement.
In addition, the Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) will increase from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount, effective April 9, 2012 as well. This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or loan to value ratio. FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage. The FHA estimates that the increase to the upfront premium will cost new borrowers an average of approximately $5 more per month.
The above increases will impact all newly originated FHA mortgages for purchase and refinances, unless the homeowner qualifies for the new reduced mortgage insurance rates with an FHA streamlined refinance. The changes to mortgage insurance do not apply to FHA’s reverse mortgages.
FHA Streamlined Refinances will have reduced FHA mortgage insurance premiums IF the FHA loan being refinanced was endorsed on or before May 31, 2009, effective on case numbers issued on or after June 11, 2012. Upfront mortgage insurance premiums will be reduced from 1% to 0.01% of the base loan amount and the annual mortgage insurance will be reduced to 0.55% of the loan amount. Borrowers must be current on their existing FHA insured mortgage.
If your FHA loan being refinanced was endorsed June 1, 2009 or later, then the reduced rate does not apply.
To find out more information, contact Jane Schneider at 1862 Mortgage or any 1862 Mortgage Loan Officer for more information at 866.441.1862 or Info@1862Mortgage.com.
1862 Mortgage has partnered with Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS to offer a convenient one-stop experience for both home buying and home financing needs nationwide. 1862 Mortgage is a DBA (Doing Business As) of Shelter Mortgage, an operating subsidiary of Guaranty Bank. As part of a strong and stable bank, 1862 Mortgage offers the promise of longevity and security along with a commitment to service excellence.
A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 280 sales associates and 50 employees based in 11 sales. In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com
Tags: 1862 Mortgage, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home buyer programs, housing market, Mortgage Insurance, mortgage interest, mortgage loan, mortgage rates, mortgages, Real Estate, Real Estate News, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, selling your home
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