5 Reasons to Refinance

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5 Reasons to Refinance

While not everyone can afford to refinance due to little or no equity, refinancing is still a popular option for many, as it can be a smart way to simplify and save money. Below are five reasons why you might want to consider refinancing:

1. To Get a Lower Mortgage Rate
Many lenders today are offering low rates, making a refinance a smart decision for struggling homeowners.

2. To Cash Out and Lower Debt
Several years back, a cash-out refinance was a popular way for homeowners to get their hands on some extra cash to do things like add renovations or purchase a new car. While this trend has become less popular, many are still using the cash-out refinance option to pay off their debt.

3. To Cash Out and Buy Property
Investment properties are a trend on the rise. Many homeowners are choosing to refinance their home to buy a second property to use as an investment.

4. To Convert to an ARM
Refinancing as a way to switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate can give homeowners not only a better rate, but a stable rate too. With inflation looming, having a fixed-rate loan makes many homeowners feel more comfortable.

5. To Consolidate Two Mortgages
Some homeowners want to refinance in order to combine their first mortgage with their home equity line of credit. Although home equity loan rates are often shockingly low, many people are worried about rates jumping in the future. By combining their two loans into one, they feel safer—plus paying off one loan can be more appealing than dealing with multiple credit lines.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi bcorsi@rockcliff.com J. Rockcliff Realtors Office: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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End-of-the-Year Tax Tips

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End-of-the-Year Tax Tips

While the year is quickly coming to a close, you can still take some important steps to save on your 2011 tax return.

According to Jessica James, CPA and author of "Justice for None," many of the deductions associated with the economic stimulus package will disappear in 2012, so you must take advantage of them by December 31. Now is also a good time to implement some strategies for maximizing your 2012 tax return. Following are James’ tips for both 2011 and 2012 savings:

• Contribute to retirement accounts. If you haven’t already put money into your traditional or ROTH IRA account for 2011, you’ve got until April 17 to do it. If you have a Keogh or SEP (Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Arrangement for businesses), and you get a filing extension to Oct. 15, you’ve got until then to make your 2011 deposits. The maximum IRA contribution for 2011 is $5,000 or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older by the end of the year. For self-employed people, the maximum for SEPs and Keoghs for 2011 is $49,000.
• Reconsider the home-office deduction. In the past, many avoided claiming a home-office deduction because it was seen as an IRS red flag. But the requirements and forms have been clarified so you can now avoid the mistakes that might lead to an audit. The rules have also been expanded so if you didn’t qualify for a home-office deduction in the past, you may now. If you use a home office exclusively for business, even if you don’t meet your clients there, you’re eligible. For instance, a handyman who works mostly at other people’s houses can claim the deduction if he does his paperwork at his home office.
• Maximize your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). The Health Care Act will limit the maximum you can put into these pre-tax medical expense accounts in 2013, so 2012 is the last year to use an FSA to pay for large medical expenses not covered by your health insurance with pre-tax dollars.
• Consider selling investments in 2012. The Tax Relief Act maintains the tax rate cap on capital gains and dividends at 15 percent through 2012. In 2013, the cap for capital gains will increase to 20 percent and for dividends, 39.6 percent. The Health Care Act also created a 3.8 percent Medicare tax on investment income, effective in 2013. Given those scheduled increases, plan to take advantage of the rates next year.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi bcorsi@rockcliff.com J. Rockcliff Realtors Office: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Passer de bonnes fêtes

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	Madame, Monsieur,
	Nous vous informons que
	Bigprintart sera ouvert pendant
	la période de fin d'année.
	Toute l'équipe de Bigprintart
	vous souhaite de Joyeuses Fêtes
	de fin d'année.
	Cordialement,
		Le service Commercial
Tél: 02.48.58.59.15 de 09h00 à 12h00 et 14h00 à 18h00 email: contact@bigprintart.com Site: www.bigprintart.com Désabonnement de la liste de difusion bigprintart.com sur le site conformément à la loi informatique et libertés Nous respectons vos données personnelles. Si vous ne souhaitez plus recevoir d'e-mails de notre part,[Cliquez ici] Un délai de 10 jours peut être nécessaire à la prise en compte de ces modifications.

How to Avoid Fireplace Accidents

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How to Avoid Fireplace Accidents

As temperatures drop, fireplaces spring into action as a wonderful way to bring warmth and atmosphere to your home—especially during the holidays. Whether you have a wood burning or gas fireplace, it is crucial to make sure they are properly prepped for an active season. This ensures not only their functionality but more importantly, your safety.

Here are some must-do steps from Napolean Fireplaces to get your fireplace ready for action. Most of these can be done by the average homeowner, however, don’t hesitate to call your local chimney sweep or fireplace expert if you’re at all unsure.

For wood-burning fireplaces:

• Have the chimney cleaned. The leading cause of fires from wood-burning appliances is the result of creosote (unburned fuel) that has accumulated in the chimney.
• Have any gasket material inspected and replaced as required, such as the gasket sealing the door, the door glass and in some cases the ash dump. If an airtight appliance is operated without these gaskets effectively sealing the openings, excess air can leak into the firebox creating an over-fire condition, which may permanently damage the appliance.
• Clean the blower if your wood-burning appliance is equipped with one. Unlike your furnace blower, these blowers do not have a filtering system to prevent the buildup of dust and hair on the blower.
• Replace any broken or deteriorated brick lining. While cracks in the lining are not a concern, if the brick lining is deteriorated to the point that the steel body is exposed, the heat from the fire can cause permanent damage to the appliance.

For gas-burning fireplaces:

• Have the appliance serviced by a qualified technician. A properly maintained fireplace can look as new as the day it was installed. Even the glass must be cleaned annually to keep it looking clear. Although gas fireplaces appear to be maintenance free, these combustion systems are affected by problems such as dust and insects, which could impair performance. The airways of both the pilot and main burners should be regularly cleaned to ensure that they are operating correctly.
• Clean the blower if your gas-burning appliance is equipped with one. As dust accumulates on the blower blades, the balance of the blower will change causing premature wearing of the bearings. The dust also insulates the motor, preventing it from being cooled and can eventually cause the motor to seize.
• Replace the batteries in any optional remote transmitters and in some cases, in the receiver as well. Even when not being used the power held in a battery is slowly depleted.

No matter what type of fireplace you have, remember to replace the batteries and test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors you have in your home to ensure these defense monitors are operating properly.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi bcorsi@rockcliff.com J. Rockcliff Realtors Office: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Votre banderole publicitaire

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Votre banderole publicitaire
Idéale pour annoncer vos Evénements, Porte ouverte,
Foire, Manifestation etc...
Utilisation : Extérieure et intérieure.
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Applications : Évènementiel, animation commerciale,	sécurisé
	«  Livraison en
décoration, façade, spectacle, manifestations sportives,
	24/48 heures
urbaine, concerts, manifestations culturelles, signalétique,
	«  À votre écoute
expositions, décoration, événementiel, promotion.	33(0)2.48.58.59.15
Tél: 02.48.58.59.15 de 09h00 à 12h00 et 14h00 à 18h00 email: contact@bigprintart.com Site: www.bigprintart.com Désabonnement de la liste de difusion bigprintart.com sur le site conformément à la loi informatique et libertés Nous respectons vos données personnelles. Si vous ne souhaitez plus recevoir d'e-mails de notre part,[Cliquez ici] Un délai de 10 jours peut être nécessaire à la prise en compte de ces modifications.

Must-Know Holiday Safety Tips

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Must-Know Holiday Safety Tips

While this time of the year is packed with joyous moments and festive activities, holiday-related mishaps can happen in the blink of an eye. According to the national nonprofit Home Safety Council® (www.Homesafetycouncil.org), many popular decorating traditions—from lighting candles to hanging lights—can put you and your guests at risk.

Adhere to these safety guidelines from the Home Safety Council to help keep yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way:

• Keep candles at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including decorations, wrapping paper, curtains, linens and upholstery.
• Place candles where they cannot be easily knocked down, and make sure they’re out of the reach of pets and young children.  
• To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.
• Check for red or green UL marks on all light strings and extension cords. The green holographic UL mark means the light strings should only be used indoors. The red holographic UL mark indicates the light strings can be used both inside and out—and can withstand conditions related to outdoor use.
• Follow manufacturer's guidelines for stringing light sets together. As a general rule, UL recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
• Hang or mount light strands carefully to avoid damaging the cord's insulation.
• Plug outdoor decorations into outlets protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shock.
• When replacing a light bulb, be sure to use the correct bulb size (wattage) that is right for the fixture.
• When climbing up to hang lights or decorations, avoid the temptation to stand on a chair and get the ladder out instead.
• When using a ladder outdoors, be sure to place the ladder on level ground and open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged.
• Use the 4-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.
• Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by where your belt buckle should be. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.
• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi bcorsi@rockcliff.com J. Rockcliff Realtors Office: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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Winter Woes: Burst Pipe the Most-Feared Home Emergency

Hello, Valued Member! Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Members are dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date, helpful real estate information. This monthly newsletter, "Real Estate Matters," offers articles on a range of topics that will inform you in your real estate pursuits. Having trouble seeing this email? Click to view it as a web page. Add newsletter@rismedia-enews.com to your address book to ensure email delivery. Buying Selling Owning Financing Home Improvement My Website My Listings Barbara Corsi GRI, SRES Realtor J. Rockcliff Realtors My Website Member, Top 5 in Real Estate Phone: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 Fax: 925-402-8022 bcorsi@rockcliff.com Top 5 Members are uniquely qualified to not only help you get educated on important information related to your real estate interests and pursuits, but make them as effortless as possible. Only Top 5 Members can provide you with the kind of exclusive information found here in Real Estate Matters - a monthly look at what's really happening in the housing market. It's a privilege to provide you with this important information. Enjoy this monthly e-newsletter, and as always, your feedback is welcomed - call or email any time! This Month's Top Story Winter Woes: Burst Pipe the Most-Feared Home Emergency RISMEDIA, Wednesday, December 07, 2011—At this time of year, many take their car in for a pre-winter check to help it withstand the months of cold, damp weather. But how many people ever think to do the same for their most valuable asset—their home? According to the AA Home Emergency Response experts, a burst pipe is the most common call-out during winter. More Top Stories Are You Ready for Homeownership? RISMEDIA, Wednesday, December 07, 2011—First-time home buyers have an extremely rewarding road ahead of them but the process can be quite tricky for the inexperienced. Buyers that seek education prior to starting their search tend to have the best experience overall because they have realistic expectations and understand how to properly navigate the process. Benefits and Precautions to Moving in Winter Months RISMEDIA, Wednesday, December 07, 2011—Many people can quickly cite the reasons they prefer to move in the summer over the winter, such as safer road conditions and better weather. However, moving in the winter cannot always be avoided and there are even some benefits to doing so. As such, reputable Boston moving companies explain the benefits and point out a few precautions to make a winter move go safe and smooth. How to Work Successfully with a Home Decorator RISMEDIA, Wednesday, December 07, 2011—Once considered a luxury, decorating services are more of a necessity for today's busy homeowners who simply can't afford to make costly mistakes, or run all around town trying to 'pull it together' from retail stores, or worse—the Internet. The experts at Decorating Den Interiors offer this pertinent advice to homeowners seeking professional guidance in their home decor. Tips to Help Secure Your Future Financial Health RISMEDIA, Wednesday, December 07, 2011—With so much uncertainty in the current economic climate, one thing’s for sure: protecting your financial health is a top priority. For some who may have lost their jobs—or may know someone who has—there’s a lot to consider. Have You Heard About The Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking SystemSM? Sign up to receive my free, weekly e-Articles - brief, compelling, home-related informational articles that you or your family and friends will find helpful in pursuing your real estate goals! Here are some article samples recently sent out to my Real Estate Social Network: 6 Tips to Successfully Manage Money as a Couple How to Keep Holiday Spending Under Control How to Make Your New House a Home Safe Shopping Strategies for the Holidays Email me for more information. * This monthly newsletter is brought to you by your Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Member Agent and is intended as educational information only. RISMedia's Top 5 Real Estate Network® is a network created by, for, and of "leading real estate professionals" who are dedicated to providing "leading real estate information to consumers." The RISMedia Top 5 in Real Estate Network is backed by the commitment and resources of RISMedia. Top 5 was created to fill a profound void in how high-impact consumer relevant information was presented by leading real estate industry members to increasingly sophisticated, discerning, and demanding consumers, in order to both sustain and elevate the ongoing viability and appeal of the industry's leading professionals. For more information, visit www.top5inrealestate.com RISMedia, publisher of Real Estate magazine, is dedicated to providing real estate professionals with the most up-to-date news, information and business development resources in the industry. To submit questions, comments, suggestion, press releases or story ideas, please e-mail realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com. RISMedia, Inc./Top 5 in Real Estate Network® 69 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 P (203) 855-1234 F(203) 852-7208 www.top5inrealestate.com © 2010. RISMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email is intended for: bcorsi3.lizzie17@blogger.com. 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How to Keep Holiday Spending Under Control

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How to Keep Holiday Spending Under Control

Let’s face it—every dollar earned in today’s economy is a hard-earned one and blowing your budget on holiday spending is just not an option this year. While everyone is tempted to splurge during this festive season, you don’t want to be left paying the price for it in 2012.

According to financial advisor and author Leslie Greenman, the psychology of gift giving isn’t necessarily good for your financial health. The joy of pleasing everyone on your list with the gift of their dreams will quickly fade once you’re confronted with the impact it’s had on your finances.

Greenman offers the following great tips for controlling your holiday spending this year and keeping your finances on track:

• Assess your financials in advance. Before you even make your gift list, look at how much you can realistically spend, advises Greenman. If the amount you’re considering has you feeling anxious, then absolutely create a budget that has you spending less. Don’t allow your holiday spending to negatively affect your bigger financial goals.
• Eliminate discretionary holiday spending. Increased holiday spending often goes way beyond gifts to a wide range of expenditures, such as cards, wrapping paper, a new outfit for the office party, decorations, etc. These are easy expenses to cut back on, however. If you’re hosting a party, make it pot-luck. Send e-cards instead of expensive printed ones. And remember when it comes to holiday decorations, less is always more.
• Don’t shop when you’re down. With the joy of the holidays often comes stress and a dose of the blues. According to Greenman, studies show that we’re willing to spend more when we’re sad, so if you’re down, curl up with a holiday movie or spend time with friends. Save the shopping for when your spirits are brighter.
• Give the gift of time together. Chances are, many of those on your holiday gift list would like to cut back on spending, too. So suggest spending valuable time together instead of purchasing gifts this year. Have your parents over for a festive dinner with their grandchildren and plan to meet your best friend for tea and a movie. Not only does this decrease gift spending, it nurtures the true spirit of the holidays—relishing time with loved ones.
• Create a shopping plan. When you do head out gift shopping, establish a clear plan in advance: make a gift list and figure out where you need to go for each present; establish how much you will spend on each gift; decide a time you want to finish by; avoid malls/areas that tend to stress you out; try to complete your holiday shopping as far in advance as possible.
• Use cash. If you stick to paying with cash, you’ll be less likely to exceed your gift budget. Credit cards give us the false notion that we can spend more than we can really afford. Never make purchases on your credit card unless you can pay them off at the end of the month.
• Trade in rewards points for gifts or gift cards. If you have accrued rewards points from credit card use during the year, now is a great time to use them.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Corsi bcorsi@rockcliff.com J. Rockcliff Realtors Office: 925-253-7045 Mobile: 925-788-7589 http://www.BarbaraCorsi.com

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