
homeowner news LETTER MARCH 2010

Changes to watch for on your 2009 tax return (ARA) - More people are looking forward to tax time this year. More than 25 tax cuts for 2009 federal returns have been passed to help those struggling in the downturned economy. "Virtually everyone is eligible for new tax credits, deductions and other changes," says Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, Inc., makers of TaxACT. Dolmage summarizes some changes that could impact your bottom line. The Making Work Pay credit replaced the 2008 federal stimulus checks for 2009 and 2010. The refundable credit is worth 6.2 percent of your earned income, up to $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. The credit phases out for married couples filing jointly with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) between $150,000 and $190,000, and for single taxpayers whose MAGI is between $75,000 and $95,000. The first $2,400 of unemployment compensation is exempt from 2009 federal taxes. Any amount over $2,400, as well as severance pay, is taxable income. To ensure you get all the tax breaks you qualify for, Dolmage recommends a do-it-yourself tax solution like TaxACT that includes a maximum refund pledge. For information about all 2009 tax law changes, visit www.IRS.gov and www.TaxACT.com/recovery-act. Courtesy of ARAcontent Green your spring cleaning routine (ARA) - Cold winter months spent indoors often translates to dirt and clutter buildup around the house. And, if you're like television personality Hannah Keeley, with those first few warm spring days comes the irrepressible urge to get down and dirty with some serious spring cleaning. But before you get started, make sure to follow these simple tips from Keeley to keep your home clean and green. * Get rid of the toxic chemicals. Instead, just raid your kitchen cabinets. Vinegar and water cleans windows and mirrors beautifully. A little castile soap with water makes a fantastic all-purpose cleaner. * Don't leave the tap running while cleaning - instead turn the faucet on as you're ready to rinse off. Better yet, collect water in a bucket for your cleaning needs. * Schedule a tune-up with your local HVAC dealer to restore capacity and help cut utility costs. If you're in the market for a heating or cooling system upgrade, consider a new energy-efficient unit such as the American Standard Allegiance (R) 15 air conditioner. Many combinations are Energy Star-rated and could qualify you for the federal government's tax incentives for increasing your home's efficiency. Courtesy of ARAcontent	In this issue: - Changes to watch for on your 2009 tax return - Green your spring cleaning routine - Fast fixes for foreclosed homes - Protect your home from damage with basement waterproofing - RECIPE OF THE MONTH Dr. Marie Savard's Recipe for Delicious Homemade Granola Board of Directors President Mark Pelletier, CGR, CAPS,.CGP M.V. Pelletier , Inc. mark@mvp-inc.com 1st Vice President Ken Bullough Stonemark Tile kbullough@stonemarktile.com 2nd Vice President Brock Merwin Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling bmerwin@pdr-usa.net Treasurer Steve Fennington Sandy Spring Bank SFennington@SandySpringBank.com Secretary Barry Stohlman Stohlman Custom Cabinetry, LLC barry@stwusa.com Executive Director Filomena M. Thompson Events Made Simple, LLC fthompson@eventsmade.com NARI Mid-Maryland P.O. Box 128, Monrovia, MD 21770 P 301-829-9866 / F 301-829-9868 www.MarylandNARI.org info@marylandnari.org


Fast fixes for foreclosed homes (ARA) - The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home's appeal and value. "Many people are finding huge opportunities in fixing up foreclosures," says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the nation's largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. "Most of these houses can be completely transformed with just a few improvements. Often, the fixes are easy enough to be do-it-yourself projects." Here are some popular cost-effective options for breathing new life into a home in need. Add new countertops. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home, since it is a space where people spend a lot of time - from cooking dinner to entertaining friends. One of the most dramatic changes that can be made to a kitchen is adding new countertops. It alters the appearance of the space by changing the color scheme, depth and texture of the whole room. Countertops range in price depending on room size, type of material and mode of installation. In an average kitchen, a new laminate countertop starts at around $1,000, with granite or quartz ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Butcher-block countertops are another attractive, yet cost-effective option. Williamsburg Butcher Block Company offers options in both maple and American cherry starting around $310. Replace the bathtub. Foreclosed houses frequently come with water stains left by standing water in sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Updating a bathroom by installing a new bathtub not only removes the problem, but, because the tub is a core item, it creates a more pleasant feeling in the room. Bathtubs are available in many different styles and sizes, so there is likely to be one that suits any taste, from traditional to contemporary. Bathtubs start at around $300, depending on the size and style. Trade carpeting for new wood flooring. Foreclosed houses are frequently abandoned with soiled carpet that continues to gather buildup over time. Mold is also common in homes that have been left bare for extended periods. To get rid of hidden odors, allergens, irritants and mold, replace carpet with wood, particularly in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and great rooms. In addition to reviving these common areas, swapping carpet for wood adds style and creates a more spacious feel. The choice of wood can also make a big difference. Light wood colors can make a room appear larger, medium-toned woods can make a room appear more traditional and dark flooring can make a room appear warmer. "The introduction of so many new species, colors and types of wood flooring in recent years gives homeowners a lot of options when renovating a room at different price points," says Sullivan. Laminate flooring can deliver the appearance of solid hardwoods, but costs less than $1 per square foot at places like Lumber Liquidators. This allows budget do-it-yourselfers the ability to transform a 400-square-foot area for as little as $750. In addition to making a foreclosed home look new again, completing these easy and affordable updates can go a long way in restoring the value of the property when it comes time to sell. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Five ways to save time and money on your taxes (ARA) - The typical taxpayer is expected to spend more than three business days and more than $200 completing his or her tax return. As people get ready to file their 2009 tax returns, there are a few things they can do to save time and money. 1. Make sure you're prepared. 2. Use an online tax program. 3. Free file if you can. Depending upon how complicated a person's taxes are, they may be able to prepare and e-file their tax return absolutely free. For example, CompleteTax offers a free version of its program and the IRS lists other providers participating in the Free File Alliance. 4. Maximize your credits and deductions. Some programs will also provide tools to help further ensure accuracy. A tax program, such as CompleteTax, with a charitable donation calculator provides an easy way for determining and documenting the fair market value of donated items, helping you realize the greatest charitable contribution deductions you can. 5. E-file and use direct deposit. Electronically filing and using direct deposit significantly increases how quickly a taxpayer has access to their refund. Certain tax programs also allow customers to split their refund and deposit it into three separate accounts. Taxpayers can find more money-saving tips through CompleteTax news and tax alerts at www.CompleteTax.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Protect your home from damage with basement waterproofing (ARA) - A damp, leaky basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Active water leaks and excessive moisture in basement or foundation walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. And, if left unchecked, more serious problems can result, including costly structural damage and high humidity levels throughout the home. That's why it is important to take care of water problems before they start. Fortunately, there are state-of-the-art technologies that make basement waterproofing easier than ever before - even for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. New waterproofing paints are low odor and are easy to apply, eliminating the expense associated with hiring a contractor. "Some homeowners delay basement waterproofing because they don't have the money to hire a contractor and don't think they have the skills to do it themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth," says Watertite brand manager Beth Froncek. "Thanks to easy-to-use waterproofing technologies, basement waterproofing is almost as easy as painting a room. Plus a clean, dry basement can equal extra living space and increased home value, making it a great project to put on the 'to do' list." Getting started: prepare the surface. Before you get started, make sure basement walls are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Kill any existing mold and mildew by washing with a solution of household bleach and water, consisting of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Next, remove any efflorescence, a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces, with a concrete etching solution to ensure the waterproofing paint sticks to the basement walls. Patch any holes and cracks - especially those that show signs of active water leaks or those around windows, doors and joints. Products like Zinsser Watertite Etch, Watertite Hydraulic Cement and Watertite Polyurethane Sealant are specifically formulated for basement waterproofing prep. Apply two coats of waterproofing paint. Waterproofing paints like Watertite Mold and Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Paint are guaranteed to stop water and offer a five-year mold- and mildew-proof paint film guarantee. Low odor and easy to use, Watertite is available in an oil-base formula, which is great for waterproofing wet walls, or a convenient latex formula for routine waterproofing. To apply, use a thick synthetic brush or large nap roller to apply the first coat to a small section of the masonry. Use a brush to work the coating into the pores of the concrete to produce a continuous pinhole-free film. Apply the second coat with a brush or roller. It's that easy. Enjoy your basement. Waterproofing paints can be tinted to a wide range of off-white, pastel and medium-tone colors to help you transform a damp, leaky basement into a beautiful living space. To learn more, visit www.zinsser.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Dr. Savard's Secret Morning Mix Granola Dr. Marie Savard's Recipe for Delicious Homemade Granola From the kitchen of Dr. Marie Savard Servings: Over 8 Cook Time: 30-60 min Ingredients Raw oats Ground flaxseed Ground wheat bran Unsweetened coconut (optional) Raw pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds Almonds, pecans or walnuts, slivered or sliced 1/2 cups of canola oil, 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, splash of water, 1/4 cup of honey and 1 TBSP cinnamon Dried fruit (cherries, raisins, figs and/or blueberries) Cooking Directions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spread raw oats into one or two baking sheets/roasting pans with sides. I make extra to freeze in zip lock bags. I never measure but suggest you use enough oats to generously cover the bottom of the pan. Add plenty of flax seed, wheat bran, seeds, nuts and coconut if desired. I never measure the amount and therefore use whatever I like best and have available. Mix together canola oil, peanut butter, water, honey and cinnamon in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and heat at 50 percent power in the microwave for approximately two minutes (the peanut butter stays pretty lumpy). You can also heat the mixture slowly in a pan. Stir into dry ingredients. Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes or so, stirring once or twice. Remove when "toasted" to a nice light brown color. On occasion I turn up the temperature to 350 degrees to toast more quickly. When granola is baked and cooled, add some of your favorite dried fruit such as dried cherries, raisins, figs and blueberries! This granola is a great gift for family and friends. Cool well before placing in freezer bags and storing in the freezer. Courtesy of http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/recipe?id=9957162


About NARI Mid-Maryland When you work with a NARI Professional you get.... A full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who has experience, and voluntarily adheres to NARI’s strict Code of Ethics. NARI’s screening process offers this assurance. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, educational seminars and conferences. NARI is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience. NARI represents professional remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to you, the homeowner. The statements or views expressed in the NARI Newsletter are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of the NARI Mid-Maryland Chapter. To receive this newsletter via e-mail please send an e-mail request to NARI at info@marylandnari.org – subject line – NARI Newsletter with your information.	MEMBER AD
Visit us at www.MarylandNARI.org to contact our members. Members of NARI Mid-Maryland Chapter A.J. DeLuca Contractors, Inc. Accu-Build, Inc. * ADI Corporation * All Aspects Waterproofing * Artelye Marble & Granite* * Barrons Lumber/Barrons Custom Kitchens * Carriage Hill Cabinet Co. * Creative Concepts Remodeling, Inc. * D. G. Liu Contractor, Inc. * Dertzbaugh Plumbing * Designer Surfaces Unlimited, Inc. * Dorman Builders, Inc. * Downs & Associates, Inc. * Ferguson Enterprises * Frederick County Bank* Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD * Home Depot #2559 (Frederick) * Home Depot #2581 (Sykesville) * Homecrafters dba Atlantic Coast Remodeling, Inc. * Houseworks Unlimited, Inc. * Jones Homes, LLC * Kitchen Solvers of Myersville * Lane & Sons Painting, Inc. * M & R Floors, Inc. * M.V. Pelletier, Inc. * Majestic Wood Floors * Mark Folsom Builders, Inc. * Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling * PC3 Limited, Inc. dba Innovative Homes * Perrine Design * Pleasant Hills Custom Builders * Preferred Construction, Inc. * R.B. Hill Photography, LLC * RE/MAX Results * Reico Kitchen & Bath * RJZ Home Improvements, LLC * Sandy Spring Bank * Stohlman Custom Cabinetry, LLC * Stonemark Tile LLC * T. W. Perry, Inc. * Talon Construction, Inc. * Tomlinson Builders, Inc. * Trademark Remodeling, Inc. * Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. * Winchester Woodworking * Window Nation