Top 5 Ways to Build a Green Home

Top 5 Ways to Build a Green Home

Most of us know that adopting an environmentally-conscious or “green” approach to life can benefit the planet and its future generations. But did you know that greening your home can also benefit your bottom line in terms of energy savings and tax credits?

We’ve learned a lot of the latest green building strategies from clients and home builders we deal with. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, thought we’d share some innovative green building ideas from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB, www.nahb.org) in case there’s a remodel or new-home build in your future:

1.The roof. According to NAHB, 75% of new homes use “oriented strand board” (OSB), an engineered wood product that does not require the use of large trees in its production, to sheathe roofs and walls. Additionally, durable roof coverings, such as steel and fiber cement, reduce the need for roof replacement and are a key part of many solar roofing products that lock in heat during winter and help keep homes cool in summer.

2.The windows. Energy-efficient windows that incorporate advanced technologies like low-emittance glass coatings, keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer. “Passive” solar design features like large, south-facing windows, also help heat the home in the winter and allow for abundant natural lighting.

3.The walls. Vinyl siding on exterior walls saves money on installation and maintenance; fiber-cement siding is termite- and water-resistant and warrantied to last 50 years. Increasing the amount and R-value of insulation is a cost-effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills, which account for at least half of all energy use in the home.

4.The outside. “Xeriscaping,” or using native plants, can significantly reduce the need for watering, fertilizers and herbicides, and preserving trees on your property reduces energy costs by providing shade in summer and a wind barrier in winter. Also consider a covered entry for your front door, which can help prevent water intrusion and costly repairs.

5.The appliances. According to NAHB, the energy efficiency of refrigerators and freezers has tripled over the last three decades. Front-loading washers use about 40% less water and half the energy of conventional models. New toilets have redesigned bowls and tanks that use less water, while advanced shower and sink faucet aerators provide the same flow regardless of reduced water use.

Please consider the above green building ideas for your next construction project and forward this e-mail to anyone else who may be in construction mode. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or point you toward further green resources, so feel free to e-mail our team for more information.

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

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Beautiful Armonk NY

Views from Westchester County in Armonk in the Spring!!
Anthony Crecco
   The Crecco Companies
   www.CreccoRealEstate.com
   www.CreccoBordonaro.com
   www.CreccoSocialMedia.com

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Beautiful Briarcliff Manor NY

Quiet and Peaceful April Morning oin Westchester County NY.
Anthony Crecco
   The Crecco Companies
   www.CreccoRealEstate.com
   www.CreccoBordonaro.com
   www.CreccoSocialMedia.com

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How to Ensure Smooth Moves

How to Ensure Smooth Moves

If you’re one of the many who have recently taken advantage of the first-time or move-up home buyer tax credit, there’s a happy move in your future. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the stresses of moving cast a cloud over the excitement our clients feel about heading to their new home, making for a nightmarish experience instead of a momentous occasion.

Thanks to my network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, and my relationships with top moving experts, I, along with my team, can offer several tips to make moving a more streamlined, more palatable experience:

• Put your move details in writing.
Use a large notebook or binder to centralize all the important details of your move. It should contain detailed lists, including an inventory of boxes. Supplement this with a computer printout of box contents and e-mail it to yourself and a couple of other trusted sources as a back-up.

• Order boxes and moving supplies as far in advance as possible.
It’s never too early to start packing as we all have items that are not currently in use—think winter clothes, your baseball card collection, holiday decorations. Moving companies may allow you to return unused boxes, so order more than you think you'll need, by 20%. Invest in the right tape to keep boxes securely fastened, some new Sharpie pens, and labels to color-code your move.

• Document your AV details.
Take photos and notes on how your media equipment is set up: television, sound equipment, computer equipment, etc., in order to avoid an AV nightmare in your new home. Label all remotes and wires as well.

• Plan for your pets.
Moving can be particularly stressful for animals. Consider leaving them with a friend or at a reputable pet boarding service.

• Plan for valuables and critical documents.
Most homeowners insurance will not cover property in transit, so consider insuring certain items separately. Take photos for documentation to support loss or damage claims, and carry irreplaceable and legal items, like passports and birth certificates, with you.

• Choose a reputable moving company.
Good companies that can guide you through the process will have a proven track record. Ask your friends and your real estate agent for referrals.

• Keep your moving receipts for income tax deductions.
In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

For more information on making your move as painless as possible, please e-mail our team—and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends with a move in their future.

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

How to Ensure Smooth Moves

How to Ensure Smooth Moves

If you’re one of the many who have recently taken advantage of the first-time or move-up home buyer tax credit, there’s a happy move in your future. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the stresses of moving cast a cloud over the excitement our clients feel about heading to their new home, making for a nightmarish experience instead of a momentous occasion.

Thanks to my network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, and my relationships with top moving experts, I, along with my team, can offer several tips to make moving a more streamlined, more palatable experience:

• Put your move details in writing.
Use a large notebook or binder to centralize all the important details of your move. It should contain detailed lists, including an inventory of boxes. Supplement this with a computer printout of box contents and e-mail it to yourself and a couple of other trusted sources as a back-up.

• Order boxes and moving supplies as far in advance as possible.
It’s never too early to start packing as we all have items that are not currently in use—think winter clothes, your baseball card collection, holiday decorations. Moving companies may allow you to return unused boxes, so order more than you think you'll need, by 20%. Invest in the right tape to keep boxes securely fastened, some new Sharpie pens, and labels to color-code your move.

• Document your AV details.
Take photos and notes on how your media equipment is set up: television, sound equipment, computer equipment, etc., in order to avoid an AV nightmare in your new home. Label all remotes and wires as well.

• Plan for your pets.
Moving can be particularly stressful for animals. Consider leaving them with a friend or at a reputable pet boarding service.

• Plan for valuables and critical documents.
Most homeowners insurance will not cover property in transit, so consider insuring certain items separately. Take photos for documentation to support loss or damage claims, and carry irreplaceable and legal items, like passports and birth certificates, with you.

• Choose a reputable moving company.
Good companies that can guide you through the process will have a proven track record. Ask your friends and your real estate agent for referrals.

• Keep your moving receipts for income tax deductions.
In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

For more information on making your move as painless as possible, please e-mail our team—and please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends with a move in their future.

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

Top 5 Reasons to Buy Now

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Why Buy Now. Watch this Video!!!
Anthony Crecco
   The Crecco Companies
   www.CreccoRealEstate.com
   www.CreccoBordonaro.com
   www.CreccoSocialMedia.com

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Buying vs. Renting Your Home

	Is now the right time for you to buy a home? You have many options to consider and choices to make. Buying a home is a big responsibility, financially and emotionally, but, most people want to own a home. Homeownership often is referred to as "the American dream." Why is it so special? Among the reasons: Real estate often is an excellent investment, perhaps the number one source of wealth-building for families. Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity - and that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax benefits that may assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities - such as homeowners' insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep - which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are definitely worth it! Owning your own home also can be a great source of pride and stability. But homeownership may not be for everyone. It's a big financial commitment - starting with the initial shock of your purchase (including a "down payment" and fees paid to a real estate agent, the lender and others) followed by years of monthly mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance and maintenance costs. When you decide to purchase a home, you accept responsibility for paying for these expenses. They are additional costs to your monthly mortgage payment and should be included in your budget estimates: Property Taxes and Special Assessments, Home/Hazard Insurance, Utilities, Maintenance, Home Owner Association (HOA) Fee if applicable. One of the advantages of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities and the flexibility of moving almost as soon as you decide. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for your housing needs. There are many considerations in choosing between renting and buying: Do you want to spend several years in a house and in a neighborhood? Do you enjoy lawn and garden work? Might you need to move suddenly to care for family? Do you want to keep your assets accessible in the bank, or do you want to invest long-term in a home? There are tax advantages to homeownership in both the short and long terms. The mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, which allows you to subtract part of your housing-related expenses from your taxable income, which could reduce your tax bill. In many cases, the amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. With the tax benefit for homeowners, the savings can be significant.
	Buy vs. Rent: Pros and Cons . Advantages Considerations Buy Property builds equity Responsible for maintenance Sense of community, stability, and security Responsible for property taxes Free to change decor and landscaping Possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity Not dependent on landlord to maintain property Less mobility then renting Rent Little or no responsibility for maintenance No tax benefits Easier to move No equity is built up . No control over rent increases . Possibility of eviction
	Buy vs. Rent: Cost Comparison The chart below shows a cost comparison for a renter and a homeowner over a seven year period. The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5%. The homeowner purchases a home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000. After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment. With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years. Yrs Rent Mortgage Payment Monthly Diff. After Tax Savings Yearly Diff. After Tax Savings 1 800 1000 -200 -50 -2400 -600 2 840 1000 -160 -10 -1920 -120 3 882 1000 -118 +32 -1416 +384 4 926 1000 -74 +76 -888 +912 5 972 1000 -28 +122 -336 +1464 6 1021 1000 +21 +171 +252 +2052 7 1072 1000 +72 +222 +864 +2664 8-30 . . Savings increase every year

 

THE CRECCO COMPANIES

Real Estate  Remodeling  Social Media

Anthony J Crecco

Short Sale and Loan Modification Expert

Thornwood NY  10594

914.269.8184

Click here for Today's Top5 News

www.CreccoRealEstate.com

www.WestchesterCountyHomeNews.com

www.GetLoanModNow.com

www.InvestorSolutionsGroup.com

Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I will Buy it for Cash

SEARCH THE MLS LIKE AN AGENT

www.westchesterhomesearch.listingbook.com

 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/anthonycrecco

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycrecco

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From Our Team: Fact: All Real Estate Headlines Are Not Local

Fact: All Real Estate Headlines Are Not Local

None of us are immune to the constant stream of negative news about the real estate market. There’s no denying the fact that the market has suffered, along with our country’s economy, over the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, this has created a serious dilemma as many consumers unwittingly base their real estate decisions on national media reports. Those of us in the industry live by the term “all real estate is local,” and as a consumer, so should you—otherwise, you run the risk of making an irreversible real estate mistake.

The truth, which you won’t find in the national media, is that real estate markets not only vary from region to region but from county to county, neighborhood to neighborhood…even street to street. Our team knows from my national network of leading real estate professionals, The Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, that there is tremendous variation in home sales prices from locality to locality, and that buyers and sellers are often heading into—or worse, avoiding all together—a real estate investment based on misinformation from national media reporting.

Therefore, if you are thinking about buying or selling a home, it’s essential that you talk to a seasoned real estate team in the areas you’re considering. Keep the following tips in mind when considering a real estate sale or purchase:

1.  Consult with a local real estate team—like one with a Member of Top 5—for the most up-to-date information on the local market.
2.  Ask for statistical reports and trend graphs—the hard facts. Real estate professionals have access to actual data that can be broken down into extremely finite components, such as a particular street or neighborhood.
3.  Ask for comparative reports for the last 3-4 months of the current year, versus the previous year. This will reveal the latest market trend and provide you with concrete facts.
4.  Media reports can vary widely based on state, city, and neighborhood – read, listen, learn, but always revert to the facts for the specific area in which you are looking, especially if you are relocating to a different state or region.
5.  Also take seasonal considerations into account. In vacation-destination areas, the numbers will vary greatly from national and state data.

For many real estate consumers, today’s market is an unbelievable opportunity to buy or move up to a different home. Don’t let the national headlines scare you away. Consult with a local real estate team to get only the facts that matter to your specific situation and location. Please e-mail our team for more information and pass this article along to others who might benefit from the real facts.

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

FHA Lending Changes that Could Impact Real Estate Consumers

FHA Lending Changes that Could Impact Real Estate Consumers

Did you know that in 2009, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured nearly 30% of the single-family mortgage market and that more than 50% of all first-time home buyers used FHA programs?

In today’s challenging credit climate, many home buyers and homeowners are turning to FHA for insurance, to purchase loans, and for refinancing options to get out of risky ARMs or subprime loans. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have access to information from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) regarding recent and upcoming changes to FHA’s single-family program that could impact the use of these important programs for consumers in the future. According to Jerome Nagy, senior regulatory policy representative at NAR, in order to replenish its dwindling reserves, FHA has implemented or proposed the following changes:

1.  Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
FHA has increased the upfront MIP from 1.75% to 2.25% for borrowers while it awaits legislative authority to increase the annual premium. FHA stated it will decrease the upfront premium when they can increase the annual premium.

2.  Credit Score Changes
FHA has proposed that borrowers with a credit score below 580 be required to make at least a 10% down payment. The minimum down payment will remain at 3.5% for all other borrowers.

3.  Seller Concessions
FHA intends to propose a rule to decrease allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%. NAR plans to argue against this decrease since closing costs differ greatly among states, and with fees on services (such as appraisals) increasing, seller concessions can be a vital part of closing the transaction.

4.  FHA Loan Limits
Current FHA loan limits are as high as $729,750 in high-cost areas, and are set to expire at the end of the year and revert to lower amounts, potentially putting a damper on a housing market rebound. A decrease of current limits would adversely affect 612 counties in 40 states and the District of Columbia, reports NAR, which is urging passage of legislation to make the loan limits permanent.

5.  Condominium Rules
FHA is delaying implementation of “Mortgagee Letter 2009-19” and making temporary enhancements to the policy instead, such as eliminating the owner-occupancy requirement for FHA condo mortgages and reducing the number of units sold prior to FHA’s endorsement of a unit from 50% to 30%.

Please feel free to e-mail our team for guidance on the above FHA programs and how changes might affect your particular situation. Also, please pass this article on to anyone you know who could be impacted by changes to FHA policy.

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

FSBO

  
Download now or listen on posterous

cre fsbo.amr (92 KB)

Sell your Own Home
Anthony Crecco
   The Crecco Companies
   www.CreccoRealEstate.com
   www.CreccoBordonaro.com
   www.CreccoSocialMedia.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

Social Media Marketing

Tips for Selling a Home in Today's Market

RISMEDIA, April 5, 2010—Today’s market conditions present some interesting challenges for home sellers to get the job done quickly. From pricing to staging to good record-keeping, here are some important tips on selling your home now.

1. Do not overprice the home. Buyers today are looking for a bargain, and the seller in the end will likely have to bring the price down to meet market demands. The longer the home sits on the market, the stronger the negotiating position of the buyer.

2. Select Internet-friendly pricing. More than 80% of home buyers begin their real estate searches online. Most real estate sites filter the prices in $25,000 to $50,000 increments. So while a creative price of $555,777 may grab attention, buyers who set their search maximum filter at $550,000 will exclude it. Additionally, prices ending in 000 (such as $500,000) tend to sell at a larger discount than homes ending in 500 (such as $524,500).

3. List the home on a Friday. Most buyers are checking out new listings on Fridays so they can see what is new for the weekend.

4. Occupy or stage the home. Buyers appreciate a home that is well attended. A vacant home typically feels cold and empty, while one that is still occupied has a warm, cozy feel, attracting more buyers. However, keep the personalization minimal; having neutral decor and paint colors will make it easier for a buyer to visualize their own style in the home. If a seller moves to a new residence before selling the old residence, it is a good idea to have the home professionally staged as if someone still lives in it.

5. Monitor local foreclosures. Foreclosures are costing sellers money and have become very aggressive opponents in today’s market. If the seller’s neighborhood has a lot of foreclosures, wait until they are sold before listing the home, if at all possible. Most banks are extremely eager to sell, thus creating an underpriced competitor. If the seller cannot wait to list the home, it will need to be priced competitively with the foreclosures, which can dig significantly into the home’s equity.

6. Keep the home neat and clean. With so many foreclosures on the market today, buyers are seeing homes at their worst. If the home is presented in the best possible way, it will attract more positive attention.

7. Keep records. Foreclosures do not come with any disclosures. Sellers who keep updated records, photos and permits handy for the buyer to review will make them feel much more confident about buying the home, giving the seller a competitive advantage over foreclosed properties in the neighborhood.

 

THE CRECCO COMPANIES

Real Estate  Remodeling  Social Media

Anthony J Crecco

Short Sale and Loan Modification Expert

Thornwood NY  10594

914.269.8184

Click here for Today's Top5 News

www.CreccoRealEstate.com

www.WestchesterCountyHomeNews.com

www.GetLoanModNow.com

www.InvestorSolutionsGroup.com

Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I will Buy it for Cash

SEARCH THE MLS LIKE AN AGENT

www.westchesterhomesearch.listingbook.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION

From Our Team: Expand Outdoors, Increase Your Home's Value

Expand Outdoors, Increase Your Home's Value

With many Americans experiencing a financial pinch these days, there is a growing trend among homeowners nationwide to look to the outdoor areas of their own property for not only relaxation and entertainment value, but to also expand their living space and thereby, increase their home’s value.

Through my national network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have learned that homeowners across the country are spending more time at home and showing an increased interest in outdoor living areas. By sprucing up your patios, porches and decks, you are making your home more livable now and more attractive to future buyers.

Stylish patios and outdoor rooms with comfortable furnishings and convenient cooking and eating areas provide new opportunities for recreation and relaxing family times. A recent survey by the Propane Education & Research Council, found that 35% of homeowners have a finished outdoor room and 34% say they are planning to design one in the next year or two.

Some of our clients are even foregoing expensive vacations in favor of putting in a swimming pool. The reality is, however, that you do not need to make a major investment to improve your outdoor living areas. Here are five quick additions that will make an immediate difference:

1. Outdoor lighting units
2. Gas grills with cooking and food preparation surfaces
3. Outdoor fire pits or fireplaces
4. Patio heaters
5. Mosquito/bug eliminators

In any market, financial planners all agree, real estate is the best investment one can make. Increasing the value of that investment with features that extend and enhance the family living area is always a wise decision. For more information and ideas, feel free to e-mail our team…and be sure to pass this on to family and friends who are ready to explore the “great outdoors.”

Sincerely,

Anthony Crecco & Joanne Ricciardella
Crecco Real Estate
Office: 914-449-6547
Mobile: 914-469-1861
anthony@creccorealestate.com
http://www.CreccoRealEstate.com

Posted via email from WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRESSED PROPERTY INFORMATION