New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit!!

When the news got out about the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, our phones and Internet leads were flooded with young couples looking for their first home to take advantage of this once in a lifetime offer! Now, the American Government has extended this offer and is now offering a maximum credit of $6,500 to existing home owners who have owned their current home for a minimum of 5 years! This is great news to many people looking to buy a home.

Of course, there are still many questions being asked and details being confirmed. We received a question this morning from a buyer asking: "I fit the requirements to be eligible for this tax credit but my contract is already pending. Will I still receive the tax credit?" Many questions like hers are being posted in online blogs, and various social networking websites.

While the house and senate figure out answers for these situational questions, the general understanding of the new long time resident home buyer tax credit goes as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• The purchase price can not exceed $800,000
• Only applies to primary residencies
• 10% of the purchase price (maximum $6,500 will be credited)

If you are interested in buying a home with this opportunity, please visit https://www.tinafountain.com/idx/ to search for Marietta homes for sale and other metro Atlanta areas.

Featured Subdivision - Indian Hills Country Club

Indian Hills Country Club is a private country club community located just outside of Atlanta in Marietta. With prices ranging from the mid 200's to well over 1 million, Indian Hills Country Club homes for sale has a home to fit almost any budget. The community was originally built in 1969 but has had $4 million dollars with of renovations over the last decade. Many new construction homes are also available on the market. The community includes an award winning 27-hole Joe Lee designed golf course, driving range, eight lighted tennis courts, and three swimming pools. Many of the homes in Indian Hills Country Club are also zoned to the nationally renowned Walton High School in the Cobb County School District.

If you would like further information on Indian Hills Country Club real estate or any other Marietta real estate, please visit www.tinafountain.com/ or call us at 404-842-1555

Energy Efficiency Basics for your Marietta Home

Your new Marietta home can be beautiful, functional and yes – energy efficient – just by making smart choices when you begin remodeling and decorating.

Marietta has its share of warm weather throughout the year, so finding ways to save on your energy bills is likely one of your first priorities. Luckily, there are many things you can do today that are friendly on the environment, your air conditioning and your wallet!

• Check the caulking around all doors and windows. If it shows any signs of cracking, peeling or wear, replace it with a high-grade, silicone caulking which is designed for doors and windows. If you are replacing your windows, choose double-paned windows and look for the Energy Star rating. Bonus – you can claim your new window purchase on your Federal tax return!
• When landscaping your home’s exterior, choose larger shade trees to block the sun’s strong rays. You can save a considerable amount on your cooling bill each month just by shading your home with native shade trees.
  Also, look for low-water plants, trees and shrubs when landscaping to save on water usage.
• Install a programmable thermostat and use it to automatically increase the temperature when you are not home. Most programmable thermostats are quite reasonably priced, yet can save you hundreds of dollars a year in cooling costs.
• Install ceiling fans throughout your Marietta home. Ceiling fans effectively circulate the cool air, thus keeping your home cooler and more comfortable. Bonus – ceiling fans use very little electricity to operate!
• Take it outside. The quickest way to heat up your Marietta home is to fire up the oven. Use your outdoor grill instead and keep your home cool and comfortable!
  Bonus – grilled food is healthy and delicious, and doesn’t dirty any pots and pans!
• Use window shades and curtains to block the sun’s rays from entering the home during the heat of the day. Use lightly colored shades and curtains and close them before the sun enters the home.
• Consider replacing your old air-conditioning unit with a more energy-efficient one. Look for one with the Energy Star label.
• Use an attic fan to draw hot air from the attic, where temperatures can soar during the warm summer months.
• Add more attic insulation, if necessary. Insulation is cost-effective and easy to install, yet can make a huge difference when it comes to your cooling bills.

For more information on Marietta real estate, contact Tina Fountain Realtors at 404.842.1555