Tax Deductions

Tax time is almost here and though it isn't anyone's favorite time of year there are ways to make it less painful - especially if you're a homeowner.

Besides the more obvious deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes there are other ways you may be able to save money. Always talk with a professional to make sure that the deductions apply to you and that you know how to file correctly. Remember - it can't hurt to ask!

Eligible deductions for homeowners:

- Mortgage Interest

- Property Taxes

- Private Mortgage Insurance

- Medical Improvements (such as ramps or lifts)

- Dedicated Home Office Space

- Energy Efficient Home Improvements

If you've sold a home in the last year you may be eligible for deductions from that as well. Talk with a tax professional and enjoy even more benefits of owning a home!

Planning a Spring Garden

Looking to grow your own veggies this year?

It's a good idea to start with some easy-to-grow veggies that will not disappoint. Some of the best no-fail plants include:

- Basil
- Cucumber
- Summer Squash
- Green Beans
- Lettuce

Of course a summer harvest wouldn't be complete without red, ripe tomatoes.  Tomatoes need plenty of water and sunshine. Stake the plants to keep them from laying on the ground.  Look for disease resistant varieties where possible.

Different plants compliment each other and aide in growth.  Plant corn, beans and squash in the same area. Basil planted near tomatoes helps to repel flies and mosquitoes. Lettuce, carrots and radishes grow well together.

So here at the end of February what is your next step? . If you're growing from seed - begin the process inside where the seedlings will be safe from cold temperatures. If you're looking for rare or heirloom varieties begin placing your orders online.

The Best Ways to Stay Warm

The winter weather has finally arrived and you are trying desperately to stay warm!

Here are some ways to warm up - the smart way!

1. When you're coming home to a cold house, don't crank the thermostat up too high too fast. Thermostats don't work that way and it will just end up costing you money.

2. At night, or when you're not home, don't let it get too cold. Otherwise it will take a long time to heat back up. The key is to not try and go to extremes with your temperature. Dropping by just a couple of degrees at night is the better way to go.

3. Make use of a programmable thermostat. Automatic adjustments will happen more slowly and more efficiently.

4. During the day, keep your blinds open to let in the warmth of the sunlight. Make sure all of the windows are locked to prevent drafts.

5. Don't close the heating vents in rooms that aren't used often. This could cause an imbalance in your heating system.

Do you have any stay warm tips this winter?

Housing Predictions for 2016

Predictions for the 2016 Housing Market appear strong on a variety of fronts. According to an article in the Washington Post several factors will encourage another year of positive growth.

• Home prices should continue to increase
• Credit requirements - especially for first time home buyers are beginning to normalize
• Housing remains on a more solid foundation with less mortgages underwater
• Homeowners looking to sell and move on to new homes should have an easier time selling in 2016

So will 2016 be the year you purchase your new dream home?

To read the whole article click here

Introducing the Color of the Year

For the first time Pantone is introducing two colors of the year - Rose Quartz and Serenity.  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute describes the two tone color combination as "an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue".

The emotional attributes of Rose Quartz and Serenity are a sense of calm and relaxation.

For more information visit the official site of Pantone's "Color of the Year"

Resolve to Buy a New Home

If buying a new home is on your wish list for 2016 - there are steps you can take now to make that dream a reality.

Resolve to do these things so you can be living in your new home sooner than you think!

1. Think about what you can really afford. The rule of thumb is that your house payment should be about 25% of your income. Review your budget so you know what type of home you can comfortably afford.

2. Be aware of your credit. Go ahead and pull your latest credit scores. Make sure there are no discrepancies or issues that need to be addressed with the credit bureaus. If you have any problems on your report work to get them resolved as quickly as possible.

3. Talk with a lender to become preapproved. Before you start the home shopping process - meet with a mortgage lender and discuss your financial situation. You can get preapproved which will dramatically shorten the length of the home buying process.

4. Save for a down payment. Received some cash this holiday season? Put that money in a fund towards a down payment on your house. Hold off on any major purchases that are not necessary and use that money towards your dream home.

5. Prepare for the mortgage process.  Obtaining a home loan is a lot of work. Get your financial records in order ahead of time to relieve some of the stress. Pull together pay stubs, W2s, bank statements, investment statements and insurance information.

Start these steps in the new year and you'll be on your way to a new home!

A very Merry Christmas from all of us at Coastal Design Builders!

Thank you for a wonderful year!

We're wishing you a blessed time with family and friends.  If you need a little help with small talk this holiday...here are a few pieces of Christmas trivia you may enjoy!

1. The typical Christmas tree grows for 15 years before it is ready to be cut and sold.
2. Alabama was the first state to officially recognize Christmas as a holiday - in 1836.
3. The earliest Christmas trees were decorated with apples.
4. Americans send on average 1.5 billion Christmas cards.
5. "Jingle Bells" was originally written for Thanksgiving.
6. For Santa to visit all the homes he needs to on Christmas Eve, he would have to visit 822 homes a second.
7. The best selling Christmas song is "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.
8. Ebenezer Scrooge's original catch phrase was "Bah Christmas" - then changed to "Bah Humbug".
9. If someone was to receive all of the gifts from the 12 Days of Christmas you would receive 364 gifts.
10. The busiest shopping days of the year are the Friday and Saturday before Christmas.

Happy Holidays!