Tina Dillon, Licensed Sales Associate: Ellicottville, New York Real Estate

Say Good Bye to Mold

March 6th, 2010 by admin

The word mold can strike terror in the hearts of home owners. It can cause health problems, especially for the ultra sensitive person. But consider this. Our homes are more tightly sealed than ever. They are warm and many of us add moisture either with humidifiers or everyday water uses. It’s the perfect setup for mold.

Mold is a fungus with hundreds of varieties. It’s pretty easy to spot in the bathroom but it could also be lurking in out of the way places such as a utility area, crawl space or basement. A leaking roof or water that stands near your home’s foundation can also be a contributor. If you see mold or just suspect it could be present, it’s time to take action.

Mold is quite fond of dark, dank places, so increase the air flow and bring in the sunshine whenever possible. After showering, run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 15 minutes. Use a dehumidifier in utility spaces and keep the fan running on your furnace. The constant air movement will not only be a deterrent to the mold, it will keep your home more comfortable. Moisture that pools near the foundation is destructive and can introduce mold to your home. Be sure gutters drain water away from the house and correct any problems from an air conditioning unit.

The most common place to spot mold is where the tub and wall meet in the bathroom. After showering, wipe this area dry. It only takes a minute. Regularly clean with a scrub brush and cleaners that are formulated to fight mold and bacteria. You can find them at your favorite grocery, hardware or home improvement center or visit a store that sells marine supplies. If all else fails, call in the experts.

If you are remodeling or building, you’ll be impressed with the many new materials on the market formulated to fight mold. They include everything from insulation and wallboard to caulking and paint.

Copyright PropertySource Network 2010

THANK YOU,
TINA J. DILLON, GRI
Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate

PUT #1 TO WORK FOR YOU

2009 #1 AGENT - UNITS SOLD AND LISTINGS MARKETED
2008 #1 AGENT - LISTINGS MARKETED

ERA VP REAL ESTATE
HOLIMONT REALTY ERA
Always There For You!

716-474-5646 Cell
716-743-5379 24 Hour Voice Mail
716-592-3680 Fax

tinadillon.com
tinadillon.net
MyEllicottville.com
DestinationEllicottville.com

Property Value

February 12th, 2010 by admin

If you are considering the sale of your property, but are unsure of its value, contact me at (716) 474-5646. As a Realtor®, and member of the Multiple Listing Service®, I receive ongoing training in how to determine the current value of real estate. I have a successful history of assisting sellers in your community for over 20 years. I’m just a call or click away. Your success is my #1 priority!

THANK YOU,
TINA J. DILLON, GRI
Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate

PUT #1 TO WORK FOR YOU

2009 #1 AGENT - UNITS SOLD AND LISTINGS MARKETED
2008 #1 AGENT - LISTINGS MARKETED

ERA VP REAL ESTATE
HOLIMONT REALTY ERA
Always There For You!

716-474-5646 Cell
716-743-5379 24 Hour Voice Mail
716-592-3680 Fax

tinadillon.com
tinadillon.net
MyEllicottville.com
DestinationEllicottville.com

Home inspections

January 28th, 2010 by admin

GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS BILL TO SAVE PROPERTY TAXPAYERS MONEY

January 15th, 2010 by admin

Last week, Gov. David Paterson signed legislation into law to create a new tier of pension benefits for New York’s public employees. The measure brings landmark structural reforms to New York’s public retirement system that will save state and local governments nearly $35 billion over the next 30 years. Those reforms include: raising the minimum retirement age; increasing the minimum number of years of service required to draw a pension; and capping the amount of overtime that can be considered in the calculation of pension benefits. The cost to subsidize the current public retirement system have grown out of control and property taxpayers have been crippled by mounting property tax bills to support the system. REALTORS applaud the governor for making structural reforms to the pension system that will translate into meaningful savings to New York’s overburdened property taxpayers.

To learn more about this and other important issues concerning property owners give me a call. I’ll be happy to help you with all your Real Estate needs!

THANK YOU,
TINA J. DILLON, GRI
Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate

PUT #1 TO WORK FOR YOU

2009 #1 AGENT - UNITS SOLD AND LISTINGS MARKETED
2008 #1 AGENT - LISTINGS MARKETED

ERA VP REAL ESTATE
HOLIMONT REALTY ERA
Always There For You!

716-474-5646 Cell
716-743-5379 24 Hour Voice Mail
716-592-3680 Fax

tinadillon.com
tinadillon.net
MyEllicottville.com
DestinationEllicottville.com

Favorable market conditions…..finally!

November 18th, 2009 by admin

With current conditions being so favorable for property buyers, why not consider making an investment in real estate? Whether you are a first time buyer, or a seasoned real estate investor, you will benefit from my real estate knowledge and experience. Contact me today at (716) 474-5646 to arrange an initial meeting. The office is conveniently located at 12 Washington Street. With over 16 years of real estate experience, I will exceed your expectations!

Fall Fest Is This Weekend!!!!

October 6th, 2009 by admin

PREQUALIFYING BUYERS

July 7th, 2009 by admin

It’s not just the cosmetics anymore!!!!

July 3rd, 2009 by admin

UNDERGROUND ECONOMY - While the elements of a home that are most likely to draw the attention of prospective home buyers continue to be kitchens, working fireplaces, woodfloors, spacious master bedrooms, and luxurious baths, house hunters are also increasingly taking notice of basements and utility rooms. That is tosay that rising energy costs have shifted buyer attention to the morefunctional elements of the home’s systems, such as the heating and air-conditioning units, the hot-water heater, the electrical system, and the plumbing. With this in mind, smart sellers agents are advising their clients to either upgrade these systems or optimize their working order so that they can be showcased as energy-efficient features that help close sales. Due to the increasing costs of heating and air conditioning, those numbers are important to prospective buyers. Having the systems inspected, and updating or improving their efficiency if necessary may be appropriate when getting a property ready for sale. To assure that you receive the best return for your real estate investment, contact me at (716) 474-5646. I have a successful track record of assisting sellers. Whether you are selling property “as is”, or you are considering investing in some improvements prior to marketing your home, I can help. I will exceed your expectations!

HINT: Adding insulation to the attic is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that sellers can make to boost the energy efficiency of their homes and lower heating/cooling costs.

The Sky isn’t falling…home prices are.

April 1st, 2009 by admin

Now is the time to buy…you make your money when you purchase a home, not when you sell.

Spring into these deals! The fabulous real estate market is no April’s Fool’s joke!

Key points to purchasing a home:

1. Don’t let fancy decor and furnishings dazzle you. Look beyond to the serious questions that need answered.

2. First visit: Decide if the following is right for you: Floor plan, kitchen and baths, is there a garage and the right size lawn? Now’s the time to start making a list of questions and taking notes.

3. Ask your agent for a Property Condition Disclosure and any inspections that have been done. They contain pertinent information about any repairs that will need to be made. Improvements/repairs can be costly and should be reflected in the homes price.

4. Now, take a second tour of the home. Go over your list. Make sure the neighborhood is right for you and contains the amenities that are important to you. Make sure you feel comfortable and safe in the neighborhood.

5. Once you make your decision, make another visit. Take in the general appearance of the house and it’s surroundings.

6. This time, get nosey! Check for leaks, condensation, deterioration. Check the heating, plumbing, electric, foundation and a/c.

7. Feel free to ask the agent how long the house has been on the market, and if you can speak with neighbors about the neighborhood.

8. Now sit back, relax and leave the rest of the work to your Real Estate Professional.

Always there for you,
Tina Dillon
ERA VP Real Estate
716-474-5646
tdillon@ellicottville.com

First-Time Homebuyer Federal Tax Credit

January 30th, 2009 by admin

As part of the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008” that was recently signed into law, Congress has created a new, temporary federal income tax credit to provide an incentive for first-time homebuyers.

The highlights of this federal tax credit are as follows:

• The amount of the federal tax credit is for 10% of the cost of the home, up to a maximum credit of $7,500. In essence, this is an interest-free loan that enables consumers to receive a tax credit on a dollar-for-dollar basis on their personal income tax return in the calendar year following the year of closing on their home. They begin paying the tax credit back the year after that and make equal installments during the next 15 years. If the homeowner sells the home at any point during the 15-year payback period, then the remaining amount is recaptured, unless they sell the home at a loss, at which point the balance is forgiven.

e.g., If a home costs $65,000, the allowable credit would be $6,500. If a home costs $120,000, then the allowable credit would be $7,500.

• Eligibility is for first-time homebuyers only. In this case, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who has not owned a primary home at any time during the past three years, but who may have done so previously. Although certain income limits do apply, the amount of the credit is the same for all taxpayers, married or single.

• Individuals, whose Form 1040 filing status is single (or head of household),
are eligible for the tax credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Individuals who file a joint return may have no more than $150,000 in income.

• Individuals with incomes between $75,001 and 94,999 (single) or $150,001 and $169,999 (joint returns) are eligible for a partial tax credit.

• Individuals with incomes greater than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (joint return) are not eligible for this tax credit.

• The federal income credit can be claimed on one’s individual or joint tax return for the purchase of any single-family home between April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009. Individuals should consult a
professional tax advisor for exact tax calculations.

e.g., If an individual’s actual tax liability was $5,000, then after the tax credit is applied the purchaser would receive a total refund of $2,500. The refundable amount is the difference between the $7,500 tax credit and the amount of one’s tax liability.

e.g., If an individual’s actual tax refund was $2,000, then after the tax credit is applied the purchaser would receive a total refund of $9,500.

• This tax credit is required to be repaid without interest in equal installments of 6.67% of the total credit each year for 15 years begin¬ning the year after the tax credit is claimed.
e.g., If a homebuyer claims the $7,500 credit in 2009 on their federal income tax return for a closing that occurred in 2008, then the credit is received in 2009, so repayment begins in 2010 with an annual repayment amount of approximately $500 a year.

Always there for you,
Tina Dillon
ERA VP Real Estate
716-474-5646