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Tax Resolutions for 2012

Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.

Whether it’s your only resolution or just one of a few, sticking to your new year’s tax resolutions throughout the whole year is the trick to being successful. And just like resolving to be healthy during the year will have you in better shape for the future, following your financial resolutions can make tax time far easier next year.

Use these tips to help build a successful approach to your tax resolution.

• Get started now. Procrastination can be your downfall – it often happens that the longer you put something off, the more daunting a task it seems. And the last thing anyone needs is an excuse to be more overwhelmed by the thought of working on taxes. If you know that you struggle with preparing your return, make the call to a professional who can help you. But again, don’t wait – tax preparers’ appointment books fill up fast during tax season.
• Set up a filing system – and stick to it. The flurry of paperwork is stressful enough when you’re doing your taxes – not being able to find a necessary slip of paper only makes it worse. Create files for receipts and other documents and be sure to keep them updated. If you want to go digital, use a scanner to file everything neatly away in specialized folders on your computer. Click here to read more. 

Want to rent your home?

Let us assist you in finding the ideal rental property in Atlanta to call home!

Gordon Street Realty, LLC pledges to offer each and every one of our clients the utmost in personalized service. We exclusively specialize in well maintained residential properties throughout the Atlanta Metro areas. All too often emotion gets in the way when working directly with a homeowner and working with our professional management company will keep the process positive and professional. Let our team (a staff of top performing and courteous agents) put their years of professional experience to work for you in locating the perfect rental home. Please keep in mind that when your needs change and your ready to make the transition and purchase a new homes, Gordon Street Realty will credit 1% of their commission towards your closing costs. Click here to read more.

Removing Popcorn Ceilings. Should You DIY?

Popcorn ceilings were wildly popular in the 1960s –1980s, at least among residential contractors. Left untouched for years they become unsightly, but removing the material can be expensive and, sometimes, hazardous.

The bad news:

• Popcorn ceiling material may contain asbestos. When disturbed (sanding, scraping), asbestos fibers release into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the risks… Click here to read more. 

Positive Housing Market Trends

Mortgage rates have hit record lows, which means housing affordability is at an all-time high. But are home buyers taking advantage of this opportunity? The latest real estate news suggests that potential home buyers are becoming actual home owners.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales for November increased 7.3 percent to the highest level in 19 months. The Pending Home Sales Index assesses the health of the real estate market by evaluating housing contract activity. An index of 100 is considered healthy; the November index sits at 100.1, up from the previous year’s November index of 94.5. The index hasn’t been this high since April 2010, when the then-upcoming deadline for the home buyer tax credit created an increased demand in the housing market. In today’s market, there might not be a tax credit incentivizing buyers, but there are record-low mortgage rates. Potential buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for the market to improve are finally signing contracts to take advantage of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage below 4 percent. Click here to read more.

Four simple ways to raise your credit score

Raising your credit score can improve your life in many ways. You’ll have access to cheaper mortgage rates, you’ll pay less for insurance, and you may even have a better shot at your dream job. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Know what’s going on.
Annual credit report.com allows you a free report from all three credit bureaus once a year. (Avoid other “free credit report” sites, which are really attempts to sell you something.) You’re also entitled to a free report if you’re turned down for credit. Dispute any misinformation that negatively impacts your score. Creditors have 30 days to verify their report or they must remove the negative information.

2. Pay your bills on time.
It may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how much one late payment can hurt you. To help avoid this, have your monthly bills withdrawn from your checking account automatically. If you’re ever unable to pay, don’t just ignore the bill. Call the creditor and try to work something out. Sometimes creditors forgo a negative report if you make a good faith effort to pay what you can. Click here to read more.

 

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