When you buy or sell a home there are both long term and short term tax consequences.  For most, this is a good thing.  For example, the one time costs of buying and selling- commissions, transfer taxes, escrow fees, et al, are deductible for most people in the year of the transaction.  (you should, of course, consult your own tax professional.  I am many things, chilluns, but I am not a tax guru!)

What does the IRS want to see as documentation for these expenses?  The HUD statement that was mailed to you sometime after the close of escrow.  Now, if you closed escrow on your home in December, no sweat.  But what of the people who closed escrow in January or February?  That bit of paper could be anywhere by now!  This week my Staff (some might call them my Minders) sent each of my 2009 buyers and sellers a copy of their HUD 1 statement. It is one more way we can be of service.

If you need a copy of your HUD 1 in order to file taxes there a couple things you can do.

1. Contact your escrow officer.  They must keep copies of all their documentation.
2. Contact your Realtor- they also keep copies of your file, however, they might need to order the file from their corporations storage facility

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

Yes, I know that is Superbowl Sunday.
Yes, I will have the TV tuned to the pregame festivities.
No, I don’t mind if you or your hubby pays more attention to the game than the house.

Here is the slide show!

Today, however, I got to blow off some steam with my ritual Saturday Morning hike. We are so lucky to have spectacular hiking moments from the front door.  

 If you have not tried the Beaudry Trail, I highly reccomend it!  The recent storms have rendered everything in the most brilliant shades of green and the "waterfall" is running cheerfully.  The summit has views, on one side, of the entire La Crescenta valley and, on the other side, Glendale, Burbank and the San Fernando Valley.  Breath taking.

To get to Beaudry Trail, take Canada north to Country Club and then to Beaudry terrace.  The trail head is where the debris basin meets the road.  If the homes all of sudden transform from 1940's character homes to 1970's split levels you've gone too far.  (yes, I am always the Realtor).  All the guides on the interwebs label this as a moderate hike.   Um, I guess so- but some of the steep sections (and there are quite a few) are short but killer.  The entire loop took us 2.5 hrs with a lot of time dallying at the top for pictures.

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

Here is a definition of e-waste from the Ca.Gov recycle website:

E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream.

The LA Citywide Children’s Christian Choir is sponsoring an e-waste program at Glendale Presbyterian Church.  Here are the details:

February 27, 2010
10 AM- 3 PM
Glendale Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
125 S. Louise

Bring any and all electronic equipment working or not.

TV’s, computers, computer monitors, keyboards, printers, speakers, phones, irons, microwaves, audio-visual equipment, rechargeable batteries, almost anything electronic.

Proceeds will help a child go on a Mission’s music tour to Europe

For more information call:
Peggy Richmond at the church office (818)242-8873 ext. 242

And then, the real estate market fell.

This luxury ground floor condo enjoys a patio and private entrance from the street. Dining, theaters and shopping in hip and happenin' Downtown Burbank are literally around the corner. The bright and open floor plan includes a great room, high ceilings and 2 generous bedrooms. Upgrades include Merbau Hardwood floors, Zodiak stone counters and stainless steel appliances.

 At $359,000 this is priced to sell, and is a tremendous value. 

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

My hands down favorite is presented by one of my favorite Realtors, Fran and Rowena.  This is a split leval Mid Century Awesome Cool home with original light fixtures, beamed ceilings and original flooring on the bottom leval. The home is in impeccable condition and will sell very fast.  Very. Fast.  $689,000 for 1891 sf on a sylvan 10,559 lot located on a quiet cul-de-sac in La Crescenta.  Kids who live here qualify for the fabulous Mountain Ave. Elementary school.  Call me to see it today!!!!
(click here if you want to see the virtual tour)

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

I had a delightful call this morning.  A brand, spanking new First Time Home Buyer called and said, “I want to buy a home, but I don’t know what to do.  I bought a book, I ask my friends and I am just confused.  I don’t want to make an expensive mistake.”

The call was delightful because this buyer was being so very, very smart.  She got a couple of recommendations on a Realtor to Trust (**ahem**, that would be moi) and she is starting to get her research done- her questions asked and answered- her ducks in a row.  This is very different than the buyer who blunders into an open house and buys blindly from a Realtor that may, or may not, have the buyers interests in mind.

I have a phenomenal section in my website for buyers called The Buyer’s Roadmap.  This is a series of articles designed to walk you through the process from deciding to buy to moving in.  If 2010 is your year to end the rental madness, click on in.  Remember, the Home Buyer Tax Credit is valid for homes in escrow by April 31, 2010.

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!! IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN!!

The last Excelsior home released back on market in the $400's sold in less than 24 hours!!

Details:

Unit# 472 1C floor-plan, south building, facing pool patio. 1361 SF, 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, corner unit and large master bedroom. 

HOA (Home Owners Association) $880 per month includes the following: Valet, 5 star concierge, 24 hr security, state of the art fitness center, pool, spa and steam shower, Club Room with outdoor fireside patio and BBQ, Earthquake and Fire Insurance, gas, trash and building maintenance, 2 parking spaces, plus storage.  We will pay 1/2 HOA for 2 years on this home!

at only $495,000 this is deal alert!!!  call me if you want to see…

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above

This is City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Sponsored Event:

Parents, enjoy a Friday night out while we take care of your kids. Games, movies and snacks will be provided. Children must be potty trained, and must be picked up by 11:00pm or a late fee will be charged.

Cost $20 per child.

Date: 1/22/10
Time: 6:00-11:00pm
Location: Sparr Heights Community Center
Address: 1601 Glencoe Way (near Fremont Elementary), 91208
Phone: 818-548-2187

Posted via email from Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada and Above