Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Create an Emergency Plan

❏

Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Explain how to respond to each.

❏

Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

❏

Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

❏

Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.

❏

Show family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches when necessary.

❏ Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.

❏ Teach children how and when to call 911, police and fire.

❏ Instruct household members to turn on the radio for emergency information.

❏ Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated during a disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).

❏ Teach children your out-of-state contact’ s phone numbers.

❏ Pick two emergency meeting places. 1) A place near your home in case

of a fire. 2) A place outside your neighbor-

hood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.

❏ Take a basic first aid and CPR class. ❏ Keep family records in a water and

fire-proof container.

Prepare a Disaster

Supplies Kit

Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Storetheminaneasy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle bag.

Include:

❏ A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.

❏ A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.

❏ Achangeofclothing,raingearand sturdy shoes.

❏ Blankets or sleeping bags. ❏ A first aid kit and prescription

medications.

❏ An extra pair of glasses.

❏ A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

❏ Credit cards and cash.

❏ An extra set of car keys.

❏ A list of family physicians.

❏ A list of important family informa- tion; the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.

❏ Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

 

Top 10 Tuesday's: Top 10 Moving Mistakes That Can Cost You

#1: Moving Without a Plan

Whether you're trekking across the country or simply shifting across the street, moving is a big job that takes considerable preparation. If you think you can throw everything in boxes and onto a truck at the last minute, you're bound to overlook important details and make costly mistakes. To alleviate the stress of last-minute planning and packing, stay on schedule with a moving checklist. As early as 60 days before your move, start getting estimates from movers, gathering packing supplies, and making travel arrangements. Be diligent in checking off the tasks on your list; time will be at a premium on the days leading up to your move, so the more you can get done in advance the better

#2: Hiring the Wrong Moving Company

A quality moving company can save you a lot of the time, stress and muscle strain it takes to tackle a do-it-yourself move. However, not all movers are created equal -- hire an undependable company, and you might actually add stress to your move. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure your movers are legit. Use these tips to choose a reliable moving company:

• Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
• Check out the company's licenses, credentials and track record. Look for the company's U.S. Department of Transportation license and their Motor Carrier number on their website. Find out if the company is a member of the American Moving & Storage Association or another industry trade association. Check with the Better Business Bureau for many unresolved complaints about the movers.
• Get in-home estimates from at least three companies. Movers need to see your stuff to give you a truly accurate estimate, so skip estimates over the phone or internet.
• Don't hire a mover that offers a too-good-to-be-true rate.
• Avoid movers that require large deposits or down payments.

#3: Not Setting a Budget

It's easy to get caught up in the costs of selling your home and buying a new one, but don't overlook the costs associated with moving. Besides the obvious expenses -- a moving van or crew, boxes and tape -- there are lots of little expenses along the way that can wreak havoc on your wallet if you're not prepared for them. For example, while you're calculating the costs of moving your stuff, keep in mind the cost of moving yourself: If you're traveling a long distance, factor in costs for transportation, lodging and meals on the road.

And don't forget to save your receipts -- they might save you money after your move. If you relocated for a new full-time job at least 50 miles away from your previous home, you can deduct the cost of packing, transporting or storing your household goods from next year's tax return.

#4: Packing Poorly

Let's face it: Packing is a pain. But so are the last-minute hassles and possible property damage you'll face if you don't take the time to pack your belongings correctly. If you can fit it in your budget, your moving company can save you time and stress by packing your items for you. But if you choose to box up your own belongings, follow these quick tips to pack like a pro:

• Invest in quality packing materials. Boxes designed specifically for moving will help keep your belongings safe and secure.
• Label your boxes. Make unpacking easier by labeling each box with the room it belongs in, plus a short description of its contents.
• Know what not to pack. Movers won't touch flammable items, perishable foods or plants.
• Pack a moving survival kit. This box should contain toiletries, medications and other necessities and should stay with you -- not with the moving truck. You should also transport valuable and irreplaceable items yourself, such as jewelry, family heirlooms and important documents.
• Don't wait until the last minute. Pack a few boxes a day so you don't get overwhelmed.

#5: Not Understanding Your Insurance Options

Even with the most careful movers, accidents can happen -- and when they do happen, typical moving insurance may not be of much help. Basic carrier liability, which is the minimum coverage required by law and is included in the price of your move, pays about 60 cents per pound for damaged goods. That means if your 20-pound plasma TV breaks in transit, you'll be reimbursed $12 -- even if you paid $800 for it last year. If you want the peace of mind that your goods will be replaced if broken, you'll need to purchase additional coverage. First, check your homeowner's insurance to see if it covers damages that occur in transit. If it doesn't, explore other options to find one that fits your needs and your budget.

#6: Withholding Details From Your Moving Company

You can never be too honest with your movers. When getting in-home estimates, show them everything you plan on moving so they can give you an accurate quote. If there are any factors at your new home that might affect the move -- say, a narrow driveway or a steep set of stairs to the front door -- be sure to disclose these details to your movers as well. Most obstacles are not insurmountable, but you'll be charged extra for them later if you don't tell your movers upfront.

#7: Hastily Signing Off on the Moving Inventory

This important document proves that all of the items from your old home were packed and put on the truck. When the movers arrive at your new residence, check every item on the inventory sheet before you sign off -- if you hurriedly confirm that everything arrived intact, you'll have a hard time backtracking when you notice your favorite flatware is missing. If you notice any damages or missing items before the movers leave, alert them and make a note on the inventory sheet or Bill of Lading. If they offer to settle on the spot, politely decline. You may end up underestimating the damages.

#8: Forgetting About Fido

If you're moving with pets, don't forget to make any special arrangements needed for your furry friends. Make travel plans well in advance: If you are flying, reserve a space for your pet at least three to four months prior because flights have limits on how many pets they can carry. If you are driving, make sure your dog has somewhere to sleep at night -- you don't want to start searching for pet-friendly lodging after a long day's drive. The commotion of moving day will likely be stressful for your pets, so consider asking a friend or a professional to care for them while you're loading up the moving van. At the very least, designate a safe spot for your pets where they'll be out of the way of the movers.

#9: Moving Things You Don't Need

Whether or not we admit it, most of us are packrats. Rather than parting with all the junk we never use before a move, we'd rather box it up and haul it to our new homes. But transporting items you don't need will make your move more expensive if you're using a moving company (movers often base their price on how much stuff you're shipping) and more difficult if you're moving yourself (why lift extra boxes if you don't have to?). Before you start packing, get rid of anything you don't currently use or won't be necessary in your new home. You can hold a garage sale to make some extra cash to put toward moving expenses, or you can give your things away to friends, family or charity.

#10: Not Timing Your Move

Summer is the busiest time for moving, and the best moving companies get booked well in advance. Waiting until the last minute to plan a summer move can mean getting stuck with a second-rate mover -- or no mover at all. If you can postpone your move to the fall or winter, you'll have a much easier time hiring a great mover at a low rate. But if a summer move is unavoidable, don't procrastinate on planning. Start getting estimates from movers three to four months before your moving day.

Visit us at: www.TheCoreGroupFL.com

Listing Sneak Peak!

This is a sneak peak at a new listing that will be the MLS tomorrow represented by The Core Group. It is tucked away in Winter Springs on a tree lined street with conservation and a walking trail on the backside. Stay tuned for pricing and interior pictures. 

All of my listings are Featured Properties

on Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Frontdoor.com, Trulia.com, and many more... http://ht.ly/2vfey

Spectacular custom home in gated Tuscawilla community of Wicklow Greens. Located on .46 acres on the golf course, this 4 bedroom pool home professionally decorated by Saxon Clark is sure to impress with exquisite details, character and quality throughout. As you enter the home the hard wood floors welcome you to the fine Dining area and gracious Living Room that overlooks the covered lanai. The expansive master suite has trey ceilings, crown molding and a spacious sitting area. The spectacular master bathroom is complete with travertine floors, granite countertops, large walk in shower and garden tub. The kitchen is a chef's delight and includes top of the line stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, island with prep sink, breakfast bar and convection oven. The kitchen is open to the grand Family Room with gas fireplace and Transom windows. Enjoy your days relaxing by the picturesque pool with stone waterfall and hot tub with gas heater and dining outside on your covered lanai with flagstone flooring. Two additional bedrooms and bathrooms are also located on the main floor. The upstairs suite is impressive with huge Bonus Room, extra den and additional bedroom and bathroom. Additional features include 3 car garage and study with built in shelving. Call today to schedule a showing.

Top 10 Tax Tips for Homeowners

By FrontDoor.com | 

Published: 3/14/2008

Some of the best perks of owning a home are the tax breaks. Know what expenses you can deduct, and understand how new laws affect you. If you're currently renting, consider the tax advantages of homeownership. This may be the time to buy a home. Remember to consult your tax advisor.

1. Deduct mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
   Interest paid on home loans is deductible up to $1 million for a principal residence plus a second home. Property taxes on all real estate are fully deductible. 
   Mortgage interest and real estate taxes are deductible

2. If you bought a home this year, deduct any money paid toward points or origination fees. You cannot deduct closing costs.
   Points paid on a new mortgage loan for the purchase or improvement of a principal residence are deductible for the year in which they were paid.
   Tax deductions for first-year home owners

3. If you refinanced your mortgage this year or took out a loan to buy a second home or investment property, deduct any points you paid equally over the life of the loan.
   Any points paid on a refinanced mortgage or a loan to purchase a second home or income property must be spread over the life of the loan. Some exceptions apply.
   How to deduct points from a refinanced mortgage or loan for a second home

4. Deduct private mortgage insurance (PMI).
   Taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less can fully deduct premiums for private mortgage insurance (PMI). The deduction is allowable only for insurance on loans that were originated after Dec. 31, 2006, and before Jan. 1, 2011.
   Deduct PMI from taxes

5. If you moved 50 miles or more for a new job, deduct moving expenses. 
   If you relocated for a new full-time job at least 50 miles away from your previous home, you can deduct the cost of packing, transporting or storing your household goods.
   Tax deductible moving expenses

6. If you sold your house this year, see if you're subject to a capital gains tax.
   If the profit you received from the sale of your house is under $500,000 for married couples or $250,000 for single owners, you are exempt from the capital gains tax. 
   Sellers could be exempt from Capital Gains tax

7. Home improvements and mortgage closing costs are not tax deductible. But, when you sell your house, they can be used to offset your capital gains tax burden, should you have one.
   Keep all receipts of permanent home improvements and mortgage closing costs so they can be figured into the adjusted cost basis of your home when you go to sell.
   Remodel your way to tax deductions

8. If you did a short sale this year, the debt forgiven by your lender can be excluded from your taxable income.
   Thanks to a new law, you can exclude debt up to $2 million if it was discharged by the lender in 2007, 2008 or 2009.
   Learn how forgiven mortgage debt can be excluded from taxable income

9. Take advantage of energy efficiency tax credits.
   Going green is good for the environment and your wallet. You can qualify for a tax credit with documentation of energy efficient updates to your home. 
   Go green to save green

10. If your home was damaged from a sudden, unexpected event, such as a natural disaster, fire, vandalism, or theft, deduct some of the loss.
    You may deduct all expenses not covered by your homeowner's insurance, minus a $100 deductible and 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. 
    Get tax relief after a natural disaster or theft
    

Zillow.com Advice

On Trulia.com, anyone can post questions and have agents and real estate professional answer their questions. This is concerning a very frustrated woman who has made 3 offers on a bank owned property to no avail. Come to find out the listing agent wrote an offer for one of his own buyers and their offer was accepted and was less than her final offer. She becomes slanderous of the other agent in her question (which is why I'm not posting her question verbatim), but I attempt to get to the bottom and find a solution.

Here was my response:
It is extremely difficult when dealing with banks, and circumstances (no responses) like what you have explained happen often in the reo world. I coach buyers in these situations to place their strongest offer initially because I have seen this happen often. Banks have many reasons they accept the offers they do, they are under no obligation to respond quickly to your offer, and they are not likely to negotiate with you, when you place a low offer in the first week or so of an REO listing. 

Here are a couple questions that could help us see why you did not have your offer accepted:

- How long was the property on the market?

- Was your offer a cash offer?

- What was the home worth to you? 


These are important, because if the property was on the market for a very short time, and you were willing to pay $65k for the home, your initial offer should have been between $60k and $65k. List price is essentially irrelevant in these situations because homes that scream value will sell at or above list price 95% of the time. 

note: Some banks require the home to be on the market a certain amount of days before they will even look at the offer. Often 10-13 days. 

Was your offer a cash offer? This is important because I have seen the banks accept offers, that are not necessarily the highest offer, because it is cash. This could be the situation on yours. This is why I encourage buyers to make a strong offer initially, because you can encourage the bank to make a quicker decision, drastically increasing your chances getting an offer accepted. 

I hope this helps. 


You can read her questions and other answers by clicking here.

On Location: Tuscawilla Golf & Country Club

 On our journey to cover everything around town that makes Winter Springs and

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Oviedo jive, we are making a stop in the heart of Tuscawilla. The Tuscawilla community began development in the early 1970's and the Country Club and Golf Course were built in 1973. Since this point in time the community has thrived, drawing residents from all over the country. 

    Having lived in the area for nearly 20 years I, personally have never golfed at the course but have been there for weddings and like events throughout the years. The country club has taken a strong role in marketing to new homeowners in the area and has teamed up with us at Coldwell Banker by giving 6-month memberships to new homeowners effective from the purchase date on their new homes. From what I have seen during the interviews and tours of the course, they will continue to attract new members because there is nothing not to like about the facility.  


The course has breathtaking views as you drive through the unexpected rolling-

Florida hills, there are activities for everyone, and a great staff as you will see in the video. If you are interested in more information or a tour of the course and facilities or having an event held on site let me know and I will gladly put you in touch with Lindsay Kaye, the Membership Director, or Kelly Besser, the Catering/Event Manager. 

Enjoy! 

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