Archive for April, 2010
Cycling Lake Natoma in Folsom CA
April 18th, 2010 categories: Folsom Bridges, Folsom CA, Orangevale CA, Special Events
New Group Starting April 18th
A new group of cyclists is forming just in time to enjoy the spring weather in Folsom CA. For those of you haven’t been on a bike in years or are just learning about the trails in Folsom this will prove to be invaluable in many ways.
First of all, it will teach you about the trail system along the river and get you acquainted with the area from a hands-on point of view. Second, you will meet other cycling enthusiasts who share your excitement and who are about the same skill level. And third you will get the benefit of an experienced guide who can show you the ropes and make suggestions to enhance your ride.
Even though this ride is not technically a part of the Cycle Folsom group it is overseen by one of it’s experienced members. They schedule daily rides for the weekend warriors to day long distance rides for the seasoned cyclist. Another feature of this new riding group is that the pace is set by the slowest rider so there is no fear of not keeping up.
It meets at Bicycles Plus in Folsom, next to Karen’s Bakery at 10:30AM and will start at 11:00AM. It is scheduled to meet every Sunday and is open to all kinds of bicycles (except recumbent) and you must have a helmet and be 18yrs of age. Enjoy the spring weather and meet a new cycling friend!
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Folsom’s Double Rainbow
April 11th, 2010 categories: Folsom CA, Outdoor Activities, Special Events
Second Saturday in Folsom CA
The return of Second Saturday last night was a hit with local merchants enjoying the crowds and beautiful weather holding until this afternoon’s rain storm. The rain cleaned the air and left a beautiful double rainbow hovering over Sutter St. in historic downtown Folsom.
Another amazing feat is that parking on Sutter St. is possible. I actually found a place to park in front of Hop Sing Palace last night! The rennovation is starting to take shape and I’m looking forward to the finished product.
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Tax Credits, Home Improvements & Short Sales
April 1st, 2010 categories: Home buying, Real Estate, Short Sales, Tax Incentives
The National Assoc of Home Builders (NAHB) recently issued a handy fact sheet detailing the type of home improvements eligible for the $1500.00 tax credit. Homeowners can qualify when installing new energy efficient items on their home until Dec. 31, 2010. Items that qualify range from upgrading your insulation to installing new heating and air conditioning, replacing doors and windows and installing roofing systems that improve energy consumption.
The tax code (Section 25C) states that the credit is available for 30% or up to $1500.00 for a lifetime limit. If you’re in the process of building this is not something you can apply towards your building costs as it is specifically intended for existing principle homes. One thing to beware of is that not all Energy-Star rated products qualify for the tax credit, so check their website before you buy. Also, it prohibits most installation costs so keep that in mind when shopping.
Among the items included that don’t ordinarily come to mind are skylights, smart vents or whole house fans and wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts. I know what you’re thinking…wood burning stoves? In this valley? Yes, Martha, the manufacturers have vastly improved them to the point that some meet the federal requirements for efficiency and most importantly the tax credit. This is also an exception where the installation can be included so long as it is a requirement from the manufacturer to ensure safe functioning.
So how does all this relate to short sales? Well, if you’re in the process of purchasing a short sale it might not be a bad idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when doing your inspections. For example, if you find that the home you are considering needs new windows and your budget doesn’t allow for that after closing there are loans structured specifically for that need. Rolling the costs into the loan keeps cash in your pocket and the tax credit will help at the end of the year. Lenders who specialize in home improvement loans can walk you through the process.
One last thing to remember is to ask for the manufacturer’s certification that the item qualifies for the tax credit. The items installed must also meet the requirement that they remain in use for at least five years. For more information go to NAHB’s website at www.nahb.org/remodel
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