Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Texas Energy Star Sales Tax holiday is THIS weekend!


Just in from the Comptrollers Office:

Texas' fourth-annual ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday this Memorial Day weekend is a great time to purchase new energy efficient appliances without paying state or local sales taxes on qualifying items.

"When you buy an appliance that is ENERGY STAR rated, you will not only save the sales tax, you will also save on your monthly utility bills by reducing your water and energy use," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said.

Grow Your Energy Savings The ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday begins on Saturday, May 28, at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) at 11:59 p.m. The tax savings apply to the following appliances and household equipment bearing the ENERGY STAR label: central or room air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less, refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent light bulbs; clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and *programmable thermostats.

More information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the tax holiday are available at www.texaspowerfulsmart.org. For exemption information on associated fees, please see Delivery and Installation Charge FAQs.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Qualifying products display the ENERGY STAR logo on the appliance, the packaging or the Energy Guide label. Clothes dryers are not included in the sales tax holiday because they use similar amounts of energy; therefore, the program does not label clothes dryers. For details on products, visit www.energystar.gov.

* ENERGY STAR specification of programmable thermostats was suspended on December 31, 2009; however, any existing stock of ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostats offered for sale by retailers is still eligible for the exemption.

A pet friendly house

Our client care coordinator, Grady, asked that we share this great article from REALTOR® magazine with 4 steps to a pet-friendly house. As a special bonus, there is a side panel in the article having to do with REALTORS® favorite staging accessories.

With the local temps already in the triple digits, Grady wants to remind everyone to keep their pets cool and well hydrated, and to NEVER leave them unattended in the car!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The May 2011 Housing Trends Report


The May 2011 Housing Trends Report is now available for your review. Check out the report here - and remember - when you talk with someone you like that needs help buying or selling real estate (ANYWHERE!), think of us first, pick up your cell phone, and give us a call!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Uncommon ways to increase your credit score



The all important credit score - it's always changing and the scoring methods are always being adjusted a bit. It's always great to have a few tips on how to increase your score - and this article has 5 uncommon ways that you can increase yours.

Check out the article here - and when it's time to consider buying a home, think of us first, pick up your phone, and call us!