Tax Tips for transferees, homeowners and other movers and shakers

TAX TIPS FOR TRANSFEREES, HOMEOWNERS AND OTHER MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Whether you moved because you got a new job, were transferred by your employer, became a first time homeowner or perhaps up sized or down sized - there might be some deductions you overlooked!

We all know about deducting those interest payments every year - mainly because our mortgage companies send us statements - but look through this list of tips if you actually changed residences in 2013.

The best advice is always to consult a professional and get it right the first time, but go to this link below to get some reminders of things you might have overlooked and forgotten to tell even the professionals!

Click HERE to see ALL the details

How to Pack Odd-Shaped Items when you are moving

How to Pack Odd-Shaped Items when you are moving

                                                                                                     

David Shapiro from North American Van Lines provides another segment for our blog........

When it comes time to moving to a new home, one of the most time-consuming activities is packing up your belongings. It can become even more difficult when the items you’re packing are odd shaped or fragile. David offers some great tips for packing some of those odds balls such as:

Framed art

China and glass stemware

Sculptures

Stringed instruments

Mirrors

Lampshades

Go to this link HERE for all the details ..............and get packing!

Central Indiana Transit Bill Update

inShare

Central Indiana Transit Bill Update

This issue has been thoroughly debated for many years and after a summer study committee in 2013 proposed and passed transit legislation, SB 176 was amended and passed the Senate on February 4, 2014 by a vote of 28-20. The Speaker of the House indicated "it's going to need some work", however, progress is being made. This bill is subject to change throughout the legislative process.

Also known as Senate Bill 176 - it provides for the establisment or expansion of public tranportation services in elegible counties through public questions placed on the ballot under ordinances adopted by the fiscal body of the eligible county.

See the complete article HERE

Get more details, proposed routes at the consumer webiste HERE

February and March Happenings in Indiana

February and March Happenings in Indiana

Follow the links below for more information - still plenty to get out and do, despite the weather!

Name	Date	Days	Start Day	City
Heartland Creative Arts & Craft Show	2/13/14  2/16/14	4	Thu	Merrilville, IN
Indiana Art Fair	2/14/14  2/15/14	2	Fri	Indianapolis, IN
Shipshewana On The Road	2/15/14  2/16/14	2	Sat	South Bend, IN
Parke County Maple Syrup Fair	2/22/14  3/2/14	9	Sat	Rockville, IN
23rd Annual Maple Syrup Festival 2014	2/22/14  2/23/14	2	Sat	Salem, IN
Women's Club Of Newburgh Arts & Crafts Show	2/22/14	1	Sat	Newburgh, IN
Spring Fling Craft Show	3/1/14	1	Sat	Elkhart, IN
Spring Fling Vendor & Craft Show	3/2/14	1	Sun	Schererville, IN
Indiana Heritage Quilt Show	3/6/14  3/8/14	3	Thu	Bloomington, IN
Fiber Fest & Spin-in	3/7/14  3/8/14	2	Fri	Portland, IN
Shipshewana On The Road	3/8/14  3/9/14	2	Sat	Kokomo, IN
Dugger Gun And Knife Show	3/8/14  3/9/14	2	Sat	Dugger, IN
Spring Jam Craft & Vendor Fundraiser	3/8/14	1	Sat	Hobart, IN
Springtime In Indiana Art, Craft & Gift Showcase	3/15/14  3/16/14	2	Sat	Noblesville, IN
Shipshewana On The Road	3/15/14  3/16/14	2	Sat	Valparaiso, IN
Spring Jam Lafayette Craft & Vendor Fundraiser	3/22/14	1	Sat	Lafayette, IN
Shipshewana On The Road	3/29/14  3/30/14	2	Sat	Fort Wayne, IN
Peace Zone Arts & Crafts Show	3/29/14	1	Sat	Evansville, IN
Hello Spring Craft Show, O.c.c.	3/29/14	1	Sat	Elkhart, IN

Announcing Your Move To Your Family

Announcing Your Move to Your Family

a guest blog by David Shapiro with North American Van Lines

Making the decision to move is often difficult for many of us. Whether it’s for a new job, to be closer to (or farther from) the in-laws, or just an adventure, it’s a lot of work to pack up your home, find a new school, get adjusted to a new city, etc., and the change that comes with moving can also be intimidating. Add to that the prospect of telling your family and friends you’re moving away and you may feel loaded down with stress before packing even one box.

Get the complete list of tips HERE 

Tips on :  How to break the news, feelings, questions, plans and more

  

Change is often scary, but it’s exciting too. You can help ease your friends and family members’ feelings toward this change when you approach it with honesty, forthrightness, and a good attitude.

---

David Shapiro is a marketing relocation specialist for moving companies like North American Van Lines. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, and rock climbing.

The Annual Indianapolis Home Show

There is snow on the ground and frigid temps - must be time for The Annual Indianapolis Home Show!!!

From January 24th through February 2nd - get out of the cold and get inspired by the Fischer Homes centerpiece Home and all the vendors selling their wares to make your life and home what you'd always dreamed.

For more details click HERE
Discounts, celebrity sightings, vendors, etc

Be sure to visit us at our Prudential Indiana Realty booth right by the entrance to the centerpiece home. Enter the drawing for a $250.00 gift card!

Just for fun - here is a time lapse video of the construction process for the Centerpiece home. Quite the feat!

http://vimeo.com/82982101

The Hoosier Wine Market - yes there is!!!

The Hoosier Wine Market - yes there is!!!

Believe it or not - the Hoosier wine market has been expanding.  More and more wineries have opened operations and there is even a designated Indiana Uplands American Viti-cultural Area (AVA) in Southern Indiana.   I personally drive by a vineyard that has appeared over the last few years on Carroll Rd on the far east side of Marion County.

I've enjoyed a little music while sipping wine outside of Easley Wineries in downtown Indy, heard a lot of great things about Chateau Thomas in Plainfield, and I wouldn't be a card carrying IU grad if I hadn't spent time at Oliver Winery in Bloomington.

I'm not much of a connoisseur myself, but I'm always open to a learning experience.  Monarch Beverage is offering an in-home wine tasting educational program.  The program is called "Tasting Life".  You buy the wine package at one of their distributors and then set up a time and Monarch provides the wine expert for a one hour session.  You learn about the winery, tasting notes, vineyard facts, etc.  The wine expert comes free of charge!

The program covers 4 different wine series : Red Varietal, International Varietal, Domestic Varietal and Indiana series.  Get a group together and dive into a new culture!

Get more details at their website HERE.  Then you can say The Hoosier Wine Market - yes there is!!

Cheers!

50 years ago.....

50 years ago....

If you do the math - that translates to 1964.  I myself was in Kindergarten, but most of this still sounds familiar.  It also happened to be a leap year.

President Johnson declares "War on Poverty" - Medicare and Medicaid were eventually created. (still fighting that same war)

Beatlemania hit the States when they arrived at Kennedy Airport for their first U.S. tour. (And I just saw Paul McCartney on a talk show talking about his 11 year old child....hmmm...)  BTW - they appeared at the Indiana State Fair that year.

The first Mustang was produced by Ford with a price of $2,368.00 with low expectations.  (A pleasant surprise for sure)

Sidney Portier was first African American to win an Oscar. (Can you name the movie?)

Demonstrations against the Vietnam War in NYC

Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa.  He was released in 1990. This hero of human rights died last year - but his legacy will live on.

A.J. Foyt won the 48th running of the Indianapolis 500.  There was also a 7 car pile up that killed 2 drivers.

President Johnson (he was busy that year!) signs Civil Rights Act and abolishes racial segregation in schools.

"Bewitched" premiers on ABC and will run through 1972.  (Can you wiggle your nose?)

President Johnson (again) is elected to a second term with largest popular vote in history (61%)

The first Pink Panther CARTOON short (by Fritz Freleng) wins an Academy Award

50 years ago.....Perhaps you were familiar with all these things, maybe you learned about some in history class.  It was a different world back then before the internet.....we learned about things by reading the paper, listening to the radio or watching our black and white tv news broadcasts.

No Need to Hibernate in January! There are still things to do in Indiana.......

No need to hibernate in January (although with this -10 degree day, it's looking like a good option!.  There are still things to do in Indiana...  once you get shoveled out!

Indiana Green Expo

JANUARY 8, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, Indiana Convention Center
Description:	Indiana Green Expo will be held on January 8-10, 2014.... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

 

Indiana Home and Garden Show

JANUARY 10, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, The Indiana Convention Center, Hall H
Description:	Welcome to the Indiana Home and Garden Show presented at the Indianapolis Convention Center. The Indiana Home and Garden Show brings... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Commercial

 

Northwest Indiana Bridal Expo

JANUARY 12, 2014

Location:	Valparaiso, IN, Porter County Expo Center
Description:	This is THE premier bridal event in Northwest Indiana returning to the Porter County Expo Center for the fifth consecutive year.... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Commercial

 

Indianapolis Woodworking Show

JANUARY 17, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, Indiana State Fairgrounds Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion
Description:	This is an best opportunity to evaluate, manage, test, and compare all the tools, equipment and products needed to pursue his... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Food ·                            Commercial

 

Valley RV and Camping Show

JANUARY 17, 2014

Location:	South Bend, IN, Century Center Convention Complex
Description:	This RV show offers a great opportunity to promote your products or destination to a wide range of consumers. Hours: Friday,... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

Indianapolis Home Show

JANUARY 24, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, Indiana State Fairgrounds
Description:	Find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling, home improvement and decor with hundreds of experts all... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Commercial

 

Outdoor Sports Lake and Cabin Show

JANUARY 24, 2014

Location:	Fort Wayne, IN, Memorial Coliseum
Description:	The Outdoor Sports, Lake and Cabin Show is currently seeking sponsors/partners for naming presenting rights for the show as well as... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

 

Ladies Day Out--Shop for a Cause

JANUARY 25, 2014

Location:	South Bend, IN, American Legion
Description:	Ladies join us for a day out. Enjoy Chocolate, Coffee, and a day of fun with all your favorite vendors and... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Commercial

 

Mid-America Motorcyle Expo

JANUARY 25, 2014

Location:	Evansville, IN, Evansville Auditorium and Convention Center
Description:	The location of the Mid America Motorcycle expo make it a winner. The central location allow us to draw from the... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

 

Indianapolis Golf Show

JANUARY 25, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, Indiana Convention Center
Description:	Indianapolis Golf Show will be held on January 25-26, 2014. Show features a host of challenging skills competitions, stage presentations and... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

 

Greater Kokomo Winter Bridal Gala

JANUARY 26, 2014

Location:	Kokomo, IN, Sycamore Sports
Description:	Event will be held on Sunday January 26, 2014. 25+ Exhibitors and 100 Brides will gather for the Greater Kokomo Winter... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Art ·                            Craft ·                            Commercial

 

Fort Wayne RV and Camping Show

JANUARY 30, 2014

Location:	Fort Wayne, IN, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Description:	Join us at this RV show which offers a great opportunity to promote your products or destination to a wide range... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:	·                            Commercial

 

Castleton Square Mall Art and Craft Show

JANUARY 31, 2014

Location:	Indianapolis, IN, Castleton Square Mall
Description:	Show will be held on 31-Jan through 2-Feb, 2014. Featuring exhibitors displaying and selling quality handmade works such as art, craft... View more detail »
Types of Vendor:

Indiana Housing Market 2013

Indiana Housing Market - A look back

The Indiana Association of Realtors just released some great information and graphs about the performance of our housing market in 2013.

Here are couple links to 2 different reports.  For those of you that love graphs and numbers - this will make your day!  It's like looking at an EEG for the housing market.

The first compiles the entire state of Indiana into the statistics:

http://www.indianarealtors.com/Uploads/Market-Reports/Current/Statewide_Housing_Market_Overview_December_23_2013.pdf

The second gives information based on each individual county.  You can click on the County name to get even more detail:

https://10kresearch.s3.amazonaws.com/iniar-z6fSb7ye7C/01.htm

Find out about your biggest investment................

Indiana School Grades Released

Indiana School Grades Released....

The state’s accountability grading system measures student performance and growth in standardized tests, along with graduation rates and college or career readiness for older students. Continually failing schools are at risk of state takeover.

The following link will take you to the list of all public, private and parochial schools in the State of Indiana and it shows their last 3 years ratings for comparison purposes.

Indiana School Grades

There is ongoing debate as to the validity and use of this information - but HAVING the information is a start.  

Is Your Home Showing It's Age?

Is Your Home Showing It's Age?

Getting older is hard on everyone and everything.  Taking care of yourself keeps you feeling and looking younger.  The same goes for your home.  Spending a little money now can save you an expensive repair in the future and also keep your home looking younger than it's actual age.

There is a thing in the appraisal world called "effective age".  A 30 year old home might have an "effective age" of 5-10 because it has a new roof, updated fixtures, appliances and mechanicals - thus making it comparable to homes much younger.

A house with deferred maintenance can lose 10% of it's value.  Good maintenance can add value (possibly 1% per year).

HouseLogic recommends focusing on the number one enemy of all homes...... Water.  Yes, that thing that sustains life, can also destroy your biggest investment.

Water can destroy foundations, walls, roofs, floors.  So, here's a good suggestion for that next rainy day...when it has ruined your other plans....
Pay attention - are your gutters overflowing?  Is water coming out of your downspouts flowing away from your house or is is draining toward your foundation?
When it stops raining - do a quick check of your attic ceiling (looking for roof leaks), basement, windows, ceilings....looking for puddles, stained plywood, etc
MOST IMPORTANTLY - if you discover a problem, fix it NOW.  Believe me, you do not want to see the estimates for repairing a long standing water intrusion problem that has now led to wood rot, deterioration and/or mold....that dreaded 4 letter word!

Those days when you are running around your house changing all your clocks to spring forward or fall back is also a good time to check on all those water related appliances - washer, refrigerator, water heater, HVAC, sump pump, dishwasher.  Also - might throw in the outdoor spigots and irrigation system if you have one.  Again - if you find an issue, fix it NOW.  I guarantee a cost savings versus fixing it when something finally breaks or falls apart.

Here are some other fun winter projects for those of us that deal with cabin fever during the cold/snow seasons:
1.  Clean the lint out of the dryer vent.  Your machine will last longer and work more efficiently
2.  Caulk and seal basement windows
3.  Check ductwork for leaks that are wasting energy
4.  Re-caulk the seam between your backsplash and wall in kitchen to keep moisture out
5.  Be sure paint in bathrooms is moisture resistant

So, be sure to ask yourself - Is Your Home Showing It's Age?  If so - make a New Years resolution to get your house in shape.   You won't have to buy a gym membership or get a treadmill it will never use.

Finally - here's a financial suggestion that can make all these possible repairs, maintenance and upgrades less stressful.  Keep a home maintenance fund.  Experts say you should save 1-2% of your initial home price per year to pay for these items. For example, a $200K home means you should save $4K for these items. Yikes - that seems like a lot.  Most items will be small potatoes...but what about that roof?  Siding?  HVAC? Sure would be nice to have the money on hand rather than having to default to a credit card or home equity loan.  We just started this concept.  We aren't hitting that 2% mark, but we are putting a little something every month in a separate savings account.  We haven't had any repairs - but we have been able to pay for some wanted upgrades!