Hurricane Irene is heading for the Greater Fall River area!

Hurricane Irene is heading for the Greater Fall River area! Earlier this week I blogged about being prepared in the event of a hurricane. Well, today I found myself following my own advice. Hurricane Irene is bearing down on the east coast and forecasters are telling New Englanders to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. This morning I put away all my back yard and porch furniture, brought in the hanging plants, picked the ripened tomatoes, and took down the bird feeders. I also found my flashlights, check the batteries, located my old  battery operated transistor radio (it’s over 35 years old and still works great). All the time I was doing this I was hoping it will have been a waste of time and I will be putting everything back Monday to enjoy the rest of the summer!

The storm is still 2 days away, but the campgrounds at HorseneckBeach, and all the residents of the summer trailers on the East beach are expecting the town of Westport to order an evacuation this afternoon when the hurricane watch becomes a warning. Swansea police are cautioning the public to expect access roads closures in the Ocean Grove area. Even inland the Freetown police are concerned with flooding at the TauntonRiver in Assonet. Other than flooding, the overriding concern throughout the Greater Fall River area is the potential for widespread power outages from the wind and downed trees.

If you haven’t already prepared, check out my last blog for some tips and play it safe this weekend!

For more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared for an emergency?

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared for an emergency? The great hurricane of 1938 hit the south coast of New England without warning, claiming roughly 200 lives here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and causing millions of dollars in damages. (Great info and video links are available at the Sea Fever blog 70^th anniversary site: http://sea-fever.org/2008/09/21/70th-anniversary-of-the-1938-hurricane .

Sixteen years later Hurricane Carol ripped through southern New England and her 14 foot storm surge in Narragansett Bay left downtown Providence under 12 feet of water. The coastal areas of Fall River, Westport, Somerset, Swansea, Dartmouth, and Tiverton and Portsmouth Rhode Island were devastated. (See more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB3IPzn6_Ew

On August 19, 1991 Hurricane Bob focused on southern New England and was the most recent hurricane to strike New England.

The Greater Fall River area is vulnerable to hurricanes and as such we should all take the threat seriously. Today’s weather forecasting is far superior to that of the last century, but residents must heed the warnings and take precautions to prevent needless injury and property damage.

These precautions include having a disaster supply kit ready in the event of an emergency. Suggested items include canned foods (meats and fish, fruits and vegetables, soups, etc.), cookies, crackers, peanut butter, coffee, tea and bottled water. Also practical items like a manual can opener, battery powered radio, extra batteries, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, propane gas grills, toiletries and medications, a full tank of gas for you car. Another item easy to overlook is cash. In the event of extended power outages, ATM’s and banks may not be available.

For complete lists visit the NationalHurricaneCenter website at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml or see the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) site list at www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/mema/disaster_supply_list.pdf.

This time of year many of us enjoy the summer weather outside and have deck, patio, pool side, and yard furniture out.. Put away any loose furniture, toys, bikes, trash cans, and anything which could become a flying projectile in a storm. Flip patio tables over so the table top is on the ground. Bring in potted and hanging plants. High winds can cause anything loose fly around possibly breaking windows, damaging cars or other property.

Most importantly, listen to weather advisories and take precautions before the bad weather hits.

For more about  the Greater Fall River area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Back-to-School tax Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses

It’s that “back to school” time of year again and I thought I’d share some timely Back-to-School tax Tips for Students and Parents Paying College Expenses . Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to save you $$$$$. The following information is from the IRS Summertime tax tip # 2011-18.
Whether you’re a recent graduate going to college for the first time or a returning student, it will soon be time to get to campus – and payment deadlines for tuition and other fees are not far behind. The Internal Revenue Service reminds students or parents paying such expenses to keep receipts and to be aware of some tax benefits that can help offset college costs.
 

Typically, these benefits apply to you, your spouse or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.

1.     American Opportunity Credit  This credit, originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has been extended for an additional two years – 2011 and 2012. The credit can be up to $2,500 per eligible student and is available for the first four years of post secondary education. Forty percent of this credit is refundable, which means that you may be able to receive up to $1,000, even if you owe no taxes. Qualified expenses include tuition and fees, course related books, supplies and equipment. The full credit is generally available to eligible taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is below $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples filing a joint return).

2.     Lifetime Learning Credit  In 2011, you may be able to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for a student enrolled in eligible educational institutions. There is no limit on the number of years you can claim the Lifetime Learning Credit for an eligible student, but to claim the credit, your modified adjusted gross income must be below $60,000 ($120,000 if married filing jointly).

3.     Tuition and Fees Deduction  This deduction can reduce the amount of your income subject to tax by up to $4,000 for 2011 even if you do not itemize your deductions. Generally, you can claim the tuition and fees deduction for qualified higher education expenses for an eligible student if your modified adjusted gross income is below $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing jointly).

4.     Student loan interest deduction  Generally, personal interest you pay, other than certain mortgage interest, is not deductible. However, if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 ($150,000 if filing a joint return), you may be able to deduct interest paid on a student loan used for higher education during the year. It can reduce the amount of your income subject to tax by up to $2,500, even if you don’t itemize deductions.

For each student, you can choose to claim only one of the credits in a single tax year. However, if you pay college expenses for two or more students in the same year, you can choose to take credits on a per-student, per-year basis. You can claim the American Opportunity Credit for your sophomore daughter and the Lifetime Learning Credit for your senior son.
You cannot claim the tuition and fees deduction for the same student in the same year that you claim the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. You must choose to either take the credit or the deduction and should consider which is more beneficial for you.
For more information, visit the Tax Benefits for EducationInformationCenter at www.irs.gov or check out Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, which can be downloaded at www.irs.gov or ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

To learn about the Greater Fall River area real estate market, visit my website at  www.stevew-homes.com  or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Fall River, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

Fall River, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

It’s that time of year again! The summer vacation is winding down and it is time to start thinking of school clothes and supplies, after school activities, homework, lining up for the bathroom in the morning, and everything else that goes along with the busy school year.

Although Fall River Public Schools teachers and staff will be starting a few days earlier, 1^st grade through 12^th grade students first day of school is Thursday September 8.  Kindergarten will begin on September 15. Kindergarten parents will receive a letter with information regarding screening dates.

The Christmas-New Year recess starts at the close of school on Friday December 23, Classes resume Tuesday January 3, 2012.

The winter recess is scheduled for the week of February 20, and the spring recess for the week of April 16.

School is scheduled to end on Tuesday June 19, (unless Mother Nature causes some school cancellations during the year). Here is the complete 2011-2012 Fall River School calendar

Elementary schools start each day at 8:35 AM and end at 2:52 PM, middle schools start time is at 7:25 AM and end at 2:10 PM, and High School begins at 7:45 and the day ends at 2:30 PM.

Visit the Fall River School Department website for more specific information. Each of the city’s 9 elementary, 5 middle and 2 public high schools have their own school specific websites with a wealth of information for parents and students. Information about School Spirit Wear, expanded learning time schedules, extra curricular activities, staff contact information, and much more is available on these sites.

So enjoy these last few weeks of summer because the hustle and bustle of the 2011-2012 school year is right around the corner!

 

To learn more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Somerset, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

Somerset, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

It’s that time of year again! The summer vacation is winding down and it is time to start thinking of school clothes and supplies, after school activities, homework, lining up for the bathroom in the morning, and everything else that goes along with the busy school year.

Although Somerset Public Schools teachers and staff will be starting a few days earlier, 1^st grade through 9^th grade students first day of school is Thursday September 8.  Kindergarten will begin on September 12. Grades 10 through 12 begin on Friday September 9^th.

The Christmas-New Year recess starts at the close of school on Friday December 23, classes resume Tuesday January 3, 2012.

The winter recess is scheduled for the week of February 20, and the spring recess for the week of April 16.

School is scheduled to end on Wednesday  June 20, (unless Mother Nature causes some school cancellations during the year). Visit the Somerset website to view the complete 2011-2012 Somerset School calendar.

Kindergarten and elementary schools start each day at 8:50 AM and end at 3:15 PM, middle schools start time is at8:05 AM and end at 2:35 PM, and High School begins at 7:25 and the day ends at 2:05 PM.

Visit the Somerset School Department website for more specific information. Each of the 4 elementary schools, the middle school  and the high school have their own school specific websites with a wealth of information for parents and students.

So enjoy these last few weeks of summer because the hustle and bustle of the 2011-2012 school year is right around the corner!

To learn more about the Greater Somerset area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Swansea, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

Swansea, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

It’s that time of year again! The summer vacation is winding down and it is time to start thinking of school clothes and supplies, after school activities, homework, lining up for the bathroom in the morning, and everything else that goes along with the busy school year.

Although Swansea Public Schools teachers and staff will be starting a few days earlier, 1^st grade through 12^th grade students first day of school this year is Monday August 30th. Kindergarten orientation day is August 31^st, and first day of school is September 2^nd.

The Christmas-New Year recess starts at the close of school on Friday December 23, classes resume Tuesday January 3, 2012.

The winter recess is scheduled for the week of February 20, and the spring recess for the week of April 16.

School is scheduled to end on Wednesday June 13th, (unless Mother Nature causes some school cancellations during the year). Here is the complete 2011-2012 Swansea School calendar

Kindergarten and elementary schools start each day at 8:50 AM and end at 3:15 PM, middle schools start time is at8:05 AM and end at 2:35 PM, and High School begins at 7:25 and the day ends at 2:05 PM.

Visit the Swansea School Department website for more specific information. Each of the 4 elementary schools, the middle school  and the high school have their own school specific websites with a wealth of information for parents and students. Bus route information is also available.

So enjoy these last few weeks of summer because the hustle and bustle of the 2011-2012 school year is right around the corner!

 

To learn more about the Greater Swansea area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Westport, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

Westport, MA 2011-2012 Back to School Calendar

It’s that time of year again! The summer vacation is winding down and it is time to start thinking of school clothes and supplies, after school activities, homework, lining up for the bathroom in the morning, and everything else that goes along with the busy school year.

Although Westport Public Schools teachers and staff will be starting a few days earlier, 1^st grade through 12t^h grade students first day of school is Tuesday September 6.  Kindergarten will begin on September 7th.

The Christmas-New Year recess starts at the close of school on Friday December 23, classes resume Tuesday January 3, 2012.

The winter recess is scheduled for the week of February 20, and the spring recess for the week of April 16.

School is scheduled to end on Tuesday, June19, (unless Mother Nature causes some school cancellations during the year). Here is the complete 2011-2012 Westport School calendar

Kindergarten and elementary schools start each day at 8:50 AM and end at 3:15 PM, middle schools start time is at8:05 AM and end at 2:35 PM, and High School begins at 7:25 and the day ends at 2:05 PM.

Visit the Westport School Department website for more specific information. Each of the elementary schools, the middle school  and the high school have their own school specific websites with a wealth of information for parents and students.

So enjoy these last few weeks of summer because the hustle and bustle of the 2011-2012 school year is right around the corner!

To learn more about the Greater Westport area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Now is the time to buy a home in the Greater Fall River area!

Now is the time to buy a home in the Greater Fall River area! There are tons of homes on the market and mortgage rates are terrific. ( See Mortgage Rates Reach Record Lows). With decent credit and as little 3.5% down, you could be in your own home in no time. Programs are available for first time home buyers with 10% down (and good credit) to get a 30 year fixed loan in the 4’s with no PMI! Many homes in rural areas qualify for USDA zero down, 30 years fixed loans with no PMI. Visit USDA site for info.

I recently searched MLS for single family homes currently for sale in Fall River and found there are 129 homes available with asking prices between $150,000 and $250,000.  In the same price range Somerset has 50. Swansea has 43, Dartmouth has 45, Westport has 11, Freetown has 14, and Dighton and Berkley each have 6. That’s just over 300 homes for sale in the Greater Fall River area, and if you’re in the market for something a little more pricey, these same communities have another 426 ranging in price from $250,000 to $500,000, and yet another 136 more ranging in price from $500,000 to one million dollars!

If you have been thinking about finding your dream home, or maybe you would like to take advantage of bargain prices for an investment opportunity, now is the time to act. Housing inventories include a mix of conventional, short sale, and bank owned properties. Some are in pristine, move in condition, some are handy man specials and fixer uppers, and some require complete rehab, but the selection is great, prices are down and financing terms are tremendous! With mortgage rates at record lows, now is the time to buy a home in the Greater Fall River Area!

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To learn more about the opportunities in the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at http://www.stevew-homes.com/ or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Some local towns in the Greater Fall River, MA area qualify for no-down payment loans.                                                               

 

The following article from REALTOR® Magazine Online describes a fantastic new home financing program available for buyers in rural areas. In our Greater Fall River area eligible towns include parts of Westport, Dartmouth, Swansea, Dighton, Berkley, Freetown MA., and Tiverton and Little Compton RI. Be sure to visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Web site for more information on property and income eligibility, and loan program basics.

 

Rural Buyers Can Get No-Down Payment Loans

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Total Mortgage Services, a national mortgage lender, is offering rural home buyers 100 percent financing or closing cost assistance.

Through its new Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program, insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the lender will offer low- and moderate-income residents living in rural areas (usually defined by a population of 10,000 or less or, in some cases, 20,000 or less) several affordable housing finance options:

·                               No down payment required.

·                               Closing costs can come from any source, including gifts.

·                               Competitive 30-year fixed rates.

·                               No monthly mortgage insurance premiums.

Borrowers can obtain a loan to purchase a new or existing home that is located in a designated rural area. 

“The USDA home loan program is one of the most compelling mortgage products in today’s challenging mortgage marketplace and offers real solutions for rural borrowers, especially those in need of 100 percent financing or with lower credit scores," John Walsh, president of Total Mortgage, said in a statement.

            

To read more about eligibility requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Web site. 

By REALTOR® Magazine Online

To learn more about the Greater Fall River area and exciting opportunities available here, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.