Tax Credits are still available in Washington!

The Federal Housing Tax Credit may have expired but there are still other options available for home buyers.

One of these options is called the Mortgage Credit Certificate program from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. This program aimed at middle to upper-income prospective buyers offers a tax credit equal to 20 percent of the yearly interest paid or accrued on a mortgage. The credit remains applied through out the life of the loan.

There are some rules (you can't make over a certain amount of money) and possible drawbacks ($650 fee, must live in home and etc.) To see the whole list of benefits, regulations, and whether you qualify, please visit the Washington State Housing Finance Commission website.

And as always, we'd love to help you find the home of your dreams.  Please call Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 or send an email to officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com.

Don't Forget about the Tax Credit!

Do you hear that? That's the clock, and the time you have left to use the $8,000 tax credit is ticking away.

Act fast so you can take advantage of it!

• First time home buyers may be eligible for up to $8,000. Cannot have owned a residence within the past 36 months.
• Current owners may be eligible for up to $6,500. Must have owned a primary residence for 5 consecutive years during the last 8 years.
• Any contract signed before April 30th, 2010 is eligible. Must close by June 30, 2010.
• Single filers can earn up to $125,000 to be eligible for the whole amount. Those earnings up to $145,000 can receive partial credit.
• Joint filers can earn up to $225,000 to be eligible for the whole amount. Those earning up to $245,000 can receive partial credit.
• Maximum sales price is $800,000.
• Primary residence only.
• No repayment required unless the home is no longer the primary residence at any time in the first 36 months.

Do not miss this opportunity to help you get into the home you've always wanted.
For more information and help finding your dream home, please call Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653.

Cutting Down Your Energy Bill

Although I try to be "green" as possible, I am not always the best at energy conservation, especially when it comes to hot water. I love a long, hot shower in the morning and I do pay for it dearly every month.

Luckily there are a few things to help cut down on this waste without sacrificing.

Lower Your Water Heater Setting
If you lower your maximum temperature by 10 degrees you can save 3 to 5 percent in energy costs. A setting of 120 degrees works well in most homes.

Fix Leaks
Fixing leaks in your faucets, showerheads and pipes to significantly reduce hot water use.

Install Quality Water-Saving Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
This will add up to a water savings of 25 - 60 percent without sacrificing comfort or convenience. For maximum efficiency, select a showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

Insulate All Accessible Hot Water Pipes
This reduces heat loss and can raise the water temperature by 2 to 4 degrees.

We here at Karin Kay Properties try to keep out energy bills as low as possible. We only heat the building during business hours and keep the water heater turned down low.

Good News for Seniors in Central Kitsap

Here is a great way to save some money on property taxes!

Qualifying homeowners 62 and older in the Central Kitsap school district are eligible to participate in the CKSD Senior Tax Exchange Program. Seniors are able to volunteer their time and skills to the CK School District in exchange for reimbursement of the local school portion of their property tax.

For more information, call the CKSD Community Schools Office at (360) 662-1638.

A Great Way to Save Money!

I don't know about you but I always throw away the informational pamphlets that I recieve with my gas and power bills. Luckily this month I got a glimpse of one before it made it into the waste basket.

Many older homes in Kitsap County lack proper insulation (including mine!)and some have no insulation at all. This of course leads to higher heating bills in the colder months. Cascade Natural Gas is offering monetary incentives to customers who will increase their insulation levels in their floors, walls, and ceilings/attics.

If you are interested in the program visit:
http://www.cngc.com/conservation

To learn more about Federal tax credits for energy efficiency visit:
http://www.energystar.gov/