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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/38-percent-tax-on-sale-of-homes-not.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/38-percent-tax-on-sale-of-homes-not.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>3.8 Percent Tax on Sale of Homes - NOT!!!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Don't be fooled by all the rumors swirling around the Internet and among friends about Obama health care legislation and the 3.8 percent property tax.  Here's what really happened:


The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act were signed into law in March 2010.  The acts impose a 3.8  percent investment tax on unearned income above  certain levels to help fund Medicare.  Numerous state attorneys general have filed lawsuits challenging the Acts, and the Supreme Court has heard oral arguments on these Acts.  A decision should be reached sometime this summer.  IF they are to be ruled legal and constitutional, then the following will go into effect on January 1, 2013.


First of all, only taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Incomes of ABOVE $200,000 for a single filer and $250,000 for a married couple.


Then, the capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence of $250,000 for a single filer and $500,000 for a married couple.


In other words, if you are above the income thresholds, you would have to have a capital gain on the sale of your home that is more than $250,000 for a single person or $500,000 for a married couple.  Let’s say that you’re married and purchased a home for $1 million.  You then sell your home for $1.6 million.  You have a capital gain of $600,000 BUT the first $500,000 is excluded.  You would only owe 3.8% tax on the amount over $500,000 which in this case would be $100,000.  You would be paying $3,800 in taxes.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:46:35 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/the-woodlands-waterway-arts-festival-april-14-15-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/the-woodlands-waterway-arts-festival-april-14-15-2012.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival     April 14-15, 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



What's more fun than an art festival?  One that's in The Woodlands Waterway on a fabulous spring weekend!  Hours are 10-6 Saturday &amp; Sunday along The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park.


The 7th Annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is a juried show featuring 200 regional, national, and international artists and has become an annual tradition in The Woodlands.


The festival is ranked among the Top 100 Arts Festivals in the U.S. by ArtFair Source Book.  The variety of art and fine craftwork displayed at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival appeals to a wide range of tastes and budgets.


You'll find a variety of original art available in mediums including clay, leather, metal, glass, drawing fiber, furniture, mixed media 2D and 3D, watercolor, sculpture, photography, textile, and wood.  There will also be live entertainment throughout the festival weekend.


Something new this year, "The Art of Food", featuring cooking demonstrations by chefs from area restaurants.  You won't want to miss  the Student Scholarship Exhibit showcasing award-winning art created by area high school students and of course, Artopoly where young artists can create and take home art projects guided by The Woodland's Children's Museum and the Woodlands Arts League.  If you get hungry, stop by The Palette Cafe' which will be serving excellent cuisine from area restaurants with a large selection of beer and wine.


Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  For detailed information about the festival and to purchase tickets online, visit www.WoodlandsArtFestival.com 


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:10:16 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/10th-annual-spring-home-garden-show-in-the-woodlands.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/10th-annual-spring-home-garden-show-in-the-woodlands.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>10th Annual Spring Home &amp; Garden Show in The Woodlands</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Spring is here and The Spring Home &amp; Garden Show is returning to The Woodlands for the 10th Consecutive year!  Mark your calendar for March 31 &amp; April 1.   The show will be at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel &amp; Convention Center.  Doors open on Saturday from 9am-7pm and on Sunday, 10am-6pm.  Tickets are $9 for Adults and $7 for Seniors.  Children under 12 are free.


Experts and exhibits at the show include expert tips to create a kitchen that reflects the owner's personality, taste and budget by John Johnston, president of Designer Kitchens. Complete rooms will be set out for attendees to see, touch, and sit in.  The Billiard Factory booth will have special guest Texans defensive end Connor Barwin.  The Home Media Pros will present the 4-D Home Theatrical Performance, including a demonstration of not only 3-D visuals but a full 4th dimension, submersive sound.


Also appearing, Catherine Falgoust, a certified color specialist, will be speaking on "The Hottest Colors in Home Interiors".  The Houston Chronicle's gardening columnist "The Lazy Gardner", Brenda Beust Smith, will offer tips on preparing for the spring planting season.  Clutter problems? Ellen DeLap, certified professional organizer, will answer the Top 10 Clutter questions.  Buddy Lee, the inventor of Encore Azalea which bloom in spring, summer, and fall, will share information from the Southern Living Plant Collection and will discuss care and maintenance.


For more information, speaker schedules, and a list of exhibitors, visit www.woodlandsshows.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:48:55 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/the-woodlands-crawphish-festival-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/the-woodlands-crawphish-festival-2012.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>The Woodlands Crawphish Festival 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Woodlands Crawphish Festival is fast approaching!  Mark your calendars for March 24, 2012.  The festivities will be held in Town Green Park from 11am to 6pm.


You'll find crawfish, Rudy's BBQ, and activities provided by The Woodlands Children's Museum, Painting With A Twist, live bands, dancing, a tent decorating contest and loads of fun for the entire family.


This community event is designed to increase awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension and the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals.  


Tickets may be purchased in advance at a discounted price from The Woodlands Chamber's Office at 1400 Woodlock Forest Dr Suite 300, The Woodlands Mall, Market Street Concierge, or online at www.thewoodlandscrawfish.com


 


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:36:25 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/houston-san-antonio-housing-markets-are-hot-hot-hot.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/houston-san-antonio-housing-markets-are-hot-hot-hot.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Houston &amp; San Antonio Housing Markets are Hot Hot Hot!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The San Antonio Business Journal is reporting that only two U.S. metro areas have seen increases in home values since 2007 - (the year in which home values peaked) and they're both in Texas!  Houston and San Antonio.  I feel so blessed to be located in the greater Houston Area!


According to FNC Inc., a mortgage technology company based in Oxford, Mississippi, Houston reported a 4.8% increase in home values and San Antonio saw a 2% increase.


Nationally, home prices were down 3.5% at the end of 2011, compared to prices reported in 2010.


In other real estate economic news today, The Houston Business Journal is reporting that Houston is expected to add 91,000,(yes, that's 91,000) jobs in 2012, according to a new report out from Marcus &amp; Millichap.  Marcus &amp; Millichap is the larges national commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in real estate investment services.  They have a research division dedicated to providing their clients with cutting edge market information and analysis.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:26:57 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/looking-for-a-date-own-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/looking-for-a-date-own-a-home.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Looking For A  Date?  Own A Home!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
According to CNNMoney, if you want to date, own a home.  Evidently it's the ultimate aphrodisiac.  Now this is the news I've been waiting to hear!  


1,000 single people were surveyed and it was found that more than 1/3 of the women and 18% of the men said they would rather date a homeowner than someone who rents. On the flip side, just 2% of the women and 3% of the men surveyed said they would prefer to date someone who rents over someone who owns a home.  62% of both men and women surveyed said that they would prefer to date singles who live alone.  Dah!


If you're back home living with your parent or parents, you're just out of luck.  Less than 5% of the singles surveyed said they would even date someone living at home with mom and dad.


So what are these people looking for in a home/date?  When asked what the biggest turn-ons are, 64% of men and 75% of women surveyed said.....The Master Bath!  Walk-in closets got 55% of the male vote and 72% of the female vote, followed closely by gourmet kitchens which received 51% of the male vote and 62% of the female vote.


So, check out our great listings at The Property Source, www.thepropertysource.com    You'll find homes with fabulous master baths, huge walk-in closets and of course, gourmet kitchens.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:30:29 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/retreat-hill-cellars-in-montgomery-tx.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/retreat-hill-cellars-in-montgomery-tx.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Retreat Hill Cellars in Montgomery TX</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ One of three wineries in Montgomery, TX. located in the old First State Bank building in historic Montgomery at 211 Liberty Street.  Open Wed - Sat 11am to 7pm and Sun noon to 6pm.  Stop in, check out the award winning wines, and enjoy a glass!

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:52:22 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/fun-hair-salon-in-montgomery-texas-beyond-fringe.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/fun-hair-salon-in-montgomery-texas-beyond-fringe.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Fun Hair Salon in Montgomery, Texas - Beyond Fringe</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ I've been going to this great Paul Mitchell hair salon for a few years now and want to introduce you to it.  If you live in the area, I hope you'll try it out. 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:39:11 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/live-where-you-play-play-where-you-work.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/live-where-you-play-play-where-you-work.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Live Where You Play, Play Where You Work</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ This beautiful home located at 134 Waterfront in the gated community of Walden Estates is currently available.  The 4695 square foot one story home is situated on 1.5 acres.  Call today for your private showing:  281.844.6584 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:47:54 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/houston-home-prices-are-doing-much-better-than-rest-of-nation.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thepropertysource.com/blog/houston-home-prices-are-doing-much-better-than-rest-of-nation.html</link>
            <author>janetsoldit@gmail.com (Janet Owens)</author>
            <title>Houston Home Prices Are Doing Much Better Than Rest of Nation</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
According to Clear Capital, which services mortgage and lending industries, the Texas housing markets are doing much better than the rest of the nation.  


The average Houston home prices dropped .8 percent in 2011 compared to a 2.1 percent nationally.  Houston's home prices increased by 1.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with a national decrease 4 percent.


Clear Capital is further expecting Houston home prices to increase by 3 percent this year while expecting to see only a 2 percent rise nationally.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:22:06 -0600</pubDate>
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