NEW FOX TEAM LISTING - 619 Wisconsin

We have another fabulous find for home buyers out there! 619 Wisconsin in Holton. Priced in the $70's - This home is a hidden WOW factor in Holton! 2 BR, 2 BA this home is outfit with an updated kitchen, classic refinished hdwd floors, lrg closets, tall ceilings, updated bathrooms-incl a corner glass shower. Need even more storage?Check out the utility rm with floor to ceiling beautiful built-ins. Attic could have potential future growth space. So many mechanical updates, windows re-glazed and so much more. Even an adorable, lit Sun porch! This home is Sturdy, classic, updated and comes with a 1 year Home Warranty! Conveniently settled only a few blocks from park/pool, downtown and schools! Visit this home with Craig and Sara Fox today! Call 784.305.1636 for more information!

Understanding Financing of a Home: Reqts to get a Good Faith Estimate

As of Jan 1st, 2010 new laws have been placed into affect to assist the consumer in understanding the loan process and how to obtain a better, clearer idea of what the costs are in your loan...One of the biggest questions Craig and I receive from buyers looking to purchase a home is "What does the bank need from me?" Before a Good-Faith Estimate can be considered... get your packet of information together to include: 1) Borrowers name 2) Borrowers Monthly Income 3) Borrowers Social Security Number 4) Property address in consideration 5) Estimates of the value of the property 6) Mortgage Loan Amount sought (ex. house amt less down payment). If you don't have a house in mind or need to just know the price range you are suitable for or how much of a house you can purchase for a certain monthly payment, we can do pre-qualifications to estimate your approximate purchase price. The new RESPA laws are also opening up the ability for the consumer to 'shop around' for loans. This was limited before. Against the standard process in America for the consumer to be able to shop for the best deal...it was never that way with the lending industry. After a short period of time, everytime you went to check your credit with different lenders for loans, your credit could be affected, which impacted your credit scores, which impacted your ability to make purchases. Now the industry has opened this up and you have appx a 30 day window to shop for the best loan on the market. The industry now has Approved forms to help you compare 1 loan to the next as well. The forms for shopping include comparing loan terms, interest rates, prepayment penalty (charges given to the consumer if a loan is paid off in advance) and many other factors. Always consult a lender of choice or a qualified Realtor to assist you with the education process for lending and financing. For more questions you are welcome to contact Craig and Sara at 785.364.0424 or fox2@holtonks.net Happy House Hunting and let us know if we can assist you with your new home purchase!

Organizing made easy!!! the Fox Home

Receipt organizing - Every month I gulp and gripe because I have to sort thru the baskets of receipts and find missing receipts in closets stashes and pants pockets...then try and match them up to check receipts and then file them inthe appropriate folders - which by the end of the year - the folders are so thick from tracking that they're bulging out of every nook and cranny! WELL NO MORE IN OUR HOUSE!!! I have invested in a small receipt scanner and software. When I get home I grab my weekly invoices and scan them one at a time into this little 1 pound device then can drag and click the receipt into a file folder that I have pre-named to coordinate with my end of year tax line items. For example, work - promotions, or Farm - Feed. Then, after its been saved under the folder guess where the little receipts go? That's right - in the trash!!! The IRS approves scanned receipts - they don't like the originals anymore than we do. How many gas receipts hold their ink after a year anyway? And check with your accountant but after our 3 year requirement its illegible anyway. Problem Solved! Thanks Rob from Wilson's Direct in Holton for fixing me up!

Raspberry Mousse

Raspberry mousse - serves 6, prep time 20 min, chill time 2 hours Need 6 egg yolks, 1/2 c sugar, 1/4 c water, 1 T Framboise liquor, 8 oz creme fraiche or sour cream, 1 1/2 pints fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed) and mint sprigs for garnish Whisk yolks, sugar and water in a medium-size metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk for about 4 minutes and remove from water. beat mixture until cool and thick, about 5 minutes. Beat in Framboise. Add creme fraiche and beat just until blended. Divide mixture among six 3/4 cup souffle dishes. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. Prior to serving, dip souffle dishes briefly into hot water. Run a small knife around sides of each mousse. Wipe dishes dry. Turn out each mousse onto a chilled plate. Garnish with raspberries and a sprig of mint and serve immediatley. Previously published by kellerman real estate Feb 2010 Your Home and LIfestyle

Money Saving web-sites

Trolling the Internet can help you whittle your budget if you know where to look. Put these Web sites on your favorites list and you'll be bundled to do some shopping. If you are using the internet for idea shopping, grab your ideas and ask your local vendors if they can order these similar items for you! Restaurant.com - self-described 'community matchmaker' connects restaurants with budget-minded locals who buy gift certificate coupons to enjoy food for less Wine.woot.com - Every week this wine-focused web site uncorks a new wine deal, then sells the selected wine at one-time-only prices until the week's end or the stock runs out. Stubhub.com - sports fans and music lovers can score last-minute tickets to local events for less at this online ticket marketplace. Previously featured in kellerman real estates Your Home and Lifestyle publication Feb 2010

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

If you are needing assistance to pay your home energy bills...there is an online application at www.ks-energy-assistance.com or you can contact the program at 800-432-0043 for questions and more information

Understanding Financing of a Home: Types of Loans

With the recent changes in regulations to the lending industry, Craig and I thought it was important to offer some education about finding lending or obtaining a loan to buy your home. Knowing some basic terms and processes going in to talk to a lender can make the process much less scary... Talk to your Realtor at anytime with questions or to have them walk you thru the process as well. That's what we are here to help you with! So, What are some different types of loans available? Loans can have a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate. Fixed rate loans have the same principal and interest payments during the loan term. Variable rate loans can have any one of a number of "indexes" and "margins" which determine how and when the rate and payment amount change. If you apply for a variable rate loan, also known as an adjustable rate mortgage ("ARM"), a disclosure and booklet required by the Truth in Lending Act will further describe the ARM. Most loans can be repaid over a term of 30 years or less. Most loans have equal monthly payments. The amounts can change from time to time on an ARM depending on changes in the interest rate. Some loans have short terms and a large final payment called a "balloon." You should shop for the type of home mortgage loan terms that best suit your needs. (Information per the US Dept of Housing and Urban Devt Website)

Local Art Gallery and Specialty Shop hosts classes thru February

The Cottage News . .come unwind with us and have some fun!! Sarah's Enchanted Cottage 413 New York Ave, Holton, Ks 785-364-3960 Schedule of Classes www.sararhsonline.com Hi, Do you have cabin fever? Ready to get out and do something fun? Check out the classes we have coming up, starting with this Saturday. There is a lot of interest in our classes so it's a good idea to pre-register by e-mailing me,calling, or stop by the shop. Each month - 1st Sat - knitting/crocheting class 2nd Sat - Basket weaving class 3rd Sat - knitting/crocheting class (different project) 4th Sat - something different each time - such as soap making, polymer clay, beading you name it!! The 2nd & 3rd Saturdays we will also have "Sit & Stitch" sessions (better known as "Stitch & Bitch") Come in and work on your current project, visit with friends, help each other if your're having a problem with a pattern. We'll even have some coffee or tea, or feel free to bring your own! See you soon! Sarah P.S. please note that we are now closed on Sundays & Mondays Painting class Starts Thursday, Feb. 4 6:00 to 8:00 pm Teacher - Marty Mavrovich Class Fee: $ 30 4 week session (once a week for 4 weeks) You can now pay by the month. Class fee includes all supplies needed for class. We will offer an afternoon class if there is enought interest! Thursdays 2pm to 4pm Basket weaving Class Sat. Feb 13 1:00 pm takes 3 to 4 hours to complete Teacher: Sarah DeVader Class fee: $35 (includes all supplies) This class is limited to 5 students because of the space needed for making this basket. Knitting/Crocheting Class Sat. Jan. 22 - 9:30 Knit Teacher: Marty Mavrovich Crochet Teacher: Patty Bone Class Fee: $10 This class is for beginners or people who need a refresher course. Once you get going you can pick a project to work on.

New Fox Team Listing

New Fox Team Home for Sale in Holton Kansas at 601 Colorado Ave. Priced at $134.9K - Incl 4 BR, 1.5 baths, 2 car garage, full partially fin bsmt with wet-bar. Located next to the Elementary school & 2 blocks from city park & pool adds to the value of this spacious family-sized home! 2 BR on Main + 2 recentlycompleted loft br's upst-1 w/ a lrg walkin closet! Formal dining w/ glass doors to large deck! Double garage (w/ 220), double lot, wood fence perfect for petsor little ones. Updated bath on main lvl, lrg utility rm/mud rm. Full partially finished bsmt w/ bath that could easily be finished. Roof only 7 yrs old. Newer siding/guttering. Newer hvac & windows and so much more! Must see this home today. Call 785.305.1636 or email us at fox2@holtonks.net

New Fox Team Listing

Visit our new Fox Team home for sale at 118 New York Ave in Holton KS. Priced only in the $87's - 3BR+, 1.5 Ba, 2 car gar + add'l parking. This quality built home built in the 20's has the strength and updates for today's modern living! Home Warrantied by HBW 2-10. 2-3 Br's Upst - 1 bedroom solarge could make br/study. Sun room perfect for a play area for the kids or to take up a painting hobby or br! New garage is a 2+car compatible-drives straightthru to alley - lots of lighting! Newer roof, carpeting plus so much more! Central heat & air! Incl appliances. Large fenced in yard, interior bsmt entry.only 2.5blocks from the downtown square, library and city parks. Call us today at 785.305.1636 or fox2@holtonks.net.

10 Big-Impact, Low-Cost Remodeling Projects

Looking for 10 Big-Impact, Low-Cost Remodeling Projects for 2010? Consider starting here...1) Tidy up kitchen cabinets 2) Add or replace tile 3) Add a Breakfast Bar 4) Install granite tile instead of a slab 5) Freshen up a bathroom without retiling - consider a new cabinet, light fixtures or a faucet and vanity 6) Freshen up the Basement - fill in cracks or paint with waterproofing paint, paint bsmt floor with a good floor paint 7) Add a room - large space or already a den? Consider making it a bedroom 8) Spruce up Cabinet Fronts - either by cabinet doors and drawer fronts or just hardware 9) Replace light fixtures 10) Tech up the garage - new garage door opener or remote key pad entry. Ideas from Realtor.com / mag

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER MISUNDERSTANDINGS

First Time Home Buyers Tax Incentive Money...Some of our buyers and sellers are hearing on the street that the tax incentive money is not coming back in the form of checks but only as a credit to your mortgage or to pay future taxes, etc. The answer is Not True, Possibly and Possibly. First of all, OUR first time home buyers have already received their tax money in the form of a check in the mail or bank account credit. We had one couple that purchased the week before Thanksgiving and had a partial check rec'd 2 days before Christmas - Nice Christmas surprise wasnt it. Please talk to your accountant to see whether or not you can apply - but as long as you are up to date on all of your past taxes and have closed a home during the timeframes set by the Federal Government for this incentive program you can either apply for an amendment to last years taxes or recoup your money after this next years postings. You then WILL receive a check from the government for the appropriate amount. If you owe on taxes, then yes, this money will go to credit the amount owed. Some people have also worked out with their lenders to turn the tax credit money around immediately following closing to pay into equity on their home paying off some of the amount due on their mortgage...Either way you work it, its pretty exciting when you can get free money to make an exciting transition such as buying your first home or making a move to a new home after you have lived in your home for a designated number of years. For more information on the Federal Tax Credit including expiration dates for this program or the amount of money available per purchase, please see the Fox Team Blog Spot posted December 2, 2009.

New Listing & Price Reductions!

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTIONS THIS WEEK!!! 616 Colorado - now at $134,900! 327 Lincoln now at $65,000! 13190 262nd Rd now at $199K! MUST SEE THESE HOMES FAST - SPRING MARKET IS HERE AND THEY WILL MOVE FAST! ------------------------------------------------- NEW HOME ON MARKET 1829 SW Crest Dr - Topeka Are you ready to move in and looking for a home that is too? First Time Homebuyers, here is the one! This Spacious, quality built and updated interior hosts 3 bedrooms, an updated bath, new carpeting / vinyl flooring but also incl. hardwood floors in some bedrooms and under the living room and master carpeting too and so many more updates such as updated plumbing in kitch/bath, new hot water htr, some updated electrical, 1 year old replacement windows thru-out home and so much more. PLUS need more space, store a whole other homes worth of furnishings in your FULL concrete bsmt which offers a pre-stubbed bath. Solid redwood deck with fenced in yard! 1 Car Gar has work space and elec gar door opener and Single drive entrance w/ double driveparking. Location Location Location!! Appliances stay, 1 yr home warranty! Priced at the $80's! Call Craig and Sara today!

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Save money and water * Provide your plants with water they love * Protect your watershed Holton Parks & Recreation is hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop Saturday, March 27th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 504 Juniper, Holton, KS This class provides you with the materials needed to build-your own rain barrel that can be attached to your downspout to capture run-off from your roof. Sponsored by Holtonians For Stormwater Solutions. Pre-registration requested by 5 p.m. March 25, 2010 Cost $25