Have smelly or slow-draining sinks in your house? There are a few simple things you can do to clear out your drains, and you might not even have to resort to nasty chemicals.

• Try to run hot water through drains frequently to kill nasty odors and keep it clear. If you get the start of a clog, treat it quickly with one of these methods before it gets out of hand.
• For kitchen drains, pouring a strong brine (salt water) solution down the drain every so often will help kill odors and keep it free of grease.
• Naturally clear sinks by pouring baking soda down the drain, followed by a quarter cup of vinegar or lemon juice. The fizzing reaction will clear minor build up and freshen.
• Backed-up bathroom drains are probably full of hair (and other gunk). Check your local hardware store’s plumbing section for an inexpensive drain cleaning tool — one is called a “Zip-It“ (pictured). For about $3 or $4 you can purchase one of these long plastic sticks, which will have some barbs or bristles. You simply slide the tool down your drain, and when you pull it up you will remove all the gunk and hair. Do this a few times, and toss the tool (and the gunk)!
• Eco-friendly drain cleaners are available, check online (at retailers such as Drugstore.com or Amazon.com) or at natural stores (like Whole Foods) for different varieties that you can try instead of the toxic chemical cleaners. Use those as a last resort.
• Some like to use bleach for clogs and odors. This can work, but use it at a minimum. Lemon juice or vinegar can be just as effective. If you’re going to use bleach, pour a 1/2 cup down the affected drain, let it sit for five minutes, and then run very hot water for three minutes or so. Do not use bleach if you have a septic system, and never mix bleach and ammonia. (Check cleaning product labels, you may not know what contains ammonia or bleach.)
• Think twice before you rinse something down the drain that could clog: wax, fat that can harden, contact lenses, lotion, hair trimmings, etc. Avoiding clogs before you get them is best.
• For anything other than minor clogs, call a plumber! If one of these techniques doesn’t work, or if you have a major back-up, there might be a bigger problem. You can always ask me for recommendations for a good plumber.

How to Clean a Sink Drain at eHow.com

Other Posts

• July 15, 2010 -- Heat Alert Issued for Wednesday-Friday
• July 18, 2009 -- New Tips for Borrowers
• March 4, 2009 -- What is a Good Faith Estimate
• October 12, 2008 -- Shaw Farm in Milford – Great Fun for the Family

How did Americans fare at becoming greener last year? Here’s some stats.

Percentage of Americans who:

• Installed more energy-efficient light bulbs: 63 percent
• Purchased energy-efficient appliances: 36 percent
• Started paying bills online: 46 percent
• Switched to paperless financial statements: 40 percent
• Donated an electronic device for recycling: 41 percent
• Switched from bottle to tap water: 29 percent
• Installed a low-flow showerhead: 17 percent
• Installed a low-flow toilet: 16 percent
• Made home improvements (e.g., windows, solar panels or insulation) that provided government tax credits: 14 percent
• Bought a more fuel-efficient car: 13 percent
• None of these: 13 percent

Don’t forget, there’s still one more year to take advantage of the energy tax credit. If you receive a refund this year, please consider putting it back into your house by purchasing an upgrade that qualifies for the energy credit.

This list can give you some ideas of things you can try — if you haven’t already. You can find a low-flow shower head around $30. For more water efficiency, simply remember to turn off the water while brushing your teeth and keep showers short.

If making energy upgrades in your home is a little too costly for you, consider easy fixes like shrink-wrapping windows and using draft guards on windows or doors during the rest of the winter. These efforts will makes your home warmer, keep your energy bill down and save power.

Related...

• December 3, 2009 -- What is a HERS Rating?
• November 13, 2009 -- Incentives for an Energy Efficient Home
• February 8, 2010 -- Tax FYI: Energy Star Credit
• October 6, 2009 -- Filing for the Energy Tax Credit

Home remodeling is still worth the investment, according to the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report.

According to the data in the report, various types of siding and window replacements and expansions of living spaces round out the list of the top ten ways to get the greatest return on investment for a remodel. And many of the projects that are receiving top returns are mid range and modest cost projects. So don’t let a slow economy prevent you from making an upgrade to your home. Keep it mid-range to see the best return.

The best thing to do? Do the upgrades as you can and as you want to. It’s so much better to already have a great house if you plan to go on the market in the next year or two. It makes going on the market much less costly, and makes your home more enjoyable while you’re living in it.

Here’s some of the top projects:

Siding, window and door replacement: First impressions count, and these changes can make a huge difference in your homes first impression. The frequency of these upgrades in 2009 could have something to do with the energy tax credits as well. Siding, windows and doors not only look great but can have energy benefits.

Adding an attic bedroom or a deck: This reinforces the idea that adding living space to your home is cost effective and that more living space is attractive to buyers. In our area of Ohio and most nearby states, an attic bedroom is the number one return on investment project from 2009, with an %83.1 return.

Kitchen and Bathroom upgrades: Restraint is golden. Modest and midrange remodels of kitchens and baths are offering better return on investment nationally. So, spend less on your kitchen upgrades, that high-class kitchen is not fetching what it used to. A major upscale kitchen remodel is trending at 63.2% return, with a midrange remodel at 72.1%.

Up from last year’s report in return on investment in our region, along with their return ranking:

Attic bedroom (#1)

Back-up power generator (#2)

Basement Remodel (#3)

Roofing Replacement (#16)

Everything else, including ALL upscale remodels, are trending lower return than last year. Although with returns on some of these projects at 70 or 80 percent, it’s still a great way to invest!

To see a complete list, visit our region’s data in the Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

Other Posts

• March 3, 2010 -- DIY Staging Checklist
• November 4, 2008 -- Vote Cincinnati! Voter Guide
• October 2, 2009 -- Volunteer Opportunity with Freestore Foodbank
• March 23, 2010 -- Earnest Money: What is it and Why is it Important?

So, you’ve made your home purchase — now what? In talking with my CPA Mark Conrad, I asked about how exactly first-time buyers file for their 8,000 tax credit. He explained it in very simple detail:

“Federal Form #5405 is the only form that needs to be filed with the tax return. It is a half page long. It is very simple to fill out. The information needed to fill out form is as follows:
1) Address of home
2) Date Acquired
3) Purchase price of home
4) What your adjusted gross income is (on the 2008 return it was line 38 on form 1040)”

After calculating the credit – 10% of purchase price not to exceed $8,000 – the credit goes on line 69 under the “payment” section of form 1040.

The line numbers on the forms may change for the 2009 tax year. (These forms are not available yet.)

Signed closing documents or HUD 1 Forms should be supplied to your tax person to help fill out the needed forms. (This is the 2 page legal size statement you signed at closing.)  If you are a client of AmyBSells, Amy will send you a copy in January, otherwise check your closing folder and it should be on the top of your documents.

“All supporting documents need to be saved for at least 7 years from date of filing a tax return,” Mark says.

Mark even sent me the form to exhibit how simple this really is. You can view or download it here. For more info on retaining Mark to get the best from your 2009 taxes, contact him via email at mconrad@fuse.net.

Using your 8,000 Tax Credit:
The best use of this FREE money is to put it back into your house. You can use it towards energy saving items and get an additional tax credit from a qualifying Energy Star upgrade.

Amy B’s “Best ways to use your $8000 Tax Credit:”

• High Efficiency or Dual Fuel Furnace
• Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
• Adding insulation in your attic and walls
• Put on a new light shingled roof with extra vents
• Upgrading your kitchen appliances
• Updating the Kitchen
• Updating the Bathroom
• Adding a deck or patio to your home
• Paint the exterior or interior of your home
• Update your electric
• Update your plumbing
• Build a garage or sturdy car port

This is how you can make the tax credit work for you and your home’s benefit. I do NOT recommend using the credit for vacations or television or car purchases. If the benefit came from purchasing a home, put the money back into your home. If you do the energy items, you will see a return in your monthly bills, as well as another tax credit in 2010.

As always, I work with trusted and honest contractors that work at great prices. If you need any recommendations for Electric, windows etc, give me a call anytime 513-377-3637, or email amy@amybsells.com.

Feel free to leave a comment with how you plan to use YOUR $8,000 tax credit!

More from AmyBSells.com:

Filing for the Energy Star Upgrade

Energy Star Upgrades can Earn You Money

Using A Residential Tax Abatement in Cincinnati

More from the web:

SmartMoney.com: Government pays for your upgrades with Energy tax credit

CBPCA.org (California Building Performance Contractors): A chart to help you understand the results of energy upgrades

Related...

• July 15, 2010 -- Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended for Buyers Who Purchased by April 30
• May 4, 2010 -- The Post-Tax Credit Real Estate Market
• April 12, 2010 -- Will the Tax Credit Get Extended?
• April 6, 2010 -- Remaining Weeks of Homebuyer Tax Credit

What gives me the most bang for my buck?

An update to our information about the Energy Tax Credit and how you can put it to work for you.

I asked my CPA, Mark Conrad of Knoll and Associates what you need to file the Energy Tax Credit. He shared this list of tips:

• There is a credit available of 30% of the cost of qualified purchases up to $1,500 for the years 2009 and 2010.
• $1,500 is the maximum amount that can be claimed for all products place in service in 2009 and 2010.
• To claim the credit, FORM 5695 is filed with your tax return.
• The manufacturer supplies the purchaser with a SIGNED CERTIFICATION STATEMENT that states the purchase qualifies for the credit.
• This certification does not need to be filed with your tax return, but it needs to be maintained in your records that support the deduction on your tax return.
• The purchases must be made for your own personal residences on existing homes – not new construction. (There are different credits available for new construction.)
• Some purchases that qualify for the credit include insulation, windows and doors, roofing, various forms of HVAC, water heaters and biomass stoves.  Most products that qualify are marked with and “Energy Star” sticker.
• Other credits are available for geo-thermal heat pumps, solar energy systems, fuel cells and cars.

This is really about getting a perk for adding value to your home with these upgrades. The tax credit, while not huge, is significant and is also on TOP of the energy savings you will receive with these upgrades.

Mark Conrad can help you understand these tax credits further. If you’re looking for a great CPA, you can reach him at mconrad@fuse.net.

If you’re interesting in making an upgrade before the end of 2009, I would be happy to introduce you to some great contractors I know. It’s important to do these upgrades right or you may not qualify for the credit. Below are examples of the categories for improvements, and some people you can call! Be sure to tell them you’ve worked with me.

Insulation: It is truly amazing what just $400 of insulation will do for the heating and cooling of your home all year long!  M&D Insulation

Windows/Doors: Gilkey Windows, ask for Eric Cone Gilkey ONLY makes windows that qualify for the energy tax credit and they have done so for more than 20 years.  Great service and warranty!

HVAC: I recently had a dual fuel furnace put in  at my home, offering electric heating until the temperature drops below 35 degrees, then my gas furnace steps in.  I increased my efficiency from 64% to 95% and saved more than $100 a month on my energy bills.  On top of that you can get the energy credit too!  It pays for itself in almost 2 years!  Arronco

To read more about the kinds of products that qualify, read our previous blog entry.

More info:

Energy Star Tax Credits

Related...

• February 8, 2010 -- Tax FYI: Energy Star Credit
• July 15, 2010 -- Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended for Buyers Who Purchased by April 30
• April 6, 2010 -- Remaining Weeks of Homebuyer Tax Credit
• January 29, 2010 -- Seller Tax Credit: FAQs

Today the Home Builders Association released the list of winners of this year’s Homearama. Drees took home the most honors, with 11 awards. These awards are voted on by an independent panel of judges from around the region.

Visit our Homearama page for details about the show. There’s still time to check out the show! Event ends Sunday.

Favorite Home

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders

Favorite Landscaping

1st Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes
Gayle A. Frazer and Associates & Bob Meyer Landscape Service
2nd Place: Drees Homes
Landscaping by Don Gilb, Inc.

Favorite Exterior

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
Sensible Home Design
2nd Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes

Favorite Family Room/Great Room

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders

Favorite Kitchen

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders

Favorite Hearth Room/Breakfast Nook

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
2nd Place: K Homes

Favorite Dining Room

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
2nd Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes

Favorite Master Bedroom

1st Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes
2nd Place: Drees Homes

Favorite Master Bathroom

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes

Favorite Lower Level

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
2nd Place: Drees Homes

Favorite Study/Office/Library

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place-TIE Grand Estates by Fischer Homes
K Homes

Favorite Floor Plan

1st Place: Drees Homes
2nd Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders

Favorite Outdoor Living

1st Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes
2nd Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders

Favorite Decorating – Traditional

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
Interiors by Nancy Paul and Julie Bell

Favorite Decorating – Transitional

1st Place: Drees Homes
DJN Design Services, Inc.
2nd Place: Grand Estates by Fischer Homes
Touch of Class

Favorite Decorating – Contemporary

1st Place: John Henry Homes
Design Destination by Furniture Fair
2nd Place: K Homes
Cincinnati Interior Design

Favorite $2500 Design Bedroom

1st Place: High Pointe Custom Homes/Summit Custom Homebuilders
Interiors by Nancy Paul and Julie Bell
2nd Place: Drees Homes
DJN Design Services, Inc.

Related...

• September 20, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #5: Maison de la Grace by High Pointe/Summit Custom Homes
• September 18, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #4: Winchester by John Henry Homes
• September 17, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #3: The Broadmore by Drees
• September 16, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #2: The Susanna by K Homes

Whether you have your home on the market, or just want to keep it looking great all through the fall, you may need some expert advice. REALTOR Magazine recently interviewed lawn expert Trey Rogers, and here are six tips for lawn upkeep.

1. For northern states (like Ohio), fall is the best time to fertilize a lawn. (Late fall fertilization should occur for our area in October or November.) Rogers recommends a complete nitrogen and potassium combination fertilizer, but you can ask your fertilizer vendor what they recommend for your type of lawn.
2. Fall is also the best time to reseed grass. If you have a bare spot, seed it right away. September is best in southern Ohio, or by October 30 at the latest.

   Rogers says, “it’s a good time because the ground is still warm, but the days are getting shorter so you don’t have as much day length to rob the moisture out of the soil.”

3. In early October, get rid of the weeds and dandelions. Weeds germinate in the fall, so if you get rid of them in October, there will be fewer in spring.
4. Mow! Rogers recommends mowing twice a week through mid-October. Watering dry grass through October helps, too.
5. Get fall leaves off the ground to keep them from suffocating the lawn. (Don’t forget about the new yard waste drop off procedures!) Rogers actually recommends mulch-mowing the leaves, providing nutrients to your lawn. This prevents you from having to deal with yard waste, too! Another tip: Maple leaves are a natural dandelion killer.
6. Play with fall colors: Mums, red foliage. Dogwood bushes are hardy in cold weather and have red or yellow branches. Holly is also a great way to decorate outside the home with their bright red berries.

Read more details from the “Yard Doctor” in the original article here.

Rogers’ website can be found at www.yardsmarts.com

Info on organic lawns from Ohio State.

Related...

• May 4, 2009 -- Go Green in Your Urban Garden

Watch the Virtual Tour

This home is built by both High Pointe Custom Homes and Summit Custom Homebuilders. It’s hard to hold back on my description of this home because, incase you can’t tell from my review, it’s my favorite!

I love this home for several reasons, first of which is the attention to detail. It was truly built by a custom builder, and it shows. Despite it being a brand new house, the details make it feel warm and charming.

Once you enter the ornamental double front doors, you know you’re in for a treat once inside. From the beautiful iron scroll work on the bannisters and  the windows in the custom, built-in cabinetry in the dining room to the barrel bead-board ceiling in the foyer — the detail is second to none. The site-finished floors are beautiful, and have great color and design.

The interior decor is seamless and flows through the house with its blend of neutrals and airy feel. This home has what are really two master suites, depending on your lifestyle, with one on each floor. The design inside this home is what led me to choose it as my winner for best interior design.

This home has the most spectacular finished basement/lower level. It has a full kitchen, poker room, family room and sunken movie room. The builder even had the insight to make this a walk-out/up basement to bring in extra natural light and make it more workable. The photos of the lower level do not give it justice.

It doesn’t end there. The lower stairs connect up to the covered patio and into the “hearth room,” which has a stunning and charming stone fireplace mantle. In the kitchen, you’ll find natural, exposed beams in the ceilings.

Featuring stunning details and high-end in every way, I was shocked to find this home is only priced at $850,000. I was not surprised to hear that it had been SOLD!

It is my guess that this home will win Best of Show! It definitely won my vote. What do you think of the homes this year? Which one is your favorite? Email me (amy@amybsells.com) your favorite before September 27. If you choose the home that wins, you will be entered to win tickets to Homearama in 2010!

Related...

• September 25, 2009 -- Homearama: Winners Announced!
• September 18, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #4: Winchester by John Henry Homes
• September 17, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #3: The Broadmore by Drees
• September 16, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #2: The Susanna by K Homes

Watch the Virtual Tour

Built by John Henry Homes, Inc., this home is the most contemporary inside and out. Clean lines and sharp detail make this home stand out from the others. The contemporary flair is noticeable as soon as you walk through the front door, and the clean, contemporary style is continued throughout.

This is one of the few homes with site-finished hardwood flooring, which makes a big impact on the overall feel of the home. The kitchen is a great workspace, spacious, with a huge island in the center and plenty of natural light.

This house has the most fun kids rooms of the tour, it might give you great ideas. Another interesting feature is the motion sensor in the master bath shower, which turns on the water when you walk in! Each of the second floor bedrooms has a convenient private bathroom.

Related...

• January 20, 2009 -- Homearama 2009: New Location/Dates: Carmelle Subdivision in Septemeber
• September 25, 2009 -- Homearama: Winners Announced!
• September 20, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #5: Maison de la Grace by High Pointe/Summit Custom Homes
• September 17, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #3: The Broadmore by Drees

Watch the Virtual Tour

The Broadmore, built by Drees Homes, is designed to bring back that English Tudor feel with its exterior: stone work, lattice windows, stucco and trim. It’s a lot to take in! The mums outside are spectacular, with their vibrant colors.

This home has a wonderful office/guest bedroom on the first floor that includes it’s own “almost” kitchen/mini bar. This home is the only one to feature a fully equipped laundry room on the second floor, conveniently located near bedrooms. It also features fancy faucets in the bathrooms as another detail.

The lower level of the home has a great basement — second best of all the homes in my opinion. It’s great for entertaining with a wonderful bar area with drawer refrigerators, as well as a wine cellar, poker area, media area and a “Rock Band” room!

Related...

• September 25, 2009 -- Homearama: Winners Announced!
• September 20, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #5: Maison de la Grace by High Pointe/Summit Custom Homes
• September 18, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #4: Winchester by John Henry Homes
• September 16, 2009 -- Cincinnati Homearama Home #2: The Susanna by K Homes