It's a Great Day for Olderhouse Holiday Activities

With a hint of snow in the forecast, it's a great day for Olderhouse holiday activities, including Christmas at historic Stagville; followed by a visit to my Open House at 4811 Kendridge Dr. in North Durham.


Starting at 10 a.m. this morning, both Stagville’s 1787 Bennehan plantation house and the 1850s Holman slave quarters will be decorated for Christmas. Costumed historic interpreters will demonstrate how life during the holidays was for those living in the “Big House” and for the enslaved families in the other quarters. There will be fiber spinning, silversmithing, quiltmaking and blacksmithing. Plus, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides around the 71-acre site. Visiting children may play historic games and makes crafts from yesteryear on site. Fresh apple cider will be pressed for holiday refreshment. And vendors will be selling their wares in a country-fair holiday atmosphere. There will be soy candles, gourd art, quilled pictures, woven goods, terra-cotta wares and stained glass. Geneaologists and family historians will be there to chat with you, as well. Although the event is being advertised as “free,” suggested donations are $2 per individual or $5 per family, which goes to support the Historic Family Foundation. The plantation is located at 5828 Old Oxford Hwy. in Durham. www.historicstagvillefoundation.org


Of course while you are out, make sure to come by and visit my Open House at 4811 Kendridge Drive. I’ll be there today from 2-4 p.m. It’s located in the Easley Elementary school district within walking distance of the Eno River. You’ll love our quiet Heritage Heights neighborhood because that’s where I live! Check out my blog entry on this updated $123,900 one-level by clicking the link below:


http://ncolderhouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/open-house-tomorrow-at-my-neighbors.html


Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit Impacts 70 Percent of Homeowners

About 70 percent of current homeowners will now be eligible for the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, said Goldman Sachs economist Alec Phillips, in a Nov. 6 issue of U.S. News and World Report. What started out last February as an incentive for first-time homebuyers, was extended in early November to nearly two-thirds of those who currently own their own homes and to most first-time homebuyers who are buying today.

Tax credits of up to $8,000 are available for first-time homebuyers; and as much as $6,500 in tax credits is available to current homeowners who have their next primary residence under contract by the end of April 2010. The transaction for this home would need to close by no later than June 30, 2010.


There are some excellent resources available through the National Association of Realtors explaining how the extended tax credits may be applied, including the: (1) Tax Credit Comparison Chart; (2) Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ; (3) the President’s Podcast: Tax Credit Expanded and Extended; and (4) the Tax Credit as Down Payment on FHA Mortgage flier. If you would like any of these copies, feel free to email me at ljanes@markthomasrealty.com.


Also, here are some good links to Tax Credit Resources through the Internal Revenue Service: (1) Important Facts: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit; (2) Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit Information; (3) Tax Credit Form 5405; and (4) 2008 Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ.


Of course, if you have specific questions or need additional information, you should always contact your tax professional; or call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.


For more resources, here is the National Association of Realtors' article on how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can it can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.


The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for Homebuyers and Homeowners from the National Association of REALTORS.