The mortgage interest deduction currently under the scrutiny of the Debt Reduction Commission has recommended that the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) be means tested at a minimum and eliminated completed at the extreme.
NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, tells us to “brace for a 15% loss in home values if MID is eliminated. That is how much we expect values to fall as buyers discount the value of the deduction in their purchase offers.”
The question becomes, in an economy where 19% of it GDP comes from the real estate industry adjust to this tornado possibly coming its way?
I don’t want to become an alarmist, but in many of our markets, values have dropped 30% or more already. I know they couldn’t weather another storm like this! Realtors everywhere are reaching out to their representatives on this issue. I’m suggesting we all make an effort to be heard on this one! Thank you!
This will be a real power center for South Central Centennial’s retail growth and development. It provides great visibility for the community and the store from I-25. It offers superior ingress and egress from I-25 than Park Meadows allowing for easy north and south bound access routes. IKEA Centennial will:
• be built on 13.5 acres
• be a total of 415,000 square-feet
• have approximately 1,500 parking spaces
• employ approximately 400 coworkers
• present approximately 50 inspirational room settings
A window seat can add as much as 13 cubic feet of valuable storage space that doubles as attractive, usable seating for your home.
Comfort and storage capacity go hand-in-hand when you add a window seat. The benefits of window seats are many: They de-clutter, provide comfy built-in seating, and add architectural appeal to any room.
Types of window seats
Window seats typically are one of three types. Each type can be made with a storage compartment accessible via drawers, doors, open shelves, or a lift-up seat. An average window seat takes up about 13 cubic feet and provides about that much in storage space.
Freestanding units are low-cost and portable but aren’t as finished-looking as built-ins. Cost: $200 to $500.
Custom-crafted window seats give you exactly the look and style you want and can be made to fit into odd-shaped spaces. They are also the priciest option. Cost: $400 to $1,000.
Modular window seats are built using stock kitchen cabinets from a home improvement center. This is a moderately priced option that the average DIYer can tackle. Select quality construction upper cabinets to achieve the proper height for your window seat base. Add a ¾-inch veneered plywood top, a cushion, and a toe-kick base; paint the unit to complete, if needed. Cost: $600 to $800.
Where to add window seat storage
Position versatile window seats in virtually any room. Some options include:
For entryway storage, use a window seat to stash boots, shoes, and seasonal or sports gear.
In playrooms, a kid-friendly seat is perfect for storing toys and games. Use safety hardware that prevents doors or lids from slamming on fingers or trapping kids inside. Outdoor fabrics work best in a kids’ space for stain-resistance and resilience. Also use quality, washable paints or polyurethane finishes over stains.
In a bathroom, cover window seats with outdoor fabrics and moisture-resistant paint. If possible, install the seat so a heating duct vents through the seat base–towels stored inside will be toasty.
Niches naturally lend themselves to retrofitting with window seats. Existing niches can be found in a bay window or alcove. Or, your could create a niche by flanking your window using cabinets or bookcases. If you choose to forget the niche, a seat can be successfully positioned on a flat wall.
Window seat installation tips
Don’t let a floor or wall vent keep you from installing a window seat; simply redirect the vent toward the window seat’s toe-kick, and provide an opening for heated or cooled air to flow into your room.
Your windows will determine the length of your seat; the height (including the seat cushion) should be 18 to 20 inches, and the depth a comfortable 20 to 24 inches to allow for cushions along the back.
Building codes require fitting windows near a window seat with tempered glass.
Nationally published home improvement writer Jan Soults Walker and her husband, Dave, once built a window seat with flanking bookcases into a kitchen. It remains one of their favorite storage projects to date.
The home mortgage interest deduction saves the average home owner thousands of dollars at tax time, supports home values at the community level, and helps American home buyers get into their first house. Read
Here’s two great defenses for stability on our clocks! A poll at the bottom asks for your input!!
Everyone that I have ever talked to about daylight savings time hates to change the clock twice a year. I believe most people would like to do away with that practice. There are 2 bills in the Colorado State Senate proposing that we stop changing our clocks. If you read below, you will find out more. I am going to write in favor of both, my preference being to stay on daylight savings time year round. I will be happy with either, though. I hope you will send emails in favor of one or both of these bills! Lets get rid of a twice a year annoyance!!! JoAnne
Lawmakers Propose Opposite DST Bills in Colorado
Published 10-Dec-2010
Two separate proposals regarding changes to daylight saving time (DST) in Colorado will be debated on when lawmakers convene next year. State Representative Ed Vigil is proposing a bill that would end DST in Colorado and have standard time all year, while Senator Greg Brophy is proposing a bill that would have DST all year-round.
Neither lawmaker knew that the other was pushing for a time change in Colorado when both bills were proposed. The dueling bills are scheduled to be debated upon in the upcoming legislative session next month.
The Proposed Standard Time Bill: Colorado State Representative Ed Vigil’s proposal to stay on standard time all year would join Arizona and Hawaii in their non-DST schedule of early evenings and late afternoon darkness. The idea for the proposal mainly came from his farmer constituents who don’t like to change their clocks in the spring and fall. They also claim that they don’t really need the extra daylight hour to work in the field.
Supporters of standard time all year argue that children don’t easily adjust to the time change and the move will decrease the number of days children wait in the dark mornings for school buses. However, others will argue that standard time increases the number of days children are dropped off in darkness after school.
The Proposed DST Bill: On the opposite end of the debate, Senator Greg Brophy is proposing a bill that would have daylight saving time all year round in Colorado. He hopes that this move will give people more daylight in the evenings to enjoy the outdoors. His proposal would allow people to get more from Colorado’s outdoor way of life after school and work and also benefit tourism.
However, this bill may face a federal challenge if it becomes a law. The United States’ current DST schedule states that daylight saving time would begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November. According to the United States’ Energy Policy Act of 2005, states and territories have the right to exempt their state from following DST if the entire state rests within one time zone. However the United States Code does not allow a state legislature to avoid returning to standard time in November.
Although this may become a setback for Brophy’s bill, he will defend it on the basis of states’ rights, in which nothing in the Constitution authorizes the federal government to mandate how Colorado sets its clocks.
Contact Information:
EDWARD VIGIL
Colorado State Representative, District 62
Office Location: 200 E. Colfax
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol Phone: 303-866-2916
E-mail: edward.vigil.house@state.co.us
GREG BROPHY
Assistant Minority Leader Colorado State Senator, District 1
Office Location: 200 E. Colfax
Denver, CO 80203
Capitol Phone: 303-866-6360
E-mail: greg@gregbrophy.net
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