Congratulations Maryellen Alviti

maryellenDan Helwig, Inc. Realtors would like to congratulate, Sales Associate Maryellen Alviti for being honored as Democrat of the Year for Area 9 District 154. Alviti is honored for her exemplary volunteer service over the last 10 years. Having served as Vice Chair of the Springfield Township Democratic Committee for 4 years and past Treasurer for two years. She has also held positions on the Area 154 Executive Committee and continues her work canvassing and working the polls at elections. Licensed since 2002, Alviti specializes in Residential Real Estate in Montgomery County and is a valued member of the Helwig organization.
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Homebuyer Tax Credit: What You Need to Know

There’s happy news for current homeowners: If you intend to sell your home and buy another in 2009 or 2010, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $6,500. The Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, passed in November 2009, also shares the wealth with first-time homebuyers—up to $8,000.

Are you eligible?

You’re considered a current homeowner under IRS rules if you’ve used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. You’re a first-time homebuyer if you or your spouse haven’t owned a home for the three years before your purchase.

In both cases, keep in mind that the credit amount you’re eligible for begins to decrease for joint filers if your modified adjusted gross income is $225,000 ($125,000 for individuals); it disappears at $245,000 ($145,000 for individuals).

The ultimate amount of your credit depends on the price of the home and your income.

To claim your benefit:

Close on a new principal residence between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010. You can settle as late as June 30, 2010, as long as you have a binding contract by April 30.

Don’t spend more than $800,000 on your new home.

When you submit your tax return, attach a copy of the settlement statement you received at closing. Check with the IRS or your tax adviser to confirm what additional documentation may be needed.

Decide whether to:

  • Apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010,
  • File an amended 2009 return; or
  • Apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.

First-timers who purchased a home between Jan. 1, 2009, and Nov. 6, 2009, may also be eligible for the $8,000. Keep in mind that the income limits in this case are tighter than for those who purchased after Nov. 6.

Apply the credit to your 2009 taxes

To claim the credit on your 2009 tax return:

  • Complete IRS Form 5405 to determine the amount of your available credit.
  • Apply the credit when you file your 2009 tax return or file an amended return.
  • Attach documentation of purchase to your return or amended return.

Which properties are eligible?

You can apply the credit to primary residences, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

Do I need to repay the tax credit?

No, not if you occupy the purchased home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

*Article from Houselogic.com

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When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world’s largest professional association. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members.

Check out the Public Awareness Campaign television and radio spots that encourage consumers to rely on the expertise and integrity of REALTORS®.

The NAR advertising campaign runs February through November on network and cable television and network and satellite radio, helping consumers understand the real value of working with REALTORS®. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.

All Real Estate Agents at Dan Helwig, Inc. Realtors are required to be active members of NAR, PAR, & MCAR!

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HELWIG Earns M.L.K. Award

danieljDaniel J. Helwig, was recognized as the second recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr., 2010 Community Service Award on Monday, January 18th at Springfield Township High School.  The School District of Springfield Township, Springfield Township Community Foundation, and the Springfield Township Commissioners recognized Helwig for his exemplary service to the community, through a humanitarian spirit exemplfied by Dr. Martin Luther King.

For over 30 years, Helwig has served Springfield Township through many organizations.  Just to mention a few, he has been an active Rotarian since 1976, a Past President  and durining his tenure, has served on numerous committees, and participated in many projects.  He has received the Service Above Self Award, and has been twice honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Distinction Award, which is the Rotary International’s highest honor.  He is also a founding member of the Flourtown Erdenheim Enhancement Association, (FEEA), and the Flourtown Business Association (FBA), former president of the East Montgomery County Association of Realtors, Past Chairman of the Skippack Township Planning Comission, and recently served for two years as Chairman of the Montgomery County Realtor/Bar Liason Committee.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP ENTERPRISE, VOL. 14 NO. 1

January 2010

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Flourtown Realtor Chosen for Billboard Promotion…

mandyrotSpringfield Township Rotarian, Amanda Helwig has been chosen to represent Rotary International District #7430 in a new marketing campaign.  The Flourtown Realtor was chosen to help illustrate the new face of Rotary.  Helwig’s picture as well as five other members, throughout the District, appears on billboards to demonstrate that young professional men and women are taking an active part in the new growth of the old service organization.

The Billboards are part of a national marketing initiatve that includes radio and television ads that actively recruit new members who are looking for ways to give back to the community.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united wouldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.  Rotary celebrated 100 years of service in 2005.

The Springfield Rotary Club always welcomes new members.  They meet weekly at Sandy Run Country Club, for information about how you can take part call 215-233-5128.

Springfield Township ENTERPRISE:  September 2009; Vol.13 No.9

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Working in a Wonderful Community

Being that Springfield Township is my home town, it’s been encouraging the past few weeks to discover homes selling, and selling not long after they are listed. The $200-$300 price range has found a revival of interest. This is mostly provoked due to low interest rates (Thank you Federal Reserve) and that the First Time Home Buyer Program is expiring soon. Almost reminds me of the “hot market” when a new listing hit and you had to make an appointment right away or else you would miss an opportunity.

Another great accomplishment for us is the movement up the charts of our High School! Springfield School District moved up to 15th amongst the Top 50 School Districts in SE PA in Philadelphia Magazine’s yearly rankings. What’s even more significant is that this year we are ranked higher than Wissahickon, Upper Dublin and Colonial!

This is a wonderful community full of hard working families. To celebrate that community pride and acknowledge our community services; fire fighters, ambulance drivers and police officers, Springfield Township is holding their annual Community Day this coming Sunday, September 13th at Cisco Park on Montgomery Ave. Free food and services provided to all. It’s a great time to come out and enjoy all that that Springfield has to offer.

Remember no matter what community you choose to live in, its great to know the real estate market, know your schools, and appreciate the services your community affords you. Then you’ll value and appreciate your home town even more.

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