Don’t forget - - - Part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 includes a $7,500 tax credit for any first-time home buyer who purchases a home before July 1, 2009. Past homeowners don’t count yourself out yet! Even if you have owned a home in the past, remember that a first-time home buyer is someone that has not owned a home in the last 3 years. Better yet, interest rates are near record lows and intenvory is better than it has been in years. If you have been thinking about purchasing a home, now is the time to make your move!
February is American Heart Month, aimed at raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, especially among women. To celebrate the Black Hills have named Feb. 13th the official day to wear red. Help save the ones you love!
Once again, South Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Contest is looking to award young artists not only for their artistic abilities, but also for their wildlife appreciation. The contest is open to all South Dakota students in grades K-12. Each year, the top 9 artists in 4 different age groups are recognized with generous prizes. Check out sdjuniorduck.org for details. But remember the deadline is March 15th!
The Black Hills Stock Show opens today at the Rapid City Civic Center. If you have never been to this event before, it really is a must-see Black Hills area attraction. There is truly something for everyone - nightly rodeos, livestock auctions, vendors selling anything from food to clothing and jewelry to livestock equipment, a petting zoo for kids and the young at heart, a quilt show, and special appearances by Miss Rodeo South Dakota and the Budweiser Clydesdales - just to name a few. The Black Hills Stock Show is one of the largest events the Rapid City Civic Center hosts each year and one of the largest stock shows in the country. Even if you aren’t a self-proclaimed cowboy or cowgirl, find a time to check it out between today and February 8th. You won’t be sorry you did!
For more information, visit the Black Hills Stock Show website.
As the New Years celebrations wane, it is time to start thinking about taxes once again. If the amount you owe isn’t what you’d like it to be, remember that home ownership carrys a significant tax deduction. Under federal law, homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on their mortgage loan. For many, this means saving thousands. For those individuals who rent, it may ofset the difference between the cost of renting and the cost of owning their own home. If you’d like more informational on the benefits of homeownership or details on how you can save money on your taxes, please contact me at suzanne@properties-unlimited.com.
Statistically, most of us have abandoned our new year’s resolutions by now. The most common new year’s resolutions pertain to health, financial, or relationship issues. In today’s state of economic transition, resolutions pertaining to finance couldn’t seem anymore fitting. Below are a couple new year’s resolutions from Inman News that will help you build your credit and most the most of home ownership.
Check out the full article to see how to make these steps a part of your life and why you will be so glad you did!
As Black Hills residents, I would venture to say that all of us from time to time have things pop up in our very own back yards that surprise and delight us. Just last Friday, I had that experience at Summerset Bistro. A classic case of ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’, Summerset Bistro is located off of I-90’s Summerset Exit 48, in a one-story strip mall that is also home to a car dealership. Inside, the decor is modern and the menu is fantastic. Daily drink and dessert specials make sure you start and end your meal just how you’d like to. But I’m not the only one that have discovered this gem, KOTA Territory News was singing Sumerset Bistro’s praises back in July. Check out the article here. Either way, make tonight something special and enjoy a meal at Summerset Bistro!
Still have some Christmas shopping left to do? Get it done tonight! Local Sturgis businesses are staying open late tonight and running specials that would make even Ebenezer Scrooge crack a smile. Check out all your favorite businesses tonight from 5pm- 9pm!
Yesterday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched the “Broadway Goes Green” initiative which plans to reduce this American icon’s carbon footprint significantly within one year’s time. This initiative is only a part of a larger goal to reduce the entire city’s carbon footprint by 30% before 2030. The best part of the plan is way it will be accomplished… By making little changes such as using compact florescent lights (CFLs) over traditional light bulbs, printing play bills on recycled paper, and washing costumes in cold water. All of these changes are ones you can make at home to help save the environment - and a little cash! Click here for an A-Z list of ideas you can use!
If you watch any morning news shows, you’ve been seeing segment after segment on ways to save money on groceries, on Christmas presents, on anything - you name it. But how about ways to have a little fun without breaking the bank? I just stumbled upon this collection of 101 fresh, funky ways to have a little out of the ordinary fun. Check it out and start planning your weekend a couple days early!