I recently was in a broker class taught by Barry Hoy (whom is a great wealth of knowledge). He was discussing with us about how tough insurance companies have become and provided us with a list of dogs that could raise your insurance costs. The article he provided is old so I would recommend checking with your insurance company to find out if a certain pet you may want to get for the family is on their list. I hope you find the information below to be helpful.

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Dogs That Could Raise Your Insurance Costs

By Kay Bell • Bankrate.com September 23, 2006

Insurers say when they identify dog breeds that tend to bite, it helps bring down the cost of homeowner policies. Dog owners say their pets should be considered as individuals and the insurance approach amounts to ineffective canine profiling.

Some states are considering barring “breed discrimination” by insurers. Even the American Kennel Club has weighed in, arguing that some dogs save insurance companies money because the animal is a natural alarm system whose bark deters intruders and prevents potential theft.

While the debate rages on, many major insurance carriers continue to limit coverage to dog owners. Large dogs that can inflict a lot of damage are prime “no-insure” targets. Other considerations that influence a company’s willingness to cover a breed include the frequency of dog bites for the breed, the breed’s reputation as well as research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and individual insurance companies.

Will your family pet cost you more in insurance premiums? Here, listed alphabetically, are 11 pooches that regularly make insurance companies’ “bad dog” lists. Breed information comes from the American Kennel Club and various breed Web sites.

Akita

The Akita is a powerfully built dog originally developed to hunt bears in Japan, where it now is primarily used as a guard dog and police dog. The Japanese view the animal as a symbol of good health; upon a baby’s birth, its parents often receive an Akita statuette to signify the giver’s wish for the child’s long and happy life. Helen Keller is credited with bringing Akitas to the United States and the breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1972. It is a member of the club’s working group.

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are among the oldest Arctic sled dogs. They were named after the native Inuit tribe called Mahlemuts, who settled in the upper western part of Alaska and who are thought to have developed the dogs to serve as a pack animal. The Malamute is an incredibly strong breed and puppies begin sled training as young as three to five months. The American Kennel Club first registered the Alaskan Malamute in 1935 and it is a member of the club’s working group.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow lineage dates back more than 2000 years. The ancient Chinese bred these dogs to hunt, herd, pull freight and protect homes, but today the Chow is primarily a companion dog. Owners extol the animal’s intelligence, dignity and loyalty. Even non-dog folks know this breed because of its distinctive blue-black tongue. Fuzzy Chow puppies become powerful and independent dogs in just a few months, so it is a breed best suited to an experienced owner. First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1903, the Chow is member of the club’s non-sporting group.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers combine a graceful appearance with a sharp intelligence. They are strong, quick-thinking dogs with an ability to respond immediately to danger, making them one of the most reliable of all dogs. While the canine is easy to teach, breed specialists warn that owners who do not have time to properly train a Doberman should consider a different pet. First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, the Doberman is a member of the working group.

German Shepherd

This breed is known for its courage, steadfastness and keen senses. German Shepherds have proved to be canine companions that delight in joining their owners on long drives, fishing trips, swimming or hiking. The breed generally exhibits a self-confidence and aloofness that doesn’t lend itself to immediate friendships. However, say owners, once a Shepherd gets to know you, it is a wonderful addition to any family. The American Kennel Club, which first recognized this breed in 1908, places the German Shepherd in its herding group.

Pit Bull

Commonly called the American Pit Bull, these dogs are loved by their intensely loyal owners but feared by many who know them mainly as fighting animals. The dogs share some characteristics of the American Kennel Club-recognized Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. The Pit Bull makes the hard-to-insure list in part because of what some owners cite as its history of being selectively bred specifically to create the ultimate canine gladiator.

Presa Canario

The American Kennel Club does not officially register the Perro de Presa Canario, but the breed has been accepted for recording in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service. A medium sized, well-built dog, the breed originated in the Canary Islands. Fans of the breed say its powerful shape and low deep bark make it a natural guard dog, but that is also is a loyal, eager-to-please pet who is quiet and subdued in his own home.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is an intelligent, steady friend, but is rather aloof, which contributes to its strong guarding instinct. The breed’s actual origin is not documented, but it is believed Rottweilers are descended from one of the drover dogs indigenous to ancient Rome. It is a medium-large, robust and powerful dog, with a black coat defined with rust markings. The breed loves exercise and thrills to the challenges of any outdoor sports. A member of the American Kennel Club’s working group, Rottweilers were first recognized by the AKC in 1931.

Siberian Husky

As its name denotes, this breed is native to Siberia, with the first North American Huskies brought to Alaska in 1909. They are outgoing, fun-loving dogs with a nature to roam as their Arctic ancestors did. That means the breed needs an alert owner who stays in control — and who has a fenced yard. The Husky resembles the Alaskan Malamute, but is lighter in build and also less bold. The Siberian Husky was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and is a member of the club’s working group.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a highly-intelligent dog, looks forward to daily exercise to maintain his characteristic lean-muscled look. The breed generally is a sweet-tempered and affectionate, but its tenacity and strength, including powerful jaws that demand heavy-duty chew toys, require an experienced owner. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1974 and is a member of the terrier group.

Wolf hybrid

Owners of these canines prefer the term Wolfdog, noting that dogs were reclassified in 1993 as a subspecies of wolf so wolves and dogs are the same species. Critics of the breed, which is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, argue that the animals are unpredictable, dangerous, make poor pets and are impossible to inoculate against rabies. Fans say the Wolfdog is a good companion and helps educate the public about wolves. Ownership of the animals is illegal in some areas.

You hear all the ads these days talking about going green or living green. No matter what your thoughts on global warming the “Green” wave that has washed upon us is a great way to live. I remember as a kid in school reading the books about pollution and how bad it is. This has always stuck with me and I think may have been a foundation that I have built my conscience on when it comes to the basics of pollution, litter and the general common sense of right and wrong. We see accidents in the gulf that create a tragedy of  mass pollution and we sit in our own little world and say “but what can we do”? We all have a part and we can do our little part to help aid in conservation. Even the littlest of energy saved and less pollutants can help in saving our planet for our children and their children for years to come. 

Here is a link to a great PDF document that you can read and save on your computer for reference. It has some great tips on how we can save a little here and a little there but it all adds up!

 http://www.livegreensavegreen.com/guide.pdf

We all have a part, what are you doing to do your part!

Pittsburghers should count their luck stars if you are in the market to buy or sell a home. Our housing market has been recognized in newspapers and magazines, on  network TV and cable TV, the Internet and so on as being one of the strongest in the country. Our inventory was very low but now is on the rise which will attract more buyers. Buyers are waiting in the wings to make their purchase and take advantage of the “1st Time Home Buyer’s” incentive. Seller’s are also part of this incentive as they are eligible for up to $6,500 on the “Move Up” program as long as they have lived in their house for 5 of the last 8 years.

So let’s count our lucky stars and continue to grow the housing market which affects everyone in the end. Housing sales increase and the economy will also continue to grow!

Again we see Pittsburgh being hailed in the spotlight when it comes to the real estate market place. Pittsburgh is not without its share of issues but we are blessed to be able to say that we still have a strong economy and real estate market when compared to the rest of the country. Here is a clip from the actual article from the latest Pittsburgh Business Times.

Forbes Magazine named Pittsburgh the best place to buy a house on its new list of America’s Best Housing Markets.

Using the Housing Opportunity Index, a metric created by the National Association of Home Buildersand Wells Fargo, the magazine said Pittsburgh’s appreciating prices, affordability ratingand low number of foreclosures, which help keep prices stable, all factored into the city’s ranking.

Forbes said the decline of what it called Pittsburgh’s “manufacturing-dependent economy,” helped the region’s real-estate market avoid the sharp increase in prices that occurred in other parts of the country.

Other cities in the top 10 included Louisville, Ky. (2nd); Houston, Texas (3rd); Minneapolis-St. Paul (4th); Indianapolis (5th); and Columbus, Ohio (tied for 6th).

Last Sunday I was performing an open house at one of my listings when a young couple visited me. They had mentioned that they have been to several open houses that day and others prior to last Sunday. We talked casually about the home and their situation when they mentioned they currently own a home and have done so for the last number of years. At that point I had mentioned the “seller’s tax credit” and to my astonishment they looked at me like I was crazy. They emphatically stated they have never heard about this from any other agent at any of the open houses they visited or conversations they have had with other floor agents when calling offices.   I have again added the information below for home owners who would like to sell their home and purchase a new home. 

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The maximum credit amount remains at $8,000 for a first-time home buyer –– that is, a buyer who has not owned a primary residence during the three years up to the date of purchase.

But the new law also provides a “long-time resident” credit of up to $6,500 to others who do not qualify as “first-time  .” To qualify this way, a buyer must have owned and used the same home as a principal or primary residence for at least five consecutive years of the eight-year period ending on the date of purchase of a new home as a primary residence.

For all qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 tax returns.

More and more this is a common phrase that we as agents hear. It is a sinking feeling when you want or need to sell your home and you see your neighbors home being sold for less than you owe. There are many ways to overcome this scenario but you have to take the first step. That is to relax, breathe and don’t get overwhelmed thinking about it. This is the time to be patient and do your homework. Gone are the days where you could stick a sign in the yard, ask what you want and 3 offers come in. Will that day come again, yes! It will but we have to work through the market that we currently are living in. Buyers are still out there, the government has a great program available and we are swinging towards our most busy time of the year.

If this is you or someone you know then be calm, breathe and contact us so we can help you get through this trying time.

Lately  I have had meeting with home owners and their biggest concern was not selling their home. The fear of putting it on the market at a “bad time” of the year. I would like to explain that there is no “bad time” of the year; there are only times which are better than others. This “seasonal” selling season is about to be changed. Why you say, it is due to the new tax credit. This new bill allows for home owners who have owned their home 5 of the last 8 years to take advantage of the new version of the bill. The new Bill allows for a home owner to receive up to a $6,500 tax credit. It also has increased the income limits making it even better than before.

So why wait, contact your local agent today and get ready to take advantage of the new bill. Maybe your Christmas or New Years present can be to you and your family. Does the thought of a new home sound like the best gift ever!

This past week president Obama signed the expanded version of the tax credit to include current home owners who are interested in purchasing a new home. This new addition to the tax credit gives home owners who have lived in their home 5 of the last 8 years the opportunity to receive $6,500 back from the IRS. The new version also includes an increase of the income levels to both single and married couples that are first time home buyers and those purchasing a new home. Posted below are a few examples provided by RIS Media. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me for a PDF document with the details.

Example 1:
Jane purchased a home in 2002, lived there for 5 years as her primary home, moved out in 2007, and turned that home into a rental property. If Jane decides to buy a new primary residence today, she would qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that she lived in the same residence as her primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight.

Example 2:
Harry purchased a home in 2004, and lived there for the past 5 years as his primary home. If Harry decides to buy a new primary residence today, he would qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that he lived in the same residence as his primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight.

Example 3:
Nicole purchased a home in 2006, and lived there for the past 3 years as her primary home. If Nicole decides to buy a new primary residence today, she would not qualify for the $6,500 tax credit based on the fact that she did not live in the same residence as her primary home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight. 

The tax credit applies to homes purchased for less than $800,000 before May 1, 2010. “If you sign a binding contract to purchase a home before May 1st, you would need to close on the transaction before July 1, 2010,” Nicholas said. “It works kind of like a gift certificate that can be redeemed for cash. You simply file a form with the IRS right after you buy your home, and the IRS will send you a check for the full amount of your credit.” 

The income limitation for single tax payers went up from $75,000 under the old rules to $125,000 under the new rules. For married tax payers, the income limitation went up from $150,000 to $225,000. “This means that more people will qualify for the credit – especially in parts of the country with higher costs of living,” Nicholas said. “This should help stimulate parts of the housing market that may not have been impacted by the old version of the credit.” 

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-11-08/expanded-version-of-tax-credit-will-allow-more-homebuyers-to-qualify/#ixzz0WMxbC3Go