Emergency Kit for the Car

Yes, the heat is on and summer is here!  Are you planning a summer vacation?  Perhaps a drive across country to Mom and Dads or Grandpa and Grandmas?  Take Heed! Mickey Mantle said “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.”   Similarly, if people planning their summer travel knew they were going to have an emergency, they would have the right things available. Only 5% of drivers carry all recommended emergency supplies in their cars. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that all Americans have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Some of these things would be more important if you lived or traveled in remote areas. Reflective hazard triangle or road flares Spare tire Jumper cables First-aid kit Flashlight and extra batteries Cell phone and charger Crucial medications Emergency radio with batteries Bottled water for each person and pet in your car Non-perishable, high-calorie food Distress signal flag Matches or lighter During cold weather, additional items are recommended: Windshield scraper and brush Blankets and extra warm clothing Road salt or cat litter to help with tire traction Tarp for working outside in weather It is recommended that emergency supplies should be checked at least twice a year to see that all of the items are in working order and in good condition. It is important that items are replaced if any of them are used during the year. The American Red Cross is among many sources where emergency preparedness kits and supplies can be purchased. Please visit http://www.callkim.net for your home search! Call 702.521.3939 today!

The True Meaning of Memorial Day   Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, and was conceived in 1868, just three years after the war between the North and the South ended. The original intent was to honor those who had died in the service of their cause (whether North or South). After World War I, this day of remembrance was changed from honoring those who died in the Civil War, to honoring all Americans who gave their all in the service of this great country. On this day we honor the fallen by flying the flag at half mast until noon, by decorating or tending their grave sites, and by including them in our thoughts and prayers. I honor the sacred spirit of this solemn holiday and ask that you join me in recognition and prayer for our fighting men and women’s ultimate sacrifice. Kim Duclos 702-521-3939

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS - ESTATE PLANNING

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS ESTATE PLANNING

An estate plan contains documents to disclose your wishes as you direct them to be carried out because of death or incapacity to make decisions for yourself. Spouses, minor children, adult children, property and investments can all be factors that should motivate a person to undergo the process. Will – this document specifies the way a person wants to manage and distribute his/her assets after their death. When a person dies without a will, the laws of the state where the person resided will determine the distribution of the property. Durable Power of Attorney – this document grants to a designated person the authority to act on behalf of the principal in in legal affairs should the principal become incapacitated. Among other things, this would allow the attorney-in-fact to buy and sell property on the behalf of the principal. Healthcare Proxy – this document grants that a designated person can legally make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal when they are incapable of making and executing specific decisions stated in the proxy. Living Will – this document directs physicians with respect to life-prolonging medical treatments in case they become unable to communicate their decisions. Hippa Release – this document allows heath care providers to release your health care information to a designated person. Otherwise, they are required by federal law to protect the privacy of your health information. Letter of Instruction – This document contains information and instructions about a person’s wishes upon death. It is intended to offer details on whom to contact and where to find important documents about personal and financial matters. One should seek legal advice, since each state varies If you need a current estimate of value on real estate that may be involved, usually a price opinion from a licensed real estate professional will suffice. It would be my privilege to assist you with this at no cost or obligation. KIM DUCLOS crs abr gri

LOOKING FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR LIFE WORK? 10 KEYS

 

 

 

10 keys to a successful mindset

 

Studies show that successful people all exhibit a successful attitude.
What exactly does this entail?

• Successful people are almost always optimistic.
• Successful people are achievers—failure is never an option.
• Successful people are not egotists—they concentrate on how they can meet the needs of others, knowing that their success can grow only by helping others.
• Successful people write down and follow a business plan that is firmly focused on increasing revenue.
• Successful people hang out with other successful people, who are positive and inspiring.
• Successful people rarely complain—and always avoid those who do.
• Successful people almost never make excuses, refusing to blame other people or outside conditions, such as the economy, for a setback they may be experiencing.
• Successful people see money as a tool—and respect it for its usefulness.
• Successful people keep an eye on what’s driving their income—they meticulously study their business, honing it to meet the changing realities of the marketplace.
• Successful people pay close attention to what’s going into their bodies—and their minds!

Here’s to developing the successful mindset that will drive you to putting together your best life, in work, family and play!

If you are looking to have a successful real estate sale or purchase,

please give me a call at: 702-521-3939

and visit my website at      www.callkim.net

 

 

Contemplating a refinance?

You have your reasons for contemplating a refinance on your home mortgage, the basic question to ask is: “Do you plan to live in the home long enough to recapture the cost of refinancing?” There are always expenses involved in refinancing which can be paid in cash or rolled into the new mortgage. From a strictly financial standpoint, the break-even point is achieved when the cost of refinancing has been recaptured by the monthly savings. It would take approximately 23 months to recapture $4,000 of refinance costs with a lower payment of $175 a month. Lower the rate Shorten the term so that the loan will build equity faster and be paid off sooner. Lower your payment to reduce your monthly cost of housing. Convert an ARM to a FRM to stabilize your payment due to concern of rising interest rates. Cash out equity to be able to use the money for another purpose. Combine a first and second mortgage. Consolidate personal debt so the interest is tax deductible. Payoff higher cost debt such as credit cards, student debt, etc. Remove a person from a loan as in the case of a divorce. Points paid to purchase a principal residence are tax deductible completely in the year paid. However, the points must be spread over the life of the mortgage on a refinance. For that reason, consider getting a “par” value loan with no points. It may have a slightly higher rate but the interest will be fully deductible and it will lower the cost of refinancing. Determine the break-even point It is best to speak with a reputable lender.  Please call for a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional. I work with some stellar lenders and I would be happy to get the ball rolling to see what makes sense for you.  Who knows, perhaps a move is in your future when the time is right and please note, I am ready to work. Kim Duclos crs abr gri 702.521-3939 please visit www.callkim.net today!

TAX BENEFITS OF HOME OWNERSHIP - SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

     Since personal income tax was introduced by the 16th amendment in 1913, U.S. taxpayers have enjoyed specific tax benefits for home ownership, the American Dream, right?  While tax benefits might not be the only reason that motivates a person to buy a home, they are still tangible and not available to renters. 
     The exclusion of capital gains tax on the profit made from a home is unique from other investments and provides owners significant savings. Single taxpayers can exclude up to $250,000 gain and married taxpayers up to $500,000 gain. During the five-year period ending on the date of sale, a taxpayer must have: owned the home for at least two years; lived in the home as their primary residence for at least two and have used the address accordingly as it pertains to filing their income tax.  Gain on the sale of a principal residence in excess of the allowed exclusion are taxed at the lower long-term capital gain rate of the owner.
     A homeowner may take the standard deduction or itemized deductions in any tax year based on which will create the largest deduction. Property taxes and qualified mortgage interest are allowable itemized deductions.
     For more information, see your tax advisor or see IRS Publications 523, Selling Your Home and 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction.    For additional information locally, Bond Bookkeeping and Tax is located in Henderson at:  50 W. Pacific Ave, Henderson, NV  89015 (702) 471-6511 and they take walk-ins.  Feel free to call with questions and ask for Don.
     You can still take advantage of low interest rates, tax benefits and have independence thru home ownership - call today and let's get started.
      Find a house with your mouse, go to: http://www.callkim.net today!

Kim Duclos          Elite Realty

702-521-3939

 

       Las Vegas Real Estate -

It is a hot market and rates are still low!

ACT NOW!

Find a house with your mouse at www.CallKim.net

 

 

 

 

Kim Duclos

702.521.3939