1/31/08

SOME SUPER BOWL THOUGHTS and SOME GOOD TAX ARTICLES

Super Bowl Sunday is just a few days away and it's supposed to be the most watched Super Bowl ever. Here are some interesting stats that have nothing to do with what's going to be happening on the field...

• Last year, U.S. retailers sold 61 percent more TVs the week before the Super Bowl compared to the previous week, according to Ross Rubin, an analyst at NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y. Revenue from TV sales jumped 46 percent that week.

• Domino's Pizza sales jump 30 percent on Super Bowl Sunday compared to a typical Sunday, according to Tim McIntyre, vice president of communications at Domino's Pizza LLC. The company expects to deliver more than 1.2 million pizzas across the country on game day.

• At La-Z-Boy Inc., January and February are among the strongest months for sales of recliners and sofas with reclining sections, according to Doug Collier, chief marketing officer.

• The biggest surprise about Super Bowl Sunday may be that it is NOT the biggest day of the year for beer sales. According to ACNielsen figures provided by the Beer Institute, a trade group, cases of beer during the two weeks preceding the big game rank seventh overall, behind comparable periods preceding Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.

So, as you sit back in your new recliner with your beer in one hand, your remote for your new 60-inch big screen in the other, and your pizza perched on your lap, you probably won't be thinking about the fact that it's time to start getting your tax "stuff" together. Come next week, however, if you haven't already gotten started, you might want to begin thinking about it. Here are are couple of articles that you might find helpful...

• First Time Home Buyers Guide to Taxes -- If you bought your first home last year, you'll need to know about all the deductions you can use as you prepare your first tax bill as a homeowner.

• Tax Breaks for Home Owners -- There are lots of tax reasons to own a home. Here's how to make the most of them and avoid the pitfalls.

• Ways to Pay Off Big Tax Bills -- The IRS does offer several payment options. But do file your taxes or you'll owe huge penalties.

Enjoy the game!

Warmest Regards,
Pook

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1/18/08

FINANCIAL FORECAST FOR 2008; BEST MORTGAGE MOVES TO MAKE IN 2008; FOREIGN HOMEBUYERS WELCOME; 20 STEPS TO A GREAT HOME BUY IN 2007; and MAKEOVER TIPS

With many major high-profile events happening in the Phoenix area over the next couple of months, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our area to many out-of-state visitors and investors. If you are thinking about selling your home, this may be just the right time for you to do it.

Of course, if you are looking for a new home in this area, this is a GREAT time for you to be looking!

Whatever your Real Estate needs are, I hope you will aloow me the opportunity to help you with them. As a Real Estate professional, my goal is to provide world-class service that will exceed your expectations by providing you with an exceptional experience as your consultant, negotiator, and overseer of transactional details.

If you are not personally in need of my services at this time, I hope you will pass this along to a friend, family member, or colleague. I would be pleased to provide them with the same outstanding service I would provide for you. Please contact me if you know of anyone who might need my help today.

Warmest Regards,
Pook

This week's feature articles:

• Financial Forecast 2008 -- Bankrate looks back over the events in 2007 that hit consumer pockets and forward to 2008 for ways to stretch earnings.

• Best Mortgage Moves to Make in 2008 -- What to do about your loan in the year ahead.

• Foreign Homebuyers Welcome -- Canadians are not only allowed to buy in the U.S., but are enticed with a bumper crop of available houses, says the Real Estate Adviser.

• 20 Steps to a Great Home Buy in 2007 - Spring and summer is prime home-buying season and 2007 promises to be excellent for buyers. Here are 20 steps that help you get the best deal on a home this year.

• Makeover Tips that Can Sell Your Home -- The year a home was built helps determine which renovations are most likely to pay off for sellers, experts say.