The government set up an $8,000 incentive to stimulate the real estate market and so far, many buyers are taking the government up on it. Call me to find out if you qualify for the credit! 254-690-4321

Jean

Michael Shires, associate professor in public policy at Pepperdine University, and Joel Kotkin, a Forbes weekly columnist and presidential fellow in urban futures at Chapman University, have compiled their fifth annual list of the best places for job growth. The study is based on job growth in 333 regions--called Metropolitan Statistical Areas by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provided the data--across the U.S. The analysis looked not only at job growth in the last year but also at how employment figures have changed in these areas since 1996. Wary of overemphasizing recent data, the authors strive to provide a complete picture of the potential a region has for job-seekers. According to their data, these are the top 10 small cities for jobs.

Guess who’s on there…that’s right KILLEEN, TEXAS at #5!

Here’s the link: http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/best-small-cities-jobs-opinions-columnists-employment_slide_7.html?thisSpeed=15000  

Here’s a great link that explains the 2009 Federal Housing Tax Credit for “First Time Homebuyers”:

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html

It’s important to note that the government’s definition of “First Time Homebuyer” is not exactly as you would first think. According to the government, a “First Time Homebuyer” is a person who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.

Woo hoo! More great Texas news! -- Jean

TEXAS DOMINATES BEST CITIES FOR JOB GROWTH

(Forbes.com) – Texas has nine of the top 20 best cities for job growth in the United States, according a new study. Texas dominated every category, led by number one-ranked Odessa.

Others on the list are Longview (3), Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood (5), Austin–Round Rock (6), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (7), Laredo (8) and Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown (10). Next come College Station–Bryan (16) and San Antonio (20).

The study used job growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 333 U.S. regions.

Below is some great information I received this morning from one of our preferred lenders, Royse Cockrell (Professional Home Inspector). It was very helpful to me, especially the part about disposing of old paint.

Jean

Five Things That Can't Be Trashed or Recycled

Wondering what to do with the cans of unneeded paint or your stash of old batteries taking up space in your house and garage? You know you shouldn't throw them out, but it really is time to get rid of them. Resist the temptation to toss them in the trash anyway. The reason: They (and everything on the list below) contain toxic chemicals capable of contaminating the environment if not disposed of properly.

Unlike items that are picked up at the curb, you'll have to make a special effort to unload these ones responsibly. But, with a little advance planning and some good info, you'll see that it's really quite simple to dispose of these seemingly mysterious items. Here's how:

* Batteries. Recycling rechargeable batteries is fairly easy. Home Depot, Staples, Radio Shack, Best Buy, and other retailers take them back free of charge. There are fewer options for single-use batteries, but look for bins at your local Whole Foods Market, Ikea, or library. Otherwise, your best bet is the local household hazardous waste drop-off site. Where is it and what are your closest drop-off options? Search here [http://www.homehintsenews.com/dbpage.asp?page_name=notrashrecycle] for answers.

* CFLs. These energy-efficient bulbs are becoming easier to get rid of. Just drop old bulbs off at any Home Depot or Ikea for free recycling. Or ask about CFL recycling at your local Ace Hardware or home improvement store. You can search locally for other nearby solutions.

* Electronics. Every retailer that takes back rechargeable batteries also accepts mobile phones, as do most wireless providers. For computers, cameras, televisions and others, it's worthwhile to do a little homework because some stores charge fees depending on item and brand. Check out Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot to see what's the best fit. Some places, like Radio Shack, have trade-in programs where you can receive store credit for your old gadgets.

* Motor Oil. In case you need some motivation, consider this: Every gallon of used motor oil that's improperly disposed of can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water. Bring it to Wal-Mart, Autozone, Jiffy Lube, or search online for more convenient choices.

* Paint. It's among the harder items in this group to dispose of, but it's worth it and totally doable. Remember, with proper planning and application, paint disposal is usually unnecessary. Buy the right amount for your project. Apply a second coat and touch up areas that need improvement. If the paint is still in good shape, consider donating it. Liquid wastes are restricted from municipal solid waste landfills – never throw away leftover liquid paints in your trash. The National Paint and Coatings Association suggests:

Latex Paint Disposal Steps

1. Unused latex paint should be poured into an absorbent material such as a cat box filler, shredded newspaper or sawdust.
2. Let it dry completely and dispose of the dried material in your regular trash.
3. In areas where recycling programs exist, save the dry, empty containers with the lids off for a steel can recycling program. Small amounts of dried residue will not hinder steel can recycling.
4. Wash your paint brushes and painting tools in the sink. Never clean your paint brushes near a storm sewer drain.

Solvent-Based Paint Disposal

Solvent-based or alkyd paints require special disposal practices. Solvent-based paints are ignitable and present particular hazards. These products should not be emptied into storm sewers, household drains (especially if you have a septic tank) or on the ground.

Disposal Steps

1. Save solvent-based paints for a household hazardous waste collection program or contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance on reuse or disposal of unwanted solvent-based paint products.
2. In areas where recycling programs exist, save the dry, empty containers with the lids off for a steel can recycling program. Small amounts of dried residue will not hinder steel can recycling.
3. Clean paint brushes and painting tools with paint thinner or turpentine.

Eleven Texas metro areas experienced positive employment growth rates from February 2008 to February 2009 while 12 metro areas experienced net job losses. Petroplexes Odessa and Midland ranked first and second in job creation followed by Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood, Tyler, and College Station–Bryan.

HEB grocery has purchased more than 160 acres in Temple to build a 400,000-square-foot distribution center that will employ about 100 workers.