Saint Charles Real Estate Blog and News: Grant Hickman

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Tax Relief Act of 2010 Information

You need to wait to file your 2010 income tax if you are impacted by any of the tax deductions or credits renewed by the Tax Relief Act of 2010, enacted December 17th: The following schedules are changing:

Form 1040, Schedule A, itemized deductions;

Form 8917, Tuition and Fees deduction;

Form 1040, line 23, Educator expenses;

Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts;

Form 5405, First time homebuyer credit & Repayment of credit;

There are a few other less ‘popular’ credits too. The IRS expects to have the forms updated and ready for processing about mid-February.

Another possible delay in filing your tax return this year; the Form 1099-DIV has been changed to report both ‘ordinary’ and ‘qualified’, and the Form 1099-INT now reports tax-exempt interest. Mutual Fund investments are the most likely to be incorrect since the information comes from several issuers, and then is broken out for the different types. Be sure to verify these Forms against your own records.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

St. Louis Magazine names 2009 FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent

Congratulations Grant Hickman!

"Experts say that at least 90 percent of homebuyers rely on real estate agents for advice and guidance. But with more than 15,000 agents in the St. Louis area holding real estate licenses, how do you choose?

"St. Louis Magazine has partnered with Crescendo Business Services, an independent research firm, to find out which real estate agents have most consistently wowed their clients." (Source: STLmag.com)

Customers and the magazine’s panel agreed - St. Charles Realtor, Grant Hickman deserved the distinction. Fewer than five percent of licensed agents in the St. Louis area will be recognized in St. Louis Magazine’s April issue.

“In the fall, Crescendo mailed nomination ballots to St. Louis area residents who had recently purchased homes. Additional ballots were sent to mortgage and title companies, who are often best able to judge a real estate agent’s technical skills and knowledge. On the ballots, recipients were asked to nominate only real estate agents whom they knew through personal experience. They were asked to evaluate them based upon nine criteria: customer service, communication, finding the right home, integrity, negotiation, marketing the home, market knowledge, closing preparation and overall satisfaction. Only original ballots—no copies—returned in their specially designed envelopes were accepted as valid.”

Grant Hickman, The Grant Hickman Team Real Estate Expert, continues to provide expert real estate services and systems and award-winning customer service. The Grant Hickman Team has a proven approach to buying and selling real estate which has resulted in their skyrocket to success and continuous achievement.