Restoring a piece of furniture can seem like a daunting task, but with a little time and patience many projects can be fairly easy. Here are some tips for making your old furniture look like new.
Before beginning, apply a small amount of furniture restoration cleaner in an inconspicuous spot to determine if it is compatible with the furniture's finish. Thoroughly inspect the piece to determine where the worst build up is and clear away any obstructions such as splinters or stray nails. Remove all hardware (handles, etc.) to make the restoration easier.
Experts recommend working in 10- or 12-inch sections first, and then going over the entire area (top of table, side of piece, etc.). This will ensure a more thorough cleaning. Use a small paintbrush or toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach places or any place that may have extra buildup. Clean the entire piece a second time to make sure it is free of all silicone, wax, polish and dust.
If you don't feel comfortable handling pieces that need to be repaired or replaced, such as a broken leg, a local furniture shop can help. If you are doing the repairs yourself, make sure to use the appropriate adhesive. You'll want to duplicate the original glue as closely as possible; this is especially important for older pieces.
Before waxing or polishing the finished product, use a damp cloth to remove any final dust and fingerprints, then buff with a clean dry cloth and use wax or polish sparingly. Before you know it, your old furniture will seem like brand new.
Considering Moving to the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
Do you have clients with needs in the East Bay?
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Visit my website at http://pamwinterbauer.com
Now that the new year has begun in earnest, it's the perfect time to make sure you are ready for 2009. Here are five things you should do this month that will make your life easier in the months ahead: Clean Out the Clutter: You keep saying you'll do it...go ahead and do it. Spend an hour going through your old files, and shred those receipts, bills, and statements you no longer need, like old ATM receipts and utility bills, paystubs more than a year old, and receipts for things that are not deductible. Get Organized: While you're at it, create new files for your 2009 tax-related papers and receipts. Examples of categories include medical expenses, gift and charitable donations, and home improvements. You can also take this time to make sure your important papers--such as your will, birth certificate, and so on--are stored safely. For more on safe storage of your important documents, read the safe deposit article below. Check the Gift Card Fine Print: If you received gift cards as a present over the holidays, use them soon. Some have expiration dates, or the amount on the card may get reduced over time. In addition, in the current economy, retailers that go out of business may not honor gift cards. Do Some Review: Review your various insurance policies--life, home, auto, etc--to make sure the coverage you have is still the best fit for your needs and situation. To save on cash out of pocket, you might even consider raising your deductible to get a lower premium. Do Some Reflection: Take an honest look at your schedule and responsibilities and make sure you are taking the time you need to stay healthy and feel good. Don't feel bad about actually scheduling specific blocks of time to exercise or spend special time with family and friends, to ensure it actually happens. This will make everything else you have to do this year easier...and more enjoyable, too!
Considering Moving to the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
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It's almost tax time and here is some important information to consider......
Stimulus Rebate PaymentMost - taxpayers received a rebate payment in 2008. This payment is NOT taxable, however, it must be accounted for on your 2008 tax return. Please make sure that I have the amount you received with your other tax data.
Property Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers - If you own a home and do NOT itemize your deductions (Schedule A), we can take a property tax deduction for property taxes you paid in 2008. Please make sure that I have evidence of your property tax payments for 2008.
Mortgage Interest Deductions - As a result of increased IRS audits, I will be looking closely at the deductibility of mortgage interest payments on your 2008 tax return. Taxpayers are allowed to deduct interest on the acquisition debt incurred to purchase, construct or substantially improve their principal or secondary residence. Combined acquisition debt on the two homes can NOT be more than $1,000,000 plus an additional $100,000 equity loan. As your loan is paid down, the amount of deductible acquisition debt decreases. As a result of repeated re-financing of mortgage indebtedness, a taxpayer's current home mortgage may exceed the original adjusted acquisition debt plus $100,000. If you fit into this category, part of your mortgage interest may not be deductible. For example, in 1970 a taxpayer purchased a home for $28,000. The loan was paid off long ago. In 2006 when the house was worth $850,000, taxpayer took out a $400,000 loan against the home to pay some bills, help the kids and take a vacation. Since the acquisition debt had previously been paid off, only the interest on $100,000 is deductible.
First Time Homebuyer Credit - A first time home buyer in 2008 (neither taxpayer or spouse owned a principal residence in the U.S. during the three year period prior to purchase of the new home) is eligible for a refundable tax credit. The amount of the credit is the lesser of 10% of the purchase price or $7,500 ($3,750 if you are single). While this is called a "tax credit", and technically, it is, it is really a loan that has to be paid back annually over 15 years.
Foreclosure/Repossession/Insolvency/Debt Relief - Unfortunately, due to the current economic downturn, some taxpayers have lost their homes during the past year through foreclosure or repossession. This situation presents a complicated tax issue. If any of you find yourselves in this situation, please contact me as soon as possible prior to your tax appointment to determine what information I will need to accurately prepare your 2008 tax return.
Considering Moving to the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
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On Tuesday (12/16), Don Biddle was appointed to the city council seat vacated by the newly elected Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti. Biddle was serving on the City of Dublin planning commission prior to his appointment.
To read the Tri-Valley Herald story about Biddles appointment, click here.
Considering Moving to Dublin or the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
Do you have clients with needs in the East Bay?
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Visit my website at http://pamwinterbauer.com
On Monday (12/15), the City of Hayward announced that City Hall will be closed from Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. Hayward officials report that closing city hall and giving some city workers a two-week unpaid leave will help bridge a $4 million budget deficit. Police, Fire and emergency services will not be affected by the city hall closure.
For a complete list of the departments and services affected by the closure, please click here.
Considering Moving to Hayward or the East Bay? ~ Do you want to Buy or Sell a home?
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Visit my website at http://pamwinterbauer.com
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Serving the East Bay~San Francisco Bay Area since 1978; Communities of Alamo, Castro Valley, Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Pleasanton, San Leandro, San Lorenzo & Walnut Creek
Pam has been selling real estate in East Bay communities since 1978. She recently was presented with the 2006 REALTOR® of the Year award from the Bay East Association of Realtors.
As an East Bay Native she has first hand knowledge of the communities and neighborhoods she services and their uniqueness. Pam's work ethic, integrity, and concern about her clients are the most important factors of her businesss. In her eyes success is not recognition or awards. True success is helping other people achieve their dreams and goals.
She is an experienced negotiator, an effective comunicator, provides superior service and positive results whether you are moving across town or across the country.
In her spare time she enjoys travel, playing golf, music, theatre and playing with her puppy, Murphy Brown. 
Pam received her sales license in 1978 and continued her education in Real Estate in acquiring many designations to enhance her professionalism. She earned her Brokers license in 1990 and is a Broker Associate with Windermere Welcome Home. She is active with her local and state Association of Realtors currently serving as the 2009 President Elect of Bay East Associaton of REALTORS® and member of the Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity and California EXPO Advisory Committee's at the California Association of REALTORS® and serving on many different committies on both levels.
She has acquired the following designations to better serve her clients needs
She specializes in the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties)
State and Local Organizations
"This is my 3rd time working with Pam. I would recommend her to all friends and family! She is incredible! Her experience and knowledge combined with her high level of integrity and honesty are invaluable to both the seller & buyers. She has my business for life!"
Silvia Ling
"She was very professional and understood my needs and concerns. She really came thru with solutions."
Heather Burton
"Although I am a first-time seller, I judge Pam to be completely competent, professional and accommodating. I am an out-of-state client and she went beyond the call with each time I asked her."
Anne Merhton
"She is knowledgeable, professional and helped ease our stress during the time the house was on the market."
Karen Sparks
"Pam's word is her credo, when she says she will do it, she gets it done. Whether it's a call back, legwork, or follow through it's taken care of with expediency."
Ina Baker
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