$8,000 HOME BUYER CREDIT


The house and Senate both approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 13th. The President is expected to sign this bill into law this week.

Here’s the BAD NEWS….we didn’t get the $15,000 tax credit for ALL homebuyers as we were hoping.

Here’s the GOOD NEWS….First home buyers will receive an $8,000 credit on their tax returns for homes purchased this calendar year. First time home buyer is defined as not having owned a home in the last three years.

This is a great time to purchase as rates are historically low and inventory is available and the government is stepping up to help!

Also, if you want general refinancing information ( a great time to do that as well), I recommend contacting:
Mike Miller at Riverwood Mortgage
Cellular : 317-730-7049
Mmiller@riverwoodfg.com

The link to the full article about the Recovery Act and what it means to you:
http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home#taxcredit

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions……

Ready, Set, SELL....................

Do your homework (and housework) for success in a challenging market.


Business reports are making one thing clear: Today's real estate market is changing and sellers must work harder to find buyers for their homes. There's a tremendous amount of inventory and therefore a lot of competition so you can't just plunk a "For Sale" sign in your yard and think it is going to sell.

DO THE ESSENTIALS:

* Make repairs. Ensure your entry is clean and in perfect shape.
* Rip out old landscaping...in some cases shrubs date a house.
* Get out the cleaning supplies. Clear clutter to make the house sparkle from top to bottom.
* Give the Kitchen and easy face lift. New cabinet hardware and faucets make a big difference.

GET AN INSPECTION:

* Inspections can identify problems that, if discovered later, could derail a sale, but good reports
give a potential buyer peace of mind.

COMPARISON SHOP:

* Your house is in direct competition with others for sale in your neighborhood, so attend their
open houses to see how your home stacks up.

PRICE IT TO SELL:

* When pricing your house, don't rely on websites that offer free estimates of home values. The
data is frequently outdated or wrong and lacks the critical thinking an agent brings. It is im-
portant to look at comparable SOLD properties and also prices of CURRENT inventory. Your
agent will also consider your motivation for selling and your time frame for completing the sale.

MAKE PLANS:

* Devise a game plan for impromptu house showings. The more flexible you are, the better!

SPARKLING WELCOME:

* The time to establish a gret first impression is while the agent is getting buyers into the house.
Keep the season in mind for an up-to-the-minute look that reflects your home's spirit.

This article was published in "At Home" with Century 21 November 2008 issue

CALL OR EMAIL TOBI WEINSTEIN/GOLD TEAM for your market analysis.

317-590-8700
GoldTeamSold@c21rg.net

A NEW LENDING LANDSCAPE......

It may seem like a tough time to be in the market for a home. In the wake of the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the related banking upheaval, lenders have tightened their purse strings and put the brakes on issuing home loans, at least at the rates and terms that were prevalent just a year to six months ago. But not all the newes is bad for today's buyers. First this new approach to lending can reduce the risk that you be the victim of unscrupulous lending practices. As a result, this more stringent approach may work to your benefit. Use this time to learn as much as you can about the current lending landscape. Read articles in the newspapers and online. Reach out to your Realtor and ask for his or her interpretation of the recent developments. It is also wise to spend time analyzing your own finances including your income, assets, expenses and credit score. If you know your own budget and financial qualifications insided and out, you will know what is realistic and what is too good to be true.

Once you have identified what you want and are prepared with your own facts and figures start making some calls. Banks and mortgage companies may have reined in their lending, but it is still a free and competitive marketplace. Search for the best rates and terms available. However, if you feel you may get a better offer in a few weeks or months, and your timetable permits it, wait a bit. The advice of your real estate prof

It may seem like a tough time to be in the market for a home. In the wake of the sub-prime mortgage crisis and the related banking upheaval, lenders have tightened their purse strings and put the brakes on issuing home loans, at least at the rates and terms that were prevalent just a year to six months ago. But not all the newes is bad for today's buyers. First this new approach to lending can reduce the risk that you be the victim of unscrupulous lending practices. As a result, this more stringent approach may work to your benefit. Use this time to learn as much as you can about the current lending landscape. Read articles in the newspapers and online. Reach out to your Realtor and ask for his or her interpretation of the recent developments. It is also wise to spend time analyzing your own finances including your income, assets, expenses and credit score. If you know your own budget and financial qualifications insided and out, you will know what is realistic and what is too good to be true.

Once you have identified what you want and are prepared with your own facts and figures start making some calls. Banks and mortgage companies may have reined in their lending, but it is still a free and competitive marketplace. Search for the best rates and terms available. However, if you feel you may get a better offer in a few weeks or months, and your timetable permits it, wait a bit. The advice of your real estate essional will be invalualbe when making this decision.

Finally, remember that the real estate marketplace still favors buyers. The inventory of homes exceeds the current demand in most locations, so you have the opportunity to be more selective and a little more demanding at the bargaining table.

This article taken from Life@Home, the Century 21 November Newsletter