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Vital Information For
First-Time Buyers
The first-time homebuyer Federal tax credit for $8000, record-low interest rates, and nationwide median home prices dropping to the lowest point in five years, makes this an enticing time to consider buying a home. By the way, that tax incentive isn't truly just for first-time buyers -- it's defined as those not having owned a home in the last three years. Research and knowing your options are critical. Check with your tax accountant for more details. It’s increasingly likely that Congress will extend and expand the popular home buyer tax credit, which will expire at the end of this month.
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According to an article in August in the Raleigh News & Observer, 10.8 percent of buyers are motivated to buy due to Federal and state tax incentives. So far only 1.14 million buyers have filed
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Relieving the Stress of Packing
Packing can be stressful time for every member of the family. To ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible, try the following tips!
Pack a "Red Box"
Since one in five American families moves every year, that means 22 million families may be searching for their TV remote controls!
One of the pitfalls of packing for a move is you can't always anticipate what you'll need when you arrive at your new home, and movers typically list only the obvious such as dishes, glasses, bedding, etc. The miscellaneous items you need in the first few hours invariably wind up on the bottom of a random box.
To start, you may want to create your own "red box" as some moving companies ("Removers") do in Great Britain. This is the last box loaded and the first one off the truck. The one universal item in the red box is the tea kettle (perhaps this would be the coffee maker in the U.S.). This is also the place
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Making Your Home Age Appropriate Creates Appeal
All of us have something in common with our homes. Sure, style, design, and location are at the top of the list, but how about age? As we age, buyers, especially the baby boomer generation, are looking to transform their homes into a place that they can stay in for as long as possible or they're hoping to find one that's already equipped for them to age-in-place.
So how old your home and you are, are reason to give some thought to if your home needs age-appropriate adaptation in order for you to be most comfortable. And, in doing so, you may actually make your home more valuable to a wider audience of buyers, should you ever sell it.
According to the National Homebuilders Association, making a home suitable for the golden years is economicaly sound. The baby boomer generation (77 million people) makes up 28 percent of the U.S. population. Assisted living for this generation can cost more than $60-thousand per year, not counting moving expenses.
That's pretty pricey. So, if you've taken some steps to make your home an age-in-place sanctuary, then make sure you highlight those renovations if you ever
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Quote of the Month
“When you argue with reality, you lose - but only 100% of the time.”
-- Byron Katie– author / speaker
Positive or Presumptuous
by Barry E. Wood
No doubt you are aware of a recent plethora of positive editorials and news stories about how real estate sales are turning around. Check these news summaries out: (click on the links below)
Pending Home Sales Up 8th Straight Month
Good News In The Economy
"Mini Real Estate Boom"
Real Estate Looking Up: Predictions for 2010
If you have been living and breathing real estate for as long as I have, you will know that lots of people like to predict what is going to happen in real estate. If they have an interest in things being “good,” they often see a mountain of positive in an ounce of good news.
As for me, I make my living by helping people buy and sell real estate. BUT, I have also learned that the real estate market – IS WHAT IT IS! I have to deal with the good and the bad in a way that best serves my clients.
I hope all of the “good news” in the summaries above is a sign of things to come. However, the $8000 tax credit for first time buyers, which expires at the end of this month, may have artificially stoked the real estate market for a few months. Will the recent spike continue? Who really knows?
Regardless, we will have to deal with the reality of next month and next year with professionalism and experience. Let me know if I can assist with helping to make your real estate dreams a reality!
Click on this link for my latest marketing tool:
Barry's Web Site DEMO (actual listing)
Click on this link for my personal web site:
Barry's Web Site
Remember: All agents are not the same. It is my joy to prove this everyday!
The greatest compliment you could give me is to refer your neighbors, family, friends, or working associates who need the services of a dedicated real estate professional. When you think real estate – I hope you will think of me!
One number is all you need to reach:
Barry E. Wood
(804) 400-9762
Daily News and Advice
Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.
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