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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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Ron's Random Ramblings
Take advantage of this economy to add to your real estate holdings. Summit County Real Estate was proven, again in 2008, to be one of the very best investment vehicles ever established. Statistics from the Summit County Assessors office show the average price for a home in Summit County INCREASED slightly (1.35%) over 2007. Long term, there is no question Summit County has served investors exceedingly well, and continues as a fantastic place to live and a safe and sound place to invest.
There is no question we are seeing more sellers. Right now we have about double the number of listings we had this time last year. For at least 5 years we were so short on inventory! Now, we have the inventory, so it's a great time to shop! Sellers are a little more likely to negotiate on the prices and there are some excellent selections in all price ranges!
Excellent mortgage money is still available at near all-time-low rates and there is more fun stuff to do up here than you can shake a ski pole at!
Market intelligence is key today. Get with me, whether you are a buyer or a seller, to get a complete and accurate understanding of pricing and timing in this competitive market. My experience will pay you dividends.
My listings include a classic 8000 sf log home on over 20 acres. This spectacular estate property on Baldy Mountain has never before been offered and is now available at $3,500,000.
SKI HILL CONDOMINIUMS #46 a two bed/two and a half bath condo across the street from VRI's downtown property and gondola. Beautifully remodeled inside and out. In the path of progress and ready to enjoy now! REDUCED to $489,000.
OWNERS / SELLERS -- If you're considering selling this year, call me today. Now is THE time to get your place on the market! Selling season is right around the corner!
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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