My First Home

This is a great time to buy a home if you are in the market. The Housing market is down, interest rates are at an all time low, and you might just be able to afford that dream house you’ve been wanting for so long; but before you jump in, there are resources that are available to you that you might want to seek out.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website at www.hud.gov have a wide array of topics pertinent to buying a home and will answer many of the common questions new home buyers have.

They go through the steps to be taken on making such a large commitment.

Here are some of the points they cover:

a) How much can you afford
b) House shopping
c) Home buying programs
d) Your rights
e) Shopping for a loan
f) Home inspection
g) Making an offer
h) Homeowners insurance
i) Signing papers

Remember you can't have too much information to assist you in making an informed decision. Happy shopping.

New Year's Resolution

So here we are at the end of 2009, staring into the eyes of 2010 and wondering yet again what happened, how did time go by so quickly….. still so many plans yet undone. If you are one of the many that fell short on your resolution to purchase a home in 2009, there’s still a chance to make up and take advantage of the Homebuyer’s Credit which was extended and expanded in November 2009 to April 2010.

What is a Homebuyer’s Credit? Well, it is a tax incentive given by the government to individuals or families purchasing their principal home, provided the purchase occurred in 2008, 2009 and now into 2010.

In order to be eligible, Buyers must enter into a binding contract to purchase a principal residence, not a rental or a vacation home, no later than April 2010 and must close on the purchase before July 1, 2010. The credit is in the amount of up to $8,000.00. As always there are additional eligibility requirements which are available from your Real Estate professional or visit: www.irs.gov for further details.

Christmas Traditions

Oh it is Christmas! I can hear the Christmas carols and the old familiar tunes ringing in my ears. The malls of America are packed with shoppers, shopping; the smell of cinnamon buns, favorite holiday scents and spices in the air; the Salvation Army bells are ringing (with a credit card machine hanging from the kettle)...oh yes, it is Christmas alright....

This has been a tough year for many and with unemployment at an all time high Christmas traditions as we know it will not be the same for many, but thanks to the extension of the unemployment benefits, there will be turkey on the table for some.

What can we do:
Check on our neighbors and take them some shopping;
Donate a Turkey;
Volunteer at a pantry or a soup kitchen;
Donate to Toys for Tots or your favorite charity; and
Give someone a hug.

So let's try and do all we can this holiday season to help the less fortunate. Have a safe and happy holidays.