Tax Credit Extension

We are hearing that the extension of the incentive may be extended beyond the first time homebuyer...

Senators have agreed to extend the tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to include the repeat buyers...

The tax credit will be $8,000 for first time homebuyers who write an offer before the end of April, 2010, and close by the end of June. Repeat buyers can receive up to $6,500.00, if you have owned your present home for at least 5 years.

While this is still in the process of approval, but we are hopeful that this will go into effect, at least some part of this plan...

Stay tuned for updates...

Do you have a new home wish list?

Wish-list worksheet.

Creating a Wish List on paper will help you decide which home you should buy! There are many things to consider when thinking of your new home and making a wish list. You can create check boxes to help you weed out the less than satisfactory homes. Be sure to prioritize your list so that each item will not count as much as other items. A few Things To Consider: CommunitySelect a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in.SchoolsYou can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.Resale ValueYour real estate agent can give you a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working with a REALTOR, they may have access to comparable sales maintained on a database. You should consider new developments and if the community is growing in a fasion that will increase the value of your hoem in the years to come.PriceIt is always advisable to purchase a home within your means. Use one of our calculators to be confident that your new home purchase is within your budget!

Real Estate Market Highlights for September, 2009

As of the end of September, 2009 , and posted by RMLS we have a 7.6 month supply of homes and an average sales price of $232,200 for the month of September with an average sales price for the past 12 months of $241,200.

In September 470 homes were closed, 583 pending and 819 were new listings, with an average time on the market of 150 days. We have a total of 3,560 active listings in SW Washington at the end of September, 2009

Let's get your home Market Ready!!

How much should you spend In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive "polishes" and "touch-ups" to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen. Your realtor, who is familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood, can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Understanding your Credit

Understand your credit If you have ever applied for a charge card, student loan, or other kinds of credit, you probably have a credit report (or credit profile). Credit reporting agencies collect and organize information about you and your repayment history, and make it available to those who are considering granting you credit. Landlords, employers, government licensing agencies, and insurance underwriters can also obtain your credit report. Lenders will look at things like: How promptly do you pay your bills? How many credit cards do you own? What is the total amount of credit extended? How much do you actually owe on all of your accounts? If they find a history of late payments, bankruptcies or other collection activities, too many accounts, too much indebtedness, maxed out lines of credit, or multiple inquiries in the past 12 months, this could negatively impact your ability to get credit. What is on your credit report? Personal identifying information - name, social security number, date of birth, current and previous address and employers Credit account information - date opened, credit limit or loan amount, balance, monthly payment, payment history Public record information - bankruptcy, tax and other liens, judgements, and (in some states) overdue child support Inquiries - names of companies that got your credit report Your credit report does not contain information on checking or savings accounts; medical history; race, gender, religion or national origin; credit scores; friends; political preferences; or criminal record. Negative information stays on your credit report for 7 years--10 in the case of some bankruptcies. Positive information stays on indefinitely. Inquiries stay on for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of inquiry.

First Time Homebuyers!!!

Time is running out for First Time Homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the past 3 years...

You must close on your new home by the end of November to participate in the $8,000 Dollar Tax Rebate program...

It could take up to 45 days for closing so time is running out for the current program.