About Jasper County, IA

One of my dear friends has always given me the devil about the "joy of home ownership". Unfortunately with owning our own home there are responsibilities that do come with that priveledge. Those responsibilities have both community and financial impact.

But the pride in owning your own home typically shines through. It is so awesome to see homeowners upgrading their front door with even a coat of paint, planting trees and shrubs to add to the curb appeal and neighborhood appeal and even as much as raking leaves.

The foreclosure issue has kind of put a bit of a damper on the "joy of homeownership". As realtors we certainly hope to see this crisis over soon and families to feel that it is worthwhile to fight through the hard times and keep their home. It impacts everyone in their neighborhood.

As neighbors of foreclosures you may need to keep it up until the bank actually gets to own it. This will help your home value to stay up.

Oh, the JOY OF HOMEOWNERSHIP!!!

This morning I watched the "real estate expert" on the Today show. I really think she talked out of both sides of her mouth. She kept telling us how the market had turned around. And then she kept talking about how for every 2 houses currently on the market that hasn't sold there is a 3rd one just waiting to come on.

I just didn't understand her thinking on how this was making the price of homes rise.

My thoughts on our local market: The real estate market in Newton, Iowa has seen a decrease in the number of foreclosures coming on the market. Our prices seem to be stable. But homes still need to be priced well and in move in condition to sell quickly and for the most money.

First Time Home Buyers in Newton

We've been asked a few questions about the new Stimulus bill and how it affects Newton, Colfax & Baxter Iowa Buyers.

1. Who qualifies for the $8000.00 credit on the purchase of a new home?

You must be a first-time home buyer, which the law defines as someone who hasn't owned a primary home for 3 years. You must buy the home between Jan 1st and Dec 1st of 2009. If you haven't owned a home for past 3 years but your spouse has neither of you qualifies. The New credit does not have to be repaid.

2. I'm planning to buy a home for $50,000. Will I get the tax credit for $8000?

No. The credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to the maximum of $8,000. You would be limited to $5,000.

3. I'm buying a new home from a builder. Will I qualify for the credit?

Yes, as long as you close on the purchase between Jan 1st and Dec 1st

As always check with your local Tax Advisor before purchasing. Each State also has their own tax laws.

It's pretty cold here in Newton,Ia so our office goes above and beyond our scope of customer service.

When I say cold, it was -10 below this weekend.

The past few weeks we have gone to all our vacant homes which is plenty and put batteries in their thermostats to make sure they continue to work. We've found a couple homes that the furnaces weren't working and pipes were froze which eventually when it gets warm in the home your bound to have leaks when the pipes unthaw. Which leads to new sheetrock, sometimes flooring, painting the list goes on.

So if your a homeowner and it is vacant for the winter you might have some one check on it periodically or if it's on the market with a Realtor ask them if they can check it.

Another thing you might want to do if your home is vacant for the winter. Have some one winterize it that way you don't have to worry about your furnace going down or pipes freezing. In the end it could be a money saver for you.

Happy Winter!

Geri Doyle

www.newtoniowarealty.com and www.doyledevoe.com