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On Thursday of last week the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit passed through the House of Representatives. On Friday the President signed it.
The bill extends and expands the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit through April 30, 2010. The bill also revises income limits and would allow a $6,500 "move-up" buyer tax credit for those who have lived in their current principal residence for 5 or more years. In addition, the bill will allow borrowers who have entered into a contract by April 30th to have 60 days (June 30th) to complete the transaction.
Additional Highlights of the updated bill:
Income limits increase to $125,000 for single and $250,000 for married
$800,000 limit of cost of home
Properties purchased by a dependent are now ineligible
Purchaser must now attach proof of purchase of home to tax return
Changes are effective on the date of enactment
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me:
Dennis Hardy
Phone: (608) 245-6905 x104
dennis.hardy@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com
Visit my blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs_dennis_hardy/
Visit our home buyer credit announcement on our website for additional details:
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/announcements/8000_tax_credit/updates/index.htm
Illinois First time home buyer programs page:
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/first_time_home_buyer_wisconsin/index.htm
Illinois first time home buyer tax credit extended including Chicago
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What started as an innovative company town is now one of the most popular residential neighborhoods in Edwardsville, Illinois.
The Leclaire neighborhood exemplifies the "look" of Edwardsville with its frame or brick homes, many of which were built in the Craftsman style.
The area is always on the radar of potential buyers who ask us to let them know as soon as the neighborhood's properties hit the market.
Here is a list of homes for sale in the historic Leclaire area of Edwardsville.
Founded in 1890 by industrialist N.O. Nelson, the Leclaire area was named for the Frenchman who developed profit sharing and inspired Nelson to create a place where his workers could experience the best possible living and working conditions.
The model town he built provided easy-to-afford housing, a park for recreation and schools for the workers at Nelson's plant which manufactured plumbing materials. Nelson's vision also encompassed his factory's architecture which was designed to provide natural light and fresh air for the workers -- amenities unheard of at a time when sweatshops were more the norm.
The streets in Leclaire were named for the presidents, writers, social reformers and other famous people who had inspired Nelson's new village. The streets maintain their names and their historic homes today.
Leclaire was incorporated into the city of Edwardsville in the 1930s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
If you would like to know about Edwardsville's Leclaire homes as they come on the market, just sign up for a property manager account on our web site at www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com.
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Wide, tree-lined and dotted with lovely homes, St. Louis Street marches through the heart of Edwardsville, Illinois and into the hearts of most residents of the Land of Goshen.
Buyers often ask us to keep an eye out for properties as they become available on or near this lovely neighborhood.
Here's a link to properties that are currently for sale on or near historic St. Louis Street.
Originally a farm road, the street was renamed Fairgrounds Road when a long-forgotten agricultural fair site was built on the outskirts of town. Later the thoroughfare became known as St. Louis Street.
Edwardsville began seeing the construction of stately homes along the route as early as the 1850s.
Today, the homes along the street reflect popular architectural styles from the Victorian period through more modern times. You'll see Federal, Queen Anne, Dutch Colonial, Greek Revival and Italianate sharing the neighborhood with a Prairie-style home built just after the turn of the 20th century and more contemporary offerings from Tudor Revival to classic suburban ranches.
Just off St. Louis street, buyers will find a wide range of affordable homes on both the north and south sides of the historic street. Those areas are reflected on the above link as well.
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There's a lot to love about Fall -- gorgeous leaves, blue skies and autumn festivals -- but not so lovable is the annual shuttering of a southwestern Illinois tradition.
So here's the bad news, Custard Lovers: You have just a little more than 24-hours to get to Bobby's Frozen Custard in Maryville, Illinois beforel the iconic treat shop closes for the winter.
Bobby's will shut off the custard machines and the neon lights for the winter at 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2009.
You can stop by before then to stock up on quarts of frozen custard, concretes (custard shakes mixed with fruits, candies and toppings for you non-locals), Turtle Sundaes and -- of course -- caramel apples.
If you haven't had a Bobby's caramel apple, you're in for a treat. The crisp and tangy Granny Smith apples are the old-fashiond, hand-dipped kind you just can't find anymore. In fact, the apples are such a hit, Bobby has made a video about the process they use to create the gooey goodness. You can see the caramel apple video here.
Learn more at www.BobbysFrozenCustard.com. Bobby's is located at 2525 North Center Street (Highway 159) in Maryville, IL 62062. (That's between I-70 to the south and I-270 to the north.)
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CHICAGO, IL - ADVENTURES IN CHICAGO REAL ESTATE is a weekend update of the events that occured during the previous week with respect to Chicago Real Estate, Listings, What Happened, etc.

NEW LISTING at Landmark Lofts, Chicago, IL 60605
1516 S. Wabash #701, Chicago, IL 60605 is an awesome corner Loft Condo Unit with an unobstructed east view that features exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, custom fireplace, 42" Qualify Ktichen Cabinetry in natural maple enhanced with a balck granite countertop and accented with stainless steel appliances.
This is a 1,200 square foot unit, located on the 7th floor with to bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms.
Selling Price: $325,000
Garage Parking is sold separate for $25,000. This garage space is a premium location.
Click here to see more photos.
TAX CREDIT IS APPROVED/EXTENDED: Yes, the tax credit has been approved for first time homebuyers and they must be under contract by April 30th, 2010 and closed by June 30th, 2010.
Repeat buyers who have lived in their home for the last 5 out of 8 years, may also qualify for the Tax Credit, a lesser amount and the cap on purchase price is $800,000.
New House Bill approved and parts are effective immediately with respect to homeowner notifying tenants in a proper time frame with respect to the subject property being / going into foreclosure. Failure to do so results in the tenant seeking retaliation and homeowner paying a $200 fine. New owners of deeds to foreclosures, must submit notice and can amend leases to reflect change in utility arrangements in the lease.
WANTED:
A Recipe to take the chill out of your bones:
Barley Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
1 Cup Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup bias-sliced carrot
1/2 Cup sliced celery
2 Cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1-15 oz. can red beans, rinsed and drained
1-14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
1-10 oz package frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 Cup regular barley (not quick-cooking)
2 tsp. dried Italian Seasoning - crushed
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 Cups vegetable or chicken broth
Directions:
Take care, and will catch up next Saturday for Adventures in Chicago Real Estate.
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