![]() |
|
|

I have recently had a few potential sellers ask me if they should list their home during the holidays. My first response is "Why shouldn't you?" Here are five reasons that I believe the holidays are a great time to list your home.
I know that schedules are hectic during this time. That is the number one objection I receive when speaking with a prospective seller. If you will be out of town a lot. This actually makes the showing process a lot easier. You won’t be bothered with having to leave for showings. If you will be home and have company staying with you, we will do our best to accommodate both you and the prospective buyer.
What about those holiday decorations? Make your home beautiful! Keep in mind that you want the prospective buyers to see your home, not your stuff. You want your home to feel roomy so be careful not to over-do the decorations. We can help you to decide how much is too much.
Typically, there is a smaller inventory during the holidays. Take advantage of this and have your beautiful home sparkle on the top of a buyers list!
![]() |
|
|
Even in Greater Baton Rouge where home prices have not fallen as much as elsewhere, some who would like to move have put their plans on hold until things are a little better for sellers. In a buyer' s market, a real estate agent often has to deliver the bad news that the seller has to lower their asking (and selling ) prices a bit to be in line with the market. The new Home Buyer's Tax Credit promises to shake things up for sellers as well as buyers.
The Home Buyer's Tax Credit offers you a chance to reassess your position. Now, repeat buyers who have lived in their home for at least five of the last eight years qualify for a $6,500 tax credit. If you have been thinking of making a change the credit allows you to do that. Why?
First of all, if you have a home priced under $250,000 in most parts of the country, your home is on the radar screen of many first time buyers. True first time buyers who have never owned a home tend to be younger and not as affluent, for them, so an affordable home might be just want you want to sell. In, home at these price points are selling much faster than last year. If you want to sell, you might not only find a buyer, you might get multiple bids on your home.
Second, if you have been wanting to move, the $6,500 might give you the help you've need. This will offset the closing costs, partly compensate you for any loss in value, or give you some working capital for projects in the new house.
Third, when you are house shopping, you will also have the "buyer's market advantage" on your side and be able to get more house for your money. If you are looking for a bigger, better house, the seller may have lowered the price to meet the market. With low interest rates currently offered , you might be able to find your dream at such a deal you fell less pain at how much you had to lower your price.
Fourth, the credit is called a move-up credit, but you don't have to buy a more expensive home to qualify for the $6,500. If you are looking to downsize due to retirement or a lifestyle choice to simplify, you find a new place that costs less and still get the tax credit.
Fifth, if you've been wanting to turn your home into a rental, this could be your chance. Current interpretations of the new law do not prohibit you from keeping your current home as investment property any buying another for yourself as the primary residence.
Sixth, this credit could give you a chance to revisit a prior decision. Say you moved north for a job, but now, a few years later, you realized you miss the Prairieville or want to be closer to your kids. If you have rented for more than three years, you can use the First Time Home buyer's Credit to buy a new home or condo up North. If you bought and have lived in your home at least five of the last eight years, you can sell and buy elsewhere with the $6,500 bonus. You can even turn your current home into vacation home status, buy a primary residence and claim the credit. (For some of these trickier scenarios, make sure to consult your tax advisor.)
The purpose of the new credit to is to stimulate the housing market at all levels, although homes that sell for over $800,000 won't qualify. Since the credit is expected to cost the government $10.8 billion in lost taxes (plus $10 billion for the first phase), it is highly unlikely that it will be renewed. As the time lines roughly correspond to when interest rates are likely to remain low, this next five + months are the perfect example of a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for you as a seller to move your home.
The new credit can work for you.! Let Sandy and her team show you a wide selection of beautiful new and pre-owned homes in the Greater Baton Rouge area, including Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Watson, Walker, Central, Greenwell Springs, Zachary, Baker, Port Allen, Brusly, Geismar, and St Amant. We can also you answer any questions you might have about the home buyer's tax credit - $8,000 first time buyers or $6,500 for repeat buyers.
![]() |
|
|
Today, I woke with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for all of the Veteran's that have sacrificed so much for me. Without these men and women, I would not be able to sit here and enjoy the laughter of my children while they are getting ready for school, kiss my husband goodbye as he leaves for a job that he loves, or help a young couple find their first home. Think of all the small everyday tasks that we enjoy.
We get to experience these moments because a Veteran fought for our freedom.
I ask you this... Next time you see a Veteran, shake their hand, say thank you, buy them a cup of coffee. A small gesture of kindness is just a drop in the bucket for what they have done for us. With that being said, I think I will make my way to the local donut shop to buy a round of coffee and donuts for the gentlemen that I know hang out there in the morning.
Happy Veteran's Day to all who have served and fought for our freedom. Thank you!
![]() |
|
|
Today, November 10, 2009, the Marine Corp turns 234. Happy Birthday Marines!
Thank you to all who have served for your tireless dedication in keeping our country safe.
Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem. [Ronald Reagan, U.S. President; 1985]
![]() |
|
|
The first time home buyer's tax credit that was scheduled to expire on 12/01/2009 has been extended until May 1, 2010. The income limits for this have also been increased!
Here are the specifics:
There is also a new tax credit for "long time resident" homeowners!
Here are those specifics:
This is good news. Many people will now be able to purchase their first home or possibly move up to a bigger home. The move up part of this is crucial to the continued growth real estate market .
Please note: I am NOT a tax professional! These are the rules and regulations as I understand them as a Real Estate Professional. If you have any questions or unique situations, please contact your tax professional. If you do not have one, I will be glad to give you some recommendations.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved