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There are just 81 days remaining for Homeowners with the desire to take advantage of a new home tax credit worth up to $6,500. The deadline is creeping up on us. You have until April 30, 2010, to get a deal under way. Is it time for you to get moving?
Before you decide, see if you can answer "yes" to these four questions.
1. Are you already in the market? - Let's assume you qualify for the tax break. That means you've been in your current home for at least five of the last eight years consecutively, you're purchasing a new principal residence -- not a vacation home -- that costs no more than $800,000, and you meet the income threshold -- $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for joint filers -- to get the full $6,500 credit.
Keep in mind that the tax credit is yours unless you sell or stop using the home as your principal residence within three years after the date of purchase. Qualified home-buyers have the option to take the tax credit on their 2009 or 2010 income tax returns, so be sure to consult your tax authority so you get the most bang for your buck.
Here are a few things to consider as you contemplate your decision... If you were already planning to move, the tax credit can help you recoup some of those repairs you've been putting off to get your home ready for sale. Another consideration is the desire or need to up size or downsize, to move closer to family or to make room for an aging parent.
2. Do local market conditions look favorable? - There are three reasons why now is the right time to upgrade your home. First, interest rates are as low as they've ever been in our lifetime. Second, prices are very competitive, and you can buy a lot more home today than you could three years ago. And thirdly, the first-time buyer tax credit. Over the course of the last 12 months, first-time buyers are eating up the majority of good inventory due to its affordability. This is great news for sellers!!!
3. Can you sell your house in time? - You'll have to in contract on the purchase of the new home by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010. If you are active in the US Military, this deadline has been extended for an additional 12 months. Certainly nobody wishes to be carrying two mortgages, so your best bet is to get your home on the market a.s.a.p. to take advantage of this great tax incentive before time runs out. Be sure you do your research before taking the plunge. A quick call to a reputable Realtor will provide valuable insight on your market area. If you need a referral, I am happy to point you in the right direction.
4. Can you close the expense gap? - While the tax credit can help offset expenses like home repairs and the seller's commission, $6,500 will only stretch so far. If you are upgrading, keep mindful of your equity position on your existing home and available cash to cover the new down payment. If you're counting on the tax credit to cushion the higher mortgage cost of your new home, that's a red flag. The last thing you want to do is over extend yourself just to take advantage of the tax credit. Planning is essential.
While the tax credit can be a financial boost to many homeowners who are ready to buy again, the purchase of a home should never be a tax-based decision. The $6,500 is a treat; a cherry on a sundae. The sundae is the historically low home prices, substantially low interest rates and sellers willing to bargain.
Remember, the clock is ticking and as of this post, only 81 days left. If you are considering this, DO IT NOW..... We are here to help facilitate the transactions and help successfully market your property.
Until next time..... make it great Wisconsin - big smile..... ![]()
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I am posting this on behalf of Bonnie Blick of The Property Shop LLC - To Download This Property to Your Phone TEXT "88695" to 79564 This is a great property and bank is very anxious to settle. This is a great opportunity to purchase a real nice home for pennies on the dollar - We have also put together a special financing incentive package that will provide a hugh benefit to the lucky buyer of this awesome property..... Give us a call for more information.....
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The Property Shop LLC : 445 East Main Street - Wautoma WI 54982 : |
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I was recently talking with some newbie parents about their plans for their child's college education since two of my children are currently enrolled in two separate universities. The discussion centered on the expense of sending a kid to college today and what that expense might be when their kids go to college. Well, let me tell you, it's expense to send two kids to school, let alone one. And with the way the world is going who knows what funds will be available when their kids reach college age. One area of expertise I have is real estate and if there's one thing I know how to do well it's make money on real estate as an investment, is what I told these newbie parents. You can't rely on CD's, the stock market or the lottery I said. But, you can buy real estate and utilize it as a vehicle to pay for your child's education. How, well, provided your children are young enough, you buy a small house, duplex, or multi-family, amortize the loan over 15-20 years, and when the child is is old enough to go to college, the real estate investment will have almost be paid off, plus, it will have appreciated significantly in value from wen you first purchased it. I know some people who bought these types of investments, one for each kid. And as I have said before, historically (what else do you have to go on but history) these values have increased in value while the debt has decreased. But, you have to be responsible about it-make a plan and follow that plan. This means, when things start going well you don't sell it or you don't borrow more money against it. You buy it, maintain it, and you pay the loan off within the initial desired time frame. Right now, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, there remains a healthy supply of these investments, from multi family to duplex type properties, and the market value of these is rock bottom right now. Although lenders scrutinize these more than owner occupied properties there remains a healthy supply of money available to lend on these. So, if you or someone you know is a newbie parent and wants their child to go to college, do them a favor and tell recommend to consider real estate as an investment in the child's future. Who knows, they might like it so much they build their own little nest egg along the way. For more information on investment real estate email Mark at Mark@MarkHilgenberg.com.
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Just when you think that there can't be anymore changes that government can introduce to us lenders, they hit us with MORE and MORE! The lending portion of the home buying process is very tight and law oriented. I have been having more and more people coming to me to refinance their homes, but am able to do anything about it. The HVCC rule has thrown everyone for a loop. How does the government expect everything to get better, when they took control of 90% of the appraisal business? I've been getting very frustrated in the fact that a home, that is FULLY capable of refinancing and getting the value it is worth...can be absolutely impossible. OR, if I do get the value through a 3rd party appraiser, the lender will schedule a field review, which they shouldn't have to since we are supposed to TRUST whatever value that THEIR appraiser comes up with that they hired. That is another $150-$200+ charge that we either take out of our YSP or have to charge to the customer. Between all the hits that the lenders are charging, it is starting to become next to impossible to do a refinance or purchase with closing costs under $2,000. For all of you brokers, L.O's, agents and home bueyrs who are tired or the government making these obsurred rules and regulations, please sign the HVCC petition. It can only do good. I believe that it would be a good enough change if we could still hire our own appraisers and if the lenders would still liek a field review on the appraisal, so then be it.
To take action please sign the petition! http://www.hvccpetition.com/
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INDIVIDUALS WITH POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDES ARE NEVER FOUND IN A RUT. A Rut as Earl Nightengal said, "Is Nothing More than a coffin with the ends kicked out".
Individuals with a positive attitude are those who somehow always manage to find something new and interesting even in the most mundane tasks. They don't allow themselves to be bored, because they are always seeking ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. If you make it a practice to find better ways to do the same old things, you will soon be marked for advancement. You will be supervising others who are performing your old job because you've proven that you are a person who can be counted on to take the initiative and do what needs to be done without being told.
This positive message is brought to you by the Napoleon Hill Foundation. Visit them at http://www.naphill.org
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I need to be inspired. It is like a shot in the arm; a refreshment that keeps me moving in the right direction. I hope this inpires you too!!!! Have a great week ahead....
Gwenn Tanvas is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists who specializes in Credit Restoration and Government Programs such as FHA, State and Federal VA and USDA Rural Housing Loans. Visit her website for more information, on-line calculators and a secure on-line application. She is able to assist with transaction throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her offices are located in Appleton, Oshkosh and Green Bay and offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. http://www.WisconsinLoanTips.com or http://www.MortgageProsOfWisconsin.com she can also be reached for comment or to answer questions via email at gwennt@centurytel.net
Wisconsin Realtors, Grab Your Opportunity to Get Gwennie's Revolutionary New Property Marketing Technology Tool and it is FREE for the asking!!!! http://www.WisconsinPropertyPromoter.com - Check it out!
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