Bill Williams-Broker,REALTOR

I just updated the Housing sale stats for the Catawba Valley in North Carolina on my website. It's a little bleak but there always bright spots for those looking to move up.

See the details at www.BillWilliamsRealestate.com

Have you been thinking about moving but don't know if the time is right? The opportunity you've been waiting for may be here. Because of low interest rates and government incentives, more potential buyers have been looking around. And since you may qualify for the new $6500 tax credit also, this may be the right time to move on or move up.

Even though you may have to discount your house to sell it, you'll get a greater discount on the house you buy. And if you lose money on the house you sell you may be able to write those losses off on your taxes and put that money in your pocket. The rewards will be much greater on the house you buy, and in the end it will mean more money in your pocket and likely increase your net worth.

Don't let the current housing market stop you in your tracks. Use it for your financial benefit and take advantage of the opportunities that exist for you and your family.

But you won't know if you don't get moving. What's stopping you from putting your house on the market now? If it doesn't sell, it costs you nothing.

As Hickory, NC strives to deal with low employment and a high vacancy rate of commercial properties, the city and the Economic Development Corporation have been creating incentives to lure business to the city. In 2007 the Hickory Fire Department asked the city if there was a way to reduce the number of vacant commercial buildings it monitors. The city in turn came up with an initiative dubbed "Operation No Vacancy".

The Redevelopment Committee was formed which included representatives from the city manager's office and the planning, fire, community, economic development, public services, and Catawba County building services departments. The committee's major work focused on five areas:

* enhancing the vacant building inventory that was developed in 2007

* designating a commercial revitalization area

* creating a vacant building revitalization grant program

* unifying existing redevelopment programs

* reaching out to stakeholders

Several programs were developed as Part of the initiative.

* a 50% fund-match up to $25,000 for exterior improvements of vacant buildings within the Commercial Revitalization Area (CRA)

* a 50% fund-match up to $5,000, for apperance improvements in the CRA

* a 50% fund-match up to $2,500 for landscaping

* 100% grant for net gain property tax revenue for 5 years for properties in the CRA that add new jobs and invest more than $500,000

As with any government programs, there are procedures that must be followed. For the $25,000 grant, a simple application is submitted with cost estimates of the work to be done. The Redevelopment Committee inspects the property and discusses the work to be done. At the same time represetatives from the fire department, public services, and Catawba County building services inspect the building for fire and safety code compliance. The tax-payer is providing the funds and so it makes sense that their interests are protected. After all, it would be foolish to provide money for a project only to have the building burn down because it didn;t meet the current fire codes. These inspections would be required anyway and the committee can advise the owner if any necessary code repairs can be covered by city grants. The committee then meets, with the owner present if desired, and approves the eligible repairs and improvements.

The grant is a reimbursement program. Fifty-percent of the grant is distributed when the improvements are completed and the rest when the building is occupied.

The program has been successful. So successful in fact that it has received the The City of Hickory received a national award for its Operation No Vacancy program during the Alliance for Innovation conference on Transforming Local Government in Corpus Christi, Texas in May, 2009.

The Alliance for Innovation is an international organization that highlights innovative programs and best practices from every aspect of local government. Alliance for Innovation emphasizes the importance of working across department and agency lines to develop new processes that improve the performance and efficiency of local government. Operation No Vacancy received an "Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation" award.

Hickory also has the Brownfield Program. This is a grant program designed to help with Phase 1, 2, and 3 environmental programs.

As Hickory has worked hard to attract business to the area, it has become one of the least expensive cities in the country to do business. For more information on doing business in Hickory, NC and incentives to relocating your business here, visit http://www.hickorygov.com

The home-buyer tax credit has been extended and expanded! The government has extended the $8000 first-time home-buyer tax credit for buyers who have not owned a home in the previous three years. And homeowners who have been in their house for at least five years may qualify for a $6500 tax credit. And under this program you NEVER have to pay it back! Use the money for improvements to your home, retirement, or whatever you'd like!

Have you been thinking about moving but don't know if the time is right? The opportunity you've been waiting for may be here. Because of low interest rates and new government incentives more potential buyers may start looking around. And since you may qualify for the new $6500 tax credit also, this may be the right time to move on or move up. But you won't know if you don't get moving. What's stopping you from putting your house on the market now? If it doesn't sell, it costs you nothing.

Call, email or text anytime to get started