Brook Simmons

I recently met a buyer who shared a GREAT story about how the tax credit helped him and his girlfriend and I wanted to share it with everyone. If you are a first time homebuyer who is still worried about whether or not this is the time to buy maybe this will help you see just how GREAT a time it is to buy a home for reasons other than low prices and low interest rates.

I met a guy who recently bought a home and unfortunately for me, I was not the buyers agent however, I felt his story was one that needed to be shared. Mr. Buyer and his girlfriend decided to take advantage of the buyers market after renting for several years. They found a WONDERFUL house in a GREAT neighborhood and with their low interest rate, they're mortgage payment was VERY comfortable for them. They both had good jobs and were very excited about their new home. Within weeks of the closing the unimaginable happened. Mr. Buyers Girilfriend was laid off permanately. :( Since they had just bought the home and new furnishings they really didn't have much time to restock their savings for an incident like this. Lucky for them they had not filed their taxes yet. So immediately they contacted their bank to find out what they could do and that is when they realized that they could take advantage of their $8000.00 tax credit. They filed their taxes and within a few weeks they had their tax return plus an additional $8000.00. This was just what they needed. They not only managed to pay their bills for two months while Mr. Buyers girlfriend searched for a job but they also had money left over to put into their savings for another rainy day. YEAH!!!!

So I ask you, Could you use $8000.00?

I meet many first time homebuyers who have little to no money to put down or pay closing costs and occasionally they're biggest concern is whether or not they will have a job in a couple months. While I try to avoid playing the "What if" game with my buyers, I think that is a very valid concern with the current economic situation. I've struggled with overcoming this objection with my buyers. However, after hearing this story I now realize that this is not an objection, this is just another reason why first time homebuyers NEED to buy.

Did you know that the average days on market for a condo has gone from an annual average of 197 in 2008 to 150 in just the last 3 months. That's half the average of last years first quarter which was 300. The average sale price went from 293k for the year to 229k this year so far. Condos are selling on average from 85-90% of the list price. Keep in mind that many sellers will price above actual market value. In many cases with the short sales and foreclosure listings, they are selling at a higher price than the list price. So don't be fooled by the 85-90%. Remember the best condition condos will go first and fast. If you are looking for a condo in GREAT condition then don't hesitate to take that leap when it becomes available. You don't want to be left picking through the leftovers. There are a lot of great cash flowing oppurtunities here for the investors. If you are thinking about becoming an investor, I strongly recommend that you read The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller. It may be just what you need to start growing your wealth and taking advantage of this Awesome Buyer Market. If you are interested in the Panama City Beach area and would like to see some of the GREATEST DEALS available, please contact me at 850-814-8259 or email me at brookinpc@kw.com. You can also visit our team website at www.knowpayneknowgain.com .

Whether or not to buy a home today is a very big decision for many of the buyers that I come across. With all the negative publicity in the news it's no wonder some people are terrified to make that leap forward. Recently, I read a comment made by a local financial advisor, here in Panama City and it made me smile. He told the public to stop listening to all these doomsayers who say that things are going to get a lot worse. We could play the "What if" game all day, everyday but how much would we actually accomplish or experience in our day to day. Owning your own home is not just about your return. It's about pride, accomplishment, and security, for you and your family. A place to not only store your things but to share special moments with the ones you love without worrying whether or not you are going to loose your deposit or have to replace the carpet the next day because your grandmother accidently spilled red wine all over the den. Owning your own home is STILL a piece of the "American Dream" for most people.

For all the first time home buyers who are moving to Panama City, Florida. Don't be afraid to take that leap and please don't listen to those who say "nothing is selling". We have sold over 260 properties in 2 months in this so called small town. Don't miss out on your oppurtunity to own a home.

Whether you are a realtor, investor, first time or second home buyer, it is a great time to buy in Panama City Beach and Panama City. If you or someone you know is considering buying in Bay County and would like to see what is currently available, feel free to contact me. I am a buyers specialist who works with all different types of buyers. We have gulf front condos (effeciencies) that start out at less than 100k. So if you or someone you know has always wanted a gulf front get away now is your chance. It is truly a buyers market. Keep your eye out for Brook's Best Buy.