Christina Moock, REALTOR Cutler Real Estate

Homebuyers have you heard about the tax credit the government is giving you if you buy a house? As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a first time home buyer credit is now available.

Who is eligible? First-time homebuyers who purchase a home between April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible. A first-time homebuyer is defined as a person who has not owned a home in the past 3 years.

How does the tax credit work? The homebuyer tax credit will reduce the total amount of taxes you owe. When you file your taxes for the year you purchased your home, you will be able to subtract the amount of the credit from your Federal Income Tax liability, increasing the size of your refund or reducing the amount you owe.

How big is the tax credit? The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of your home up to $7500.

Does the money have to be paid back? Yes. The tax credit amount you receive will need to be paid back interest free over a period of 15 years.

For more information about the tax credit please visit http://www.ChrissyMoock.com and click on tax credit. Or simply call me at 330-936-2519.

Coffy made a trip to St. Pete Beach Florida from October 2 - October 9. The weather was beautiful- hot and sunny! Coffy stayed at the beautiful Tradewinds Resort- did you catch him on the live beach cam.

Before leaving, Coffy had a chance to meet his sisters- Angel and Annabelle. After a few sniffs they were best friends.

The next morning it was off the Akron/Canton Airport for the flight. We arrived in Tampa around 12:00 and picked up the rental car and some lunch and then it was off to the hotel.

Checking out the view from the hallway

Testing out the furniture

Coffy visited Tropicana Field.

Coffy ate pizza at Vito and Miichaels (perhaps the best pizza in St. Pete?).

Coffy also spent a few days recovering in the ER after a very bad accident. Somebody mistakenly thought Coffy was their lunch.

Coffy had an awesome time in St. Pete Beach. He is anxiously awaiting his next trip. Will it be with you?

The remnants of hurricane Ike blew through Ohio yesterday with winds up to 80 miles an hour in some areas. It was scary! Here are some photos from my neighborhood. Thank goodness none of my trees fell!

This tree fell on my neighbor's father's car as he was pulling out of the driveway!

Around 10:00 last night my dogs started barking and barking and wouldn't stop. I went outside but couldn't see anything. After talking with my neighbor this morning I found out that was about the same time that this tree fell. My poor neighbor's garage.

My neighbor's tree

My swimming pool filled up with leaves

Do you wonder if you can buy a house, but not sure where to begin? Do you find the whole home buying process confusing?

Then you should attend the Yes, You Can: Step Up to Home Ownership, seminar.

The seminar is being held Sept. 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Timken High School. You will learn all about buying a home, including topics such as mortgages, home inspections, homeowners insurance etc.

Please contact Chrissy Moock, Cutler Real Estate with questions. 330-936-2519

If you are a first time home buyer you may qualify for an OHFA loan.

What is OHFA? OHFA stands for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

What does OHFA do? OHFA can help first time home buyers with down payment assistance or closing cost assistance, either through a grant or a 2nd mortgage on the home they are buying. Read more here: down payment options.

Who qualifies as a first time buyer?

• Actual first time buyers who have never owned a house before
• Buyers who have not had an ownership interest in a principal residence within the last 3 years
• Anyone including previous homeowners buying in a target area

What is a target area? It is an area that is designated by HUD as an economically distressed area.
To learn more about target areas: target areas.

Please contact me if you need any questions about this loan product. Chrissy Moock, Cutler Real Estate 330-936-2519