Dorothy B. Rhone, GRI, CRS, ABR, e-PRO, SRS, OA

HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT

EXTENDED AND EXPANDED

What are you waiting for?

The awesome opportunity for a first time home buyer to receive $8000 free money from Uncle Sam was due to expire later this month. On November 6th, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was passed which extends the first time home buyer tax credit for buyers entering into a binding contract by April 30, 2009 with settlement completed by June 30, 2009.

In addition, a new progam became effective immediately for move up or repeat home buyers. These buyers, who have lived in their primary residence for five consecutive years of the past eight years, may be eligible for a tax credit of $6500.

These tax credits are literally "free money" and are not required to be repaid as long as the buyer lives in the property for a minimum of 36 months (and there is also a military exception). The income limitations have been raised with this new and improved tax credit, and the sale price of the home purchased must be $800,000 or less.

There has NEVER been a better time to purchase a home! Interest rates are still at 30 year lows, there are a lot of properties to choose from, and housing affordability is at its highest level ever!

If you are interested in purchasing a new home in Bloomsburg, PA, or anywhere in Columbia, Montour, or lower Luzerne Counties in Pennsylvania, contact me for award winning quality service.

For explicit details about the extended and expanded tax credit, just click on the link below. It is also advisable to contact your tax advisor before entering into an agreement of sale to determine if you are eligible for the tax credit.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/home.html

The last Saturday in April of each year is a special day in downtown Bloomsburg, PA. For over 20 years, Main Street is closed from early morning until early evening for a street fair.

Renaissance Jamboree is a celebration of Spring where everyone comes out to enjoy lots of food provided by all non-profit organizations, and over 150 crafters selling their unique creations.

In addition, there is plenty of entertainment for all ages.

What a wonderful day in Downtown Bloomsburg! Make plans to visit the only Incorporated Town in PA, Bloomsburg, for our next Renaissance Jamboree!

To see a video of Renaissance Jamboree of 2009, visit my web site at www.DotSellsBloomsburg.com and click on the Area Video Library.

On my web site you can also see videos of our beautiful town.

If you are moving to Bloomsburg, PA, contact me for the utmost in quality service. I'd love to help you!

Don't miss the window of opportunity! There couldn't be a better time to buy! Affordable prices, historic low interest rates (as low as the World War II era), and FREE MONEY FROM UNCLE SAM! That's right...in February the new and improved tax credit expanded the $7500 tax credit (which was similar to an interest free loan because it had to be repaid) to an $8000 tax credit that does not have to be repaid! Of course, there are some noteable guidelines--income limits for single borrower of $75,000 adjusted gross income and $150,000 for a married couple. Also, you must own the home for three years, and to qualify as a "first time buyer" you could not have owned a primary residence within the last three years. Settlement must occur in 2009 BEFORE December 1st, so don't wait until the last minute. It is best to begin your search now vecause as the deadline approaches there will be more buyers in the marketplace, which can cause untimely delays with appraisers, inspectors, lenders, and title companies. Visit my web site at www.DotSellsBloomsburg.com for additional information on the tax credit.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this awesome opportunity that we will probably never see again, I'd be happy to help! I have a great presentation explaining the tax credit that I can e-mail to you if you'd like more information. E-mail me at Dot@DotRhone.com and request the presentation. I have over 24 years experience helping buyers and sellers in Bloomsburg, PA and the surrounding areas in Columbia, Montour and lower Luzerne counties. If you are in another area of the country and need a knowledgeable and experienced professional to help guide you through this process, contact me and I'll research your area for the most qualified agent to represent you...for free!

Contact me at Dot@DotRhone.com, call or text me at 570-204-0279, or call my office at 570-784-2821 Extension 19. I'll look forward to helping you make your real estate dreams come true. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH AN EXTRA $8,000?

Real estate continues to be the best investment on the planet. Of course, it is a long term investment where you can build equity and appreciation as well as enjoy the tax benefits of home ownership. The new stimulus plan that was passed in February 2008 included a tax credit to first time homebuyers. Any first time buyer (a buyer who has not owned a property in the past three years) is entitled to an $8000 tax credit if they purchase a property in 2009 prior to December 1st (as long as they qualify within the income limitations). Unlike last year's tax credit of $7500 for those buyers that purchased from April through December in 2008 where repayment was required...the $8000 credit is just that, a credit with no repayment!

Mortgage rates continue to be at historic lows, there is an abundance of inventory on the market with prices either flat or declining in many areas of the country, and the buyer is in the driver's seat! If a buyer has stable employment, good credit, and a nest egg available for a down payment and closing costs (or a family member willing to "gift" them funds to close, plus a knowledgeable and experienced REALTOR helping them navigate through the home buying process--BUY NOW!

If the current economic condition heads toward recovery in the time frame that was projected, those buyers that are on the fence waiting for prices to go even lower may just miss the boat!

Once they determine the bottom is here and it is time to act, it will be too late, because an upswing would have already begun.

The thought of the IRS crediting a qualified first time home buyer $8000 is a great incentive! ALL eligible buyers should seriously consider taking advantage of this unbelievable opportunity that has been presented to them by this stimulus package before it's gone! I am excited about helping first time buyers in Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, and the outlying areas of Columbia, Montour, and lower Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania to help them get the American Dream!

The National Association of REALTORS has prepared an excellent presentation explaining the details of the tax credit. Please CLICK HERE to review this information to see if you qualify, then e-mail me to begin your search.

The Progressive Farmer Magazine, published since 1886, has released its fourth annual top ten rankings of the Best Places to Live in Rural America 2008. Their selection is based on school quality, access to health care, low crime, and affordable farmland. This year they offered extra credit to counties that have successfully protected farmland, controlled pressure from urban areas and struck a balance among agriculture, manufacturing, and modern convenience. Columbia County was listed as #5 on the top ten list, and was named #1 in the Northeast. This convenient location is only a couple of hours from Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey, and travel is very easy with I-80 crossing the county from border to border. The local schools have low student-teacher ratios, and Bloomsburg University, located in the county seat of Bloomsburg, has an enrollment of approximately 8000. Excellent health care is readily available both throughout Columbia County and nearby at Geisinger Medical Center in the adjacent county. Agriculture is still at the heart of the county with many farms scattered from one end to the other. Nearly a half million-people visit the 250 acres of attractions at the Bloomsburg Fair each year, where the primary emphasis is still the promotion of agriculture. The spectacular beauty of the hills and valleys can be seen throughout all four seasons, and visitors are in awe of the lovely countryside of Columbia County. Here residents enjoy the escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while they enjoy country living, strong and vibrant communities where housing prices and the cost of living is still affordable, and scenic beauty any time of the year. If you are looking for a great place to enjoy life and raise your family, Columbia County Pennsylvania may be the right choice for you! When you are ready to move to Columbia County, I'm here to help!