Faith LaRosse

I've been very fortunate to have had quite a few settlements over the last few months. Sitting at one settlement in particular last week brought a very important factor to mind--a MAJOR factor in why I decided to go into real estate in the first place.

We as real estate professionals are not just selling bricks and mortar...we are selling hopes, dreams, memories and commitments that have become part of that home.

Great real estate deals sometimes come out of unfortunate situations. There are many people losing their homes because of lost jobs and income, lost marriages--while there are other first time homebuyers; for instance, that are benefiting quite nicely by another's misfortune. Such is the way of the world, I know...

While sitting at that settlement table last week, I looked at my buyers side of the table--so full of happiness and joy at their first home together as newlyweds...then across the table at the sellers, who were divorcing and moving out of their family's home with tears of sadness streaming down the wife's face.

I just feel the need to remind my colleagues that we as real estate professionals have a duty to our clients to not only handle their transactions with the utmost detail and efficiency but even more important in my opinion, to respect and take into consideration any and all emotions that go along with that transaction. Be courteous and kind... your clients have put their lives in your hands and we must nurture and respect that part of their real estate transaction as well!

Faith LaRosse

Keller Williams Realty

542 N. Lewis Rd. Limerick PA

610 996-3195

www.SoldbyFaithLaRosse.com

I just wanted to send out my heartfelt thank you to Terese Brittingham, Amity Atkins and all those that helped to make the Keller Williams Community Day in Limerick PA such a wonderful success.... I've only been a member of this office for a short time, but the effort that everyone put into bringing together the local families has most certainly reinforced my decision to come and be a part of the Keller Williams Realty family. This was truly an event for the community...and despite the horrible cloudy, mucky, rainy day....it was a tremendous success. There were so many smiling (painted!) childrens faces...covered with cotton candy--enjoying all the free games and fun. In this challenging economy it's important for families to be able to find fun that doesn't cost an arm and a leg! It always warms my heart to see family's out together just having fun and that is exactly what was going on at Keller Williams Community Day in Limerick on Saturday! Keller Williams Realty..YOU ROCK!

Faith LaRosse

When do I need to purchase to qualify?
If you buy a home between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 this year and close escrow during these dates, you will qualify for an $8,000 tax credit - as long as it is your primary residence and you meet the simple requirements.

How does the law define "first-time homebuyer"?
The law defines "first-time homebuyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

What are other requirements to qualify?
All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate. An income limit of $75,000 a year for individuals and $150,000 a year for joint filers also applies.

How do I apply for the credit?
Taxpayers should use IRS Tax Form 5450 to claim the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Does the credit have to be repaid?
No. Unlike a similar tax credit passed in 2008, this $8,000 tax credit does not have to
be repaid to the IRS.

Can I use the tax credit toward a down payment or other closing costs?
Yes. An announcement made May 29 allows the tax credit to be used toward purchase costs of a home, including down payment in some cases. This can be done one of two ways. First, buyers using an FHA-approved lender can sell their anticipated tax credit to the lender and use the proceeds to immediately apply the tax credit to any down payment above the minimum down payment of 3.5 percent required with FHA-insured mortgages. Second, buyers who receive financing through state housing finance agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their down payments via a tax credit advance loan that does not result in any cash back to the buyer. In both cases, buyers can only access the credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS.

Hurry First Time HomeBuyers....only 90 days left to use your $8000 tax credit!

Thank you to RealtyTrac for this valuable information...

While this post may not be wildly popular with the real estate community..In my opinion, it needs to be said:

This economy has put a strain on everyone's lives; that goes without saying. But without sounding like "Susie Sunshine" here, there IS a silver lining to this recession. It has taught all of us to do what our grandparents have always known-decide what you REALLY want and SAVE for it. There is pure satisfaction in knowing that you just purchased that bag with your hard earned cash and you won't be paying for it month after month on your credit card.The difference between paying with cold hard cash is a tangible one as well. Having to physically count out each bill and coin makes it pretty hard to ignore how much of your money you're actually handing over. When signing those credit card slips you can somehow con yourself into believing that it's not really money you're spending.

This new outlook on spending is of course, spilling over into the real estate market. The mortgage industry is just not as eager to squeeze you into that home that you probably shouldn't be buying anyway. Good thing. Buyers are home shopping with a more realistic attitude these days. While that 5 bedroom home with all that extra space might be nice, the reality of having to heat that home down the road has taken on a more important place in the decision making. The concept of having a Plan B in case you lose your job has become one of the deciding factors in a home purchase these days, thankfully. In years past, the idea of losing your job seemed like some fairy-tale possibility off in the distance.

So, to you-Nasty old recession- I say, " Thank you for the reality check, we are learning to take responsibility for our actions, practicing the age-old art of saving our pennies and becoming aware of all the true waste in our lives." Kudos to us!

All of you savvy home shoppers in the Montgomery and Berks County areas of Pennsylvania, I'd be more than happy to help you find the home of your dreams-just give me a shout:

SoldbyFaith@aol.com

Faith

I'd written a blog some time back about a really fun exhibit that I'd seen at Pottstown's Community Days. It is called Reflections of World War II. It is a large trailer/vehicle that has been converted into the "Home" of a typical family during WWII; from an old icebox, and nostalgic music on the radio to the exact bedroom with chenille bedspread that my own grandparents had, back in the day! The people that "live" in the exhibit are all dressed in the garb of the day...They are true history lovers and are there to make the experience truly real for you and your family. I wanted to include their calendar of events so during the course of this Summer of high gas prices- you might be able to have some fun during what many families are calling their STAY-CATIONS!

If anyone would like any more information about this unique exhibit; I've included their website below the calendar of events...ENJOY!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

August 2 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Harry James Orchestra

August 10 Let's Dance Orchestra, Gring's Mill, Reading, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Aug 16/17 "EAA Chapter 122 Salutes Our Veterans" Waggoners United Methodist Church, Carlisle, Pa.
Free supper for re-enactors on Saturday and Sunday Morning Brunch. Dance on Saturday $8.00 per person $15.00 per couple.

August 16 Ice Cream Social at Lititz Springs Park, Lititz with the Moonlighters' from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Sept 6 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Walt Wagner band

Sept 20 Sunnybrook Dance,
Pottstown, The Boilermakers

Sept 27 Community Days at Pottstown Airport, Pottstown 9:00am to 3:00pm

Oct 25 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown Halloween Party

Nov 8/9 Troops and Trains, Strasburg MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

Nov 15 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Swing Fever Dance Band (This is their dinner/dance) MORE TO FOLLOW

Dec 13 Christmas in the Air, Reading Regional Airport, Reading (MORE INFO TO FOLLOW)

http://www.geocities.com/reflectionsofww2/re-enactors.html

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA 19426 Office: 610 489-7700

My Cell: 610 996-3195