| As you may have heard, significant improvements in the temporary First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit were signed into law on Feb. 17 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide a housing stimulus for first-time home purchases that occur between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2009. This is even better news for first-time homebuyers than the tax credit announced in April 2008 because not only has the tax credit maximum increased from $7,500 to $8,000 - but more significantly - it does not need to be repaid unless the individual re-sells the home within three years. There are several notable points about this federal income tax credit that I have bulleted for your convenience so you can easily explain the highlights to potential first-time homebuyers. They are: |
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To further assist you in communicating this good news, we have created a Consumer Guide chart that explains these important points. In addition, the National Association of Realtors® has prepared a Major Modifications Chart that brokers/agents can use to understand the improvements made in the tax credit since last April. We also have a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for your use during first-time homebuyer seminars in your local market and in individual client meetings. Be sure to note that you are not a tax or legal professional, and of course encourage homebuyers to use their own advisors. Keep in mind that this tax credit is retroactive. You should reach out to your recent first-time homebuyers who closed on or after Jan. 1, 2009 or are currently under contract to close in the near future. Plus, this is a great opportunity to call your customers and potential buyers and help get this important message out to those who can reap the benefits associated with it. |
Once you've found your dream house, it's time to get started with the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Purchase contracts vary in length and terms from state to state, and within a state, from locality to locality. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on my experience and expertise. I can bring order and calm to the process and will know what questions you may not know to ask to help you reach a favorable outcome.
Multiple offers on the same home are not uncommon, so you may only get one chance to make an offer that the seller will consider. That's why it's important to think carefully about your strategy. In most cases it is better to have your real estate professional negotiate the offer. If you have any personal interaction with the homeowner, don't give out any information about your move, your current housing status, financial status or your feelings about their property - positive or negative. This could hurt you in future negotiations.
Patty Rostad,Realtor
Century 21 Real Estate Group, LLC
1109 N. Hall Road
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-984-2121
TIS THAT TIME OF YEAR WHERE THE BEAUTY OF THE OUTDOORS TURNS A DULL GRAY, FLOWERS DIE AND TREES LOOSE THEIR BRILLIANCE. SO IF YOU ARE SELLING YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME YOU SIMPLY MUST PUT THE EXTRA EFFORT INTO "CURB APPEAL". NOW MORE THAN EVER, IT'S IMPORTANT TO LET YOUR HOME STAND OUT AND BE SEEN. HERE'S A FEW TIPS FOR WINTER SELLING:
1. MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS VISIBLE FROM THE STREET. NUMBERS SHOULD BE HORIZONTAL RATHER THAN VERTICAL AND LIT UP AT NIGHT AS NIGHT COMES SOONER IN WINTER MONTHS.
2. FRONT DOOR - MAKE SURE THERE'S A CLEAR PATH TO THE FRONT DOOR, PLENTY OF LIGHTING, NO DEAD PLANTS OR BUSHES BLOCKING THE WAY. A FRESH COAT OF PAINT AND NEW HARDWARE DO WONDERS.
3. LANDSCAPING - RAKE THOSE LEAVES, TRIM DEAD BRANCHES, A FRESH BATCH OF MULCH AND MAYBE A SMALL WINTER POTTED SHRUB IF THERE'S ENOUGH ROOM AT THE ENTRANCE. NO FAKE FLOWERS!!
4. HAVE A CLEARLY DEFINED EDGE BETWEEN LAWN AND PLANTING BED. USE STONE, BRICK, OR BED LINERS FROM THE NEARBY LANDSCAPING STORE.
5. CLEAR THE CLUTTER! EXTRA CARS, POTS FULL OF DEAD PLANTS, BIKES, GARDEN TOOLS, HOSES. REMOVE AND STORE FOR WINTER. KEEP GARBAGE CANS OUT OF SIGHT.
6. TOUCH UP PAINT ON TRIM AND GARAGE DOORS. REPAIR/REPLACE LOOSE SHINGLES. PAINT/REPLACE MAILBOX, REMOVE STAINS FROM CONCRETE WALKS AND DRIVEWAY AND FILL IN CRACKS.
SERIOUS BUYERS ARE LOOKING DURING THESE COOLER MONTHS SO KEEP YOUR HOME IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
Take a look at this investment opportunity in Knoxville! Duplex - each side 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen and living room. Wood floors. Basement shared by tenants with storage, indoor parking and washer/dryer. Freshly painted on the outside. Steady tenant history. MLS# 600571 Visit my website for additional pictures at www.prostad.century21reg.com
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Patty Rostad
Century 21 REG,LLC
Get away to this 5 acre tract in the Chilhowee Mtns. Wooded with year round creek. Property is suitable for a variety of building plans. Very private and only 8 miles from town. Great to come home to after a long day. Take a walk to the creek on the trail that winds thru property. Seasonal mountain views. Every season makes this property special. Light restrictions, great for that log cabin you've dreamed of.
See additional pictures at wwww.prostad.century21reg.com
Owner/Agent
Patty Rostad, Century 21 REG,LLC 865-984-2121
1109 N. Hall Rd., Alcoa, TN 37701
My passion for real estate and commitment to my clients is foremost to my work ethic and motivation in real estate. I welcome the opportunity to assist my clients in any real estate need.
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