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Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

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Congress Passes Tax Credit Extension/Expansion

11-06-09
Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

This just in:

Dear Fellow REALTOR®,


I am VERY excited to report that Congress has answered our call to extend and expand the homebuyer tax credit!

Both the House and the Senate have passed an unemployment insurance bill, which includes an amendment that expands and extends the tax credit. That bill will be sent to President Obama for his signature in the next day or so.

I have recorded a special edition of my President's Podcast, with details on the new tax credit and when it takes effect. Please take just a couple of minutes to listen.

http://www.realtor.org/about_nar/presidents_report/_podcast_archive/mcmillan_taxcreditexte nded_20091105

We also have posted a comparison chart on Realtor.org. This can be a helpful resource as you work with buyers to take advantage of the credit in the months ahead.

http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/files/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.p df/$FILE/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.pdf

On behalf of NAR, I thank you all for your participation in our advocacy efforts on this issue. Not only did we set a new record on responses to Calls for Action, but we helped move another step closer to a brighter future for America's families and our economy.

Sincerely,

Charles McMillan, CIPS, GRI
2009 NAR President

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Country Juction Rebuilds After Fire

11-05-09
Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

Country Junction a landmark family owned retail store in Lehighton was destroyed by fire on October 3, 2006 . It employed around 200 people and it was 170,000 square-foot building on three acres.

They have begun rebuiding after almost 3 years. Ground breaking took place this past July 3rd.

The new building is going to be 50,000 square-foot.

Check out link for all locations http://www.countryjunction.com/.

Old

Pictures Taken After The Fire

New October 2009

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Blog_tag

Country Inns In The Pocono Mountains

11-05-09
Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

The Inn at Pocono Manor

The Inn at Pocono Manor is situated off Route 314 in Pocono Manor, PA via Route 380 to Route 940. For information and reservations call (570) 839-7111 or 1-800-233-8150. Or visit them on the web at www.theinnatpoconomanor.com.

Skytop Lodge

Your resort for all seasons. Bed & Breakfast plan available midweek. Route 390, Skytop, PA. For more information or your reservations, you may call (570) 595-7401 or
1-800-345-7759. Visit their website at www.skytop.com.

The French Manor

It has been selected as one of the ten best Inns in america and awarded a 4 Diamond rating by the AAA. Call (570) 676-3244 or toll-free 877-720-6090 for your reservations. Visit www.thefrenchmanor.com.

Mountaintop Lodge

Nestled just off Route 940 Pocono Pines. Newly restored 1920's Inn. Guests are treated to a delicious country breakfast included with the cost of the room. Activities include use of a mountain lake, beach, golf, outdoor pool, and tennis. Lodge is near skiing and popular Pocono attractions. Phone (570) 646-6636 or log on to www.mountaintoplodge.com.

The Inn at Jim Thorpe

Located in the town of Jim Thorpe. The Inn at Jim Thorpe is one of the town's landmarks For more information and your reservations, call The Inn at Jim Thorpe at 1-800-329-2599. Visit www.innatjt.com.

Crescent Lodge

Award-winning Inn features a restaurant with extensive wine selection. Located in Paradise Valley, Cresco, PA. (570) 595-7486 or 800-392-9400.

The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park

A restored craftsman-style hotel. Featuring remodeled guest rooms and suites. Near Lake Wallenpaupack. Special lodging packages available. Route 6, Hawley. Visit www.thesettlersinn.com. Phone (570) 226-2993 or 1-800-833-8527.

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Deed for Lease Program

11-05-09
Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

Cash for clunkers, cash for appliances, cash for carts and now deed for lease.

Fannie Mae to Allow Borrowers to Lease Homes.

Some homeowners who face foreclosure may be able to stay as tenants in their houses for the time being, even if they forfeit ownership, under a program announced on Thursday by Fannie Mae.

Under the program, called Deed for Lease, those owners who qualify would be able to remain in their residences by signing a lease voluntarily transferring the property deed back to the lender. Fannie Mae said the program could help thousands of defaulting homeowners stay in their houses for at least another 12 months.

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Blog_tag

Bullet Points On Expanding The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

11-05-09
Jeff and Heather Rickert, Realtor®, RSPS

It has NOT been written into law as of yet.

I understand it and as it is being reported.

  • A measure to extend and expand the first-time home buyer tax credit won Senate approval Wednesday
  • The new credit still must pass through the House, that would send it to President Barack Obama signature into law
  • new tax credit would extend the existing credit for first-time homebuyers up to $8,000
  • new credit up to $6,500 for some existing homeowners that have owned their home for at least 5 years
  • new credit would apply to contracts entered into through April 30, 2010 and closed before July 1, 2010. A home buyer must have a sale agreement in hand by April 30 and close escrow by June 30, 2010.
  • The new rule also raises the qualifying income limits up to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $250,000 for joint
  • The maximum allowed home purchase price would be $800,000
  • Military personnel, deployed overseas for a minimum of 90 days in 2008 or 2009, would have until April 30, 2011 to claim the tax credit.

Lets see what happens.

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