Jennifer Bachman (Simmons)

If you're a buyer, buy because you love it. Buy because the lifestyle you're looking to live can more easily be accomplished with the purchase than without. Buy because of the $8000 tax credit stimulus that is being given to qualified buyers right now! If you're selling, sell because you want to sell. Sell because you need to sell. Sell because your neighbor is driving you crazy. Sell because the house you've always had your eye on just hit the market. Sell to move up in the market. Sell to downsize. Sell to liquidate, but if you really want to sell, just sell! If you're waiting to sell until markets rebound, please realize that doesn't mean to list in October. That means you'll be listing several years from now, and the reason you were planning on selling in the first place might not exist at that wonderful time in the future. There are no real promises for today or tomorrow in real estate.... Let alone 6 years from now when you can possibly get more.... maybe. Think about it!

Your home can give you several tax deductions! For instance, you can deduct each year the interest accrued on your home loan. You can also deduct points on closing costs for the year you bought a home! In addition, since anything Green is "in" these days, a Green addition such as energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy systems are great items to earn you tax credits, which are even more valuable than deductions because they reduce the actual tax amount due! So make sure you get the most out of your home at Tax Time!!

Do your homework and be thorough when you find a house that you like! In other words, Go to your local home store and get prices on the items that need replacing in the house - such as a new garage door, appliances, or flooring. Will you have the money for these items after closing? Tip: Start a folder for the house with list of work that will need to be done and items that will need to be purchased and pricing. Bring this to your realtor to help him or her negotiate the deal so that you can get the best fair price for the home, and then have money left over to do the necessary repairs later on.