Home sellers and cave dwellers alike are finding this to be a tough market. Buyers seem to be few and far between but buyers of unique properties are even harder to find, especially if you're trying to sell a cave-home.
If you think I'm batty, check this out...
Below is a current chart showing the differences in the tax credit offered to first-time homebuyers in 2008 and the new credit now being offered through December 1 of this year.
If you're considering a home purchase and you're a first-time buyer (have not owned a principal residence for the previous 3 years) this is a great opportunity for YOU! There are some significant changes that benefit you as a 2009 First-time Homebuyer! Just take a look at the chart and see...
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FEATURE |
CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008 APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008 |
REVISED CREDIT - EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009 |
|
Amount of Credit |
Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500 |
Maximum credit amount increased to $8000 |
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Eligible Property |
Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence. |
No change All principal residences eligible. |
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Refundable |
Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser. |
No change Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed. |
|
Income Limit |
Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000). |
No change Same income limits continue to apply. |
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First-time Homebuyer Only |
Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase. |
No change Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply. |
|
Revenue Bond Financing |
No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding. |
Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit. |
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Repayment |
Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing. |
No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 |
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Recapture |
If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale. |
If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009. |
|
Termination |
July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009) |
December 1, 2009 |
|
Effective Date |
Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year. |
All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009 |
I'm happy to help you in any way I can with a home purchase, whether you're a first-time buyer or not. Interest rates are still historically low and there are great deals on the market. This really is a great time to buy!
Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
509.844.7344
e-mail: joddie@tb.com
Looking for something to do this weekend? How ‘bout heading over to the Spokane Fair and Expo Center to view the latest in home improvement, decorating, and landscaping ideas.... over 300 exhibits all in one place!
With Spring right around the corner it's the perfect time for fresh inspiration and renewed vision for all those projects on your "to-do" list. At the Home and Yard Show you'll find hundreds of home improvement products and services at your fingertips!
Don't pass up this great opportunity!
Hours:
Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
509.844.7344
e-mail: joddie@tb.com
Many homeowners decide in the Fall to update and make repairs on their home through the Winter in order to put their home on the market in the Spring. It's a great plan, however very few actually follow through on the plan and then it's crunch time! If you're one of those homeowners you might be feeling the crunch right now.
The first day of spring is a few short weeks away, March 20th, and the question remains, is your house ready for the market? Is it too late for repairs, paint and updates? In most cases the answer is no; you still have time for the fresh wave of home seekers looking for a house just like yours.
When getting your house ready to sell it's important to keep this in mind; Buyers want the best house, in the best location for the best price. You can't change the location of your house but you certainly can determine if yours is in the best condition, which will determine the best price you can set!
What do Buyers want and what can you do?
If you're uncertain on what you should or shouldn't do ask your Realtor. They can give you tips and let you know what Buyer expectations are. If you don't have a Realtor I invite you to give me a call or send an e-mail with your questions and I'd be glad to help you out.
Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
509.844.7344
e-mail: joddie@tb.com
Ballots have been mailed to households in the Mead School District asking 
voters to approve a 3-year Maintenance and Operations Levy.
In the tough economic times we are facing many may consider voting "no" simply because they don't realize this is a replacement levy not a new tax. What that means is you won't be paying any more in your taxes to continue quality educational programs and extracurricular activities for Mead students than you currently are. In fact, the estimated tax rate is actually less than what voters approved in 2006.
Some of the 2009 Maintenance and Operations Levy support under consideration includes:
More information on the levy can be found here.
Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
509.844.7344
e-mail: joddie@tb.com
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TOMLINSON SOUTH REAL ESTATE, Spokane WA Real Estate - Helping Spokane Home Buyers and Sellers, Providing Spokane Housing Market information and Spokane House Values.
"'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,"
Be it ever so humble there's no place like home!"
-- John Howard Payne (1791-1852)
Providing my clients with service that guides them safely to their Real Estate destination is what I strive for. In order to do so I believe it is imperative that I stay knowledgeable, alert and adaptable to the ever-changing Real Estate market and trends. I'm committed to excellence and consider it a priveledge to be Your Spokane REALTOR.
For Home Sellers:
The most important thing you can do is contact Your Spokane REALTOR. Getting expert advice on local market conditions as well as neighborhood statistics will help you make an informed decision. I can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis and provide you with the tools you need to get your home on the market.
For Home Buyers:
With all the on-line sources available to home buyers one might think there is little reason to contact an agent before you find a home to view. Afterall, with access to local listings and virtual tours of listings provided on the internet you can search for a home until your hearts content. The downside to this is the amount of time you have to spend scrolling through house after house after house. It often can take you into the wee hours of the night if you're not careful.
By contacting Your Spokane REALTOR your time and energy can be reduced considerably. When you provide criteria for the home you want automatic e-mail notification will be set up and you will be notified of the homes that meet your desires. Not only that but for every new home on the market you will be instantly notified.
Getting pre-qualified to buy a home is a must with today's market. Home sellers want to know the people looking at their homes are serious. Contact Your Spokane REALTOR so you can find a lender today!
Relocating to Spokane?
Moving to a new and unfamiliar place can be a daunting task, if not down-right scary! There are many websites you can visit that to help you get to know Spokane. Among my favorites are Riverfront Park, Spokane Chamber of Commerce, Spokane Parks and Recreation, and Historic Spokane.
Of course, finding a good place to live goes hand-in-hand with finding a good place to eat. For local home-grown dining establishments check out Commellinis, Italian Kitchen, Clinkerdaggers, and Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar. For entertainment try The Big Easy Concert House, or The Service Station.
I am more than happy to mail you local Real Estate Market Reports, a map of the city (or grid map for selecting an area to live in), school district information and any other information that will help you in familiarizing yourself with Spokane.
As Your Spokane REALTOR I am dedicated to you and help you succeed in your Real Estate needs!
"It is difficult to know what counts in the world. Most of us count credits, honor, dollars. But at the bulging center of mid-life, I am beginning to see that the things that really matter take place not in the boardrooms, but in the kitchens of the world."
-- Gary Allen Sledge (Writer)
I was born in Lebanon, Oregon, lived for a short time in Fort Worth, Texas, and at the ripe old age of 5 moved to Spokane, the place I call home. I did take an 8 year sidetrip with my family to Colville, WA but the pull of friends and family brought us back to where we belonged.
I am happily married to my husband, Ray, and have 8 wonderful children. The picture of my kids is a few years old but is one of my favorites so I use it when I can. It reminds me of the movie, "The Sound of Music". The voices and laughter of my children is music to my ears. Yes, sometimes it's a screech, sometimes exaggerated, and sometimes there needs to be a little change in the tone but there really is no better comfort than the background noise of my children make.
One of my most favorite things to do is attend sporting events my kids are involved in. There is just nothing like sitting in the stands of Joe Albi or standing on the Polo Fields in Airway Heights watching my boys play GSL & PopWarner football! It doesn't stop there, however. In the coldest months I get to be inside while watching my daughter and sons play basketball for their school teams. Not to be detered in the Spring when, on any given day there can be snow, sleet, rain, hail, wind, thunder and sunshine all at once, you'll find me wrapped up in my chair as I watch my boys play Little League, or my daughter tennis.
I love to teach, motivate, encourage and inspire. I strive for excellence in all that I do and seek out knowledge and information for those things that need understanding. I value TRUTH.
Why Real Estate?
My jump into Real Estate stemmed from 2 things: Helping my family and helping others.
I had a "revelation" of sorts regarding Real Estate. The reality that it always exists; there are always sellers and there are always buyers. It offers an incredible opportunity for wealth, stability and purpose. Within that I found a tremendous amount of hope and a value that goes beyond monetary gain. I concluded that despite the ups and downs of the Real Estate market, homeownership and investment in Real Estate is always a smart choice. It's the timing that takes wisdom.
As concerns my family, Real Estate offers me the flexibility I need to help meet their needs in both time and money. Some days are very busy either with work or family or both, but I'm learning the secret of balance. I do what I do with purpose so that what needs to be done is accomplished successfully. This is both with home and career, family and clients.
Ultimately my desire is to help achieve a safe and secure place for others to live, whether this is homeownership or the ability to provide that place for others. I do have dreams within my dreams. Finding hope for the hopeless and homes for the homeless is at the core of who I am. We all need purpose, we all need value, we all need someone to care.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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