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Jon Becker

$8000 Tax Credit- Get it NOW- Expires November 30th

09-13-09
Jon Becker

Who Qualifies?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Grand Traverse Regional Development Plan

05-06-09
Jon Becker

Grand Traverse Region - Grand Vision Growth Plan

About the Project

What is the Grand Vision?

Our region has experienced an explosive 26% growth in the last decade, and it is anticipated that we will double today's population within 40 years - making this the fastest growing region in the entire Midwest. Growth Happens. Growth is coming, ready or not. The Grand Vision is a planning effort designed to develop a citizen-led blueprint for growth that will secure the future prosperity and quality of life in the region for generations to come. Citizens of Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Wexford counties will have the opportunity to share their vision and their values, and through a "Grand Vision Scorecard", create a common Vision for the future. This "Grand Vision Decision" will serve as a blueprint for the community leaders and government officials charged with its implementation, and will drive the direction of growth for the region for decades to come.

Why is it different than other studies?

Because the Grand Vision is: highly collaborative, regional, well funded, and a citizen-led initiative focused on implementation. Because of the unique and dynamic partnerships along with the full engagement of the community, this "Grand Vision" will not sit on a shelf.

for compete information visit http://www.c21jb.com/GT_Regional_Development/page_2189235.html

How Jon can Help with Buying or Selling a Home

05-05-09
Jon Becker

FEATURE:
New Commercials Educate Homebuyers
NAR released "Buyer Strength" which highlights favorable conditions for home buyers. "Fence Sitters" encourages potential home buyers to make decisions based on family needs and local market conditions, rather than national reports.

Buying Tips

Smart Home Financing
The web offers ample resources to build your financial skills and guide you through the home financing process. Learn what you need to know about lending and mortgages before you buy.

Preparing for Homeownership
The process of buying a home requires diligent preparation. The following guides can be used as primers for homeownership.

Guide to Buying vs. Renting
The guide contains statistics and studies on home owners and renters as well as financing options and tips.

Selling Tips

Top 10 Remodeling Project Paybacks
Plus the top 10 cities where remodeling returns the most dividends. Are you in one of them? Find out in the 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report, from REALTOR® magazine and Remodeling.

Style, Stage and Sell!
REALTOR® magazine presents the latest trends in home design so you and your REALTOR® together can make informed decisions to spruce up your home and get it SOLD!

Protect Yourself

Protect Your Home
Concerned about your existing mortgage? Learn what you can do to protect your home.

Pitfalls Buyers and Sellers Face After Contract-Signing
Your home may be your largest investment, and REALTORS® are experts in protecting your interest.



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Quick Links

Defending the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Buyer's Guide

Seller's Guide

Cost vs. Value Remodeling Report

Home Price Analysis Reports

Guide to Radon

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

Buy or Sell a Home

Use a REALTOR® to help you buy or sell a home with confidence.

Find a REALTOR®

Find a home at REALTOR.com

Find an international property

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REALTOR Benefits®

Purchase discounted products and services from REALTOR Benefits® Partners

© Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® | Headquarters: 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

DC Office: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2020 I 1-800-874-6500

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | REALTOR.com | Contact NAR | Site Map | Report

Why Use a REALTOR®

05-05-09
Jon Becker

Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to REALTORS®. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise in pricing their home, making connections with REALTORS® working with buyers, arranging and staffing open houses, and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process.

Only about half of all real estate agents are REALTORS® -- the top half, in our not-so-humble opinion. REALTORS® work independently, for small agencies, or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes, and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer's representatives.


REALTORS® Are Experts


Eighty-five percent of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home, according to NAR's 2007 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and 79 percent of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.


Why Use a REALTOR®?
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Here are 12 ways a REALTOR® will make your home buying or selling experience better.


REALTORS® Are Part of the Community


REALTORS® Work to End Housing Discrimination - during April, which is Fair Housing Month, and all year long. REALTORS® are active members of their communities.


REALTORS® Protect You

Only REALTORS® follow a Code of Ethics
To be a member of NAR and a REALTOR®, a real estate agent must abide by a set of professional principles and serve clients fairly.

Learn how the Code of Ethics affects everyday real estate practices


Specialty Mortgages: What Are the Risks and Advantages?
A growing number of home buyers are deciding to use one of several new types of specialty mortgages that let them "stretch" their income so they can qualify for a larger loan. Before you decide whether a specialty mortgage is for you, read this brochure.



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Quick Links

Defending the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Buyer's Guide

Seller's Guide

Cost vs. Value Remodeling Report

Home Price Analysis Reports

Guide to Radon

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

Buy or Sell a Home

Use a REALTOR® to help you buy or sell a home with confidence.

Find a REALTOR®

Find a home at REALTOR.com

Find an international property

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Resources For

Site By Topic

Register Now

Access exclusive features and sign up for newsletters.

REALTOR Benefits®

Purchase discounted products and services from REALTOR Benefits® Partners

© Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® | Headquarters: 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

DC Office: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2020 I 1-800-874-6500

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | REALTOR.com | Contact NAR | Site Map | Report Unsolicited Emails

Making Home Affordable Program

05-05-09
Jon Becker

On February 18, 2009, President Obama announced his Making Home Affordable Program, designed to help up to 7-9 million families avoid foreclosure by restructuring or refinancing their mortgages. In doing so, the plan not only helps responsible homeowners behind on their payments or at risk of defaulting, but prevents neighborhoods and communities from being pulled over the edge too, as defaults and foreclosures contribute to falling home values, failing local businesses, and lost jobs.

For more detailed information, visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov.

Making Home Affordable Program: Guidelines

On March 4, 2009, the Obama Administration announced new U.S. Department of the Treasury guidelines to enable servicers to begin modifications of eligible mortgages under the Administration's Making Home Affordable Program - announced by President Barack Obama on February 28, 2009.

On April 28, 2009, the Treasury Department announced an expansion of the Making Home Affordable Program to help reduce payments on second mortgages.

NAR's Detailed Summary of the Obama Housing Plan> (PDF: 112K)
Key Components of the Plan>


Visit the Treasury Department links below for the latest guidelines and information:

Summary of Guidelines> (PDF: 53K)

Borrower Information: Making Home Affordable Refinance and Modification Options

Borrower Q&As> (PDF: 82K)

Housing Counselor Q&As> (PDF: 72K)

Modification Program Guidelines> (PDF: 90K)

Fact Sheet - Updated Detailed Program Description> (PDF: 73K)

Modification of Second Mortgages under the Making Home Affordable Program>


Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidelines
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released guidelines on refinancing and loan modification options that implement President Obama's Making Home Affordable Program.
GSEs Home Affordable Refinancing Programs>
GSEs Home Affordable Modification Programs>


Determining if a borrower's loan is owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac:

For Fannie Mae, 1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST).
www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup

Freddie Mac, 1-800-FREDDIE (8am to 8pm EST)
www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure

Part of NAR's Right Tools, Right Now Initiative
In these uncertain times, NAR is here to help you succeed with the Right Tools, Right Now initiative, offering more than 300 educational products, publications, and services free or at cost. For more information, visit www.REALTOR.org/RightTools.



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In This Section

Unlock America's Economy

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act

2009 Homebuyer Tax Credit

Making Home Affordable Program

News Timeline

NAR Takes Action

Letters

Testimonies

Related Events

Latest President's Podcast

Related Resources

Right Tools, Right Now

Foreclosure Prevention and Response Program

FinancialStability.gov

MakingHomeAffordable.gov

Recovery.gov

RCA Advocacy for Economic Stimulus

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© Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® | Headquarters: 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

DC Office: 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001-2020 I 1-800-874-6500

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | REALTOR.com | Contact NAR | Site Map | Report Unsolicited