Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.
Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.
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.
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NAR Tax Credit Resources
The Basics: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
In-Depth: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
Printable Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ (PDF: 483K)
IRS Tax Credit Resources
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Information
Tax Credit Form (5405) (PDF:257KB)
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Below is a link to a summary of the 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 regarding homebuyer tax credits and possible modifications of current home mortgages to help keep current homeowners in their homes. Please read it over and consult a tax professional and/or your current lender to see how and if this may apply to you and put $$$ in your pocket!!!
Good Luck!!!
http://www.c21jb.com/blogs/jon_becker/archive/2009/03/02/431376.aspx
Jon Becker
Client Success Story
It seems like we have known Jon forever. I don't know, it could be because we started searching for a house over a year ago, or more definitely because Jon is such a easy going guy with tons of patience who makes you feel comfortable and heard. Being first time home buyers we did not know what we wanted, where we wanted it or what to expect with the whole process. It was scary and exciting all at the same time! Jon guided us through the whole process, explaining every tiny detail so that we would understand. He had us in his best interest. Jon searched, e-mailed, called, showed until he found the perfect house for us! We have now been living in our new home for over a month and owe a huge thank you to Jon Becker! (We actually didn't want to ever buy a house because then we knew we wouldn't see him that much :) (we are planning to buy some land with his help))!! Jon's friendship and expertise was much appreciated by us both! We look forward to working with Jon again and to referring him to everyone we know!
Thanks Jon!
Jen and Jason
Published Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:41 PM by Jon Becker
Here is an excerpt from an article in the Feb. 2008 Filed & Stream magazine that states Traverse City, Michigan as the #3 Best place in the United States to Live & Fish. "A Freshwater Wonderland"
"Between May and October, there is no consitently better place to be fishing in America than Traverse City, Mich. Diversity is the key: Lake Michigan with salmon and stealhead; Grand Traverse Bay with some of the best smallmouth pockets and carp flats in America; and more rivers and natural lakes filled with trout, bass, and panfish than you can begin to touch in one season. The calendar in Traverse City is honest - spectacular yellow birches in the fall, frosty white winters, damp misty springs, and radiant blue-green summers. The true outdoor aficionado finds solace ( and opportunity) in every month here, be it fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, or hiking. It's an affordable, yet polished, place to be. And the hometown culture is still a classic slice of Rockwell-esque Americana."
"* Local Secret: Many Michiganders save thousands of dollards in exotic travel expenses by enjoying authentic-style flats fishing-for carp-in the shallows around Grand Traverse Bay. Use and 8-weight and Brown Woolly Bugger as you stalk schools of 50 or more fish that spawn in skinny water.
*The Scene: New Years Day isn't January 1 to Michigan fisherman; it's the last Saturday in April- the traditional trout opener. South of Traverse City along the western esde of the "mitten" you might find the last remnants of the stealhead run mixing with the first spring mayfly hatches in rivers from the Rogue to Little Manistee.
* Move Here Because: You love boats, fishing, hunting and all four seasons."
Assisting people buy & sell real estate is not only my expertise but also my full time commitment. Turn to a professional, prompt, persitant agent! Contact Jon today! http://www.c21jb.com - more info
Welcome friends new & old,
A little about myself........I was born and raised in Mid-West Michigan (Big Rapids area) and have lived in that area and Northern Lower Michigan (Gaylord/Traverse City) all of my life. I graduated from Big Rapids High School and then attended Ferris State University in Business and Hospitality Management programs. From there I found myself in an unexpected but long and fulfilling career in management for McDonalds Restaurants for 16 years. McDonalds consistantly taught me new and rewarding things not only about business but people and how to truly satisfy customers and be successful personally and professionally. I worked at every level from entry level management to 10 years at the General Manager and Area Supervisor levels.
When I made my decision to pursue new challenges professionally I went looking into another career I had always had a passion for and and interest in and that was real estate. Within a very short time I found my new home at Century 21 with a wonderful team of people where I again consistanly learn and try to improve myself and build new relationships and friendships. I believe that the more I can learn of every aspect of my job and the market area the better I can satisfy my clients and customers. Going out every day I know that it is my reputation and future on the line let alone the happiness I recieve knowing that I have happy and satisfied clients/customers as well as new friends! I am certified for Lending Tree transactions, Cendant Relocation, & mortage origination to help serve you even better!
I have been a resident of the Traverse City area for 8.5 years now and I have never felt more at home. What a beautiful area to live and offers a mass of entertainment and recreational opportunities.
When I am not busy working with my customers and clients to obtain their real estate goals I enjoy the outdoors & nature. Anything from roller blading,biking, camping, hunting , golf, viewing wildlife and taking photographs of the scenery to relaxing at home, movies, music, dining out with friends etc. I value great friends, professional working relationships and my wonderful family. Though currently single I do have a close family and two wonderful nieces that are like my own children and enjoy making improvements to my personal residence inside and out.
I hope this gives you a brief insight to me. Please feel free to contact me anytime,I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Sincerely,
Jon Becker
p.s you can also visit me at
http://www.facebook.com/badges.php#/profile.php?id=1577177219&ref=profile
Specializing in all your residential ( buying & selling) needs whether it be your first home or your 20th, primary residence, vacation home,condo, water front or vacant land. I also am well versed and experienced in new construction, bank foreclosures, short sales, first time home buyers, & Cartus ( Century 21) Relocation. In addition I have taken extensive training on "Short Sales" and am a certified Loss Mitigation Consultant.
Sellers: You will find me to be very knowledgeable about current market conditions, the competition, current market values and the best most aggressive marketing strategy to sell your home. I use a mix of advertising mediums with a very storng enphasis being placed on massive internet marketing (150+ websites)....after all that is where 90+% of the buyers are in todays market and world of technology. You will get complete explanation of the marketing, the selling process and a FREE consultation of suggestions on how to make your home sell faster and for top dollar as well as a very complete market analysis to determine the current market value, conditions and how to beat your competition! I will keep you updated on changing conditions, all advertising & marketing acttivities, showings etc. Call me anytime whether you are ready to sell, thinking down the road, or just want some great advice.
Buyers: I will assist you honestly and fairly and represent your best interest, advise you on market prices and conditions so that you can make the best offer possible, advise you on your rights and the entire buying process step by step from financing to inspections, making the offer and getting to closing in the most effecient and stress free way possible! I will also supply you with ALL listing matching your criteria NOT JUST my listings or my companies listings. I register you on my prospecting program so that you recieve any new matching listings and or price changes almost immediatly when they hit the market so that you have a jump on competing buyers....."the early bird gets the worm!" Right? You will also find I am a very patient and NON -PUSHY buyers agent. I want you to find the home or property that best fits your needs and that you are comfortable with....not just make a quick sale! Contact me anytime whether you are ready to get started now or planning down the road and we will put together a plan to meet your objectives at your pace!
My primary market area being Traverse City, Kingsley, Interlochen, Grawn, Acme, Williamsburg, Kalkaska, Fife Lake, Buckley,Leland, Lake Leelanau,Northport, Lake Ann, Suttons Bay, Cedar, Maple City, Elk Rapids, Torch Lake, Rapid River, Kewadin, Rapid City area however I service Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Benzie , Antrim, Wexford Counties and beyond.
View listings, complete area information,school information, lake maps, mortgage calculators, property tax information, home buying and selling reports , my real estate blog, and much more at www.c21jb.com
Need a professional real estate expert anywhere else in the state or country or world? I can help with that too. I have assisted many clients, friends, and family members find a qualified agent in their area for buying and selling and I will handle it all for you!
My goal is to make the process of buying, selling, or owning a home efficient, enjoyable and rewarding for you. See what my clients have said about my real estate services...
The best compliment you can give me is refering your, family, friends, and co-workers to me. I greatly appreciate and all your business and referrals!!!
It seems like we have known Jon forever. I don't know, it could be because we started searching for a house over a year ago, or more definitely because Jon is such a easy going guy with tons of patience who makes you feel comfortable and heard. Being first time home buyers we did not know what we wanted, where we wanted it or what to expect with the whole process. It was scary and exciting all at the same time! Jon guided us through the whole process, explaining every tiny detail so that we would understand. He had us in his best interest. Jon searched, e-mailed, called, showed until he found the perfect house for us! We have now been living in our new home for over a month and owe a huge thank you to Jon Becker! (We actually didn't want to ever buy a house because then we knew we wouldn't see him that much :) (we are planning to buy some land with his help))!! Jon's friendship and expertise was much appreciated by us both! We look forward to working with Jon again and to referring him to everyone we know!
Thanks Jon!
Jen and Jason
Dear Jon:
Merry and I wanted to write and tell you how much we appreciated the time and effort you put into helping us locate a home. You constantly sent
us listings for review that were within our price range and locations resulting in many choices for viewing. We appreciated your being available
to show us houses, many a substantial distance from your office. Your advice on house quality and design was greatly appreciated and we genuinely
appreciated the professional courtesy that you showed us. We would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a new home.
Mark and Merry Resch
Jon,
I just want to tell you that we here at Traverse City State Bank Mortgage
Department think that you are absolutely AWESOME!!!!!
Gail, Nancy and Amy
Dear Jon:
It is getting very close to finalizing my purchase of a home.
I want you to know that you have been very, very instrumental in arriving at this happy conclusion. As I look back and consider all the time you spent searching for a home that would fill my needs, I am surprised you were able to complete any other tasks.
You were diligent in sending me notices of possibilities in the type of home I was looking for, and in the neighborhood that I desired. I would recommend you very highly to anyone who is seeking a new home in the area.
We have been through some challenging times together. You found me a home that seemed to be perfect, put a lot of time and effort into showing it to me several times, helped me with mortgage work and inspector work, and then I decided it was not the right place for me. This never deterred you. You just kept right on searching.
So, now that I am about to close on my new home, I want to thank you most sincerely for all the expert help and advice you have extended.
Thank you, Jon.
I have found my home buying experience with Jon Becker
to be most enjoyable. Jon is professional, and took
the time to find us exactly what we needed in a home.
His attention to detail is excellent, and his
coordination with the other parties involved made the
real estate buying process very easy. I would highly
recommend Jon for your choice in realtors, whether you
are buying or selling a home.
Sincerely,
Dave Gibbons LBSW/CAC
Hi Jon, I truly had a great experience with you during the entire listing time. Even though the market was down and times were rough you maintained a positive attitude. You continued to market our cabin and eventually sold it! I would list another property with you in the future if the need arises. You could show the picture of the cabin if you need to.
Jon is a team player! Jon works very hard for all his customers to make their dreams of home ownership a reality. I have had the pleasure of working with Jon and his customers over several years now and he has alway shown great pride in his profession and displayed the utmost of professionalism in every transaction we have worked together on. Jon puts exceptional effort into knowing his customers and their needs and making sure that they are receiving his full attention. He is cooperative and available when information or documentation is needed to complete their purchase and mortgage transaction. Jon has always been knowlegable, pleasant, respectful and prompt in dealing with any of his customers needs. It has always been and I am sure it will continue to be a pleasure working with him to acheive the best in customer service and satisfaction.
Respectfully
Becky Collier, HLC Sales Manager
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LENDING
Traverse City, Mi
It has been my privilege to know Jon Becker for nearly three years. As his previous manager at Century 21 McCoy, I can confirm his genuineness, his aptitude in Real Estate and his concern for all who employ his services. He genuinely has a passion for serving others. I cannot remember one complaint about Jon from anyone in all of the time that Jon worked under my leadership. It is an honor to be able to call Jon, my friend!
David L Burrows
Former Manager Century 21 McCoy
Jon was great to work with, extremely attentive and helped us to maximize our efforts. If anyone is looking for an agent that will go the extra mile... go with Jon.
Jim & Melissa McMahon
July 1, 2008
Being first time home owners, we found it a privelage to have Jon Becker as our realtor. We found Jon by accident, he was listed on a home we looked at and he voluntarily stuck with us to help find the perfect new home. He willingly took it upon himself to find homes in our desired area and price range. Jon Kept us well informed of his findings and helped us along the way. Until we found the home that we now own, Jon worked vigorously to make sure that we got the house we wanted. Upon purchasing our home, there were some problems that occured and it became very frustrating. Jon handled everything in a timely manner and in a very professional way. Although the problems were out of his and our control, Jon still fought for our best interst. Jon gave us confidence and guidance when it was most needed. He sought out to find what best suited out interests, which lead us to find him very honest and trustworthy.
Jon has given us the home we have wanted along with much credible knowledge that is needed when buying a home. Because this was out very first home purchase, we feel that by working with Jon as our realtor we were given the best opportunity. We will continue to use Jon as our realtor for every future real estate purchase or sale. Jon will be reccommended to everyone we know for all of their real estate ventures as well. It is the only step in the right direction! Not only was this a great experience of buying our first home but we also gained a great friend.
BJ Roelofs and Laneah Stachnik
Dear Jon, We want to thank you for your professional attention to our farm and home in Interlochen. It was a long hall, what with the housing market situation, but you worked closely with us from the listing through to the sale and closing. The sales information on the flyers was well done and informative. We were pleased with the advertising in the Traverse magazine too, as well as the 'Open House' presentations. Having sold many other homes, you are certainly the agent that we will refer our friends to. Again, thank you. Larry and Anne Neil Interlochen, Mi and Navarre, Fl
Jon, spent a lot of time helping us find the right house. He was great to have on our side and very pleasant to work with. He took us to 14 houses before we found one, and worked very hard right up till closing. We consider Jon to be a great new friend, and if we sell our place, he would be the one we would call. Thanks for everything Jon. Pam & Sally
We wanted to Thank you Jon for getting our home sold and for more than list price. For those thinking of selling you really should consider Jon. We tried for months selling the house ourselves and had a few showings but nothing serious.
Jon contacted us and asked to meet with us, view the home and offer his advice and suggestions so we said sure, not intending to list it. Jon took extensive notes and completed a market analysis on our home compete with suggestions and his pricing reccomendation. Though the price was lower than we really wanted we could tell Jon had done his homework and knew what he was talking about. After listing we had many showings right away and within 2-3 weeks of listing we had 2 competing offers. Jon requested the highest and best offer from both buyers and we chose the best offer. Thank you Jon- Great Job!
The Sandersons
Dear Jon, I just wanted to take the opportunity to formally thank you for all that you did to make the sale of my house a success. Your professionalism and sound market advice were so greatly appreciated, as were your willingness to personally go over every detail in marketing my house and explain to me all of my options. Your willingness to communicate and personally follow up with me at each step of the process was, I am convinced, a major reason that my house sold so quickly in such a difficult market. I will definitely recommend you to any of my family or friends seeking to buy or sell property. Thank you for making what could have been a very stressful experience so easy. Sincerely, Leslie Suitor
To whom it may concern, We would highly reccomend Jon Becker if you are considering selling your home. Our previous agent did virtually nothing for us, we even had to ask for a sign to be put up on the other side of the house, as our home sat between 2 streets. Within almost no showings or marketing and no offers during the 6 month listing we let it expire frustrated- we had a new home being built that would be done in a few months. Jon contacted us and we kept him at bay for months between a hectic schedule and leary of realtors. Jon politely called and checked in periodically until we decided to meet with him and see what he had to say. Jon had some great advice and marketing ideas so we listed. Within 24 hours we had several showings and 2 offers on our house and it was SOLD! We were in shock - but in a good way and best of all we got it sold in time to not have 2 mortgage payments. We will always reccomend Jon to anyone we know! Dave & Chris
Jon,
Thank you so much for all your help in finding me a home. We are all moved in and love it! I really appreciate all your patience. Before I found you I had been turned down by 2 other realtors because of my price range. They pretty much told me I would never find what I was looking for in this market. Not only did you treat me with respect, you found me a beautiful home in my price range. I am so grateful for all your kindness in taking me to see so many houses. Being a first time homebuyer I had so many questions and you always answered them and explained everything to me. I cannot tell you how much I liked working with you and I will definitely recommend you to everyone I know.
Thank You Again,
Samantha Morales
I had a spec home that I had previously listed with 2 other real estate agents and it had been on the market for almost a year. To say the least I was frustrated! When my listing expired with my previous agent Jon contacted me and I reluctantly agreed to meet with him. Long story short Jon quickly pointed out to me mistakes on the previous listing, such as the agent had the home listed with a crawl space and it actually has a full walkout basement ( a HUGE error!!!). I agreed to list with Jon and with in 2 weeks had an accepted offer that closed without a hitch. I would highly reccomend Jon Becker to anyone to use as their real estate agent. S.S.
We wanted to take a moment to thank Jon for getting out homes sold so efficiently. After trying for a while For Sale By Owner Jon called us and met with us regarding marketing our homes (2) right next door to each other. Jon was very knowledgeable and was not high pressure so we felt comfortable. After a day or so of considering Jon's proposed marketing plan and pricing we agreed to list. Unbelievably to us within 24 hours Jon brought us offers on both homes , we accepted and closed on both sales within a month. Great Job Jon and Thank you! The Johnsons
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