FIRST TIME HOME BUYER STIMULUS - Did You Get Lucky or What?

This is a great opportunity for you first time home buyers out there who have been kicking around the idea of purchasing a home. It seems that it paid off for you by waiting until 2009 to buy that home. The $7,500 tax stimulus that was offered in April, 2008 (to expire July, 2009) was a non-interest loan where one had to repay over a (I think) 15 year period every year when your income tax was filed.

The newly enacted bill was raised to $8,000 and doesn't have to be repaid as long as you occupy your home for a 3 year period. This plan is put in place of the existing $7,500 plan. You can actually put $8,000 (or 10% of your purchase price) into your pocket next April 15 by purchasing a home by the end of November, 2009. If you purchase prior to filing your income taxes for 2008, you may claim the tax credit this year! What a deal. Let's say that the federal income taxes that you owe don't even total the $8,000 - guess what - you get a check for the difference.

The inventory is great right now and the prices haven't stabilized yet. There are great opportunities to negotiate even further on asking prices. And interest rates fell again last week. Who knows where they'll be next week but the point is that they are historically low.

I urge you to contact your real estate agent or me, if you don't already have an agent. Your luck may not hold out beyond next November!

Check out the resources on my web site and then contact me for detailed information on available homes.

Patuxent Appreciation Days - Solomons Island, Md. 20688

October 11-12, 2008

Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is a festival in recognition of the economic, social, recreational, cultural and historical impact of the tributaries and environs of the Patuxent River and the basin through which it flows. The festival is held annually on Columbus Day Weekend on the Calvert Marine Museum grounds.

The festival brings together community, county and state government agencies, the Calvert Marine Museum, the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and other historical and environmental groups, which share a desire to preserve the Patuxent River and to celebrate its positive influence on the area's quality of life, in the past, present, and future.

Sample some of our local specialties and fresh seafood. Listen to some good music and visit our local merchants for great information and crafts. See more information and get the full schedule at www.pradinc.org/schedule.html

Increasingly, buyers are getting just plain tired of waiting to look for that home. This observation after I've received 4 new buyer clients in the past week. They all have been searching the internet for months and months. A few had already seen some homes but primarily they've been just waiting for the right time to jump in. They all have been working with a lender and know what's expected of them. I have had to work with a couple of them to do a little tweaking but they are prepared and ready. I said it had to happen and it looks like it is finally a reality. I'm not expecting an avalanche of buyers but I do think that in spite of all of the gloomy financial forecasts that we may have a little spurt of activity to round out the year.

When the sun comes out and the weather turns warmer, there's no better way to spend the day than to get out of the house and enjoy Mother Nature in all her splendor. Chesapeake Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the salty sea air in Southern Maryland. Bay Front Park is a relatively unknown beach that is a great place to swim, lay out in the sun, build sandcastles or hunt for seashells and sharks teeth. Parking is very limited, so get there as early as you can. Breezy Point Beach, on the other hand, not only offers fun on its sandy shores, but camping as well. You can enjoy swimming in the bay, picnicking on the beach or even fishing. The beach is open daily until October 31st. No pets are allowed, though, so you'll need to leave your furry friends at home. Monthly, weekly and daily camping is available by contacting the office. So, leave your stuffy home behind and come out to Chesapeake Beach to enjoy the great outdoors. You'll be so glad you did!