Mike Sackman, Beaufort County SC Real Estate, Military Relocation, REO

Well here we are in the first month of 2009 and already we have seen an increase of almost 20% in our local MLS pending sales (under contract). This inlcudes all types of properties, but hey, the numbers don't lie.

Back in November, we were down to 81 U/C's and today it's 98 and 4 closed the last few days. With the interest rates hovering around 5%, the folks that were on the fence about buying, seem to believe the time is right to get moving on that home purchase before it's too late.

With a lot of foreclosures and short sales still on the market, there are some great deals to be had. I just put a home under contract that we got for almost 40% less then it was on the market a year ago for. With military folks getting ready for the "seasonal transfer", usually starting in April, I think the number of distressed properties will go down, which should in turn help the local market stabilize some.

Please visit me at www.buyinginbeaufort.com or www.scmilitaryrelocation.com

Have a great day!!

This recorder is the bomb! Videos, pictures, combination of the two, doesn't matter. NO CORDS OR CHIPS, USB port right to the computer, now that's easy. I plan to do some neighborhood videos and when I get used to using it, I'll put together some listings video....yes I know it isn't "professionally done", but hey, the price is right!

First time home buyers will find some welcome news in recently enacted federal housing legislation: you can get a $7,500 tax credit. Congress intends for the credit to make housing more affordable. But you need to hurry - the credit is only available for purchases before July 1, 2009.
Here's how the tax credit works

• There are income limits: $75,000 for single purchasers, $150,000 for couples.
• The credit is not made to the buyer in the form of a check.
• Instead, the credit is an itemized deduction on federal tax returns (your buyers should consult with their tax advisor).
• It effectively reduces the purchase price by $7,500.
• The credit is limited to first time buyers.
• The credit must be repaid (at no interest) at the rate of $500 per year for 15 years.
• However, if the home is sold, the seller will not repay more of the credit than they realized in profit.

As always, please contact me for any questions and recommendations for a lender that will have your best interest in mind.

www.MikeSackman.com

www.BeaufortSCMilitaryrelocation.com

I saw this today and thought about all the men and women that are returning home to find themselves in a country that is thankful, yet forgetful. I then saw this website advertised and thought it was an awesome idea, particularly for this time of year. It is communityofveterans.org and is for veterans, and then there is supportyourvet.org for freinds and family.

I send out a hearty HOOYAH (Navy Diver saying), to all the men and women in our great military and thank you for your service and wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Semper FI

How a statue of St. Joseph can help sell your home

Meet St. Joseph, the patron saint of real estate. For hundreds of years, people have invoked his power to help sell their homes.

Normally known to look after families, fathers, expectant mothers, immigrants, travelers, craftsmen, engineers and working people in general, St. Joseph the Worker might be most popular as an aid to real estate transactions, which could come in handy in this slow market.

Before you start thinking we've lost our marbles, you should know that your real estate agent may have buried this little statue in a flowerpot in your front foyer or backyard. Or if one wasn't, maybe one should be. Religious stores and novelty shops have sold St. Joseph the Worker Home Sales Kits since the 1930s.

It comes with instructions for burial, a prayer to say out loud and, of course, a tiny statue of St. Joseph. You don't have to be Catholic, either. St. Joseph caters to all denominations of nervous homeowners.

To use the statue, home sellers are told to bury it upside down with the feet pointing toward heaven. It can face the home being sold, or a new home. Some like to plant the statue near the For Sale sign or in the backyard. After burying it, serious sellers are told to say a prayer daily in front of the statue.

Condominium or co-op owners place the statue in a flowerpot near the entryway. After the property changes hands, sellers are instructed to remove the statue, to be displayed for good luck in their new home, or leave it buried to protect the home that just sold.

"We sold a townhouse one month after we buried the statue." "You have to say a prayer every morning after you bury it, and I literally did it religiously. I'm not necessarily superstitious or that kind of thing, but I figure when it works, it works."

To buy the statue, go to any store selling religious goods.
DAILY NEWS REAL ESTATE CORRESPONDENT