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The Maynes Team Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Ever Dream of Being on TV?

Ever dream of being on TV? I don't mean in the background of a news story. I mean being featured on a real TV show.

HGTV House Hunters - The Maynes Team

HGTV'S HOUSE HUNTERS IS CASTING IN PHILADELPHIA

HGTV's hit TV series, House Hunters, is looking for homebuyers and real estate agents who want to appear on the show!

House Hunters follows buyers and their agents on the hunt as they
find just the right house for them-and every story is different.

If you're an energetic and outgoing homebuyer, they would love to hear from you.

They are currently looking for homebuyers who are:

  • Closing within the next 1-2 months, this includes buyers who
    are actively bidding on a home or newly under contract
  • Fun, enthusiastic, and have a great story to tell
  • Purchasing within a 30 minute drive of downtown Philadelphia


House Hunters airs weeknights at 9/8c on HGTV and is produced by
High Noon Entertainment. To learn more about the show visit
HGTV.com/HouseHunters

To apply: Email or Call George Maynes at George.Maynes@comcast.net. I will then email you an application with instructions.

I would like to get picked myself but I am still searching for the right buyer. Maybe we can be on the show together!

Allen Inverson's Home for Sale. Only 3.9 Million!

Allen Iverson has his 14,000 square foot house on the market for $3,999Allen Inverson's Home for Sale.,000.00. In 2003, Iverson paid $5 million for this home in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

The six-bedroom home is on four acres that include a pool house, stream and waterfall. The chateau-style home on Chateau Lane has four levels including a great room with floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows. The master suite has his and hers marble bathrooms, a coffee bar, media area and a veranda overlooking the grounds. There are four additional en-suite bedrooms and a separate guest quarters with a bedroom, living room and kitchenette. The entertainment level has a 12-seat movie theater, billiard room, and a lounge with a custom wood carved bar accommodating 200+ wine bottles.

If you're interested in purchasing this perfect little getaway pad, you can view detailed listing info here.

If you're seriously interested in purchasing this home, call me!

Take Advantage of the Buyer's Market in Philadelphia

Are you thinking about buying a home within the next year or so? Don't wait much longer.

2009 is the perfect time to take advantage of the Philadelphia Buyer's Market.

Top Reasons to Purchase a home now:Philadelphia Real Estate Buyer's Market

  • Mortgage Rates are exteremly low. My clients have recently obtained rates as low as 5.0%.
  • The $8,000 tax credit is available to first-time buyers.
  • There are a huge selection of homes for you to choose from. I can guaratee that there is something available that meets your needs & price range.
  • Sellers are eager to negotiate and often accept prices well below their asking price. Sellers are also often including buyer incentives suchs as appliances, home warranties, and home repairs.
  • Rents are rising! There has never been a more expensive time to rent in Philly.
  • Forbes just ranked Philly as the 4th best U.S. city to buy a home.
  • Tax deductions, equity build up, and appreciation. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home. Stop Paying Rent! Money paid for rent is money that you'll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity in your home.
  • Pride and Stability. Home Ownership brings with it a sense of Pride. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want. You don't have to move if your landlord raises your rent or does't renew your lease. For many people owning a home is the American Dream. _________________________________________________________________

The Maynes Team is very excited to help you find your new home. When you agree to have us help you purchase a property, we become your "buyer's agent", which means we will work for your best interests throughout the entire process.

We will work with you at every stage of the home buying process including selecting properties to tour, making an offer to purchase a home, and preparing for settlement. We will give you reliable information and solid advice so that you can make informed decisions. And please don't hesitate to ask questions.

It is our hope that you will be so pleased with our service that you will turn to us for advice on your future real estate needs. Our goal is to save you time and money while making your real estate transaction as stress-free as possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you.

George.Maynes@comcast.net

www.TheMaynesTeam.com

$8000 Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers

On the fence about buying your first home? Well think about this new incentive from the Federal Goverment.

First-time buyers in Philadelphia and across the country can now take advantage of a the new $8000 tax credit. If you are a first time home buyer (including those who have not owned a home for 3 years) and purchase your home between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, then you may qualify for a tax cPhiladelphia First-time home buyer tax credit redit of up to $8,000.

You claim the credit when you file your taxes for 2009.

If you are someone who typically gets $1500 back from the government when you file your taxes, you could now be getting another $8,000. That would be $9,500 back to you on your tax return!

This is in addition to the other tax benefits that come with purchasing and owning a home! I will post another blog about benefits of home ownership including the tax related ones.

Here is some more info on the tax credit.

Dates Applicable

For purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

Amount of Credit

$8,000 (or 10% of purchase amount for homes under $80,000)

Eligible Property

All principal residences eligible

Income Limit

Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return.) Phases out above those income levels but partial credit may be available.

First-time Homebuyer Only

Purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase

Repayment

No repayment

Recapture

If the home is sold within three years of purchase, the entire amount credited is recaptured on sale

Termination

December 1, 2009

Please contact George Maynes and The Maynes Team if you have any questions about this tax credit or if you would like any assistance with buying a home in the Philadelphia Area.

Visit www.TheMaynesTeam.com for more info on our services and the home buying process.

Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Top 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Get references and call to check on the work.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business for complaints.

4. Be sure that the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small a downpayment as possible so you won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Be sure that the contract states when the work will be completed.

8. Ask if the contractor's workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will do parts.

9. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

10. Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the work.