Lindsay Hart, @ RE/MAX In Motion,

You Can See Action on remax.com

Visit workingforyou.remax.com to view a live U.S. map showing remax.com activity in real time. You'll see that people from Newport, Ore., to Hollywood, Fla., are searching the site right now.

The "remax.com working for you!" application, courtesy of eNeighborhoods, presents dynamic data about where consumers are searching remax.com. Encourage your contacts and recruits to witness the power of remax.com live.

This map shows remax.com activity in real time at workingforyou.remax.com

Ithaca NY is "10 square miles surrounded by reality" if you live or work in Ithaca NY you've seen this before. It's true in many ways AND one way it is true is in the housing & economic market. Instead of going on and on about it, I'll let the evidence speak for itself...

Ithaca's growing popularity makes the housing market attractive for buyers, thus appreciating a home's value. http://www.visitithaca.com/Top-10s.html

USA today reports .."Ithaca, a small city in Upstate New York...avoided the housing bubble, and so far, it has been sheltered from much of the economic crisis." USA Today Full article here...Ithaca NY: Affordable homes...

The Ithaca Journal reports today that according to the department of assessment in Tompkins County, home values are rising and/or have risen, bucking the national trend

NY Times Reports on subprime lending...Ithaca NY has the lowest subprime mortgage lending in the entire nation (2006).

Economic report from Tompkins County Chamber of commerce: http://www.tompkinschamber.org/sitemanage/view/122

First-time home buyers in New York have an added incentive for entering the ownership market, thanks to a new tax credit equal to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest.

The New York State Mortgage Credit Certificate, which lasts for the life of the loan, is projected to save some borrowers as much as $30,000 over the years. Eligible buyers must meet income criteria, take out a fixed-rate loan, and occupy the home as their primary residence.

Because the incentive can be used in conjunction with a federal tax credit of $8,000, which expires on Nov. 30, industry insiders believe it will sway many fence-sitters to take the plunge.

Get the whole story here

Source: Albany Times Union, Chris Churchill (08/11/09)

If you have been contemplating home ownership but think you should wait just a little longer - think again!!!

• Waiting for the right time can be expensive. Some buyers would have more equity today, despite falling prices, if they had bought when they were first considering it, instead of continuing to pay rent.

• Financing is fickle. Some people who were highly qualified last year can't find financing this year because the credit market has tightened or their personal financial situation now makes them an undesirable borrower.

• Interest rates are headed up. If prices decline by another 10 percent, but interest rates increase by 1 percentage point, the monthly payment will be the same.

If you've found a house that is within your price range - make an offer! Sellers are more willing to neogiate than you might think. Don't be intimidated by the real estate market. Make sure you are working with a knowledable agent that has your best interest in mind.

Everywhere you turn, it's first time home buyer tax credit this and tax credit that. So even in my fear of "beating a dead horse" (I don't like that phrase - I'm a fan of horses) overkilling the subject there are some nuances and requirements for first-time home buyers to qualify for the tax credit, such as...

Did you know that you must 'close' on your home no later than December 1, 2009? That means property needs to be transfered into your name by Dec. 1, 2009. And where I practice real estate (Ithaca NY) getting to the closing table takes at least 45-60 days. Just to be even clearer, that's AFTER a purchase offer has been signed and accepted. So please don't wait until October to start looking for a home, you are only hurting yourself!

Did you know that a first-time home buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past 36 months? (i.e. 3 years) Yes, that's right! If you were a home owner and then sold your home 3 years ago you can still qualify for the credit! DISCLAIMER! according to the IRS they are checking actual closing date to closing date. For example if you closed on your home June 1, 2006 and are scheduled to close on your new home June 2, 2009 you will qualify - congratulations. IF you sold your home July 1, 2006 and are scheduled to close on your new home June 30, 2009 - you do not qualify.

Did you know if you 'bought' your home from a relative that you do NOT qualify for the tax credit? That's right, the IRS deems non-arms length sales (meaning between relatives, not strangers) unqualified for the tax credit.

I suggest consulting with your tax preparer for all the details on the tax credit and for help with buying your first home, I would like to suggest contacting me!

DISCLAIMER: I am a licensed real estate agent, not a tax advisor. Please consult your tax professional if your situation is unique.