Richard Lecinski

USDA Rural Housing Program

Loan Features

• Property must be in USDA Rural Housing Eligible Area
• No Downpayment or Reserves Required
• No Monthly Mortgage Insurance with one time Guarantee Fee
• No Maximum Seller Concession

Best For

• Homebuyers with limited savings
• Low to moderate income homebuyers in rural areas .

Many properties in the Tucson area will qualify for this type of loan

Rich lecinski

520-834-4663

Long Realty Company

Virtual Home Finder

http://rlecinski.longrealty.com

How to Buy Real Estate with your IRA or Retirement Plan Funds

What a year 2009 is turning out to be! A new president, economic challenges, some big corporations closing their doors, and the stock market debacle...Isn't it time for a glimmer of hope? Well, that hope is here in the form of real estate.

With the economic downturn, there are foreclosed homes and depressed real estate prices everywhere you look, which has created opportunity with enormous upside. In fact, many houses can now be purchased for 25% or less of their recent value!

Individuals with liquid funds are already purchasing these properties in droves. But what is you don't have liquid funds? Then use your IRA or retirement plan funds!

Benefits of Purchasing Real Estate in your Retirement Plan

Your money grows three ways while owning real estate in your retirement plan:

1. Through the increase of the value of the home appreciation
2. Through the accumulation of rental income
3. Through tax-free growth

How Buying Real Estate with your IRA or Retirement Plan Fund Works

Purchasing real estate in an IRA has been allowed for over 30 years under the ERISA Act of 1974. Most people don't know that they can do this because the brokerage houses typically earn fees on commissions or assets under the management, and don't want to offer Real Estate IRA's because they can't make money off of them.

Regardless, Real Estate IRA's allow you to purchase real estate with your retirement money, and currently constitute about 3% of retirement plan holdings.

Because they are retirement plan, Real Estate IRA's must be set up with a qualified administrator and abide by a few simple rules (see a list of recommended administrators, and links for the requirements, at (http:www.retrainingcenter.com/About-Buying-Real -Estate-In-An-IRA.asp) or (entrustarizona.com).

How to Get Started

Below are a few simple steps to get started:

1. Read and Research. Make sure you understand the rules and requirements of a Real Estate IRA. You'll have to set up an account with a qualified administrator, not commingle funds, and abide by a few other rules. You can use the above website to find a qualified administrator.
2. Find the Right Properties. Don't just buy houses because they are cheap. Make sure you have a plan as to where you want to buy, why you want to buy there, and whether or not you will rent the properties. Use your Realtor for guidance.
3. Know your Personal Temperament. You'll not only have to spend tine selecting and closing on properties, but depending on how many you purchase and for what reason, may want to rent out your new properties. Make sure you know your requirements and capabilities.

Richard Lecinski

Long Realty Company

520-834-4663

http://rlecinski.longrealty.com

www.arizonagreatliving.com

OV Council Passes Ordinances to Encourage Green Development
Grey Water Harvesting, Solar Heating requirements good for business

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 18, 2009) - The Oro Valley Town Council passed two amendments to current ordinances in an effort to further the Town's goals for resource conservation. The unanimous decisions were made during a regular meeting of the Council June 17.

Oro Valley Councilmember Salette Latas led the effort to update the ordinances.

"Green homes sell better," Latas said. "Building green is a market advantage in tough economic times and environmentally-friendly construction continues to grow even in the current economy."

One report she cites is market data found in the new SmartMarket Report, "The Green Home Builder: Navigating for Success in a Down Economy," which covers market opportunities, key triggers and obstacles and trends in green home building practices from 2001 to 2007, including the impact of the down market on this sector. Major findings include:

• Forty percent of builders find "building green" makes it easier to market in a down economy; 16 percent say it makes green construction much easier
• In 2009, 21 percent of builders expect 90 percent of its projects to be green
• Sixty percent of builders claim homebuyers are willing to pay more for green homes. This is greater than the opinion in 2006 (56 percent)

Latas said Oro Valley's changes were modeled after Tucson's recent ordinances which were adopted with support from both homebuilders and the public.

"We hope that our efforts will help direct a regional approach that will ensure uniform codes that establish environmentally sound building practices," Latas said.

Ordinance 09-11 Residential Solar amends Chapter 6, Article 6-1-7, "Residential Code" to add "Residential Solar Ordinance," which now requires installation of solar-ready measures in residential construction. The ordinance will take effect 30 days from the approval, or July 17.

The second ordinance, 09-12 Residential Gray Water (you can find the addendum here), now requires the installation of gray water plumbing in residential construction, amending the Oro Valley Town Code, Article 6-1, and the 2006 International Residential Code. This ordinance will take effect June 1, 2010 and does not apply to building plans submitted and approved prior to June 1, 2009.

The Tucson Association of REALTORS® is hosting our annual "Stuff the Bus" for TUSD school supplies drive again this year. Let's show the Tucson community our support!

Here's how you can get involved:

· Drop off a donation at the designated locations. Please call.

· Hold a school supplies drive in your office

We provide you with a decorated box to collect donations in your office. Bring your donations to TAR on August 7 and whoever collects the most donations wins breakfast, delivered by TAR! Contact Laura Kruszewski (laura@tucsonrealtors.org or 382-8775) to get your box!

Businesses and many lawmakers are pushing to increase the First Time home buyers' tax credit. A bill has been introduced by Sen. John Isakson to increase the tax credit to $15,000 dollars.

I know the NAR has been pushing this as well. There are many thoughts on how to do this in Congress.

I myself have sold several homes where the buyer has received this tax credit. It is a very good opportunity for many people as well as helps to the country over all by decreasing the amount of homes on the market.

I urge all to contact their representives in Washington to get this bill passed and extend the time limit.

I would be interested in hearing from other agents or buyers how the current tax credit has helped them.

Richard Lecinski

Long Realty Company

Tucson - Oro Valley, Arizona

http://rlecinski.longrealty.com