Sandy Aichner ~ Broker REALTOR® www.SandyIsYourAgent.com

What is this you ask? It's a program that helps out in case of job loss after the purchase of a home in Lake Norman or Charlotte NC! It assists homeowners to keep their mortgage payments covered during these rocky times in the economy.

It's a GREAT benefit to the buyer of a listing that purchases the program. It's NOT insurance coverage. The Program provides:

• education
• protection
• financial assistance
• counseling

It's 24 months long and is paid for by the seller of the property at the closing for the buyer. It is a program designed to assist. Homes that offer this program will stand out in the crowd. Also, potential buyers may want to only see homes with this type of program offered.

Here is a link to the HELP flyer that goes over eligibility, costs, etc.

Call me or email me today if you are interested in this program! Only a couple real estate companies in the area are offering it and we are one of them!

North end of Lake Norman near the dam. Cows taking advantage of the shade trees, and sipping some Catawba River water! There were at least 20 by the water and they were tagged so they must belong to a farmer. I am guessing this is somewhere in Statesville. The Bull is located on the right side of the picture and was HUGE!

Do you have questions about the Tax Credit? I did too.

Many buyers clients were asking me. Here is the first answer: You have to purchase and close on a home by December 1, 2009!! Call me and let's look now if you read this information and think you qualify Sandy (704) 746-7513!

Here below is the information and some handy links I have been sending out to clients by email.In a nutshell, you have to buy your first home, it has to be owned for 3 years or you will owe the money back to the IRS, and you cannot have the money until after you close (when you use the form to claim it). So, no, you cannot use it for a down payment.

Here is the link to the IRS form http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf

Here is a run down summary by the IRS on the rules, guidelines, etc. along with a video and audio presentation http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Here is the FAQs page from the IRS for homes purchased in 2009  http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206293,00.html

• There are over 28,000 active listings in the entire Charlotte area, including Lake Norman
• Only 2,223 of those residential listings sold and closed in July.
• 102 residential homes sold/closed in July in area 13 (Lake Norman)
• The average and median prices of the homes closed ranged from 148K-299K
• There are over 11,000 Multi-family, commercial, lots/acreage listings in the same area
• Only 70 of the lot/land, commercial, multi-family sold and closed in July.

See the rainbow over his head?

nice custom jet ski by Biggun. This photo was taken in July 2009 with a Lumix Waterproof and shock resistant camera. The background is Mooresville NC off Cornelius Road.