Matt Anderson

The clock started ticking nearly 10 months ago on the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. OK, so when I read about the incentive I read it and thought that this will benefit some, however with the recent credit crisis and job loss reports, I really didn't feel this would be that great of a stimulus for the housing industry. However, 8K of free money is 8K of free money, so what is everyone waiting for?

Living in the Dallas Real Estate market there are a lot of First Time Home Buyers. Being a licensed Realtor I get calls daily from people wanting to know more about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. I usually shoot them over the following email address listed below, which spells out very effectively the Tax Credit and who qualifies.

So, I will break it down real quick in plain English.

When does it expire? You must close, let's say that again, You must close (not write a contract) before December 1st, 2009.

Who qualifies for this Tax Credit? First time home buyers or anyone that has not owned a property in the past 3 years.

Is there income levels? Yes, single $75,000 and married couples $150,000. You make more than that and the amount is reduced until a single person earning $95,000 and married couples making $170,000 get "Nothing". Remember I am not an accountant, so please seek specific advice for any tax issue's you might have.

What kind of home can I buy? Most Single Family homes, Condominiums, Town homes, Manufactured Homes, and Houseboats. However, remember some government foreclosures have not be cleared for this Tax Credit.

There is much more information for very specific situations, like will everyone get 8K or can I buy the home for my children or parents, etc... For additional information please read this LINK.

Now to the original point of this article. Why is everyone procrastinating about free money. As I stated earlier I have been hit hard in the past by people about the 8K Tax credit and the first thing I do is sent them to a couple of qualified loan officers. 80% of the time these great potential clients are coming back with bad credit. So, is this program really helping everyone it could. Well that is a question you will have to ask you local congressmen.

So, what about the 20% that are taking advantage of these loans? My brokerage has been tracking the number of buyers that are looking for homes and 60% of them that have been looking for several months will be taking advantage of the 8K Tax Credit. If my brokerage is running into this problem, might I say everyone is having this problem as well?

I hate to say this, but everyone that has not taken advantage of this 8K Tax Credit will be calling a Realtor shortly. This is called "procrastination". Yes, this will be one busy fall.

To all my buyers or potential buyers looking in the Frisco Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, McKinney Real Estate, or Allen Real Estate markets...please call me now and let's get this process going. You don't want to be just starting to look in a month and not have the time for the mortgage company to process you loan.

VIP Realty DFW assists both buyers and sellers in the Commercial and Residential Real Estate markets. VIP Realty DFW is located in Frisco, Texas, however with Frisco's great location to Dallas, Plano, and the whole DFW area, VIP Realty DFW has assisted Real Estate clients throughout the Dallas - Fort Worth area.

OK, so being a Realtor I always look at Labor Day weekend like the start of my year. I look at my finances for the year and start looking at my budget for marketing, adding agents, or other miscellaneous items.

As I get older I really hate the hot Plano Real Estatearea market in the summer. Sure, I get listings and buyers and I make money, but I also get my looky loos that take up way too much time. That is also why I love school back in session. School time means real buyers and sellers.

With interest rates lower and serious buyers and sellers coming out after school starts, what does everyone else feel this fall will bring in the Dallas Real Estate market? Give me your expectations and let me know if you think it will be good or bad.

VIP Realty DFW is taking on new real estate agents. I am not looking experience agents. I want green go getter's, check out my Real Estate Career's page for agent options!

Frisco Real Estate Flat Rate Program!

Summer time is here! Ok, so what are my steps to get my house listed?

1. Find a good Frisco Realtor - ask for references, do they know you community, are they working for you interests?

2. How much is my home worth? How much do I need to get out of it?

3. Get Pre-Qualified NOW! Yes, get ready for your next purchase, don't wait until you home is sold.

Ok, Now what program should I go with?

1. Full Commission - All the bells and whistles.

2. 0% Listing! We sell you home for 0% - you sign a buyers agent agreement that we represent you on your next home.

3. Flat Rate

• $1200.00 - Not buying another home? Need to sell your house fast with all the bells and whistles? Try our $1200.00 Flat Rate Service. We list your home on the MLS, take pictures, place sign and lockbox at the home, and have professional showing service handle your calls. Great for people leaving our area, or moving into an apartment.
• $495.00 - Same as listing above, however a limited service. We will place your home on the MLS and we're a phone call away.

Regardless of the program... VIP Realty DFW is your resource for all your real estate needs. Call us today for the Flat Rate Fee program or our VIP Buyer program.

I have been seeing more and more companies offer a Flat Rate Fee listing service. I know the big brokers don't do anything like this, it's more your mom and pop real estate companies. So, I guess the question is...does this hurt the industry.

I believe that in some circumstances there are sellers that have situations that don't meet the norm. Pre-foreclosures, downsizing, older clients, etc may have different situations. I personally don't see anything wrong with a broker putting a clients listing on the MLS for a reduced fee.

Seriously how long does it take to list a home? How much work do you really have to do. How many of us have done the all work, went out and spent months on a listing and got nothing but a headache. With a Flat Rate Service you get money up front for reduced services. It's a win-win for everyone.

My company offers this service and in the past month we have had several listings go for the Flat Rate Service and all most have sold very quickly. We personally had a listing in the Frisco Real Estate market go up for sale using the $499.00 limited service. The home had 2 offers in 1 day and sold in 5 days. The sellers were so excited they told several people they know and we have referrals flying at us.

If you haven't thought about a Flat Rate Fee call or email for additional information. In this time of need we all need to look at different business options.

VIP Realty DFW

Frisco, Texas

Frisco Tx Real Estate has been on quite a high in the last 10 years. When I moved to Frisco, Texas in 1997 there were 8,000 people and maybe 5 restaurants. Since then we have added a mall, 100's of restaurants, a professional ballparks.

With all this new car smell in the air, what have some of the residents that have been in the area for 10+ years done with their homes. I show homes nearly everyday and I have always thought that some Realtors just give bad advice. Now I don't represent sellers all the time, but since I see homes everyday I figure I can give some advice to those sellers that will be getting ready to list their homes in the next couple weeks.

1. Drive up appeal - I mentioned this in my last blog. Make sure you're invested in a lawn maintenence company and weed control.

2. Shop you competition - Call your realtor or do some open house's within you immediate neighborhood. Look at their decor, style, and upgrades. This will give you an idea what other buyers will see and then you can price your home accordingly.

3. Do you have some paint issues? - I always tell my seller go look at some open houses Frisco "New" homes. They have professional decorators that are paid for their vision and what will be the next trend.

4. Be open about showings - Don't be ass when it comes to allowing buyers look at your home. I realize you have children or dogs, but let the buyer look at your home. If you only want to show the home between 10-2 pm Monday - Friday, and not on weekends...Don't list your home.

5. Have open discussions with your Realtor about all offers. Look at the person's situation and remember that currently it is a buyers market, you will get the same good deal on your next home.

Call VIP Realty DFW if you need professional advice with either Residential or Commercial Real Estate.