About Tompkins County, NY

Shari Landsman, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and EcoBroker at RE/MAX In Motion in downtown Ithaca has earned the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation.

The NAR Green Designation is a real estate designation that helps real estate professionals be an advocate for green principles in the design and use of homes and a positive force for creating sustainable communities.

The designation also provides real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences so that they can guide buyer-clients in purchasing and retrofitting green homes as well as help sellers by listing and marketing the green features of their properties.

Shari's knowledge and awareness of green building principles enhances her ability to help local home buyers and sellers who want to or have been thinking about going green. This is the second green designation for Shari; she earned her EcoBroker's certification last year.

To learn more about going green with real estate please visit www.greenresourcecounsil.org and to learn more about Shari Landsman, visit www.ShariLandsman.com

RE/MAX in motion is a full service Real Estate Brokerage that serves Tompkins, Tioga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Schuyler Counties. www.REinMotion.com

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.

Let me preface this... I like to repeat myself so in that tradition -- Ithaca NY has a steady real estate market, and if you are in the market for real estate you should buy now! Just got word that FHA will allow first time home buyers, taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit, to use it as a down payment!

But wait there's more!

Ithaca has made the news again. USA today reports (as I have been touting all along) .."Ithaca, a small city in Upstate New York, seems like a bucolic refuge from financial woes. It avoided the housing bubble, and so far, it has been sheltered from much of the economic crisis."

Check it out...Ithaca NY: Affordable homes...

It's official - real estate season is in full swing in Upstate NY. I know I may have said it before, but it's evident now. This is the second day, in a row, that I have been in a multiple offer situation! As I'm prone to repeating myself, I'll say it again - if the property is priced right and the demand is there, it will sell. Of course it's all about location, location, location as well. The first deal fell through to a cash buyer. ("Yes, Virginia, cash buyers do still exist.")

What's that you say? All you are hearing is the doom and gloom of the national housing market? Well, I have just one question for you then -- do you listen to the national weather report to get your local weather?? Right... so talk to a local REALTOR... I digress...

A piece of advice to all the buyers out there: it IS a great time to buy in Tompkins Co NY and the surrounding counties. Everyone likes to dub it a "bubble" area. The word is so cliche; i try to avoid it. I will say, though, (without using the word bubble) that this area is in good shape when it comes to real estate. We did not see the over inflation of home prices, thus no huge dropoff in prices. PLUS, new construction in this area, only accounts for approximately 0.5% of inventory - we have two high end developements for this area - that's it! But wait there's more! Ithaca NY is #1 in the nation for lowest to no subprime lending. (We don't really like to brag, but ...) On the contrary, we did see a drop in houses for sale (inventory) in '08 compared to prior years thus less properties sold because of it.

In the past two months we have seen inventory increase and continuing to do so and prices are very competative. So, whether you are a first timer or a seasoned buyer, if you find your 'perfect' place, don't hesitate (I saw a house go under contract in 4 days -thus my buyers lost out)and please heed the advice of your knowledgable agent, don't low-ball the offer! More often than not, the house is already priced correctly. You've hired your buyer's agent for a reason, now listen to them, they are working in your best interest.

I'm in the midst of negotations on the other one. I'm sure the suspense is killing you, so I'll leave you with this...so far, so good. But, as it is well known, it's not a 'sure thing' until it's closed.

Stay tuned...

Congratulations! You've decided to sell your home...but wait, what's that? You don't want to use a REALTOR to assist you?

"Why should I use a REALTOR to sell my home? It costs too much and I can do just as good a job."

And to that I say... please reconsider! You may be costing yourself more, more time, frustration and money by not consulting a REALTOR!

Did you know that sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more* on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone.

REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation.

REALTORS® can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly.

REALTORS® know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own.

REALTORS® are experts in attracting qualified buyers. A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home. The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller's property.

86% of buyers found a home through a real estate agent

80% from the Internet (then contacted a REALTOR)

69% from a REALTOR yard sign

Real Estate professionals can also navigate you through the local market landscape: advising you on the best marketing strategy and target audience for your area. They can also update you regularly with local market stats and keep tabs on your housing competition.

They can also find ways to save you money when it comes to closing costs, survey's, and inspections.

Oh wait, you didn't think about the closing costs and a seller's net sheet? Just another reason to hire a REALTOR to help with your home sale.

So, if you are thinking of selling, think of a REALTOR first and remember...

*Source: Realtor.org