Monroeville, PA

Can you feel the winds blowing? The Perfect Real Estate Storm is coming

Prices are Low - Sellers have had to drop their prices over the last year, making the time right for buyers.

Interest Rates are Low - Matter of fact, they can't be much lower and most experts agree that as the economy shows signs of life, the rates will start to creep up.

The Tax Credit was Expanded - $8,000 for first-timers, $6,500 for those that owned for at least 3 of the last 5 years, for homes under contract between now and April 30th and closed by July 30th.

Pent Up Demand - All those buyers who have been waiting for the economy to improve to buy their next home (or first home) are getting ready to jump in.

What Should You Do?

If you are a buyer: It's time to get moving. This isn't an "everyone's buying and prices are high" kind of thing - this is the real deal - Buy Low Now, Sell High Later!

If you are a seller: It's time to spruce up, dust off, get serious, make sure you are priced competitively and get ready to pack. This is your best chance to sell this year.

If you are thinking about selling: You need to get listed NOW. The rush has already begun, you can't afford to miss it.

Now is the best time to buy and sell in the Pittsburgh area. Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or email to christaross@remax.net. Visit my website at www.selecthomefinder.com/christaross

I have just purchased and renovated a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house in the Forest Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA. If you or anyone you know may be interested in renting it. Please let me know. Send an email stating interest to ddnst4@yahoo.com and I will send a link for pics and a phone number to contact me. Rent is $650/month and includes sewage, water and trash removal.

Also has a 2 bedroom appt, and a 1 bedroom appt. available for $450 and $350 per month respectively.

Thanks,

Dustin D. Nulf

As I have mentioned before, I do alot of marketing to expired listings. One thing that I've noticed when getting the information for these properties is the extreme lack of attention given to the multi-list postings by the Seller's Agent. I've recently been talking to a couple who have had their home for sale for a year and it has now expired. The home is priced at around 150k, which is the average sale price around here. The multi-list entry had no picture for the entire year. This normally wouldn't cause too much of a stir in me because it is a common find, but I then realized two things; #1 - this is a common occurance from many companies (especially discount brokers), #2 - this wasn't a discount broker

So to all you sellers out there, I ask you this: Do you really know what your agent will do for you? Did you shop around, ask questions and witness at least 3 listin presentations? Did you ask your potential agents to show you examples of how they would be advertising your home? If you haven't, then be prepared to watch your house sit on the market for a year without a picture of it even being put in the most important location it can be.... the Multi-list.

Thanks for listening to my rant. Take care and have a safe and happy Holiday!

So, I heard this on NPR 2 days in a row and tried to post something about it 2 days ago... evidently blog posts don't work correctly when completed over a phone... so here it is again.

National Public Radio just stated that home sales are up a good bit over last year at this time and I would just like to ask you all:

Have you noticed this at all? Got some stories for us?

and;

Does anyone have any statistics on this? (I'm a numbers guy, I like statistics)

Please comment away.

Thanks,

Dustin

1st Time Homebuyers Tax Refund Info.

1st Time Homebuyers (someone who has not owned a home in the last three years) of a Single-Family Principal Residence may be eligible for a INCOME TAX CREDIT in an amount equal to 10% of the home purchase price up to a maximum of $7,500. There are income restrictions of $75,000 for a single person and $150,000 for those filing a joint return. Those with higher incomes may be eligible for a tax credit of a lower amount. Properties must be closed on or after April 9, 2008 and by June 30, 2009.

Be sure to pass on this valuable information.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h5830/show

Looking to buy in the Pittsburgh or Monroeville areas? Contact me for information: dustinnulf@prudentialpreferred.com

Disclosure to save my @$$: I AM NOT OFFERING TAX ADVICE BUT AM GIVING YOU INFORMATION THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH A TAX ADVISOR FOR MORE DETAILS