Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009: It passed the house and the senate and Obama has signed it into law. The IRS site is updated except for the latest version of tax form to accommodate the newest change to the housing credit.

The basics of the home buyer credit in this version? In a nutshell, you can make more money to qualify, you have longer to find the qualifying home and even longer to close after that, and you don't have to be a first time home buyer to qualify for the reduced credit of $6500.

The ceilings and deadlines have SERIOUSLY been moved with this version so please do read the details here:

http://cooperjacobs.com/blog/2009/11/07/the-new-new-tax-credit/

Looking for what's available in the busy Fremont neighborhood of Seattle?

Here is a newly designed Seattle real estate search site has a great page on Fremont! Check it out here:

Fremont Homes

I love Fremont and spend a ton of time there both personally and also showing property buyers interested in this wonderful neighborhood! Fremont is just North of Queen Anne across the Fremont Bridge - this neighborhood offers an eclectic lifestyle and big views of the canal. Fremont is the definition for urban living in Seattle if you ask me - restaurants and shops galore plus great walking and biking.

Are you interested in Fremont Real Estate? realestate@cooperjacobs.com

Nearby Seattle neighborhoods:

Wallingford

Green Lake

Ballard

Phinney Ridge

Queen Anne

You can find them all on the Seattle neighborhoods page!

Seattle still has an incredible real estate market in 2009, but....

It is different than it has been in the last ten years or so. Many first time home buyers like to ask their friends and family a lot of questions along the way and tend to rely at times on these lifelines.

Unfortunately, new Seattle buyers might find that asking all the questions in the world might not get them the right answers for this new Seattle market. Buying a house any time is a huge task, but being a first time Seattle home buyer on top of that makes it ridiculously intimidating for many.

These are some of the things an A + First Time Home buyer has already done:

Saving money for a down payment and closing costs (and knowing how much these are by asking your Realtor to help guide you)

Managing credit (debt, etc.)

Managing employment history

Some of the hurdles in home buying...

1. Finding a Seattle real estate broker who will guide you every step of the way. (A good Seattle agent will give you referrals to a good lender who will help you with all the numbers up front - someone they trust that will not deliver unneeded surprises along the way)
2. Finding a qualified lender who can walk you through each and every step and won't charge you too much money for the privilege. ( Determine your purchase price budget by looking at what payment you can reasonably afford. Get a good faith estimate so you know what closing costs to expect)

Other Steps along the way that your Seattle Realtor should help you with:

• Locating a property in Seattle within your guidelines
• Structuring a strong offer on your behalf and going through the paperwork with you
• Negotiating with your best interests at heart
• Helping to schedule inspections, appraisal, escrow appointments, etc.
• Providing you with an overall picture of the sales process
• Keeping open lines of communication along the way!!! (I let them know what is going on even when nothing is going on so that they don't wonder)
• Referrals, referrals, referrals! - Inspector, insurance contacts, utility contacts, favorite restaurants or vets and doctors in the area, etc...
• Look at the resale!!! I always council Seattle buyers on their exit strategy - this is an investment as well as a home! How well will this house or condo sell in the future based on some of its attributes....

I like to make up a binder with lots of information for my first time home buyers in Seattle - I want to give them something that might help along the way or clear up any confusions. I also make up a calendar of events showing all of our important contract dates as well as a flow chart of the closing process. I like to look over the Good Faith Estimates from the lender to make sure all charges seem to be in line and have them ask questions if I see anything out of the ordinary.

I really want to be an advocate for Seattle first time home buyers that give me the privilege of helping them!

Do you need info on being a first time home buyer in Seattle? Need a free home buying guide? Want info on the $8000 tax credit? courtney@cooperjacobs.com Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Seattle real estate, @CourtneyCooper

Just a quick reminder for those of you in Seattle:

The Fremont Bridge in the Seattle neighborhood of Fremont will be closed tomorrow form about 2:30 AM to 6 AM in order for repairs to be made. There is a damaged center lock and crews will be repairing it in the early hours of the morning. This is the part that holds the two giant portions that open down when we are driving on it so fixing it is a good thing.

Another note: The city will actually be providing shuttle service if needed for pedestrians and bicyclists during the repair time.

Courtney Cooper, Designated Broker, Realtor, EcoBroker, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services, Seattle real estate, Serving Seattle Neighborhoods & Seattle Suburbs. www.CooperJacobs.com Follow me on Twitter: @CourtneyCooper Courtney@cooperjacobs.com 206-251-5948