8/8/2008

Housetrology?  What is that?  Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today shared the initial results of its innovative and engaging “Housetrology” online quiz in which the company asked people, “What’s Your House Sign?” After receiving more than 1,200 responses this summer, Coldwell Banker delved deeper into the emotional instincts affecting home buying decisions by leveraging a third-party research company to conduct a more formal consumer attitude survey on home buying. In addition, Coldwell Banker® tapped the expertise of Dr. Ruth Peters, to offer an additional perspective on how home buyers can balance emotional and practical issues while hunting for the homes of their dreams.  You can go to Coldwell Banker.com to take the questionnaire.

8/1/2008

Bill just Passed, Great News for First Time Homebuyers

There is a lot that isn't going well in the real estate market, that is true.  Here is a bit of good news.  The following I just clipped from a Cal Association of Realtors press release:

- $7,500 TAX CREDIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS: With certain exceptions, a first-time homebuyer will receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $7,500 maximum, for the tax year in which the buyer purchases a principal residence. The tax credit, however, must be repaid like an interest-free loan in equal installments over the next 15 years or in full if the homebuyer sells the property for a gain. A buyer qualifies as a "first-time" homebuyer as long as the buyer (and spouse if any) has not owned a principal residence in the U.S. for the last three years. The tax credit phases out for a taxpayer with a modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 (or $150,000 for joint returns). This tax credit is available for qualifying homes purchased from April 9, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Wow.

7/25/2008

I know I should be talking houses, but today I want to talk about the home and what's in the home.  My reality today is puppies.  Animals can sure bring the value of a home down if  there is carpet, wood, fenced yards, and probably more than I even know.  Yet, we love our pets!  Pet proofing your home is a good thing for you and your prospective buyers.  If you have animals indoors that are not potty trained yet, there are pens that dogs can get used to be comfortable in while you are away.  I found that putting a pen on the tile with paper for the puppies, a nice cozy blanket, food and water helps me, my house AND the puppies.  In a yard, you can put a dog run in so your dogs are safe to exercise while you are not at home and prospective buyers are not frightened by a dog running loose.  I am sure there are things you can do for cats, but don't ask me.

 

6/18/08

Foreclosures, foreclosures, foreclosures.  Is that all that people are buying?  Pretty much.  There are so many beautiful homes on the market in our area that are at great prices and are moving slow because people are uncertain of what is happening with the economy. That being said, there are many investors and first time buyers finding foreclosure deals.  Both short sales and foreclosures are time consuming.  It can be tough waiting for banks and the answers they give on your offers.  The upside is that there is profit potential if you select carefully.  Really investigate any property you decide to make an offer on if there are limited disclosures because it is an "as is" sale.  You are the one who will be out of pocket for those unforseen blemishes, which can make the difference in your return on investment.