Buying a home has many benefits... but now you may receive a tax credit!

Purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and April 15,2009 you have the option to claim your $8,000 credit on the 2008 return due on April 15.

To Qualify for the Tax Credit you must...

• Close before December 1, 2009 to receive the tax credit.
• Be a first-time home buyer.
• Keep the home as your primary residence for three years.
• Purchase a home $80,000 and above for full credit.

You can not receive the tax credit if...

• Your income is over the allowed limit.    
• You buy a home from a close relative. This includes your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.         
• You stop using your home as your main home.                                                                                     
• You sell your home before 3 (Three) years.                                                                                          
• You are a nonresident alien.

Contact me @ brenda@imsiloans.com

and

I will send you the Freqently Asked Questions & Summary of Tax Credit 

I am a Realtor & Lender so I can anwer any questions you may have about purchasing a home, Selling a home or financing a home. I look forward to hearing from you!

Brenda Tressler

Realtor/Lender

brenda@imsiloans.com

(931) 206-1907 Cell

Enjoy Country Living!  (SOLD)

$97,000 sale price

120 Hawkins Lane  Big Rock, TN 37023

MLS #1034771  

Built 2004 (Manufactured-Foundation)

2052 sq. ft.

4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Country Living! Large Lovely open floor plan on almost an acre includes a gourmet kitchen with pantry, master suite has a garden tub and walk-in closets, workshop (floored & wired) aand a pool. 

This property is located between Ft. Campbell,KY and Dover,TN.

Living Room: 14x20 Great room                             

Kitchen: 14x12  Country

Dining Room: 14x12

Den: 16x17 w/Fireplace

Master Bedroom: 14x15  Walk-in Closet

Bedroom #2: 14x11

Bedroom #3: 12x12

Bedroom #4: 10x10

This home is listed by: Karla Miller Realtor, Coldwell Banker Conroy, Marable & Holleman

Karla's cell: 931-551-5233  Office: 931-552-1700        

This home is featured by:

BRENDA TRESSLER

Loan Officer   

Integrity Mortgage Services, Inc.

(931) 206-1907 cell 

(931) 905-6900 office  

                                                          brenda@imsiloans.com       

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FINANCING OPTIONS.... CLICK HERE        

           Thank you for viewing this home and I look forward to assisting you!                                                                                                                           

Buying/Selling a home is a complicated transaction that includes many legal forms required to comply with the law. 

Real Estate Professionals spend hours in class to keep up-to-date on the changes so they can provide the best service and protect their Buyers and Sellers.  

Even with all the information on-line it is difficult for  non-professionals to completely understand and comply with all the required documents for selling a home.  

I have seen many Buyers disappointed when they purchased a home from a for-sale-by-owner.  

I hope that this series will help you avoid many pitfalls and give you a quick reference to some of the required documents.

Disadvantages of Buying a home from a for-sale-by-owner:

Pricing: many times the home is over priced

Terms: Many times sellers are less willing to negotiate

Property Condition: many times it is unknown

Contract: many times is not complete and/or one sided in favor of the Seller

If you click on the highlighted area you will find a detailed report.

Good Luck with your new home purchase...

if you have any questions feel free to contact

Brenda Tressler  

Click here for answers to your home buying/selling/financing questions.

Brenda Tressler

Loan Officer

Integrity Mortgage Services

(931) 206-1907 Cell

(931) 905-6900 Office

brenda@imsiloans.com

"Let me be your friend in Financing"

Pricing a home to sell is one of the toughest jobs... to decide on the correct price you must know the current and local market.

Many home owners put years of hard work and money into their homes; it is very difficult for them to be objective when setting a sales price. Home improvements do not always have a dollar for dollar return... Pricing a home for sale depends on what has sold recently and what is similar to the home being sold.

Sellers normally do not have the data to make a good sound decision. Many times a for-sale-by-owner will disagree with a Realtor and price their home higher than comparable homes in that area.

If you are a Buyer and new to the area then many times you will not know you are paying more for a home than it will appraise for.

If your contract does not have a contingency stating "the property must appraise for the sales price or higher" then you may be required to pay out of pocket for the difference. 

A Buyer does not pay a Realtor for their service but having a Realtor represent you can pay you in the long run... by saving you thousands of dollars.

A Realtor can advise you on pricing a home, negotiate a good deal and insure the contract protects your interest!

Good Luck with your new home purchase...

if you have any questions feel free to contact

Brenda Tressler  

Click here for answers to your home buying/selling/financing questions.

Click here to return to part 1

Brenda Tressler

Loan Officer

Integrity Mortgage Services

(931) 206-1907 Cell

(931) 905-6900 Office

brenda@imsiloans.com

"Let me be your friend in Financing"

The condition of the property is one of the most important factors deciding ... did you get a good deal!

Buying a home is so exciting but many buyers get caught up in the cosmetic appearance of a home. It is the bones of the home that will determine how much it will cost you to maintain your home.

In Tennessee a Seller is required by law to fill out a "Property Condition Form". Many Sellers do not know this is required by law and many For-Sale-By-Owners do not meet this requirement.

This form is the seller telling you about any defects in the property, changes made such as additions, the age items such as roofing, heat & air and any upgrades.

A Realtor will require this form to be filled out completely and correctly plus you have an extra eye to keep you focused on the whole property not just the nice paint.

Also a Realtor has been in hundreds of homes and can point out things you may over look. Again, having a professional on your side is alway good.

I always suggest you hire a home inspector... they will give you adetailed report on your new property. This is another contingency you will want in your contract.

Good Luck with your new home purchase...

if you have any questions feel free to contact

Brenda Tressler  

Click here for answers to your home buying/selling/financing questions.

Click here to return to part 1 

Brenda Tressler

Loan Officer

Integrity Mortgage Services

(931) 206-1907 Cell

(931) 905-6900 Office

brenda@imsiloans.com

"Let me be your friend in Financing"

The terms of the contract is what will determine how much you will pay for your new home, when you will close and who will pay for what services.     

Each area of the country has different normal terms for real estate deals. Some areas the Seller pays everything; other areas the Seller pay for nothing. The type of loan you are getting also determines who can pay for what and often restricts or limits what can be charged and who is paying.

This is where you need to do your homework and find out what is normal for your area. Why agree to pay for everything if the Seller is willing to pay some of the closing costs and your loan program will allow it.

Again, a For-Sale-By-Owner is trying to make the most possible from their investment; so normally they will not offer to pay for closing costs and/or repairs. But with the right negotiations you may end up with a Seller paying some or all of the closing costs.

I am not saying stay away from For-sale-by-owners but I am saying be cautious and make sure you have a professional on your side. Negotiate for your best home & deal... be a happy home owner!

Good Luck with your new home purchase...

if you have any questions feel free to contact

Brenda Tressler  

Click here for answers to your home buying/selling/financing questions.

Click here to return to part 1

Brenda Tressler

Loan Officer

Integrity Mortgage Services

(931) 206-1907 Cell

(931) 905-6900 Office

brenda@imsiloans.com

"Let me be your friend in Financing"

The contract is the heart of the real estate deal! 

The contract will state the closing information such as date, where and with whom, sales price, type of loan, what the buyer & seller will be paying for plus much more.

The contract will also give you an out (if it has the proper contingencies) for things such as: you do not qualify for a loan, that you find the house with a serious defects or the property appraises lower than the sales price.

The contract also will give you options for remedies if thing do not go as planned. (again if it has the proper contingencies)

The contract is a legal document that if you end up in court (because things went very badly)it is what the judge uses to make his judgment. This is the one document that you want to be done correctly and many For-Sale-By-Owners do not understand everything about a contract or they insure the contract protects their interest. When just the buyer & seller are involved then there is no one to insure you, the Buyer is fully protected.

Do not make the mistake of not having a fully signed contract with contingencies to protect you! And be sure to read the fine print!

Many For-Sale-By-Owners will pay a Realtor to represent you in the transaction. So find a Realtor that you trust and let them guide you thru the buying process. Purchasing a home should be a fun & exciting time; just make sure you are represented. 

Good Luck with your new home purchase...

if you have any questions feel free to contact

Brenda Tressler  

Click here for answers to your home buying/selling/financing questions.

Click here to return to part 1 

Brenda Tressler

Loan Officer

Integrity Mortgage Services

(931) 206-1907 Cell

(931) 905-6900 Office

brenda@imsiloans.com

"Let me be your friend in Financing"

    Living in Historic Downtown Springfield  (Sold)

$188,000 sale price

211 N. Main St. Springfield, TN 37172

MLS #991587  

Built 1920 Historic

2952 sq. ft.

4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Totally Renovated... with upgraded bathrooms & kitchen with new appliances.

Must see to appreciate architectural details & chandeliers.

1 Year Warranty included

Living Room: 13x13 w/Fireplace                                      

Kitchen: 14x13

Formal Dining Room: 13x13

Den: 13x13 w/Fireplace

Master Bedroom: 16x13 w/Full Bath

Bedroom #2: 15x15

Bedroom #3: 16x11

Bedroom #4: 20x14

This home has 2 master suites, newly renovated gourmet kitchen, fireplaces with mantles "Old World Craftsmanship", new amenities such as a spa tub. Short commute to Nashville, TN or Ft. Campbell, KY.

This home is listed by: Karla Miller Realtor, Coldwell Banker Conroy, Marable & Holleman

Karla's cell: 931-551-5233  Office: 931-552-1700        

This home is featured by:

BRENDA TRESSLER

Loan Officer   

Integrity Mortgage Services, Inc.

(931) 905-6900 office  

                                                          brenda@imsiloans.com       

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FINANCING OPTIONS.... CLICK HERE        

           Thank you for viewing this home and I look forward to assisting you!                                                                                                                           

Can our children survive another move? Yes...  

I am a military spouse; my husband retired in 1995...now with grown children. Our two girls were moved all over the United States, Germany & Korea. I was raised in a small community just outside Dayton, OH... where no one moved. I heard from friends & family that I would doom my children to failure if I continued to move them year after year. But to me I had no other choice; you see I married Steve who made the Army his career. To me keeping my family as normal & whole as possible was my only goal in life. 

Worrried at times if my family was right... I did my best and I always keep each move with a positive thought:

• You can be who ever you want in the new school
• You will meet lots of new friends
• You will experience a different culture, sites and people that many people will never have the opportunity of experiencing.

As my children grew up they received a variety of memories from our trips and adventures driving & flying to all over the world. I sat down with them a few weeks ago and we were talking about their childhood... I was surprise at how the conversation went. Dana my oldest said she was surprised at how many stories she had to tell about her childhood compared to the average person. Brandy commented that she was surprised at how open minded she was compared to many. She said growing up that she learned being different wasn't a bad thing. That she was more open to change in her life. Dana said that traveling and moving did not stress her at all... it was exciting. All the subjects and comments were positive... Boy I was relieved... that my friend & family were wrong... Moving as a military family turned out to be a happy experience for my children.

So if you are moving to Ft. Campbell, KY or somewhere else... remember you are creating memories that will last a life time! Make it a good memory...

• Always think positive
• Let you children be part of the move; you may be surprised how much help they can be
• Get them a camera; it will keep them busy and you may get some great pictures
• Give them a map; they can keep track of how much farther and learn map reading skills
• Just try to have fun... Don't be so stressed

Ft. Campbell, KY/Clarksville is a great place to raise a family! Welcome Home!

I wish you the best 

If you need a Welcome Packet click here

Call Brenda Tressler for home & loan information to Ft. Campbell, KY

Have a Safe Trip! 

    Just for FUN... if you Voted... leave a comment!

You may say who you voted for or anything you feel like saying.

I just thought it would be fun to see how many ActiveRain Members voted in this election.

They say before & after work will be the busiest time...

so if you can go mid day your wait may be shorter.

I live in a small town in Tennessee... we never have a wait except to talk.

If you voted early... I want to hear from you too.

If you know anyone that is older or may not have transportation... ask if you could give them a ride.

We had a News report that said many older Americans wanted to vote but did not have a ride.

Support out Troops

VOTE THIS ELECTIONS!

THANK YOU FOR LEAVING A COMMENT AND I hope you have a great day!

Brenda Tressler