Inmates Received the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit! - 06/30/10 10:49 AM
My client sent an article to me from USA TODAY that is very interesting information about the $8,000 first time buyer tax credit and it’s just really discerning and pathetic actually. In the article it stated that the IRS tracked thousands of fraud cases and is seeking tighter control. Apparently, nearly 1,300 prison inmates, including 241 serving life sentences, defrauded the government of nearly $9.1 million in first time home buyer tax credits, even though they were incarcerated at the time they claimed to have purchased a home. To top it off, these filings were not joint returns, so it can’t even be claimed … (1 comments)

Top 10 Desired Home Features and 9 Ways to Improve a Home's Curb Appeal - 06/25/10 10:25 AM
Based on a recent survey, the following are the top 10 most desired home features and the percentage of respondents who ranked the feature as high priority:
1. Garage or parking space: 86.8 percent. 2. Master suite: 78.9 percent. 3. Ample storage space: 72 percent. 4. Large or walk-in closets: 66.5 percent. 5. Guest bedroom: 66.4 percent. 6. Outdoor entertainment area: 64.3 percent. 7. Gourmet or updated kitchen: 60.6 percent. 8. Breakfast room or eat-in kitchen: 55.8 percent. 9. Large yard: 43.2 percent. 10. Wood floors: 40.8 percent.
Nine Ways to Improve a Home’s Curb Appeal HGTV’s real estate site, FrontDoor.com, … (2 comments)

Senate Approves Bill to Extend First Time Buyer $8000 Tax Credit - 06/18/10 03:18 PM
Good news for first time buyers that went into contract before April 30th and have not closed escrow yet. The Senate just passed a bill to extend the date to September 30th. The bill just needs House approval. This is especially good for first time buyers in short sale transactions that take months to close. … (1 comments)

If All Home Sales Could Be Like This One! - 06/10/10 03:09 PM
I wish all home sales could be like this one, but then I guess my job would be too easy. This home sale in San Jose was a repeat client and this was our 4th transaction together! This buyer paid all cash for the home, closed escrow in 6 days, bought the home in ‘as is’ condition, and with NO contingencies whatsoever. Wow, like Christmas in June!
The really cool story behind this sale is that the family has lived in this Willow Glen neighborhood for generations. The couple’s mother grew up in the neighborhood as a little girl and lived in the very same model … (2 comments)

The So-Called "Approved Short Sale" That Was Not So Approved in San Jose - 06/05/10 12:41 PM
 
I just sold this condo in San Jose that was a short sale. For this transaction, all I can say is…Wow, what a draining experience for all parties involved. All parties are just so glad this deal has closed. This client is just the sweetest, young first time buyer and in this price range, the competition is fierce with a lot of investors making all cash offers and lots of multiple offer situations. This entire transaction, I just felt his pain and felt so bad that he had to go through such an experience with this short sale transaction. 
We made a … (0 comments)