Julianna's Blog

Kent Station Shopping Event/Benefit for Children's Therapy Center

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:49:14 -0500

Kent, WA

Come out to Kent Station and support local vendors and participate in an opportunity to build a better community with the Children's Therapy Center. 100& of all proceeds will be donated to CTC, which enhances the development of children with developmental delays and disabilities by providing individualized, family-centered intervention services.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact CTC at 253.854.5660, visit the main center at 10811 SE Kent Kangley Road, Kent, WA 98030, or online: www.dynamicfamilies.org

During the first weekend in June; Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7, participating Kent Station merchants are extending special offers with the purchase or your Shop For A Day, Change Lives Forever shopping card.

Participating Merchants:

Merchant	Special Offers
Bella Home & Garden	20% Off - does not apply to food
Chico's	$25 off purchases of $100 or more
Christopher & Banks	$15 off purchases of $50 or more
Cold Stone Creamery	15% off
Coldwater Creek	$25 off purchases of $100 or more
Dilettante Espresso & Mocha Café	20% off; Coffee Beverages Only
Duke's Chowder House	Free Appetizer
FedEx Kinko's	20% off all non-retail services
Hairmasters	20% off entire purchase regular priced items only
J.Jill	10% Off
Jamba Juice	20% Off
Johnny Rockets	20% Off
Just the Thing	20% Off
Justice Just for Girls	25% off
Kay Jewelers	20% off; Some restrictions apply
Kent Station Family Dentistry	20% off Zoom & Sonicare Toothbrushes
The Mac Store	20% off selected merchandise and accessories including AppleCare, Internal Hard drives, and RAM Upgrades (see store for complete details
Marie Haggin Accessories	20% off
Mama Stortini's	20% off
Optic Gallery	20% off Non prescription sunglasses
Pac Sun	20% off
Panera Bread	10% off
Peridot Nail Salon	20% off
The Ram	20% off
Renaissance Yarns	20% off
Seattle Sun Tan	20% off
T-Mobile	$25 referral credit for existing customers Free Activation fee for new customers
Topaz	20% off
United Studios of Self Defense	20% Off Martial Arts supplies, apparel, and services
Waxen Art	25% off
Zao Noodle Bar	20% off

The Shopping Cards Are:

$20
100% Tax Deductible
100% of the proceeds from the purchase of the shopping card are donated to Children's Therapy Center

Shopping Cards can be purchased Wednesday, May 13th through June 7th at:

Children's Therapy Center - call 253.854.5660 for directions
Kent Station Management Office
Bella home and garden
Marie Haggin Accessories
Optic Gallery
Renaissance Yarns

Cash or check will be accepted at Kent Station and Kent Station merchants, please make checks payable to CTC or Children's Therapy Center. To pay by credit card, please call Children's Therapy Center at 253.854.5660.

Return the top half of your shopping card to the Kent Station Management Office by June 15th and enter to win $500 Kent Station shopping spree. Winners will be notified by phone or email and will be listed on the Kent Station website home page.

Staging Realtor Can Help Your Home!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:54:42 -0500

Oh my...What's a Stager to Do?

Sometimes the task at hand can seem a little bit challenging...

BEFORE Pictures:

AFTER:

What's a stager to do? Well, here is what we did:

Banished the clutter
Banished the card table
Rearranged the armoire
Packing boxes went to storage
Selected New Lighting from Home Depot
Hooked up the homeowner with an Electrician
Hooked the homeowner up with our favorite painter
Had the carpets cleaned
Brought in a new table
Brought in accessories for staging the home
Pulled it altogether in a GREAT SPIN!

So, technically the furniture rental budget was zero for this project... but the dining room was so important, we worked it into our "accessories" package. If it's worth doing at all it's worth doing right!

Julianna Hind, IRIS, RESA, DCI

http://www.roomspinners.com

Kent, Washington -- Lighten Up the Room with this Interior Redesign and Staging Company

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:53:09 -0500

Let it Breathe

Puyallup, Wa

Because there are quite a few of us who like to gather "stuff"... I would like to talk about that today. It ends up being a problem when we try to fit it all into the limited square footage that we have. Too many items and improper placement can actually make people more tired, more irritable, and generally uneasy, yet they don't know why!

For a home buyer, it is even more pronounced when they walk into a space. How can they imagine themselves living there? Although some people can see to the "bones" of the home (the flippers and the super savvy bargain hunters) a homeowner isn't usually targeting that market, so it is important to Lighten up and Let it Breathe! ... let the space flow, air, sunshine, and life dance about the room!

Julianna Hind, IRIS, RESA, DCI

www.roomspinners.com

Making Your New Kent House a Home

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:52:00 -0500

Making House Into Home

Notes on Interior Decorating

Moving into a home and making it your own is a challenge for first time -- and seasoned homeowners alike. But each circumstance brings it's own special challenges. Our recent Interior Redesign Project in Bellevue, brought us a client who fit both categories. She knew the exact "feeling" she wanted to create in her home... but sometimes capturing all those ingredients and combining them into the final outcome can get overwhelming.

I love the home design book, Creating a Beautiful Home by Alexander Stoddard. Inside is timeless advise on how to create lovely spaces. A favorite quote of mine, appearing in the book, comments on a sensible yet enriching approach to life, and it translates very nicely into key elements in making a "house into home."

"To develop in taste, quality, and personality one is obliged to respect the past, accept the present, and look with enthusiasm toward the future.~ Eleanor McMillen Brown

This is how I feel a home should be accomplished. I love a home that feels evolved, accumulated, designed, and perfected over time, with also a feeling of flexibility and change that reflects seasons and life.

In the dining room, we took some beloved china belonging to our homeowner's Grandmother and placed it in the shelves of a cabinet picked up on our "Power Shop", that had a hand-finished look of age and patina, and although new, it also captured a feel of timelessness, and at the same time, bringing new life to the china, spring posies were arranged in teacups and tucked behind vignettes, to reflect the beautiful outdoors and season of life. The rustic trestle table (also new) with fresh daisies echos the whole feeling. A few personal and precious mementos and we capture the look, with past, present, and future, creating a harmonious space.

Julianna Hind, IRIS, RESA, DCI

http://www.roomspinners.com

Kent, Washington: Kent Station's Chair and Trellis holds Treasures Inside!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:51:06 -0500

"Fitted" Slipcovered Parson's Chairs!... found at Chair and Trellis

Another Great find at Chair and Trellis at Kent Station!

I want to share with you another great find... a slipcovered parsons chair that has a totally "fitted" look... how is it done? The manufacturers of this chair actually use hook and loop tape and secure tailored slips underneath the chair for a totally customized look that can be interchanged for different patterns and colors... VERY EASY ON STORAGE SPACE... and a great way to change the look of your room! I love these for STAGING, and gotta have a pair for myself for LIVING as well!

Before...no slip ;-)

Ater... Slip... and all dressed up to impress!

The "edge" is trimmed with fabric-covered cording, for a upholstered, finished look!

This is how it looks in the room...

Thanks for visiting my blog!

- Julianna

http://www.roomspinners.com

The Kent, Washington Property Ladder

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:47:56 -0500

The Kent, Washington Property Ladder

Thinking about moving up?

A loss on your current Kent, Washington Home may be a gain in your NEW Kent home!

In Kent, many homesellers feel they have been hit hard when it comes to the market slow-down due to the wide availability of mid-range homes, thus contributing to the "buyers market" we are currently experiencing.

So, while the market is adjusting, does that mean it's time to make due, putting off your dream home, the space you need, and the features you want by waiting to list and sell your current home and stay put where you are?

Not necessarily!

Take a look at these two homes... here we see how a loss on the sale of a home in Kent can be made up by a gain on one of the area's larger, newer, yet higher priced homes.

You see, many homes, even new homes, in higher price ranges have also dropped in value, thus creating an opportunity to buy at lower costs than what we are used to seeing. This results in a net savings for today's home seller.

Other important considerations are further financial gains by purchasing homes in other areas, and the costs of renovation to make a current home livable.

Moving up does make sense, and a "Buyer's Market" can work in your favor, even when selling is part of the game plan! Call or email julianna@kw.com, let's take a look at your current situation, this make be the opportunity you've been waiting for!

Julianna Hind, Real Estate Specialist

Search for Homes in Kent, Washington

"House Rules" and Loan Modifications

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:43:39 -0500

"House Rules" and Loan Modifications

You remember playing Monopoly on a Saturday afternoon... and making up "House Rules" as the game progressed -- just to keep everyone it it? I found this fascinating quote today that reminded me of those "House Rules":

Modifying a bank-owned mortgage loan is sort of like working out a deal with your local bank in the good old days. Because the bank owns your loan instead of merely servicing it, the bank owners can make a decision without having to consult investors, because they are the investor. While the bank may have a list of eligibility requirements and guidelines regarding standard concessions it's willing to make, it is more able and apt to make exceptions based on extenuating circumstances. The bank owner can make a case-by-case determination faster than when the servicer must consult a third-party investor.Loan Modification Blog | Keep My House | Mortgage Modifications, Feb 2009

You should read the whole article.

- Julianna Hind, Realtor and Stager, Keller Williams Realty

HGTV Myths and the Realities of Staging Your Home

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:37:08 -0500

Via Ginger Foust-Home Stager Oakhurst CA Dream Interior Redesign & Staging Calif (Dream Interior Redesign & Staging Oakhurst CA):

If you haven't watched HGTV's many programs regarding real estate home staging you should. These programs include: Get It Sold, The Unsellables, The Stagers, Designed to Sell and many more. Visit the HGTV website for additional information. All of these programs will help you prepare your home for the real estate marketplace. All of the professions on these programs have tips to share with you about preparing your home.

There are however some myths that have been perpetuated with these television programs. We have to remember that the producers of these shows sometimes feel the need to exaggerate certain aspects of their shows and they often ignore critical costs of Home Staging.

Here are some HGTV myths regarding Real Estate Home Staging:

1) You can purchase a house full of new furnishings for relatively little money.

2) A finish carpenter can come into your home to build an entire entertainment unit for only the cost of   the materials. The carpenter's time has no value and they will do it at no cost.

3) Renting furniture is inexpensive.

4) Renovating a kitchen or bathroom is inexpensive because the contractor and laborers are free. You    only have to pay for the materials.

5) Real Estate Home Staging Professionals will work for free.

6) Professional Home Stagers are mean and they will denigrate you and your home in the initial walk- through.

7) Professional Home Stagers want you to buy all new items before they will stage your home because they cannot work with what you own.

8) Professional Home Staging always costs at least $2000.

Here are some of the realities involved with Real Estate Home Staging:

1) Professional Home Stagers ARE bargain hunters. They can tell you where to show to find the bargains and many will shop for you...but not for free.

2) Professional Home Stagers can refer you to carpenters and other trades people that can help you accomplish any phase of the home staging process. The trade's people establish their own price to accomplish a job.

3) Furniture rental company's fees can be expensive. A few companies that specialize in Home Staging have established fees that are more reasonable. Be aware that there may be a 3 month minimum rental contract. Many Home Stagers carry their own inventory of artwork and accessories and sometimes even furniture to help offset these costs.

4) Updated kitchens and baths are very important to the home selling process however the costs for renovating these rooms can be substantial.  Do-it-yourself sellers have an advantage but they must be careful to spend their dollars wisely. Professional home stagers can help sellers understand where best to spend their renovation dollars before the process begins.

5) Professional Home Stagers do not work for free. They do not have television sponsors and producers to pick up the cost for their services. As business owners there's substantial overhead and costs to cover. Professional Home Stagers have a business license, insurance, association memberships, storage rentals and much more.   Professional Home Staging fees vary according to location. When hiring a professional home stager ask them to show you their portfolio of locally staged homes and also ask for local references.

6) A Professional Home Stager should be truthful and honest about what needs to be done to a house to prepare it for the resale or new sale market. Professionals know that selling a home can be a difficult and emotional experience and they know how to be gentle with their recommendations. The goal is to help the owners SELL, not to demean them about their home or living conditions.

7) Most Professional Home Stagers work with occupied homes. They understand that they must work with the furnishings, artwork and accessories that are already in the home. Often they will ask the seller's permission to move furnishings, put some in storage and hunt through the home for items to help with the staging process. If the budget allows they will suggest ways to get the most bang-for-your-buck when making purchases of artwork, accessories furnishings and updating projects.

8) The cost for Home Staging varies greatly depending upon the home location, the size of the home and the needs of the project. DO NOT assume what it might cost. Call a Real Estate Home Staging Professional.

Dream Interior Redesign and Staging services the foothill and mountain communities out of Fresno and Madera, California. Call TODAY to discover how Professional Home Staging can help you sell your house. 559-877-2442

Kent, WA Recession gardens - Could they be growing in your neighborhood !

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:14:07 -0500

Are you Gardening in Kent, Washington? Tomatos, Corn, Carrots?...

Some people garden always... for the love of fresh produce, and creating something from the earth that is edible and good for everyone. We are seeing more and more people getting into gardening! And a term is being used once again... "Recession Garden"... it could also fall under the category of GREEN LIVING!

Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty

Via Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group):

Recession Gardens are back in style again and are becoming popular through out the country. In the last few months I have seen more than one article referencing the phenomenon and its revival throughout our country. They require hard work and the effort of the community but the pay off is well worth it. Locals are joining together to "clear" vacant lots in their community of trash and debris and then planting vegetable gardens for each one of the members/families that helped to clear the lots.

By pooling their resources of time , manual labor and money the benefits for the many outweigh the benefit to any one member. We all know that seeds , some fresh dirt and fertilizer is not expensive , but what do you do with 142 green bean plants. Why you share them of course ! Recently there was an article on how 19 families joined forces and cleaned up an eyesore in their community in an effort to afford fresher greener produce than their current budgets allow for.

Should this curriculumn be required learning for our children in school ?Does this inspire you to contact your local gardening club ? Have you ever wondered about the local co-op and how it can benefit you and your family ? I think these are questions many Americans should be asking themselves considering the current economy.

I walked through a Big Box store the other day and one whole aisle was dedicated to canning supplies. Cases of jars in all sizes and shapes , boxes of lids and rubber seals to match. In the book and media department they had displays set up promoting healthy living , How-to books on canning any many other back to basics ideas. My office is in no way located in the country so this is not a natural idea for our community but it does seem to be catching on. So for those of you that live in a farming community and can't figure out what the fuss is all about , remember this is all NEW to the urban environment.

For all of our high tech living and network socializing it just goes to show you that getting outside and playing in the dirt with the other children is still just as fun today's as it was all those years ago.It creates a belly to belly bond that creates memories and friends for a lifetime. I am sure that all of the people that worked together to create these "Recession Gardens" are happier and healthier in more ways than they realize and it sure beat surfing the internet on where to buy produce and have it delivered to their home.

Via Laura Gray (RE/MAX Realty Group):

Recession Gardens are back in style again and are becoming popular through out the country. In the last few months I have seen more than one article referencing the phenomenon and its revival throughout our country. They require hard work and the effort of the community but the pay off is well worth it. Locals are joining together to "clear" vacant lots in their community of trash and debris and then planting vegetable gardens for each one of the members/families that helped to clear the lots.

By pooling their resources of time , manual labor and money the benefits for the many outweigh the benefit to any one member. We all know that seeds , some fresh dirt and fertilizer is not expensive , but what do you do with 142 green bean plants. Why you share them of course ! Recently there was an article on how 19 families joined forces and cleaned up an eyesore in their community in an effort to afford fresher greener produce than their current budgets allow for.

Should this curriculumn be required learning for our children in school ?Does this inspire you to contact your local gardening club ? Have you ever wondered about the local co-op and how it can benefit you and your family ? I think these are questions many Americans should be asking themselves considering the current economy.

I walked through a Big Box store the other day and one whole aisle was dedicated to canning supplies. Cases of jars in all sizes and shapes , boxes of lids and rubber seals to match. In the book and media department they had displays set up promoting healthy living , How-to books on canning any many other back to basics ideas. My office is in no way located in the country so this is not a natural idea for our community but it does seem to be catching on. So for those of you that live in a farming community and can't figure out what the fuss is all about , remember this is all NEW to the urban environment.

For all of our high tech living and network socializing it just goes to show you that getting outside and playing in the dirt with the other children is still just as fun today's as it was all those years ago.It creates a belly to belly bond that creates memories and friends for a lifetime. I am sure that all of the people that worked together to create these "Recession Gardens" are happier and healthier in more ways than they realize and it sure beat surfing the internet on where to buy produce and have it delivered to their home.

What I Don't Know Can Hurt You

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:09:15 -0500

Kent, WA

Building a deck for your summertime bbq's? Outdoor spaces are fun, but if you are going to take the time and expense to install one, make sure it is done properly.

Via James Quarello - ASHI Certified CT Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC):

You know the old saying; what you don't know can't hurt you. That logic is completely ludicrous. History is full of unknowns that have sickened or killed countless people because of ignorance. The use of lead and asbestos in buildings is a good example. Using these materials was done out of a lack of knowledge for the eventual consequences. Nothing bad occurred to anyone right away, it often took many years for an illness to manifest itself in an individual.

Let me take this in a slightly different direction. As a home inspector one of the most common added structures I see to a home is a deck. They are by far one of the most incorrectly built structures I find. Why? Because I believe most everyone assumes it is an easy structure to build. That includes professionals as well as homeowners.

I recently found a deck, actually two decks, and an addition with several serious structural flaws. In the picture at right is a deck attached to an elevated addition or more accurately an enclosed deck.

The yellow arrow is showing where a joist hanger would be expected to be installed. Not one was found along the entire length of this ledger. The joists instead were toe nailed to the board. This method does not prevent lateral withdrawal and is not a strong attachment.

The pink arrows indicate missing brackets for the support pier. Piers must be attached to the structure in such a way as to prevent lateral and vertical movement. The pier next to this one was beginning to defect at the base toward the addition.

The ledger board for the deck was attached to the addition structure with nails only. Ledgers should be attached to a structure using large bolts. Nails will rust and eventually fail.

There were several other issues found with these two structures, but for the sake of brevity I will save those for another blog.

Whether these errors were made out of ignorance, cheapness, laziness or a combination of all three is impossible to say. In fact some of these "errors" may have been acceptable building practices at the time of construction. There are many variables as to why to be entertained.

The bottom line is these two structures are unsafely built and some are beginning to fail. They require repair now, not later.

As simple as decks seem, there is much more to building a safe and lasting structure than there appears on the surface. A resource for good deck building practices and information can be found on the Simpson Strong Tie web site.

So you see what I don't know can very certainly hurt you.

James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

To find out more about our other high tech services click on the links below:

Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services. Learn more about our energy audits, the Home Energy Tune uP®.

Are interest rates the most important factor of a loan?

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:05:39 -0500

Via Tony Brust Real Estate Agent, REALTOR, ABR, e-PRO, Pekin & Peoria IL Area (Coldwell Banker Devonshire):

Here is a list of some important questions to ask your loan originator before choosing a bank or mortgae company:

1. Which Type of Loan is Best?

2. What is the Interest Rate & Annual Percentage Rate

3. What are the Discount Points and Origination Fees?

4. What Are All the Costs?

5. Will the Lender Guarantee the GFE?

6. Do You Offer Loan Rate Locks?

7. Is There a Prepayment Penalty?

8. Are You Equipped to Approve Loans In-House?

Do not shop based on interest rate alone. If you need help finding a goo lender, I have a list of local lenders available for you to interview and contact information for each. Information can be found at http://www.WeSellPekin.com or http://www.TonyBrust.com or call me at 309-208-7748

Tips for maintaining a beautiful lawn

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:03:39 -0500

Via Sean Kavanagh (Century 21 Miller):

Have you been fighting the battle of the weeds, brown patches, or sprawling clover? Well, we will look at some lawn care strategies that will help revive your grass into a full, lush, green, weed-free lawn! When real estate professionals talk about curb appeal, it starts with the lawn. Now that spring is upon us and more people are heading out into the yard to tackle the issues left over from a long winter, I have decided to help you out with some tips to regain the health of your lawn.

1) Never cut the grass too short! Leaving the grass longer protects the plant from the sun, keeps it strong and helps resist from weed and clover growth. A thick lawn is the best defence against weeds. Never cut the grass in extreme heat or water shortage as the short grass will burn and kill the plant.

2) When you cut the grass, do not rake or remove the clippings from the lawn. The clipping help keep the moisture in the soil and add nutients back into the ground.

3) Water in the early morning or early evening to increase absorption into the soil and to avoid evaporation from the sun.

4) Speaking of watering, remember to water well! The water needs to penetrate the roots and when the lawn is watered well, you can expect the grass to bounce back.

5) Reseed the lawn every spring and add fertilizer or enriched soil to help out the process.

Following these helpful tips will ensure your grass grows into a full, lush, green lawn.

For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington or Oakville, Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit me again on my website www.seansells.ca or call me at 905-220-9198 and I'd be glad to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs.

REALTORS Doing Too Little?? Think Again!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:01:44 -0500

Via Brigita McKelvie - Lehigh Valley, PA, Residential, Rural & Horse Properties (Keller Williams Real Estate):

I am under the impression that most consumers think that real estate agents just stick a sign in the yard, enter the listing in the local MLS, show buyers homes and their job is done. Therefore, some feel that they can do the same job selling their own home. Not so.  Our jobs entail much more than that.

REALTORS do the following:

1. Help consumers through a complicated process. Buying or selling a home requires numerous forms such as disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2.  Educating the consumer. Real estate transactions tend to be very complicated and stressful. A REALTOR will inform the consumer about the buying/selling process and what to expect.

3. Information and opinions. REALTORS are local experts. They can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They'll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these 2 important questions:
                       Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment?
                       Will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Assist in finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market. It will take some investigation by your REALTOR to find all the available properties.

5. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including, but not limited to price, financing terms, date of possession, inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investifations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigfations and inpsections are recommended or required.

6. Power of marketing property. Real estate does not sell by advertising alone. In fact, a llarge share of real estate sal;es comes as a result of a practitioner's contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR will generally prescreen and accompany qualified propspects through your property.

7. Speak the real estate language. If you don't know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it's important to work with a professional who specializes in the industry and knows the real estate language.

8. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with a number of years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS handle humdreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert represent you is critical.

9. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest and security. It is not just 4 walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

So, the next time you decide not to work with a REALTOR, think about how much time, effort and how big of a job the agent really has. Isn't it worth it to have yourself represented by a REALTOR?

National Stroke Awareness Month

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:58:43 -0500

Via Evelyn Bruder, CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO (Steinborn GMAC Real Estate):

As you may (or may not) be aware, since 1987, May has been the National Stroke Awareness month. The purpose of the annually recognized event is to not only raise public awareness about strokes, but also to help educate the public on how to manage stroke risk factors, and provide a better understanding of stroke symptoms. The National Stroke Association, the driving force behind this movement, also aims to help improve the quality of life during stroke recovery for the millions of stroke survivors in the US alone.

The National Stroke Association is focusing their efforts on educating not only the general public, but also stroke survivors and health care professionals as well, on a simple three-step guide.

Stop

You can stop a primary or secondary stroke cold simply through stroke management. It's true that some factors, such as your age, race, or gender are uncontrollable, however, many factors are controllable. Be sure to visit the NSA's website for a full list of factors you should be taking into consideration when it comes to lowering your risk for a stroke. The National Stroke Association provides a free stroke risk scorecard for you to download in order to determine your own personal stroke risk.

Act F.A.S.T.

If you think someone might be having a stroke it's important that you act fast in the recognition of stroke symptoms and respond quickly. If you think a person is suffering from a stroke, administer this test:

Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?

Time - If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

Spread Hope

And last, but certainly not least, help spread hope on the recovery from stroke.

Strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. It is imperative that we are all well informed on the prevention, cause, and rehabilitation on strokes. For more information on recognizing symptoms of stroke or to help spread awareness, please visit the National Stroke Association's website.

Just Listed! Updated 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Home in Kent

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:40:20 -0500

Now showing in Kent, Washington. Pre-approved buyers, call Julianna at 206-679-4768 for a showing today!

Via David Edwards King County Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound):

25417 114th Avenue SE, Kent, WA, 98030

Price: $270,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Year Built: 1970
Square Feet: 1850
Lot Size: .30 Acres
MLS: 29066461

This lovely home sits on a quiet dead end street. It's been completely updated throughout. The interior has fresh paint, new doors, new flooring & new copper plumbing. The exterior has a new roof, new windows & french doors from the dining room that leads out to an expansive deck setup for enjoyment of the large backyard. There is a workshop & two sheds. The garage space has been partially converted into a bonus room. The home has 1550 square feet without the converted garage. All Appliances Stay!

For More Information Visit: http://www.davidjedwards.com/34066.asp
Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=34066

Driving Directions: Head East on SE 256th Street. Turn Left (North) onto 114th Ave SE. Go One Block. House is on Left.

If you would like to preview this home, please contact me to arrange for a private showing.

Best Regards!

David J Edwards
Real Estate Agent & REALTOR
The David J Edwards Team
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
Fax: 425-902-1899
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/real-estate-blog.asp
Mobile Site: http://davidjedwards.mofuse.mobi
Community Reports: http://www.topmarketer.net/CSR/CSReport.aspx?CV4GU5KAYOEF
View This Week's Market Conditions Around Your Home: http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?BFBMVVHW4HZT

The David J Edwards Team specializes in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers.

Kent, Washington Real Estate and Design Professional on Selling Western Washington Homes!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:14:44 -0500

Kent, Washington

For many homeowners, a home is probably the most valuable possession that they have.

In fact, many of the people I serve have only the equity in their property to see them through their retirement years. With this in mind, I know my home sellers are trusting me to help them through the process of staging and selling their home.

HTGV recently reported on the TOP TWO most important things a home seller can do to get their home sold is pricing right and staging the home to appeal to a wide variety of home buyers. These are my top two priorities!

My first goal is to help you set a list price that represents a realistic market value, top dollar... without going so high that it does not sell at all. This can only be accomplished by thoroughly understanding the market. To help you in this regard, you will find a detailed market analysis attached. It has been painstakingly prepared to ensure you that you feel comfortable and confident as we proceed to reach this important first goal.

Secondly, I stage your home, so that it hits the MLS looking great, encouraging foot traffic. Staging also helps buyers have an emotional connection to the home when they visit. I will provide you with a professional and comprehensive staging plan. You will be amazed how "livable" a staged home can be!

Staging helps launch all the other marketing I do for the home. The home has got to look it's very best for all the online exposure it will receive once I "launch" it onto the World Wide Web!

Are you thinking about selling your biggest investment? Do you need a professional who knows how to put you on the road towards success when it comes to marketing your home at its best potential?

I welcome the opportunity to serve you, and insist that you contact me with any questions you may have, should they arise now, or during the marketing process.

Kent Washington is a Great Place to Live!

Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Professional

kent,wa real estate hope for wa housing market

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:09:15 -0500

How Does the Real Estate Market Look Overall?

According to Keller Williams Research, affordability, low rates, desire to buy provide hope for the U.S. housing market.

AFFORDABILITY

Housing affordability now stands at its best level since 1971. This greater affordability helped boost home sales in February. Especially strong was the activity attributed to first-time home buyers, who represented half of new home purchasers this month. The $8,000 tax credit helped move many of these first-time buyers out of their rentals and into their own homes.

In light of weakening global economic indicators and a poorly functional financial system, the U.S. government and Federal Reserve remain proactive, with the Federal Reserve alone purchasing and holding up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities and $100 billion more in housing agency debt. The Fed moves are designed to provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets.

LOW RATES

While economists expect continued softness in the overall housing market, encouraging buyer signs abound given the historically low mortgage rates and the availability of distressed properties. There are localized opportunities for savvy investors and for those buyers who are qualified, willing, and ready to buy on the cheap.

And with rates at historic lows, the question for many borrowers becomes, how long will the good times last? The Fed's actions and mounting federal deficits could weaken the dollar and spur the aforementioned inflationary trend, which could send interest rates back up. In addition, the first-time home buyer tax credit expires at the end of November. Prominent economists maintain that low rates should be available for "at least the next several months." But if fears of inflation cause investors to shun Treasurys, the Fed's impact on long-term interest rates could be short-lived.

Economic Calendar: What's happening this week, and what it may do to interest rates

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:02:00 -0500

Kent, Washington Home Buyers...

Via Robert Rauf (REMN The Real Estate Mortgage Network):

This weeks Mortgage Market Movers

The beginning of the month always has the best Info that may move the market. Later this week we get a few of the "biggie" inflation numbers that the market will need to digest. But this has been a strange year and it is hard to call how the market will react to specific numbers. Things are slow in the economy, but just slight glimmers of hope, (and I am talking numbers reported that are dismal, just not as dismal as they could be) are making stocks happy and Credit markets unhappy. I expect more of the same for this week

Here is the List of Data for the week:

Monday, May 11: No real reports other than the Fed purchase of Treasury obligations. This should be helpful in keeping rates steady and may help them drop a touch. As I type this the Stock market is doing poorly and we are seeing money flow into the credit markets.

Tuesday: Day two of the Fed buying Treasuries, and no other info on the calendar

Wednesday May 13: April Retail Sales expected Flat 0.0% Ex-Auto expected +0.2%. If we see a stronger than expected number it will be bad for rates. It is unlikely we will see weaker numbers, but if we do, it will be good news. (Don't forget: Bad news is good news for rates!)

Wednesday: March Business Inventories, expected -1.0%. let's face it folks, Who Cares about inventories in March? Of course business is not stock piling stuff, that costs money! This is old news and not likely to even be looked at.

Wednesday: Day 3 of the Fed buying Treasuries. This is part of the $300 Billion effort to keep control of interest rates.

Thursday, May 14: Initial jobless claims expected up 9,000. At these levels, which are an improvement over previous weeks, we are not likely to see any movement.

Thursday: April PPI, Expected +0.1% both for the headline and core rate. I was a little surprised to see a positive forecast on this number, last month was -1.2%. The forecast is considered a modest gain and not likely to move the market.

Friday May 15: April CPI, expected -0.1% with a core of +0.1%. Gas prices were down for April but well up in may, that is the reason for the difference between the core and headline number. The core rate of inflation at the consumer level is holding at multi-month lows and will not have any impact on rates without a big surprise different than the forecast.

Friday: April Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization, expected -0.6% and 68.8. Production is down again, but not as bad as in March. The market knows that things are slow, so these numbers come as no shock and will not be likely to move the market.

The good news this week is there are NO Treasury Auctions.That is a big plus. The excess supply in the market makes it difficult for rates to do anything but go up. This weeks Biggie will be Wednesday's Retail sales number. There has been an uptickin retail sales numbers that analysts are calling the "Circuit City Effect" which is a one time event where consumers run out and buy items at a discount. The next layer of the cake will be Tax Refund and Fiscal Stimulus checks that may cause a false picture of activity in the retail sector. If Wednesday's Retail numbers come in as expected (or worse better) the markets will think that the retail sector is improving at a sustainable rate. On that news stock will rally and steal from the credit markets driving rates up. However: if we see weaker than expected it is highly likely we will see a sell off in stocks which will help pump money into the credit markets and drive rates down. If Monday's activity in the stock market is any indication, we may be seeing a bit of profit taking that is good news for rates. It seems that there has been a bit of irrational exuberance in the stock market that many analysts are expecting to turn around to become a round of profit taking. But that has been the prediction for a few weeks now and we have not seen any serious moves there just yet.

That's This weeks humble opinion! I would guess that we will probably see another bouncy week with relatively flat rates by the end of the week.

Have a great week!

Rob

Robert Rauf

Mortgage Banker

www.RobertRaufHomeLoans.com or my blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/rrauf

(732)223-1630 x102

Since 1987 I have been helping my clients fulfill their dream of home ownership!

Real Estate Mortgage Network

NJ Mortgages, New Jersey Mortgages, Mortgages in NJ, mortgage in New Jersey, Mortgages in New Jersey

Five Troubles Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:01:26 -0500

Kent, Washington Home Owners...

Via Tom Kile (Keller Williams Realty):

All too often, homeowners are tempted to hold off on their home repairs. However, there are some problems that warrant repairs and really shouldn't wait. Many times, if these problems go unchecked or unrepaired for too long, they can lead to even heftier repair bills or health problems. Therefore, I would like to help homeowners and list some easy to spot problems that should be taken care of right away.

Mold and Mildew - No house is immune from mold and mildew no matter what part of the country you live in. Areas of the nation with hot temperatures are more likely to have water trapped in the structure of the home, which can lead to mold or mildew. Warning signs of mold or mildew are musty orders, dank air or family members that experience chronic runny noses. To check behind walls for mold, remove the cover plates of a phone or cable outlet and peer behind it with a flashlight. Also, check for mold under carpet and around windows.

Pest Infestations - Termites and carpenter ants can be a huge problem if not found and taken care of quickly. Termites are attracted to rotting wood and carpenter ants are attracted to moist soil. Having your property properly graded will keep the soil dry and keeping your gutters clear will keep your home's structure from rotting.

Roof and Siding - The roof is the most vulnerable area of the property for water exposure. Seasonally check for missing, curled or cracked shingles and check flashing around chimneys or skylights. If there has been a bad storm with high winds, you should check your shingles afterward.

Gutters and Downspouts - Runaway rainwater or lack thereof can cause huge problems. Homeowners should check gutters, downspouts and leader pipes seasonally. In wet regions, the leader pipes around the home should extend at least five or more feet from the house. Remove any clogged gutters and downspouts and replace any broken or missing fasteners that connect gutters to the fascia board.

Foundation Cracks - Sometimes, a foundation crack can be harmless. However, many can mean big trouble. It's usually safe to say that any crack wider than 3/16" in any direction will be a problem. Use a ruler to measure and monitor the cracks with tape to see its progress over a few weeks to a month or a few months. Watch for buckling or bulging in the foundation. Any foundation repairs will require the attention of a structural engineer.

This list should come in handy in spotting potentially harmful or pricey repairs. The sooner you can get them taken care of, the better off you and your home will be.

Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

More tips and advice for homeowners, buyers and sellers.

Search homes for sale in Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

House v. Condo? Which One's The Best Fit?

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:00:20 -0500

Kent, Washington Home Buyers...

Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):

Yesterday, I opened up a small house in Georgetown that is what we call a "condo alternative". It has two bedrooms, two baths and is priced pretty close to what you'd pay for a comparably sized condominium in the neighborhood. And there are two major condo buildings right across the street, and many of the people who came through my listing live in one of them. In fact, my sellers lived there until they outgrew their unit.

Many of the condo dwellers were interested in the place because, among other things, it is not a condo. There is no condo governing board telling them what color drapes they can hang, and there are no monthly checks to write for the condo fees, which are pretty hefty.

Every time I imagine down-sizing to a condo, I remember what it was like to live in one. It seemed like there was always a lot of bickering about whatever the issues might be - renovating the dowdy lobby, budgeting for repairs for whatever needed fixing, and raising the monthly fees.

The people who tend to get involved in condo governing organizations like to control stuff and be in charge of making sure the building is run "properly". Well, in my condo that meant that the twelve control freaks on the board (myself included) had to see eye-to-eye on how the "properly" thing was to be interpreted, and that rarely happened. The ones who agreed with me were the smart people, and the ones who did not were total idiots. Let's face it, a condo is democracy at it's closest level, and it isn't always pretty!

But in a house, you have similar issues. You don't write a check for the monthly fee to cover your home's maintenance. But over the years, I've written lots of checks to roofers, plumbers, electricians, lawn guys, and a housekeeper. And finding competent professionals to to keep the place in order and the systems humming along can be a huge hassle.

So bottom line, a house has more responsibilities that you cannot delegate to a resident manager and board of directors. But you'll have far fewer arguments about how to keep the place exactly the way you want it.

Eliminate Closing Surprises!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:59:33 -0500

Kent, Washington Home Buyers...

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

I keep hearing about Buyers getting last minute surprises before their loan closes, and this is something that should not happen if everyone does their job during the loan process. The reason why there are surprises are because the necessary steps were not taken, someone tried to take a shortcut along the way, and those involved in the transaction did not pay attention to conditions that needed to be met in order for the loan to close.

It all starts with a Buyer being Pre-Approved for a loan correctly. You can read a blog that I wrote recently "It Is A Great Time To Buy ........... Get Pre-Approved Today!!!!", where I identify the necessary steps that must be taken from the very beginning. If a Buyer is Pre-Approved correctly it will eliminate most of the surprises along the way, and set the stage for a quick and smooth transaction.

The second most important step in making sure that there are no surprises, is for the Loan Officer to take a complete Loan Application (1003) and ask ALL the questions, especially those that some times LAZY Loan Officers and Brokers overlook. I am referring to the YES and NO questions on Page #4, you can read about this on my blog "Questions That Loan Officers/Brokers Have To Ask!!!". These questions may seem silly at times, but not asking anyone of them can cause major problems later.

The third is making sure that you have a completed Good Faith Estimate (GFE), and Truth In Lending Statement (TIL). The Good Faith Estimated is particularly important to have as soon as possible in the process so that everyone has a very close estimate of how much money the the Buyer needs to have to purchase the house. Being short of funds to Close at the last minute is not something that anyone wants to be surprised with.

The forth thing to pay attention to and make sure that you have is a Rate & Point Lock Letter, which I covered in this blog "Rate & Point Lock Letter…………Got To Have One!!!" You want to make sure that you know what your interest rate will be, and any points associated with it before you get to the Closing Table.

The fifth and final one that I will cover here is pay very, very close attention to the conditions listed on the Commitment Letter once the loan is approved in Underwriting, everything that will need to be done before a "Clear To Close" is given is listed on the Commitment Letter, and these conditions need to be taken care of as soon as possible. No one should be surprised by anything that will be needed before the loan can close, ir they took the time to read the Commitment Letter. It is everyone's responsibility to know what is on it, and to stay on top of each other until everything on it is done.

Can there still be a chance for a last minute surprise if all this is done, yes there is, anything is possible, and never say never. But if everything that I have listed above is done, the chance for a surprise will be 99% eliminated, and only something that is very odd, or that could not have been anticipated will cause a surprise at that point.

How can you ensure all this. Make sure that you are dealing with professionals that do this FULL time, and that you can see FACE to FACE. Professionals that will be there every step of the processes, and that can be reached quickly whenever a question arises.

******************************************************************************************************************

Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

Introducing the i-house

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:25:18 -0500

Green Living -- the "i-house"... I haven't seen any of these in Kent yet... But I am sure we will soon!

Via Joan Rogliano (Rogliano Real Estate Group):

Architects at the country's largest manufactured home company embraced the basic rectangular form of what began as housing on wheels and gave it a postmodern turn with a distinctive v-shaped roofline, energy efficiency and luxury appointments.

Stylistically, the "i-house" might be more at home in the pages of a cutting-edge architectural magazine like Dwell — an inspirational source — than among the Cape Cods and ranchers in the suburbs.

The layout of the long main "core" house and a separate box-shaped guestroom-office "flex room" resemble the letter "i" and its dot. Yet "i-house" stands for more than its footprint. The 'I' stands for innovation, inspiration, intelligence and integration.

Clayton's "i-house" was conceived as a moderately priced "plug and play" dwelling for environmentally conscious homebuyers. It went on sale nationwide Saturday with its presentation at the annual shareholders' meeting of investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire-Hathaway Inc. in Omaha, Neb.

"This innovative 'green' home, featuring solar panels and numerous other energy-saving products, is truly a home of the future," Buffett wrote his shareholders. "Estimated costs for electricity and heating total only about $1 per day when the home is sited in an area like Omaha."

Clayton Homes plans to price the "i-house" at $100 to $130 a square foot, depending on amenities and add-ons, such as additional bedrooms. A stick-built house with similar features could range from $200 to $300 a square foot to start.

The key cost difference is from the savings Clayton achieves by building homes in volume in green standardized factories with very little waste. Clayton has four plants in Oregon, Tennessee, California and New Mexico geared up for "i-house" production.

A 1,000-square-foot prototype unveiled at a Clayton show in Knoxville a few months ago was priced at around $140,000. It came furnished, with a master bedroom, full bath, open kitchen and living room with Ikea cabinetry, two ground-level deck areas and a separate "flex room" with a second full bath and a second-story deck covered by a sail-like canopy.

The "i-house's" metal v-shaped roof — inspired by a gas-station awning — combines design with function. The roof provides a rain water catchment system for recycling supports flush-mounted solar panels and vaults interior ceilings at each end to 10 1/2 feet for an added feeling of openness.

The Energy Star-rated design features heavy insulation, six-inch thick exterior walls, cement board and corrugated metal siding, energy efficient appliances, a tankless water heater, dual-flush toilets and lots of "low-e" glazed windows.
The company said the prototype at roughly 52,000 pounds may be the heaviest home it's ever built.

The final product will come in different exterior colors and will allow buyers to design online, adding another bedroom to the core house, a second bedroom to the flex room or rearranging the footprint to resemble an "L" instead of an "I."

The company sees the "i-house" as a primary residence — three developers already have inquired about building mini-developments with them — that also could appeal to vacation home buyers.

It represents a new direction and an innovative application for what our industry can do.

For more information on buying, selling or financing a home feel free to contact joan@roglianorealestategroup.com for more information about homes in your area.

Pending Sales in Western Washington

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:08:16 -0500

Kent, Washington

Here is the latest for the Western Washington Area! Prices show "stabalization"...

Looking to Buy a Home in Kent, Washington? Give me a call! Kent, WA is a Great Place to Live!

Via Sandra White (John L Scott Real Estate):

New Stats for Western Washington

According to our Northwest Multiple Listing Service there has been a significant increase in pending sales for April, up 11.4% compared to a year ago and up 21.3 % from March figures.

The NWMLS encompasses 19 counties. In the Puget Sound area (King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties) pending sales were up 26% from March. According to the data, the inventory is less, and prices are stabilizing. The median price for April's closed sales was $270,000 for homes and condominiums, down 12.9 percent for the one year period but was the same for March.

Inventory is down 18.3% from last years levels.

This good news is credited to lower prices, lower interest rates which means higher affordability and improving consumer confidence and of course the first time buyer tax incentive.

According to Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L Scott Real Estate described the market as "bifurcated". " Sales are up and prices have stabilized in the more affordable market, " but he also noted the high end properties are experiencing different market conditions.

Bringing Culture Home in Kent, WA! The Art of Kim Kopp at Kent Centential Center

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:01:10 -0500

Kent, WASHINGTON

Centennial Center Gallery

Do you live in the Kent Washington Area? If so, it is time to get out of the house and explore your own back yard. The Kent Centennial Center has a running schedule of visiting artists! Come visit next time you are in the downtown Kent area.

Kent Event:

New Paintings by Kim Kopp

Exhibit Dates: April 2 - May 28, 2009

Gallery hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
weekdays, closed weekends and holidays

Location: 400 West Gowe Street

FREE -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Kim Kopp's paintings focus on the themes of gathered movement, sound, time and season.

2008 - 2009 Centennial Center Schedule

Kent is a Great Place to Call Home!

Julianna Hind

Kent, Wa Real Estate: The Government is GIVING $8000 to the Buyers of My Latest SOLD Kent Listing!

Julianna Hind (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 10 May 2009 16:32:53 -0500

If you are a First Time Home Buyer in Kent, Washington and surrounding areas you may want to take note of the new changes to the First Time Buyer Tax Credit. If you have already purchased your first home in 2009... Well congratulations! You may be $8000.00 richer! Now that's a handy sum! And if you haven't purchased a home yet... well you don't want to miss out on it do you?

Did you know there is even more opportunity in Maple Valley with a USDA Rural Home Loan? In certain areas --- GREAT Kent Communities -- First Time Home buyers can also qualify for the ZERO Down/100& Financing USDA Rural Home Loan...

Ready to OWN?
Want to take the 8K credit? (see chart below to view income limits)
Tired of Renting?
Want to take advantage of the BEST DEALS on HOMES ever?

Give me, Julianna Hind a call at 206-679-4768

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

February 2009 FEATURE	CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008 APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008	REVISED CREDIT - EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
Amount of Credit	Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500	*Maximum credit amount increased to $8000*
Eligible Property	Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.	No change All principal residences eligible.
Refundable	Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.	No change Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.
Income Limit	Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).	No change Same income limits continue to apply.
First-time Homebuyer Only	Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.	No change Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.
Revenue Bond Financing	No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.	*Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.*
Repayment	Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.	*No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009*
Recapture	If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.	*If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.*
Termination	July 1, 2009 (But note program changes for 2009)	*December 1, 2009*
Effective Date	Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.	*All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009*

Major Modifications Italicized