If you are a first time home buyer or a buyer that hasn’t owned a property in the last 3 years, you may qualify for a TAX CREDIT of up to $8,000 on your 2009 home purchase. To get the facts about the tax credit follow this link .

I look forward to helping you reach your DREAMS...One House At A Time. Call me today at 608-469-5199 to schedule an appoiment and get your FREE copy of "Your First Home: The Proven Path to Home Ownership".

Foreclosed houses are everywhere you turn in this market. But while their sticker prices are low, buying one can be a risky endeavor. This is mainly because you won't have the same protections as you would for a conventional house.

From Consumer Reports magazine, here are four ways you can protect yourself if you're in the market for a foreclosed home:

1. Don't pay a fee for property listings. You can find free information on foreclosed homes in your area by checking with a local agent. Usually there will be someone who specializes in foreclosed properties at the broker's office. This person is a great free resource.

2. Invest in a home inspection. This is always a good idea whenever you buy a house, but for a foreclosed property it is especially the case. The property may have been vandalized. Fixtures and appliances may be missing. Also, with utilities shut off it will be impossible to test for the water pressure in the shower. Try to arrange for the utilities to be turned on before you buy. The inspection will cost between $250 and 400, but it will end up saving you if there is a problem with the home's structure or its systems.

3. Don't assume the sale is final. In some states, a homeowner may have up to 180 days after the foreclosure to pay any outstanding debts and reclaim the home even if it has been bought by someone else.

4. Buy some title insurance. The title insurance will protect you against any liens that you might not now about. It will also prevent a previous owner from making a successful claim on the house after you buy it.

According today's Real Estate News, now is a particularly great time for first-time buyers, or buyers long out of the market, to jump in.

Here's just a couple of reasons why:

• Prices are probably as low as they are going to go as the market stabalizes, thanks to the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• Interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get government help.
• Minimum down payments required by FHA will raise on October 1, 2008 from 3 % to 3.5%. People scraping dollars together for a down payment should try to set their closing for the end of this month.
• The tax credit will shave $7,500 off a first-time buyer's federal tax bill due April 15. Buyers who don't owe tax, will get the money as a refund. (The government's definition of a first-time buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years).

So, if you have been thinking about buying but just haven't made the committment to do it yet, NOW's the time to save money on down payment requirements and get substantial tax incentive that you can use for anything you would like.

 

 

SMALL PROJECTS THAT CAN LEAD TO BIG SAVINGS 
_____________  

Summer is a great time work on projects around the home that reduce your environmental impact. Even if you are not making big changes such as replacing old leaky windows or installing ceiling fans, there are still small things that can be done around the house to minimize energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint.  Read on to learn more about how to make simple, sustainable adjustments to your home.

=>    Plug household appliances into a power strip that can be turned off at night, such as computers, printers,
            televisions and microwaves. Even when these items are not in use their "standby" consumption their energy usage can be equivalent
            to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.

=>    Use the dishwasher. Newer dishwashers typically use only 4 or 5 gallons of water, while washing a sink full of dishes by hand
            can require up to 15 gallons of water. Not only will you avoid wasting water, you’ll also save the energy your water heater would
            have used on those additional gallons.  

=>    Adjust your thermostat. A difference of just two degrees you could reduce your household’s carbon dioxide emission by
            2,000 pounds in addition to providing significant savings on your utilities bill. In the summer, keep your thermostat at 78 ° F/ 25 °C
            or higher.

=>    Keeping household appliances clean and up to date can significantly curb your household’s energy consumption.
            Schedule your heating and cooling system for a checkup every 2 years. Be sure to clean the filter or coils monthly on your air
            conditioner and refrigerator to ensure they are working efficiently.

=>    Prevent leaks.  Insulating your water heater and weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors in your house could
            save up to 420 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions a month.  

=>    Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use significantly less energy and can last up to ten times longer
            then standard incandescent bulbs. Replace five of the most-used lights in the house with CFLs and enjoy reductions in heat production,
            energy use, and electricity bills!

 

TEN FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE MARKET, ACCORDING TO THE WRA.

THINK LOCALLY AND LONG TERM, AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

1.   There is no such think as a national real estate market.	If you read the newspapers, you might get the idea that real estate markets are the same everywhere. If conditions are bad in San Diego or Detroit or Miami, they must be bad everywhere, right? WRONG! real estate markets are local; when you're looking to buy or sell, pay attention first to price trends, volume and inventory in your target market, rather than looking at your local market through the lens of National indicators.
2. Wisconsin home values are STABLE.	From January 2007 to December 2007, the average price of Wisconsin homes remained stable, with a 0.2 % improvement. Yes, there are pockets in Wisconsin where home prices have declined, but even in those areas, generally speaking, homes are still worth more than they were 3 years ago. Compared to the rest of the nation, Wisconsin continues to outperform the Midwest and ranks 29th in foreclosures at less than half of one percent. Nationally, over the past 30 years, home values have risen more than 6% annually. On average, home values nearly double every 10 years. For more details visit www.wra.org/housingfacts
3. A house is a place to make a home, not just a buck.	Most purchasers don't buy a house to flip it-they buy it to live in it. The value of strong communities, rooted families, civic pride, comfortable retirement, and a higher quality of life can't be expressed on a balance sheet.
4. Housing demand in Wisconsin is set to grow.	Estimates show that Wisconsin's population will increase by almost 190,000 from 2005 to 2010. These new Wisconsonites will need a place to live. For further details visit: www.doa.state.wi.us
5. There are hundreds of reputable lenders ready to do business.	Buyers with good credit and a realistic view of what they can afford should have an easier time obtaining mortgage approval. First-time home buyers can obtain a low cost loan and down payment assistants through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. For further details, visit: www.wheda.com
6. The future looks bright so talk to a Realtor.	2007 was a rough year for sales compared to recent boom years, but Wisconsin's housing future looks bright. Wisconsin citizens are optomistic, ranking their quality of life, neighborhoods, and their homes as excellent or good. That's good for the housing market in 2008. Our market is special. If you're even mildly interested in buying or selling, talk to me today at (608) 469-5199. For further details visit: www.wra.org/housingfuture2008.
7. Owning a home builds wealth in a way that renting can't.	According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renters net worth is $4,800, while the average home owners net worth is $171,000. Clearly it pays to own a home.
8. It's prime time for second homes.	60% of the average homeowners wealth comes from their home's equity. Savvy investors and prospective retirees know that real estate is important to their portfolios. About 1/3 of all Wisconsin home sales are second homes, or vacation properties and Wisconsin has plenty of inventory and desirable locations for those seeking them.
9. Using a Realtor is a smart financial decision.	Realtors are the experts at bringing buyers and sellers together. Compared to For Sale By Owners (FSBOs), you're not alone. Realtors have contacts to help speed up the transaction. You'll also get  the latest market data on pricing your home and an expert on real estate forms to ensure your transaction runs smoothly. The advantage of developing and ongoing relationship with a professional - a Realtor- speaks for itself. For further details visit: www.wra.org/housingfacts
10. Now is a good time to buy.	The time is right to buy a home with low interest rates, good prices, and a wide selection. Don't judge the Wisconsin market through the lens of National indicators. Every market is different.

Remember:
According to the WRA, it's a mistake to look at the Wisconsin market under a microscope with national indicators. Housing in Wisconsin continues to be favorable in 2008 with low interest rates, good selection and stable prices. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates several times in recent months, making rates the lowest in years and Wisconsin homes are incredibly affordable for credit-worthy buyers. If you're a buyer, this market is for you. But ... If you need to sell first, be patient, and price your home correctly. Consult a REALTOR®. Competitive pricing is important. Experts agree, well-priced homes sell faster.

For more information on buying or selling real estate, visit my website at: www.buyorsellyourhometoday.com

Real Estate Corner...

•Q.    We entered into a contract with someone who wanted to buy our home.  The agent representing the buyer presented us with a "pre-qualification" letter from a lender.  Today we discovered the buyer was rejected for financing.  How can this happen?

 •A.     You allowed the term "pre-qualification" to lull you into a false sense of security.  The loan amounts referenced in pre-qualification letters are conditional on verification of income, employment, funds on deposit, credit report, and more.  A lender can issue a pre-qualification letter after just a simple 10-minute phone interview with a prospective purchaser.

 As a seller, your best vehicle for peace of mind would be a pre-approval letter accompanying the offer to purchase.  A pre-approval letter is a firm commitment to lend money and is issued only after verification of the crucial financial items mentioned above. 

 
Summer Home Security Tips

Of the over two million home break-ins every year (one every 15 seconds) most happen in July and August, when vacationing families leave their houses empty and vulnerable. Summer travel season has arrived, so before you hit the road, make sure to take simple steps to keep criminals out of your home.

No one wants to come home from a relaxing vacation to broken windows and stolen valuables, but in the rush to leave, people often forget to secure their houses. You can rest easy and enjoy your vacation with these smart, simple and affordable ways to keep your home safe.

* Make your home look lived in
Ask a friendly neighbor to make sure the lawn is mowed and keep an eye out for unusual activity around your house. Suspend newspaper and mail delivery or have someone collect them for you and make sure the trash cans are put out and brought in on time. The more lived-in your home appears to be, the less inviting it is to thieves.

* Leave a light on
Put a few lights and a radio on timers set to go on and off at random times during the day and evening. Leaving one light on the entire time you’re away is an obvious sign that no one is around to turn it off. Close most of your window shades, but keep a few open on upper floors for light to shine through and make it look like someone is home. Install motion detector lights by each entry to your home, including the garage. Thieves don’t want to be in the spotlight!

* Don’t invite a climber
Don’t leave toys or ladders around your yard, they can easily be used to stand on or climb up to break into your home. Likewise, prune back any tall trees with branches near upper windows.

* Lock it up
It sounds obvious, but lock the doors and windows – more than 50 percent of thieves burglarize homes by walking right in. Use deadbolt locks that can only be opened with a key and forget about hiding the key under a doormat. If you must keep a key nearby, purchase a steel lockbox with a combination that is specifically made to store keys.

* Sound the alarm
A survey by Temple University found that alarm systems, when used with other precautions, reduce the likelihood of burglary by more than 60 percent. InGrid Home Security is one of the first home security solutions that works wirelessly through a home’s broadband connection and is built with multiple system backups for added safety – that means there is no single point of vulnerability such as phone lines that can be cut. Wireless home security systems also allow for monitoring, arming and disarming from anywhere, via a Web site to let you double check on your home while away. InGrid offers around-the-clock professional monitoring and the money-saving option for homeowners to install the system themselves, allowing them to set up sensors wherever they would like, for both emergency and non-emergency alerts.

* Don’t squirrel valuables away
Thieves aren’t dumb, they know people like to stash their goods under the bed, between the pages of books and in the sock drawer. Store your valuables in a safe-deposit box at the bank or in a safe you can bolt to the floor.

Taking a few simple precautions before taking off for vacation can provide the peace of mind you need to relax during your time off and come back to home sweet, secure home.

For more information on InGrid home security solutions, visit www.InGridHome.com.

Five Simple Fire Safety TipsThat Can Save Your Life!     

A house fire at any time can put you and your family's lives in great danger.  Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death by just following these five simple safety tips:  

1.    Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you.  Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.  


2.    Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family.  This is usually within a foot of the ceiling.  Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the "test" button, and replace batteries at least once a year.  Don't rely on the alarm to make an intermittent "beep" to change batteries.



3.    Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member's bedroom.  If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows.  Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes.  This way you can account for each family member instantly.



4.    Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home.  Also, place one at the opposite end of the home.  Most homes use undersized extinguishers.  Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.



5.    Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves, and litter away from the perimeter of your home.  Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times.  It's best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire.  And teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.