RE/MAX Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Kelly, talks about the government's extension/expansion of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Certain existing homeowners can now qualify for the credit and homebuyers have until April 30, 2010 to put a contract on a house. For more information contact a RE/MAX office in your area and consult a tax professional.
By KATHY McCORMACK The Associated Press - Published: November 8, 2009
A 4.5-mile trail for ATV riders running through the northernmost city of New Hampshire may be key to putting the North Country community, still suffering from the loss of its paper mill industry several years ago, on the path to economic recovery.
The trail connects the 3-year-old Jericho Mountain State Park on the west side of Berlin, which has numerous all-terrain vehicle trails, with a large trail network in the unincorporated township of Success east of the city. The connector trail through Berlin, which opened Saturday, allows for 100 miles of ATV riding.
Berlin and economic development officials hope the trails will be a huge draw for ATV enthusiasts, who don't have a lot of riding options in New Hampshire and surrounding states, and for new businesses, including hotels, gas stations, and stores.
"We're struggling to find ourselves here with the demise of the pulp mill," Berlin Mayor David Bertrand said. "We're looking to open up some options, and this is one of them."
There are some bright spots in Berlin: A new federal prison is expected to open next year. Two electricity plants that would burn waste timber from the surrounding forest also are planned.
For years, Berlin was known as an industrial city. It once had a population of more than 20,000 in the 1920s, but now has fewer than 10,000 residents. The city seal showed a smokestack, part of its heritage as the home of paper mills. The 100-year-old pulp mill closed in 2006. This year, the smokestack was taken away from the seal, and mountains, evergreens and a river were added to emphasize the area's natural beauty.
"We see ourselves differently now as being maybe recreation-oriented, but we need to build that infrastructure, that draw to have people come here," said Laura Viger, the city's community services director. She said the city opened up sidewalks and streets for snowmobile use in the winter about six years ago, and that has been a benefit to local tourism and businesses.
A goal for New Hampshire's North Country, the most rural and least populated region of the state, is to build up an ATV trail system. In Gorham, less than 10 miles away from Berlin, the state has proposed opening sections of a former rail trail to include ATV use and connect it to Jericho State Park and the Success area, as well.
Chris Gamache, trails bureau chief with the state's Department of Resources and Economic Development, said the majority of ATV trails statewide include secluded pockets of trails with little or no connection between them. To create a network in the North Country, the state needs to first negotiate with private landowners and timber companies.
Vermont has faced controversy over a proposal in that state to open some parts of state lands to connect riding areas for ATV users on private property.
In Berlin, Randy Cicchetto has seen his ATV and snowmobile business grow with the rising popularity of the state park and expects to see that continue with the new trail connector, which also passes by restaurants and convenience stores. In the few years since he opened his store, he's been getting more calls to rent and operate ATVS from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, even some from overseas.
"It's the whole package," he said. "This is going to attract a lot of people up here who enjoy the sports of ATVing, snowmobiling and dirt biking. They'll all have the opportunity to come up here and use the park and ride across town."
With an investment as large as a home there are many things to consider. Market trends, area information and government programs should all play a role in the decision to buy. Use this video to learn why RE/MAX agents are uniquely qualified to help you identify your ideal place. RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty of Berlin, NH (603) 752-0003. RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty of Littleton, NH (603) 444-3069. http://www.teamner.com
Tax credit extension and expansion passes House; President's signature expected before weekend.
The Unemployment Insurance bill, including the homebuyer tax credit extension and expansion, has passed the House by a vote of 403-12, after passing the Senate Wednesday night, 98-0.
The new provisions will take effect as soon as President Obama signs the bill, which is expected to be before the weekend.
Included here is a link to a side-by-side comparison and Q&A to help answer some of your questions about the provisions.
Senate votes 98-0 to Extend and Gradually Reduce Home Buyer Credit in 2010
Senate leaders have overwhelmingly agreed to extend and gradually reduce the $8,000 first home buyer tax credit through 2010. Deliberations will now move to the House of Representatives. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana, both Democrats, may seek to add the home buyers extension to legislation extending unemployment benefits that may be debated as early as this week, according to Regan Lachapelle, an aide to Reid. More than 1.2 million borrowers through Oct. 9 have claimed almost $8.5 billion of the $13.6 billion set aside for "first-time" home buyer tax credits this year. The program is aimed at easing the worst housing slump since the Great Depression and has been credited with boosting the economy and stock markets over summer. See the previous update below for the various bills under consideration to extend this tax credit.
Lawmakers are under pressure from real estate agents, mortgage brokers and homebuilders to extend the $8,000 credit before it expires Nov. 30. However, they are also facing pressure from governance groups and recent IRS reports claiming widespread fraud around claims for this lucrative credit. The Internal Revenue Service has identified 73,799 claims totaling almost $504 million that may not be from first-time homebuyers. They also found that 582 taxpayers under 18 years old and ineligible to buy a home claimed almost $4 million in credits. Children as young as 4 years old received the credit, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George told a House panel.
The bill to extend the credit contains the following provisions:
- First-time home buyers who close before April 1 would get the full $8,000, and the credit's value would be reduced by $2,000 in each successive quarter until expiring at the end of the year.
- The plan would extend the credit, due to expire Nov. 30, to home purchases under contract by April 30, 2010, with borrowers allowed another 60 days to close the sale, according to a person familiar with the details of the agreement.
- Existing Homeowners could qualify for a $6,500 credit if they have lived in their primary residence for five years
- The homebuyers' credit would be available to individuals earning up to $125,000, or $250,000 for couples, up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples under the current law.
"Relative to current law, this is better. But it's worse than people are expecting," said Tom Gallagher, head of policy research in the Washington offices of International Strategy and Investment Group, an independent research firm. "This is a four-month extension and a nine-month phase-out."
The proposal was intended to counter one by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, and Senator Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican and former real estate agent, to extend the full $8,000 credit through next June and to expand it to all couples earning $300,000 or less. The Baucus-Reid proposal would continue limiting the benefit to first-time homebuyers, Lachapelle said.
The terms for extending the homebuyer tax credit are still being negotiated. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, is waiting to see the final Senate agreement before deciding whether to support it. "Generally, we do support extending it," Pelosi spokesman Nedeam Elshami said. "But it's premature to say anything until we see what action the Senate takes."
Randolph NH: Four Single Family Homes have SOLD in Randolph NH since January 1st 2009, ranging in sales price from a low of $53,000 and a high of $220,000. RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty was involved in three of those home sales.
Located in the historic and exclusive community of Randolph. Situated on spectacular Randolph Hill, this contemporary, efficient, home has 3 bdrms, 1 bath, and open concept living/dining area. Easy to heat and care for. View potential. Includes a separate cottage style garage with an attached summer playroom. SOLD! $158,000!
Take a look at this cozy 3 bedroom raised ranch in the quaint town of Randolph. The open kitchen and dining room make entertaining a pleasure. The beautiful floors and trim make this an elegant home throughout. You will enjoy the front deck and the ample space on the one acre lot. It has a huge 2 car garage and a ready to finish family room. SOLD! 182,500!
This beautiful ranch style home is spacious and elegant. It offers large rooms and a lovely master suite with a walk in closet. The open kitchen and dining area are complimented by the sun deck and the spacious living room has a cozy gas fireplace. The finished basement offers wonderful space for family gatherings and the yard is nicely landscaped. $220,000!
Millions of homeowners are "under water" on their home loan and facing foreclosure. However, there are foreclosure alternatives. Learn more about the fastest growing alternative - Short Sales - and why this option is more attractive to both the homeowner AND the lender. Your qualified RE/MAX agent can guide you through the process.
Are you "under water" with your home loan in Northern NH? Call RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty today at (603) 752-0003. Visit us online at http://www.teamner.com
Gorham, NH: You'll find a lot to do and enjoy beautiful vistas at every turn when you stay in Gorham, NH. The Gorham area has been a haven for visitors since the 1850's, when travelers came by train to ski, hike and spend time in the mountains. Surrounded by the spectacular White Mountains, Gorham is located on the north end of the Presidential Range, the center of this range being dominated by the highest mountain in the northeastern U.S., Mount Washington. Still uncrowded and unspoiled by development, the area offers the best of both worlds. Here you have all the conveniences and amenities you need, in a peaceful, friendly atmosphere where you can relax and forget the fast paced world you left behind!
Berlin NH Trick or Treating Times and Safety Information Trick or Treating in Berlin, NH will be held at the stores and businesses in the Downtown area on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 3pm-5pm.
Trick or Treating for the entire City of Berlin will be on Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 5pm-8pm.
The Berlin Police Department wants to take this opportunity to remind Parents and Children of the following safety tips.
If you observe any suspicious or illegal activity please report it immediately by calling the Police Department at 603-752-3131 or dialing 911 in an emergency.
• Be sure walking areas are well-lit and free of obstacles.
• Keep candle-lit jack-o’-lanterns away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.
• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• For older children going alone, plan the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. • Carry a cell phone for quick communication. • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk when available.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!!
Contact Information: Berlin Police Department Dispatch 603-752-3131 dispatch@berlinpolice.org
Do you or someone you know have a home they/you want to sell in Berlin, NH? If so, here's some news you can use!
81 Single Family Homes Have SOLD in Berlin, NH since 01/01/2009. RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty Agents were involved in 55 of those sales!
RE/MAX Northern Edge Realty wants your business! Realistic pricing and aggressive marketing will sell your home~ Contact us today (603) 752-0003. Visit us online at TeamNER.com
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Located in the historic and exclusive community of Randolph. Situated on spectacular Randolph Hill, this contemporary, efficient, home has 3 bdrms, 1 bath, and open concept living/dining area. Easy to heat and care for. View potential. Includes a separate cottage style garage with an attached summer playroom. SOLD! $158,000!
Take a look at this cozy 3 bedroom raised ranch in the quaint town of Randolph. The open kitchen and dining room make entertaining a pleasure. The beautiful floors and trim make this an elegant home throughout. You will enjoy the front deck and the ample space on the one acre lot. It has a huge 2 car garage and a ready to finish family room. SOLD! 182,500!
This beautiful ranch style home is spacious and elegant. It offers large rooms and a lovely master suite with a walk in closet. The open kitchen and dining area are complimented by the sun deck and the spacious living room has a cozy gas fireplace. The finished basement offers wonderful space for family gatherings and the yard is nicely landscaped. $220,000!
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