ohio real estate: Senate Approves $15,000 Tax Credit to ANYONE buying a house in 2009
- 02/05/09 12:16 PM
As everyone has probably heard, Congress is working on ways to stimulate the housing market. We're hearing great news already! Just yesterday, the Senate passed a $15,000 tax credit (10% of purchase price or $15,000, whichever is less) for ANYONE buying a house in the next year. If it goes all the way through, anyone can qualify (not just first time home buyers as in the 2008 package), the credit would NOT have to repaid (unlike the 2008 package which must be repaid in 15 yrs), and it can be claimed on your 2008 tax return. This is something you want to watch. The stimulus (3 comments)
ohio real estate: Loan Pre-Qualification vs Loan Pre-Approval
- 11/05/08 08:03 AM
Do you know the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved for a home loan? There's a very important distinction, which can make or break a home deal for a buyer or seller. This means your loan application has actually been through an underwriter, and all they're waiting on is the exact property...so when you do find that perfect home, financing piece should be a snap (unless, of course, something negative has happened with your finances in between). As a home buyer, you need to be pre-APPROVED for a loan; as a seller, you need to make sure your buyer is pre-approved. To (0 comments)
ohio real estate: Your Home's Value
- 10/30/08 06:00 PM
So what exactly is the value of your home? Well, it depends. If you're asking how much you think you could get for your home if you put it on the market, then the answer would be that the value is what today's buyer is willing to pay for it. I emphasize "today's" because the same house might sell for much less now than it would in the next few years (when the market is back up). Also note that it's the buyers (i.e., the market) that determine the value of a home-not you, the owner, and not me as a Realtor (0 comments)
ohio real estate: Renovation Loans
- 10/30/08 05:39 PM
Did you know that homeowners now have loan choices developed specifically to help them finance a home improvement project, whether it be repairs, updates, or improvements (including making a home more energy efficient due to rising energy costs)? In the past, financing options were limited, especially if the owner didn't have sufficient equity. Renovation loans give owners options when it comes to fixing a house that isn't perfect. The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program is one of the more popular renovation loans. It is generally used to update or improve a house or condominium needing essential repairs such (1 comments)
ohio real estate: Conserve Energy and Save Money
- 10/30/08 04:52 AM
Just a friendly reminder to close your storm windows now that it's getting cold. I'd been running my heat for about a week before I relaized I hadn't done this (started to wonder why my house wasn't staying warm). Stay warm! Kimberly Daeger, Realtor Service Excellence for Buyers and Sellers Real Living Realty Services, Inc. Cell: 937.545.6294 kimberly.daeger@realliving.com www.realliving.com/kimberly.daeger
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ohio real estate: Home Prices Going Down
- 10/30/08 04:44 AM
Just today, the price of 120 homes in the Dayton, OH area was reduced due to the competition. That's great news for buyers! Want to know what's available? Go to http://www.realliving.com/Kimberly.Daeger/LocalHomes.asp to search for your next home. The other great news is that you can have a professional on your side throughout the home buying process; someone who will look out for your best interests. Contact me today, and I'll help you streamline your home search, research "comparable" properties to determine a fair price and terms (this is extremly important, especially in today market), negotiate for the price, terms and conditions that are agreeable to you, (0 comments)
ohio real estate: Tumbling Gas Prices
- 10/27/08 07:50 AM
Isn't it a relief to see gas prices going down...and down? I know I'm relieved, especially being in a business that involves a lot of driving. Going over $50 for a tank of gas was downright frightening (and I can only imagine how much SUV owners were paying). Current prices are the lowest they've been since early 2006 according to DaytonGasPrices.com. If you plan well (i.e., don't wait until you're below "E" to fill up--like I do many times), you can make it to a gas station that may have a better price than others (or if you're traveling, plan your trip--because we (0 comments)
ohio real estate: Take a Moment to Recognize Deserving Individuals
- 10/27/08 03:26 AM
We're all familiar with the great sense of pride owning your own home instills in all of us. It's one of those "rights of passage" we all know and love. We also know that being able to accomplish this is harder for some than others, but the importance of this is just the same. Because of this, a partnership of real estate associations created the Hope Award (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) in 2001 to recognize those individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to increasing minority homeownership, revitalizing communities and expanding affordable housing opportunities. If you know someone who's deserving of this award, (0 comments)
ohio real estate: Check Your Credit Report
- 10/25/08 04:13 PM
Fellow Consumers, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of checking your credit report at least once a year because you never know what might be there. Just in the last couple weeks I have been considering buying a home, and I started talking with our in-house mortgage consultant. I told her I had a great credit and that I didn't have any adverse information. Well, guess what! Four (yes, four) recent, derogatory (yet erroneous) entries were on my report that prevented her from getting me approved for a loan. I was stunned to say the least. Luckily, I've (1 comments)
ohio real estate: Looking to Buy a Home?
- 10/24/08 10:10 AM
Would you like to own a home? This is a great time to make a home purchase. We're in a buyer's market, which is good news for you! A buyer's market means a good inventory of homes, lower prices, and good interest rates. In addition, if you're a first time homebuyer (have never owned a home or not in the last three years), you could qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credit (an interest free loan that you have 15 years to pay off). Owning your own home comes with a lot of benefits, along with that great sense of pride. Don't miss (7 comments)