1. $$$$$ - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit up to $8,000. Move Up Buyer Tax Credit up to $6,500 for current homeowners,
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS -
The tax credit which was to have run out on 11/30/09 was extended by Congress to 04/30/2010. A first time home buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years. The tax credit money is all yours and no there is having to pay any money back when you live in the new home for three years. Another change is that contract written by 04/30/2010 has until 07/01/2010 to close.
MOVE UP BUYERS -
THIS IS THE NEW PART OF THE TAX CREDIT and this tax credit will also run out 04/30/2009 for contract, but must close by 07/01/2010.
The limit is up to $6,500 and applies to homes, townhomes, and condos and you really might be moving down and still get the tax credit!
Here's a link to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) information about these TWO CREDITS.
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit
2. $$$$$ - SUPPLY -
There is a plentiful supply of approximately 800 to 900 homes to choose from in Abilene right now. There are both plenty of modest homes and move-up homes, both new homes and pre-owned homes, even a few townhomes!
Here is a link to the Abilene Board of Realtors and a link to search those homes:
http://www.abilenebor.com/search/
For STAGED HOMES that are ready to move into and a priced at great value right now, here is the link:
http://www.stagedhomes.com/homes/homeslist.php?minPrice=-1&maxPrice=-1&address=&city=Abilene&state
3. $$$$$ - AFFORDABLE!!! According to the Abilene Board of Realtors, October 2009 statistics, $99,500 was the median price a home sold in Abilene Texas October 2009.
Another way to understand this is that about one in every two houses in Abilene sold for less than $100,000. That is incredible affordability. A Kiplinger magazine article in May of 2009 said that Texas is one of the states least affected by changes in the real estate market.
4. $$$$$ - Interest Rates are low, low, low!
A list of lenders and mortgage rates can be found in the Saturday weekly real estate section of the Abilene Reporter News. A first time home buyer that I was the Buyer's Representative recently GOT A 5.5 PERCENT RATE on a 30 year mortgage (closed 10/30/09 with a 30 year FHA mortgage under 100K)
5. $$$$$ - Buying a Home at the right time is smart financial planning!
Over time, a home has proven to be one of the most stable investments. With a fixed mortgage, the total monthly principal and interest payment do not increase over the mortgage period. Only the tax portion and insurance portion can go up. Make sure that there is no prepayment penalty meaning the mortgage can be paid off early. Over time, the amount paid toward principal goes up and the amount paid toward interest goes down. A 15 year mortgage or even less time is something to consider if you want your equity in a home to build faster. Home Ownership puts you in better control of your investment dollar.
For answers to questions about home buying in Abilene, Call Beverly at CARLSON PROPERTIES
325-721-2429.
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