Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate, information about the current market is important for you to make the Right decision.
Char McPherson, Realtor, provides information that impacts your Home Buying and Selling position.

Nov 30, 2009

Government Homebuyer Tax Credit FAQ!

Many taxpayers are asking "Can someone explain how I may benefit from the Homebuyer Tax credit revisions which now include more than First time homebuyers. Read below:


How does a current home owner qualify for the $6,500 credit?

Buyers must have lived in their homes for at least five out of the last eight years. The home they buy must become their primary residence, but buyers don’t have to sell their previous home. They can use the previous home as a rental or a second home and still claim the credit.


Does the new home have to be more expensive than the one the buyer currently owns?

No. It is fine to use it to downsize. If the property sells for more than $800,000, the buyers don’t qualify.


Can buyers who are building a new home claim the credit?

Yes, although the contract must be in place by April 30 and the buyer must move in by July 1.


Can buyers claim the credit if they purchase a home from a relative?

No. The legislation prohibits taxpayers from claiming the credit if the sale is between “related parties,” including parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild.


Many more home buyers can now receive the credit provided by the government. Let's see how you or someone you know may qualify for the tax credit. Call Char today!


Nov 3, 2009

Buying a new home? Be aware of these changes to builder standards


Home builders are compromising on construction details, including some basics, as buyers seek to pay less for new homes.

Here are some of the common ways to economize, estimated savings to the builder, and the issues for the buyer to consider:
  • 17-foot double garage saves $5,000 to $8,500. The recommended width is 20 feet. Narrower makes it harder to get in and out of the cars.
  • Textured walls and ceilings. $450 on a 3,000-square-foot home. Hard to repaint and repair.
  • Smaller central air. $1,000. It takes a long time to cool the home.
  • Advanced framing. $10,000. Advanced engineering studies say placing studs at 24-inch intervals rather than 16 doesn’t affect structural integrity. Actually, it leaves more room for insulation, which is a good thing.
  • Fixed windows. $200 per window. Not being able to open windows is a huge inconvenience for many people.