First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes, or a cash payment, if they don't pay enough taxes to cover the credit.
OTHER FACTORS THAT SHOULD SPUR BUYERS:
LOW MORTGAGE RATES: If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of March, 30-year rates will almost certainly rise to more than 6%. Freddie Mac documented a decline in mortgage rates during the week ended March 4, with 30-year fixed home loans slipping to 4.97% from 5.05% and 15-year interest averaging 4.33%.
RISING PRICES: About 30% of markets are already experiencing price increases. Prices are falling in 12% of markets, says Fiserv (but that only helps if you want to live there).
Source: Money Magazine
REASONS TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE RIGHT NOW!!
Real estate is the best long-term way to build wealth, ever. Hands down. This unique housing climate presents opportunity like we’ll see few times in our lives. Here’s why we are unbelievably fortunate to be living at this period in history, according to Success magazine.
1) We need homes. Real estate is everywhere. Its value isn’t affected by corporate theft or takeovers and there's no obscure prospectus or abstract business plan to evaluate.
2) The current crisis creates opportunities for those who buy low during this downturn to make some serious future returns. Some homeowners will return to renting, increasing the demand for rental units.
3) You can reduce risk with diversification. Investing in real estate frees you from dependence on the flaky returns of the stock market. Consider diversifying among geographic markets to protect yourself from economic downturns that impact long-term values.
4) Stay in it for the long haul. Wealth creation through strategic acquisition held for long-term income is the smartest plan. The historic nationwide housing price index (HPI), calcualted by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, documents appreciation at 5% annually. In the last year, only six U.S. states lost more than 1% in property values, while nine states increased more than 5%.
5) Smart investors should seek values and shy away from spiking markets. Rein in any urges to follow the speculation lemmings. Only open your checkbook when true values come into your crosshairs. No other investment beats the long-term wealth-building value of real estate. We live in it, we know it, everybody needs it and it’s everywhere. A smart and steady strategy can easily make you a real estate millionaire—for real.
Contact me at (614) 774-7982 to discuss investing in your future.
NEVER A BETTER TIME FOR BUYERS!!!
It is TRULY a PERFECT time to buy a home! Interest rates are still low, inventory is abundant, and home prices are LOW! Many incentives are available, and YES, financing is readily available!!
With a wide array of homes on the market, you'll want the help of an experienced professional that can guide you along the way. My Web site will help you find your next home fast. You'll feel good knowing that I'll be with you every step of the way serving your real estate needs!
SELLING YOUR HOME?
With interest rates low, now is an excellent time to sell!! There is an abundance of homes on the market, so STAGING YOUR HOME properly is extremely important! You want to capture that perfect buyer FAST so you can get the most money out of your home! If you're considering selling your home, call me for a FREE in-home consultation on preparing your home for the market! I can help you to save thousands of dollars!
PRICING YOUR HOME right is also necessary. I will do a thorough evaluation of your home and the homes in your area that have sold in the past six months. My detailed market comparison will include features of each home, condition, size, and much more! Together, we will decide on the right market price to get your home sold quickly and for the most money!
Most importantly, together with Real Living HER, I offer a TOP-NOTCH MARKETING PLAN to expose your home to the most amount of people FASTER than any other company!! After all...the quicker the exposure, the quicker the sale!!! With The Julie Morgan Team, we'll have you in your dream home in no time!!
As always, the best compliment I can receive is a referral from my friends and clients!
HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH?
CLICK HERE for a personalized FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!
NOW...more than ever...you need an agent with a WINNING RECORD and a TOP-NOTCH MARKETING PLAN!
WHAT'S THE MARKET REALLY LIKE?
Allow me to present a detailed "Trends Graphics" report describing the current status of the market in your area, which will include:
- How many homes are for sale in your area - How long have they been on the market - How many homes have sold - What is the average marketing time - What is the average asking price - What price range is selling fastest - What is the average price per square foot (both active and sold homes) - What is the average sale vs. asking price
I will create a personalized market analysis of your property, complete with photos, amenities and comparisons to other home sales and active listings! I will help you price your home RIGHT to sell QUICKLY, getting the BEST MARKET VALUE possible!
I will present a TOP-NOTCH marketing plan for YOUR property! Utilizing the latest marketing technology, I can make your home available to buyers FASTER than any of our competitors - thus, selling your home faster! To find out more about my EXCLUSIVE MARKETING PLAN and HOT NEW LISTINGS, select "CONTACT ME" above!
PUT MY EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU! My Qualifications & Awards Include:
- 25 Million Dollar Producer
- Top 1% in the company (listings, volume, production & sales)
- Top Sales Volume, Grove City HER 2003, 2004, 2005
Concerned about the choosing the right school district? Check out any school district in Ohio! Some of the school districts surrounding Columbus include: Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Grove City, Groveport, Hilliard, New Albany, Plain City, Reynoldsburg, Southwestern, Upper Arlington, West Jefferson, Westerville, Whitehall, Worthington. CONTACT ME if you need more help getting started!
School Matters
Here is more school information to help you determine the area for your move.
SchoolMatters is a public source for information and analysis about our nation's public schools.
SchoolMatters provides rich information and powerful search and comparison tools to help uncover the stories behind the numbers.
The first step in the home-buying process is to get pre-approved by a lender! Click here to apply for a mortgage and get the BEST RATES from Real Living Mortgage!!
Three good reasons to get pre-approved:
1) Find out how much you are approved for, and what your monthly payment will be at different price ranges!
2) This helps us to narrow our search to the best homes in the price range YOU are comfortable with!
3) When presenting an offer for that perfect home, the seller can rest assured that you are qualified to purchase their home, and be more likely to accept your offer!
ENJOY THESE GREAT RESOLUTION IDEAS FOR 2010!
1. RESOLVE TO GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER. Begin by resisting the temptation to splurge. Refrain from using a credit card and keep your other financial goals, like retirement, in mind. You should have at least three months' salary in your emergency fund. Try to stay away from unnecessary spending until you reach this goal. Think about e-payments to prevent you from paying late fees.
2. PLAN AND BUDGET FOR IMPROVEMENTS. If there's any major repair, remodeling or decorating projects you'd like to make to your home in the new year, take your time and shop around for the best prices. If you're hiring a contract, get plenty of references.
3. IF YOU'VE PUT OFF LANDSCAPING, PLAN TO DO IT NOW. The right landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15%, allowing you to recoup 100%-200% of your investment, according to the Association of Landscape Contractors of America.
4. IF YOU DO ANY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS. You may be eligible to minimize the capital gain that may come your way when you eventually sell. The improvement must me one that permanently increases the value and useful life of the house (like a new roof).
10 TIPS FOR BETTER GAS MILEAGE:
Now that gas is over $3.00/gallon, there's no way to escape the high gas prices. But there are ways you can get better gas mileage - which will save you money in the long run, according to Edmunds.com, an online resource for automotive information.
1. Follow the recommended maintenance - A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently. Fouled spark plugs, dirty air filters and clogged fuel filters will diminish fuel economy. 2. Keep tires properly inflated - Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll; properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by as much as 3 percent. 3. Take a load off - Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Pack light and remove unnecessary items from the car. 4. Don't drive aggressively - Hitting the gas pedal hard after stopping, slamming on the brakes and speeding all decrease fuel efficiency. 5. Use the highest gear possible - Lower gears use more power, so manual transmission drivers should switch to a higher gear when driving at a steady speed, and automatic transmission drivers should avoid using "sport" mode. 6. Use cruise control selectively - Cruise control is a great asset on flat roads, but isn't the most efficient on hilly terrain. 7. Think clean - Keeping your car washed and waxed improves its aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel efficiency. On a long trip, a quick run through a gas station car wash might more than pay for itself. 8. Avoid excessive idling - An idling car burns fuel. Whenever possible, turn your car off while waiting, and try to avoid drive-through windows and long toll booth lines. 9. Think before you ventilate - Air conditioning consumes more fuel, while rolled down windows decreases aerodynamics. Roll down windows when in slow-moving traffic; use the air conditioner when traveling at high speeds. 10. Combine your errands - Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Combining errands means the engine will be warmer for more of the trip.
Real Living HER, 77 E. Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215. Licensed in Ohio.
Modified: 3/9/2010 8:22:39 AM
The information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. H.E.R. LLC does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.
