Saturday, February 27, 2010

Tax Incentives for Homebuyers 1st & Repeat Buyers!

Time is running out!

Don’t miss the opportunity! The tax credit has been available to first-time home buyers, but you may not be aware that the recent expansion of the tax credit has created an incentive for existing homeowners. Current homeowners who will have lived in their home for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 may now be eligible to receive a $6,500 tax credit.

There is not much time. The average selling period is three months so it is critical that repeat buyers put their current home on the market right away to secure a buyer and find a new home by the April 30th deadline.

To qualify for the tax credit, the repeat buyer must have signed a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. Tax credit eligibility is subject to income limits: $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. In addition, the sales price of the home being purchased can not exceed $800,000.

Call us for the details!
Stay warm, Susan

Thursday, February 25, 2010

FHA Certification Process for Condos

We have just received the paperwork for processing the new regulations for condominiums. Even if you are on "The List", you may still not qualify. The new rules and regulations have become mandatory and they include the condominium board certifying the amount of foreclosures and the number of people who are behind on their condo fees.

If you know of any condominium owners who might need the paperwork, just have them call us! We will have it on file in our office and it will help buyers before the big rush if we have the condos "on board" and ready to go ahead of time. We will be happy to help in the process if anyone needs a little assistance.

A big negative note is that there will not be spot approval on condos any more. You MUST be FHA approved for FHA financing. If you want to sell a condo in the Columbus Ohio area, please call us to help! We are on top of the market and are here for you!

Take care, Susan

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Do You Think They Will Extend the Tax Credit?

We certainly hope they will do something, but no one is saying anything! People keep asking me what I think will happen. It is hard to say, but with the weather conditions, it doesn't seem fair since a lot of folks couldn't physically get out to see homes. We are seeing a huge increase in web traffic and part of that is due to a lot of people being stuck in their homes with all of the snow lately. I think when we get closer to the time deadline, there will be a flury of interest in extending the timeframes which only seems fair for this part of the country!

Our group still went out in the snow showing homes and taking care of our listings. I am thankful that we just got some dreary rain instead of another 5-6 inches of snow.

I will keep you updated and hopefully with some positive news! In the meanwhile, I would suggest if you are going to move, then the $6500-8000 tax incentive should motivate you to get going!

Take care, Susan

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Real Estate is Still Thriving This Winter!



Our team is all snuggled up in their homes, but we are all working on different things via the internet. While Judy is countering an offer via email, Christine is presenting an offer to her seller. Angela is working on this Thursday's full page ads in Dublin and Hilliard. The proofs are coming in and our "virtual office" is still running. We did close the office today. When OSU closes it's campus, that must mean we should stay home. I do have a home inspection at 4:00pm today, and am wondering if it will be cancelled. We are under a time crunch as we have to close soon, so we may venture out if it clears up.

Liz is our main contact today as we have all the phones forwarded each evening so no one misses a call. She has been scheduling our listing appointments for the following week. If this is any indication of our spring market, we are going to have some wonderful new listings and sellers to take care of and help with their life transitions.

I love how our team comes together and helps one another. Cheryl was on "duty" all weekend (even on Valentines' Day) and we are so grateful to have her back on the team. When you have everything covered, you can relax and not worry. it looks like a great day to rest with the kids. It seems like we are going to need it to prepare for the months ahead! We are looking forward to it!

Take care and stay safe, Susan

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Loving Life With Our New Office Kitchen!



Who knew my hubby and I could take a drive down to Ikea in Cincinnati and come back with a new Kitchen! Life is good for the Wainfor Group. I rather like the clean lines & the backspash color made our office "pop". All on a very tight budget!

Stop by, and we will make you a cup of coffee!

Take care, Susan