We are also planning to put together a short sale seminar within the next several weeks.

Members of the U.S. military and certain other U.S. federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the credit. Thus, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30, 2011, to close on the purchase. Members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community are eligible for this special rule. It applies to any individual (and, if married, the individual’s spouse) who serves on qualified official extended duty service outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010.

In many cases, the credit repayment (recapture) requirement is waived for members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community. This relief applies where a home is sold or stops being the taxpayer’s principal residence after Dec. 31, 2008, in connection with government orders received by the individual (or the individual’s spouse) for qualified official extended duty service. The credit is still allowable even if this happens during the year of purchase. Qualified official extended duty is any period of extended duty while serving at a place of duty at least 50 miles away from the taxpayer’s principal residence (whether inside or outside the U.S.) or while residing under government orders in government quarters. Extended duty is defined as any period of duty pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period.

If you know of anyone whom meets the above criteria and would appreciate the level of support provided by myself and the Bob Nelson Team, please give me a call or drop an e-mail.  I will be more than happy to help them out.

In 2008, Tim started his new career in real estate and has sold homes throughout Northern Virginia and as far south as Stafford County. He specializes in single-family detached homes and townhouses. This former teacher truly enjoys assisting first time homebuyers with: (a.) The home selection and contract process (b.) Helping them understand the complexities of obtaining a mortgage and (c.) Ultimately guiding them through myriad details leading to a successful home settlement. As a member of the Bob Nelson Team, Tim takes particular pride in what we have been doing to help our servicemen and women in their need to find both short-term and permanent homes in the northern Virginia region. We all feel privileged to provide any and all assistance to the members of the U.S. armed services.

Tim recently gained certification in selling “distressed properties” and  would be glad to assist anyone who might be contemplating buying or selling a home under a Short Sale arrangement.

On the personal side, Tim lives in Great Falls with his wife Susan, who is a director at Ernst and Young LLC located in Tysons Corner.  The Heils  have two children, Lily and Gordon. Both children went through the Fairfax County School System and are now attending James Madison University and the University of Mary Washington, respectively. Tim and his wife are members of St. Francis church in Great Falls and the family continues to maintain an active role in the northern Virginia community.

After working for another real estate firm for some time, Tim decided to join the Bob Nelson Team at Keller Williams Realty in August of 2009.  After serious consideration, he made this switch with the firm belief that this will enable him to best serve the interest of all his current and prospective clients. Please feel free to contact Tim at Tim@BobNelsonTeam.com and learn how the Bob Nelson Team difference will make your real estate transactions a pleasurable experience. And Oh by the Way… we are never too busy for your referrals.

WE ALL CARE AND APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, NOT JUST ONE MONDAY EACH MONTH.

This month we will be showing our support to the troops who are on the frontlines of the war on terror.  Military Appreciation Mondays will be raising funds for the Great Falls, Va. based group Neighbors Foundation. NIF has provided over 1,600 care packages to servicemen and women serving YOU AND ME in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Some of the things sent include:

• Snack and food items that hold up well in a combat environment.
• Over 75 current magazines regularly donated by Time Warner.
• Holiday items to bring some seasonal cheer.

This month’s dinner at the Old Brogue will be on May 24th.  As always, we will be doing two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30.  As always, you simply come out and have dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls.  Myself and my cosponsors will each be contributing a 10 percent match (typically a total of an 80 percent match) of your dinner tab to Neighbors International Foundation.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in becoming a co-sponsor, please contact me at bob@bobnelsonteam.com.

You can also show your support through:
A. The purchase of door prize entries. (ALL Proceeds will go directly to Neighbors Foundation)
B.  Our buy a vet dinner initiative.  We will have between 10-15 enlisted personnel for whom you can buy dinner.
C.  Or you can make out a fully tax deductible donation to Neighbors Foundation.

Be Certain to make at Reservation for
Either the 5:30 or 7:30 Seating by Calling
The Old Brogue at:  (703) 759-3309

Hope to See You There

Please come out strong to show your support.  Due to the heavy rain and the Caps game, last month’s attendance only reach 80 people.  While our vets in attendance appreciated this showing, I was hoping to break our previous best of 130.  We did manage to raise nearly $3,000.  This in part due to one of my recent clients who committed to donating $600 to Our Military Kids.  I was also thrilled to learn last month that the March dinner in support of Lift Me Up’s therapeutic horseback riding raised enough money to jump start that program’s efforts and fund three veterans.

Please be certain to thank my co-sponsors when you have a chance.

Last Month’s Co-sponsors

The Old Brogue

LSA Title Services

Gary Kaihara, DDS

The Grossman Family

The Nelson Family

James Gaudiosi – Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Previous Co-Sponsors

Mercury LLC

Knight Point Systems

Shiner Roofing and Siding

Danny Ott – George Mason Bank

and our door prize donors:

Billy Casper Golf Adeler Jewelers Toll Brothers Homes

PF Chang’s Dominion Title Lodgecliffe Bed and Breakfast

Casa Noble Tequila Elite Fitness Golds Gym

Turner Framing Maison Du Vin Mr. Wash (Car Wash)

Great Falls Design Build Home Equity Builders Campbell Mechanical

State Farm Insurance Downs & Assoc. Insurance

I recently wrote a quick note to some folks who bought a Deck House in Reston.  I had said I wanted to stop by and see what they had done to their new home.  I knew from the moment we walked in the door that it was the perfect home for them.  Here is what Gene wrote back to me.

Bob. Come by anytime. We have done a lot. It has been fun. Thanks for helping us get it. I have never lived in a house I love more. You are the man Bob. See you soon.

Needless to say, I can’t wait to get by and see the home again.
A young couple (who are soon to have their first baby) bought their first home in Reston earlier this year.  We had looked at several homes together, but this particular townhome was an excellent value and in great shape.  Here is what Megan recently sent me.

Hi Bob, we’re really enjoying the house.  Of course you can stop by.
We’re out of the house until the evening most weekdays, so would over
the weekend work for you?

We’re sorry we haven’t been in touch, and we really appreciate all
you’ve done to help us get it.

I look forward to getting by and see it soon.  It will be even more exciting next fall after the baby is born.  I know they have to be extremely excited.