www.buyershome.wordpress.com

2009 Federal Housing Tax Credit for Home Buyers

George — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:15:47 +0000

There are some perks for home buyers in the new Federal Stimulus package signed by President Obama a few days ago. Details are still a bit sketchy however in broad outline here are some basics that may help you in your home purchase planning. What is it? A Federal income tax credit applicable directly against your tax [...]

Revised (improved) $7,500 tax credit for home buyers progressing through Congress

George — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:38:44 +0000

The U.S. House of Representatives has now (January 28, 2009) passed the Economic Stimulus Bill which includes the provision removing the “pay back” aspect of the $7,500 tax credit for first time home buyers according to this CNN report (http://tinyurl.com/c6wn7k). The Senate is expected to pass its own version of the bill in the next [...]

$7500 Home Buyer Tax Credit Repayment Requirement Ending?

George — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:15:21 +0000

With the change in the Federal administration has come hope that the $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit—discussed in my last two posts—may have its 15-year repayment requirement removed. Kenneth Harney wrote in yesterday’s Sunday Columbus Dispatch that Congress is seriously considering the move. That would substantially increase the attractiveness of the tax credit and will likely [...]

New home buyer $7,500 tax credit–REVISITED

George — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:01:36 +0000

A clarification. I recently wrote about the new federal income tax credit for home buyers. My statement in that post that singles would receive $3,750 instead of the $7,500 was unintentionally misleading. Singles buying a home and qualifying in every other way will receive the full $7,500 credit. Unmarried couples (or married couples who file their taxes separately) who [...]

Rain Gardens are cool! Learn more at the CORGI Workshop

George — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:28:14 +0000

Here’s a “green initiative” you probably haven’t thought of. Lighten the load on our storm sewer system and redirect your rainwater runoff into a rain garden. The City of Columbus in association with the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative is conducting a Workshop and Training at the Department of Transportation, 1980 W. Broad Street this month. [...]

Fundamental Real Estate Mistakes: Self-deception

George — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:52:40 +0000

Self-deception affects everyone to some degree. Lives are lost and incredible amounts of time, money and resources are wasted each day because of it. Knowledge and disciplined vigilance are useful tools against it. So is hiring a professional. In real estate the financial impact of self-deception can be enormous. The right real estate professional will employ [...]

Happy IN your home

George — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:55:15 +0000

I help people buy new homes for their families. I saw a quotation a couple days ago that reminded me of why I do what I do. The quote by G.K. Chesterton was posted on Gretchen Rubin’s blog, The Happiness Project. Here’s the quote. “There are no chains of houses; there are no crowds of men. [...]

NEW federal tax credit for home buyers

George — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:21:36 +0000

Last week, Congress passed a new comprehensive housing bill. Among its components is a significant tax credit available to new home buyers. Kenneth Harney’s “The Nation’s Housing” column in The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, August 3, 2008, does a good job of describing the basics of this benefit for new home buyers. Michelle Singletary’s July 31, 2008 [...]

Mortgage Insurance? What’s that?

George — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:01:01 +0000

My colleague, Mike Marshall (aka Home Buyer Advocate Mike) has written about the mortgage insurance tax break extension in his blog. He includes some links and a video with excellent background information. Worth checking out.

Will the REAL exclusive buyer agent take one step forward? Not so fast there Mr. Trad.

George — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:58:35 +0000

Not long ago our good friend Jon Boyd posted this useful definition of a true exclusive buyer agent (EBA) on one of his blogs. Home buyers seeking the best home at the best price and the best terms and who want to make the best use of their time, energy and money in the process should pay close attention to the [...]