Federal & California Home Buying Incentives You Want To Know About!

Buying a home is very attractive right now with the low, competitive interest rates – 5% – 6% (since they change daily, please check with your favorite lender or contact me for my favorite recommendations); lower home prices including foreclosures; and if that isn’t enough, check out the Federal &  State of California incentive programs.  NOTE:   When the monies allocated for these programs are gone…the program is gone, so be sure to check on the appropriate sites for updates.

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, or make your first home purchase since 3+ years ago…This is your year!  Interest rates are hovering 5% in many cases, and prices are down – the Federal government has a temporary tax credit available for sales completed Jan. 1, 2009 through the end of December 2009.  It is equal to 10% of  the purchase price, with a maximum credit of $8,000.  It’s important to note that there are guidelines for this program which you will find on their site.

The State of California wants you to focus on New Housing for their incentive program with a $10,000 possible tax credit on the purchase of a property never lived in.  Their money is going quickly – so if you are seriously considering taking advantage of this opportunity – follow their updates daily, and let me help you  find that new home!

Terms and guidelines for each of these programs are different,
so as always, be sure to seek the advice & confirmation of
the details from your tax/legal advisor.

If you would like to explore these programs or have a real estate need or interest, I can easily be found - I look forward to hearing from you and keeping in touch.

Remember, my business is based on your referrals,
which I greatly appreciate.

Have A wonderful Holiday Season

It’s hard to believe the Winter Holidays are here, which means the New Year “2009” is right around the corner.  The year 2008 will long be remembered in History Books as a year of challenges!

 

If you have the cash and the strong credit rating – this is the real estate market for you.  Loans up to $625,000 are definitely more accessible than the Jumbo’s, however, Jumbo loans are out there. It just takes a professional with the expertise in arranging and placing loans to guide you through the process.  Please seek advice from a professional loan/mortgage broker.  Contact me for recommendations of long time trusted individuals who do just that!

 

There is no shortage in the number of homes & condos for sale…so you now have an opportunity to make a pretty good deal on an investment for the future.  Some areas have many foreclosures and/or short sales, and yet there are other areas with very few…time will tell.  We just have to watch the real estate market as it continues its adjustment.

 

And that’s exactly what I do and have done for over 25 years, actively selling properties for my clients for their personal use and investments, and helping them to buy the home or investment of their dreams. 

 

My Office is in Brentwood/West Los Angeles and I live in the Sherman Oaks area of the San Fernando Valley… I am prepared to offer you the highest quality in professionalism, commitment and the full service real estate that you deserve. 

 

Every morning I take a few moments to be grateful for the good things in my life, for the love of family & friends and I ask you to please join me in giving thanks to the brave men & women who are defending us 24 hours a day, at “home” and in places foreign to them, so we can enjoy a sense of peace, security and freedom here in the USA.

 

It gives me great pleasure to extend my very best wishes to you and those who are dearest to you an especially warm, healthy and happy Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year.

 

 

 

Moving In The Right Direction One Step at a Time

When I first started real estate some years ago (like 1979!) I was taught some very basic premises, that I use to this day.  When I side step or try to bend my own rules – there is usually trouble.  I know I have a great committed client, when they follow the necessary steps to keep their transaction moving in the right direction.

First, it is imperative, that I sit down with my potential buyers and we have a discussion, about your expectations, what is important, setting priorities, and then  I talk about my background & experience in RE sales, What I will do for you, to keep you on MLS alert for all new listings & price changes matching your criteria.  It is important for me to educate my clients on what happens when we find the right home and remind them that the first thing they need to do, if they haven’t already done it, is to contact a lender of their choice to be pre approved.   I am always glad to offer several lender referrals.   So when we find the home of their choice, and present our offer, we are prepared, pre approved and ready to move forward.  With the accepted offer the work begins. 

Second, One Step at a Time, works best for me, rather than spinning our wheels trying to anticipate what might happen down the road, I believe in taking one step at a time & keep everything moving in the right direction. 

Third,  at the same time keeping our focus on the BIG Picture – a smooth and successful transaction close, with all parties happy!   Most things work out the way they should, and getting past the “small battles” as they come up, (and I promise you they will!), moves us closer to our Happy Ending!!  Mine & yours!

Over and above all I have a smile in my voice & on my face – because I love what I do!

So have a happy day and remember to contact me  when you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate property in the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley areas - I committed to putting a smile on your face!