Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended!

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate’s vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President’s desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year’s economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home. To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

FOR SALE: 9831 Bayline Circle, Owings Mills, MD 21117

Beautiful 3 Bed w/2 Full & 2 Half Baths End Unit Townhouse in New Town. Many upgrades including Granite counters, glass tile backsplash and additional cabinets in kitchen – new carpet and Pergo flooring. Full house extension on rear for all three levels. Fenced yard, large decks off family room and walkout basement. 3 neighborhood Pools – Freshly painted and ready to move in. One Year HOME WARRANTY

For Sale: 3205 Presstman St, Baltimore, MD 21216

3 Bedroom 1 Bath End Unit Townhouse Near Coppin State University. A TRUE HANDYMAN SPECIAL WITH FLEXABILITY AND VERSATILITY. Price Reflects Condition Seller Would Like A Quick Sale & Settlement VACANT ESTATE SALE SOLD “AS-IS” CASH or CONVENTIONAL SALE ONLY

Pushy Real Estate Agent

This is very funny. I am fairly certain that some agents act this way.

This is not how I operate.

Return On Remodeling Investment (RORI)

When you purchase a home, you want to personalize or imprint it with your own style. This usually takes the form of decorating, such as painting, wallpapering, and installing new window treatments.

You may want to remodel your home as well as decorate it. Many home improvements may enhance your lifestyle, but they may not necessarily add resale value.

Although this may not seem important right now, it will certainly make a difference when the time comes to sell. You won’t get your money back with some improvements, yet others can help make you money.

The return on investment differs based on neighborhoods, but here are some general rules:

• Enhancing a home’s “curb appeal” will help sell it for top dollar. Painting the exterior is a relatively inexpensive way to add curb appeal.
• Remodeling the kitchen and/or baths is one of the best ways to add value.
• Adding a room or garage is an expensive improvement, but it can pay off if it is carefully designed.
• Decks and patios can add some value.
• Landscaping often adds appeal, but not necessarily value.

I’d be happy to stop by and discuss any improvement projects you might be considering. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions.

Factors That Drive House Values

Household incomes, mortgage rates, the job market, and affordability are all factors that help determine a home’s value. Yet another factor is a home’s amenities.

Of course buyers look at the number of bedrooms and baths and whether they have been updated or remodeled. They also look for an updated or remodeled kitchen, a family room or “great room,” two- or three-car garages, and an outdoor living area, such as a patio or deck.

With many people working longer hours, another factor that affects value is the condition of the property. Most people want a home that they can move into easily. Keeping your home in good repair is important to obtaining top dollar when it is time to sell, as well as for your own enjoyment in the meantime.

Maintaining your home consistently is the most efficient way to keep it in good repair. Seasonal chores such as checking the gutters and downspouts in the fall and checking the roof for weather damage in the spring can maximize their effectiveness and minimize the time it takes to keep them maintained.

Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if I can provide you with information or resources on home maintenance.

Clients – Email+ Update

This is a short video tutorial on the new MRIS Email+ features. This should help explain some of the modifications you are seeing in the automated emails I send you regarding your Home Search.

Below I have also provided a link to a pdf file that has written instructions.
http://phillcross.com/files/mris/EmailPlus_Guidelines.pdf

For Sale: 3404 GLENSIDE DR, PARKVILLE, MD 21234

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3 Bedroom & 1.5 Bath Split Level Single Family Home w/ In-Ground Pool, Oversized Backyard, Off Street Parking, New Roof, Central A/C & Forced Air Heat, Big closets and lots of storage. Conveniently located near, interstates, shopping, and schools. Clean, freshly painted and move in condition. 1 yr Home Warranty. Appliances & Furniture convey

Don’t Throw Away Your VCR!

Thought this was worth sharing…

Happy Independence Day (2009)

[aka Fourth of July]
This is the time of the year for all of us to reflect on what a great country we live in. If it wasn’t for the sacrifices that so many people have made over the years, we would not have the freedom we so enjoy.

Here in the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

Independence Day and Baltimore Fireworks at the Inner Harbor

Commemorate Independence Day with festive fireworks, live music and family fun at Cricket 4th of July Celebration. On Saturday, July 4, thousands of visitors can observe the holiday at the city’s historic Inner Harbor. At 4:30pm, guests can enjoy dynamic musical selections by Reverb, an a cappella group, followed by Electric Brigade, the Navy’s premier contemporary entertainment ensemble, at 8pm. Performances will take place at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Light and Pratt streets. The annual fireworks display, which is produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale starts at 9:30pm. During the choreographed fireworks show, Electric Brigade will entertain the audience with today’s popular music and patriotic selections. The multicolored fireworks can be seen from Harbor East, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Canton and other surroundings areas. During the holiday weekend, visitors are encouraged to ride the MTA Bus, Metro Subway and Light Rail for weekend festivities.

Cricket 4th of July Celebration is presented by Mayor Sheila Dixon, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, sponsored by Cricket, and supported by Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Harborplace & The Gallery, Ocean Spray, Verizon Wireless, Fruit 2o Essentials and CITYPEEK.com.

Event-goers are encouraged to enjoy all that downtown Baltimore and the Inner Harbor has to offer by visiting attractions, museums, restaurants, eateries and retail shops.

CRICKET 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Schedule of Events

4:30-6:30pm Reverb, a cappella

8:00-9:30pm Electric Brigade, a U.S. Naval Academy Band

9:30-9:48pm Fireworks Show

For more information on Cricket 4th of July Celebration, call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.promotionandarts.com.

Be safe and enjoy the 4th of July!