California Tax Credit Monies May Go Fast...

The $100 million allocated for California’s first-time homebuyer tax credits may be depleted in about 10 to 20 days or sooner, according to C.A.R.’s Economics team.  California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) plans to begin accepting applications on May 1, 2010 for tax credits up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers and for homes that have never been previously occupied.  However, the total tax credit...

Homebuyer Tax Credit Signed...

Gov. Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 183, the Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation, into law March 25, 2010. AB 183 will provide $200 million for home buyer tax credits, allocating $100 million for qualified first-time home buyers of existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes. The eligible taxpayer who purchases a qualified personal residence on and after May 1, 2010, and on or...

Solve Design Issues With iPhone Apps...

Help clients see the design potential in a living space instantly. Change the dining room color from lemon yellow to plum purple — before painting. Rearrange new furniture — before moving day. Get staging tips, watch design videos, and add curb appeal with these four iPhone apps. Home Interior Layout Designer – Mark On Call M.O.C. Interior Designer, LLC – $2.99 Customize the layout of a kitchen, living room,...

Designs for Sharing Spaces...

Sharing Spaces: Designs That Set Boundaries Shared living is on the rise, and for many reasons. In some cases, multiple-family generations come back together as boomerang kids return home due to job loss and financial hits. Some families decide to reside among several generations for familial or cultural tradition. Older parents may require greater care and companionship. Or, nonfamily might share space to defray mortgage...

Buyers Who Wait May Lose...

Potential home buyers who delay have a lot to lose. First-time home buyer and move-up tax credits worth $8,000 and $6,500, respectively, expire April 30. Buyers who qualify get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes or a cash payment if they don’t pay enough taxes to cover the credit. Other factors that should spur buyers: Low mortgage rates. If the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities at the end of...

Showing Your Home for Sale...

Although the buyer is a guest in your home, you want the buyer to imagine owning the home. You don’t want to make the buyer feel like an intruder.Now it’s time to get your home ready for the spotlight. Start with a good cleaning, then eliminate any clutter, add a fresh coat of paint and tidy up the yard. I can help you with other tips that can help boost a home’s curb appeal and impress potential buyers once...

Setting the Right Price for Your Home...

A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced too low, you won’t benefit from the optimal profit. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price review the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends. As an agent of CENTURY 21 Advantage, we are trained to use this information to help you reach the...

Selling Your Home for The First Time...

What steps should you take? Here’s a simple list to get you started. 1. You Can Do It. Some 5.65 million existing homes were sold in 2007* , more than 15,000 a day. Other owners have done it and so can you. 2. Define Your Goal. Do you want the highest sales price — or the biggest check at closing? They’re not necessarily the same. Imagine that two homes sell for $300,000, but one owner pays 2 points and...

Consumer Confidence Brochure...

The Consumer Confidence Brochure provides useful information for any real estate buyer, especially first time buyers. Despite the recent slowdowns in some markets, housing remains a good long-term investment. If you want to purchase property in the Mt Shasta area, email Andrée...