Sunday, February 15, 2009

Do You Need A Realtor When You Buy a New Home

Why should you use a Realtor when you are buying from a builder?

Many new home buyers are unaware they should have a Realtor on their side when they purchase a new home. Just like with the purchase of a resale home, your Realtor (buyer's agent) will represent you during your transaction. The builder or their sales person is representing the builder’s interest not yours. When you have me as your Realtor, I am your agent, and I will look out for your best interest.

Who pays your Realtor in a new construction purchase?

The best thing about working with me is that it cost you nothing. Using my services in your purchase will not increase the price that you pay for your new home. To ensure you get the best price, I will use statistics from recent sales in our area to help you determine the right offering price. I will earn my commission working for you and will be paid by the seller (the builder or developer) at closing.

Are there any other advantages to having a Realtor?

Yes, as a Realtor, I am a professional and adhere to a code of ethics. I under go continuing education to improve my knowledge and stay up to date on the various things that effect real estate. The real estate market is constantly changing, and may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Knowing these market conditions will assist you in finding the best property and getting it at the very best price. More reasons to use a Realtor

Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Homebuyer Tax Credit

REVISED CREDIT –
EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009
The Credit has been increased to $8000, up from $7500. The credit reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit is refunded to purchaser when you file your income tax. The full amount of credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000). First-time Homebuyer Only; Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase. Unlike last years $7500 Tax Credit there is no repayment requirement unless the home is sold within three years of purchase, then the entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale.

Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/

Friday, February 6, 2009

BUILDER MAY OWE YOU $$$

If you bought a home in 2008, the previous owner may owe you money. The previous owner is responsible for the taxes for the time they owned the home. The closing agent estimated the amount the taxes would be and collected their share and credited it to you at the closing. If the estimate was low, you are owed money, this is very likely if you bought a new construction home because the tax was figured on the land value only.



Here is how it works:

1. find out what your tax bill is, not the discount rate paid in November but the full rate.

2. figure out how long they owned the property.

3. check the HUD statement you received at closing and see how much they paid for property tax.

4. do the math.

5. collect your money.

6. if you don't understand or can not find the information, check with your Realtor or the Closing Agent, they will have the information and be able to help with the math.



Example:

You bought your home on March 1, 2008. The closing agent estimated the taxes to be $1200.00 for the year and credited you $200. The actual tax bill ended up being $2400.00 for the year. You are due $200 from the previous owners.



The math:



$2400 tax bill divided by 12 months = $200 per month.

$200 multiplied by 2 months (Jan and Feb) = $400.

$400 minus the $200 already credited you at closing = $200 you are owed.



Visit one of my websites at http://selldaytona.com/ or http://www.venetianbay.org/