Real Estate Intro.com

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was signed into law on November 6, 2009.  This extends and expands the previously passed first-time homeowners tax credit.  There are three major categories to review.
Extension:

The first-time homeowner tax credit is now available for those eligible taxpayers who enter a binding home buying contract for a [...]

Properly preparing your home for winter will not only save on energy costs, but may also prevent some major damages and expensive repairs.  The following are a list of suggestions.

Winterize your sprinkler system by having the lines blown out. 
Insulate water pipes in the crawl space under the house to prevent freezing and bursting.
When lowering the thermostat [...]

Friday I attended the inspection of a property in the older part of town.  The inspector found extensive damage in the crawl space of the home caused by termites.  Everything about the environment of the home pointed to an invitation to these destructive creatures.  There is no ventilation to the crawl space.  The furnace and [...]

The deadline for the first-time homebuyer tax credit is November 30th.  If you are one of those first time buyers, who has not bought a home yet, it’s getting to be crunch time.  You need to find a home, secure an offer, get the mortgage process going, and close before the deadline to get the $8000 [...]

I am not an appraiser, but in the thirty plus years working with them in my real estate business I have learned that there are some factors considered by appraisers in valuing properties that are important for clients to understand in selling or buying. Understanding how an appraiser views a property should help in determining what to do to enhance the value of your home or if you are buying a home what amenities to look for that are of value.

Having observed many home inspections over the past 30 years, I know that there are simple things that can be done in your home to save energy. Quality windows, proper insulation, and the right heating and cooling systems are important in constructing or in remodeling a home, but that should be left for another day and another article. These tips are simple and inexpensive things that can be done to save money as well as energy.

One of the least expensive improvements you can make to your home is the painting of its’ interior walls and ceilings.  It’s a quick and easy way to liven up the decor.  However, there are some tips in preparation that can make a huge difference in the quality of the results.

Properly prepare the surface so [...]

If you are considering a remodeling project on your home, there are some important things that should be included in any contract you enter into with a contractor who will be doing the remodel.  The essence of any contract is to ensure that all parties have the same vision and scope of what is to [...]

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a federal tax credit for up to $8000 when you purchase a home before December 1, 2009.  Whether the buyer is an individual or a married couple, they qualify for the same amount.  One exception to that is if the buyer is married and buying a home [...]

Many homeowners often are so focused on the decor and the interior appeal of their home that they overlook the curb appeal (appearance) of the exterior.  The outside condition of the house is where a good or poor first impression is made.  Once that impression is given it’s not soon forgotten.  By making simple cosmetic changes [...]