Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Another Tax Credit Extension
By now I'm sure a lot of you have heard that on Wednesday the Senate voted to approve the extension of the First Time Home Buyers tax credit.
What does this do? It allows for buyers who had a purchase contract executed on or before April 30th of 2010 until September 30th to complete the purchase of the home.
Is this a good thing? Well, it's a fair decision, but maybe not a good one.
Why? Because, as a Realtor, I can tell you that on average, in this market, it takes longer than 2 months to close most real estate transactions involving a distressed property, and even some that do not involve a distressed property. So, it does allow some home buyers the advantage of of the $8k tax credit, which is fair.
On the other hand, from my perspective as a Realtor, it's just another method of propping up the economy and the housing market, instead of allowing it to regain stability and strength, organically.
By allowing this credit, it could possibly create a similar environment to develop which helped create the housing market collapse. It allows for a large number of home buyers to purchase a home with little, or in some cases, no vested interest.
Isn't that a BIG part of what started this mess in the first place?
Warmest,
James Helms
What does this do? It allows for buyers who had a purchase contract executed on or before April 30th of 2010 until September 30th to complete the purchase of the home.
Is this a good thing? Well, it's a fair decision, but maybe not a good one.
Why? Because, as a Realtor, I can tell you that on average, in this market, it takes longer than 2 months to close most real estate transactions involving a distressed property, and even some that do not involve a distressed property. So, it does allow some home buyers the advantage of of the $8k tax credit, which is fair.
On the other hand, from my perspective as a Realtor, it's just another method of propping up the economy and the housing market, instead of allowing it to regain stability and strength, organically.
By allowing this credit, it could possibly create a similar environment to develop which helped create the housing market collapse. It allows for a large number of home buyers to purchase a home with little, or in some cases, no vested interest.
Isn't that a BIG part of what started this mess in the first place?
Warmest,
James Helms
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The “Four Questions” every home seller asks.
It’s been my experience that when I sit down with a customer to begin the process of listing their home for sale, there are usually the same "Four Questions" that all home sellers ask me.
They are:
1. What is my home worth?
2. How long will it take to sell my home?
3. How much will it cost to sell my home?
4. CAN you sell my home?
The answer to those "Four Questions" really depends on YOU, the home seller. However, I do have an idea of what it takes. For my answer to the "Four Questions", send me an email.
They are:
1. What is my home worth?
2. How long will it take to sell my home?
3. How much will it cost to sell my home?
4. CAN you sell my home?
The answer to those "Four Questions" really depends on YOU, the home seller. However, I do have an idea of what it takes. For my answer to the "Four Questions", send me an email.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Has the Housing Market Stabilized?
Here in Palm Beach County it seems like it may have. Why? Well, for one, the inventory of homes in certain price range is continuing to shrink. Secondly, because the inventory is starting to shrink, buyers are offering list price and sometimes more to secure a contract on a home. Now, most of these offers are being made on short sale or bank owned properties. This makes the non-distressed properties that come onto the market very appealing and are they’re being sold at a premium. Why? Most people do not want to wait out the average 3 to 6 months for a short sale or bank owned property to close. These non-distressed properties are only on the market for a few days, and in some cases, only a few hours.
Let me know what’s going on with the real estate in your area. I’m very interested in hearing about it.
James
Let me know what’s going on with the real estate in your area. I’m very interested in hearing about it.
James
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Palm Beach County Property Taxes are due!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't want you guys to forget about this and incur any late fees.
Remember!
2009 Property Taxes are due on March 31st, 2010.
If you want to begin making installment payments on your 2010 Property Taxes, just go to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s website for information on how to do that.
Remember!
2009 Property Taxes are due on March 31st, 2010.
If you want to begin making installment payments on your 2010 Property Taxes, just go to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s website for information on how to do that.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
More Testing for The Acreage Cancer Cluster
I just read in the Palm Beach Post that top officials from Tallahassee are vowing more testing out in The Acreage to try to determine why there is an abnormal amount of childhood cancer out in that area. The Florida Surgeon General and the Florida Department of Health have requested help from the federal Center for Disease Control as well. Hopefully they’ll get to the bottom of what’s going on out there. Gotta protect the kids.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Deadline for Filing Homestead Exemption
Did you buy a home in 2009? If you did, remember to file for Homestead Exemption before March 1st. You can E-file at http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/papa
Monday, February 1, 2010
Top Ten Features that Home Buyers Want
We would like to share with you what we, and Paul Cardis of Avid Ratings, have discovered to be the top 10 features that home buyers want.
1. Large kitchens with islands, preferably with upgraded counters such as; granite, corian, or tile, and a back-splash.
2. Green thinking such as; energy efficient appliances, solar pool heaters, super insulation, dual-zone AC, and hi-efficient windows.
3. 1st Floor Home Offices.
4. More Feng Shui oriented homes.
5. Ceiling fans.
6. 1st floor master bedroom with French doors, a Roman tub and/or an over sized shower with a seating area.
7. Screened-in outdoor living Space.
8. Stone and Brick exteriors, instead of siding and stucco.
9. Community walking paths and playgrounds.
10. Two or three car garages.
The sign you want...the agent you need. We SELL homes faster than you can BUY them! Get a FREE market analysis!
James Helms -- Post From My iPhone
1. Large kitchens with islands, preferably with upgraded counters such as; granite, corian, or tile, and a back-splash.
2. Green thinking such as; energy efficient appliances, solar pool heaters, super insulation, dual-zone AC, and hi-efficient windows.
3. 1st Floor Home Offices.
4. More Feng Shui oriented homes.
5. Ceiling fans.
6. 1st floor master bedroom with French doors, a Roman tub and/or an over sized shower with a seating area.
7. Screened-in outdoor living Space.
8. Stone and Brick exteriors, instead of siding and stucco.
9. Community walking paths and playgrounds.
10. Two or three car garages.
The sign you want...the agent you need. We SELL homes faster than you can BUY them! Get a FREE market analysis!
James Helms -- Post From My iPhone
Location:Palm Beach County, FL
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Buying a Home?
You'd better hurry. I'm finding that homes of all types have multiple offers on them within days of coming on the market. This happening mostly within the $90,000 to $200,000 price range.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)