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Shea Cook
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    CNE: Certified Negotiation Expert

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First Time Home Buyers

Question: “I would like to know more about what you offer First-Time Home Buyers.”

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Answer:  I absolutely love working with First-Time Home Buyers!!!  It is such a fun time, buying you first home.  However, it can seem just a little scary… not knowing all the ‘ins and outs’ of real estate and not knowing the process of buying a home.

This is where I can step in and help!  Understand that for First-Time Home Buyers, my services are absolutely free!!!  We will sit down together, go over the home buying process so that you understand everything and you know what to expect.  We will also briefly go over the lending process and the time frames involved with that aspect of buying a home.  We will also go over representation, documentation, home searches, inspections, the closing and more!

Buying a home should be a fun and rewarding experience, and with me on your side… that’s exactly what it will be!  Please feel free to call me directly, at any time 208-313-3951.  I look forward to working with you :)

Question: “I heard they extended the tax credit. Is that true?”

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Answer:  Yes, you heard right!  The tax credit for First-Time Home Buyers has been extended  :)   The President signed the tax credit extension, which moved the expiration date to April 30, 2010.  The maximum amount of the tax credit did remain the same… $8000 for married couples, $4000 for those filing separately.

To be eligible for the credit, you cannot have owned a home for the last 3 years.  The income limits have been raised to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for married couples.  You must close your transaction before June 30, 2010.  The tax credit may not be used to purchase a home for more that $800,000

This is great news for First-Time Home Buyers that were not able to purchase a home by the previous deadline.  So those of you that are still wondering whether or not this is a good time to buy… well, it just doesn’t get any better than this!!!   Call, email or text me today and let’s get started finding you a new home!!!

Approved !!! Attention Southeast Idaho: Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!!!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Just yesterday I explained that Congress was close to passing a bill that includes an amendment to extend and expand the home buyer tax credit.  As of yesterday, that bill has passed and will be sent to President Obama for his signature.

Here is a quick summary of the changes:

When the President signs the bill, the expiration date for the credit will move to April 30, 2010.  First-time buyers who have not owned a home for the last three years are still eligible, and the maximum amount remains the same – $8000 for married couples, $4000 for those filing separately.

Current home owners, who have consecutively maintained the home they want to sell as their primary residence for five of the last eight years, are also eligible.  However, the maximum amount for those homeowners is lower: $6500 for married couples and $3200 for those filing separately.

The tax credit may not be used to purchase a home for more than $800,000.  All buyers who want to get the credit must include documentation of the purchase on their tax returns.  The income limits for both tax credits have been raised to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for married couples.

This is a HUGE victory for consumers and the housing market!!!!  So those of you wondering whether or not to sell your home, let’s get it on the market today!!!!  And those of you that are still wondering whether or not this is a good time to buy… well, it just doesn’t get any better than this!!!!  Call, email or text me today and let’s get started finding you a new home!!!!

First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit UPDATE in Rexburg, ID

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

In a recent post I blogged about the extension of the First-time Home Buyers.  Realtors across the nation are positive and hopeful that the extension of the Tax Credit will be extended.

Today we are even more confident!!  The Senate voted 98 – 0 to pass the Tax Credit (within the Unemployment Bill).  Now it will go to the house.  It is expected that the Democratic leadership will place the bill on a fast track for passage today.  With an approval in the House today, the bill could be on the President’s desk as early as tomorrow!

What does that mean for home buyers in Rexburg, ID and Idaho Falls, ID????  First time home buyers can expect an extension of the current tax credit.  In addition, for current home owners that have been in their house for a minimum of 5 years, there will be an additional tax credit for you.  Possibly up to $6500 when you sell your current home and then close on another.  It is rumored that the new deadlines will be to have a signed purchase & sales contract by the end of April 2010, in which each transaction will have the month of May to close.

Stay tuned in for more updates!  And as always, feel free to call, email or text any questions that you may have on real estate.  I would love to discuss ways to help you in your real estate efforts :)

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extention Rexburg ID

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

ATTENTION ALL HOME BUYERS!!!Senators in Washington agreed Wednesday, October 28, 2009, to extend a popular tax credit for first-time home buyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers. 

The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers but is set to expire at the end of November 2009. Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time home buyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years. The tax credits would be available to homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April 2010. They would have until the end of June 2010, to close on their new homes, according to a summary of the legislation being circulated among lawmakers.

However, there is also information that the extension of the $8,000 tax credit may be REDUCED up to 10%.  There is still time to qualify for the full and current $8,000 first-time home buyers tax credit.  A loan in Southeast Idaho can take up to 30 days to close, but there are some lending institutions that can close a loan much sooner.  First-time home buyers, call or email me today and let’s get to work!!

Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers in Rexburg, ID

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

What a great opportunity for first time home buyers to purchase a home!!!  Those of you who are wanting to qualify for the $8,000.00 tax credit need to be aware that your deadline, of November 30, 2009, is quickly approaching.  Not many first time home buyers realize the time frame that is involved in buying a house.  The lending process (depending on your lender) can take on average from 21 days to 30 days, or more, to complete.  So make sure to visit with a lender before you go look at houses.  That way you will know three important things:

1. You will know how much you can spend on a home.

2. You will have a good estimate of the number of days needed to close your loan.

3. Your lender will then have the needed documents to quickly start the process of your loan approval.

You also need to keep in mind that after all the closing documents are signed, your home purchase still needs to fund and record before your purchase is considered closed.  Funding and recording can take up to 24 hours or more to occur.  This is the tricky part!!  You will want to try to sign all the closing paperwork no later than Friday, November 27, 2009 in order for your transaction to be considered closed by November 30, 2009.

With all that said, and to be on the safe side, you would want to have an accepted offer on a home no later than November 2, 2009 .  Whoa!!  That is not too far away!  So, be sure to double check your time frame with your lender, and feel free to call or email me with any questions that you might have with the purchase of your new home :)

Market Recap

  • Avg. Sales Price: 379,000

  • Avg. Days on Market: 69

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