Oct 31, 2009
Super-Offend-onomics
Labels: agents, real estate, Realtors
Oct 30, 2009
Mortgage Limits Passes
Extension of the Higher Temporary Mortgage Limits has passed. It is now on the way to President Obama for signature. The net effect will be that the mortgage limits would remain at the same level today through 2010. They could, of course, increase in areas with higher house prices (like Dallas).
And the tax credit proposal (included in the unemployment extension bill) may be finalized next week. Some people believe this is a very positive step. Others feel it won't get buyers 'off the fence'. Details of the new tax credit program are:- First-time homebuyers will continue at $8,000
- Tax credit for “move up” purchasers will be up to $6,500
- Those buyers must have used their previous home as a principal residence for 5 of the 8 previous years.
- Income limits increased and are the same for first-time and “move up” purchasers: $125,000 for single filers/$225,000 for joint filers
- Limitation on eligible home prices has been increased to $800,000
- Time Frame: December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 plus 60 day extension if binding contract is in place by April 30, 2010
- Anti-fraud measures have been added
Below are some of the highlights (as they pertain to homebuyers) of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. It is supposed to be considered by the Senate early next week and will still have to be passed by the House.
Homebuyer credit - Under current law, the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit available to an individual buying a principal residence for the first time. The credit phases out for individuals with income between $75,000 and $95,000 and for joint filers with income between $150,000 and $170,000. For purchases made on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009, the tax credit is equal to the lesser of $8,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price of the residence. Individuals must repay the credit only if the principal residence is disposed of within 36 months of purchase. For purchases made on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009, the tax credit is equal to the lesser of $7,500 or 10 percent of the purchase price of the residence. Individuals purchasing homes in 2008 are also required to repay the credit over 15 years. This proposal would extend the availability of a homebuyer credit to homes under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.
The other modifications are as follows:
1) The credit is phased out for individuals with income above $125,000 and for joint filers with income about $225,000.
2) An $8,000 credit is available to all first-time homebuyers.
3) A $6,500 credit is available to homebuyers who have been in their current residence for the last five years or more.
4) The credit is available only for the purchase of principal residences with a purchase price of $800,000 or less.
5) The proposal incorporates Senator McCaskill’s proposal in the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 to eliminate the recapture requirement for military personnel, including members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community, forced to sell as a result of an official extended duty of service and to allow military personnel serving outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009 or 2010 one additional year to qualify for the credit.
6) The proposal includes anti-fraud language.
7) The proposal also includes math error authority for the IRS.
This proposal is estimated to cost $10.8 billion over 10 years.
[where: 75230]
Labels: buyers, mortgage rates, real estate, Realtors, sellers, statistics
Oct 29, 2009
Too Soon For Christmas?
I drove the neighborhood this past weekend and took photos of homes decorated for Halloween for the Preston Hollow Halloween web page. Lots of spirited homes ranging from the cute to the scary.
But what a surprise to see two homes already decorated for Christmas. I'm no Scrooge, but this seems kind of silly. While Christmas decorations are already in some stores, I didn't think that folks actually started decorating their homes. Anyone else a little offended by what seems to be a rush past Thanksgiving and straight to the big commercial season? [where: 75230]Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, PHNHOA, Preston Hollow, real estate
Oct 26, 2009
Preston Royal 7-11 closing
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, Preston Royal, real estate
Oct 24, 2009
Great Changes for Dallas area MLS
Labels: agents, buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, Photos, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Oct 22, 2009
Sprucing up the 5th wall
The ceiling of a room is often referred to as 'the 5th wall' by decorators. And while most people don't pay too much attention to the ceiling, an ugly popcorn ceiling can be a real turn off to buyers.
Removing popcorn ceilings is a fairly easy, but very messy, process. Sunday's Dallas Morning News highlighted the challenges of buying or selling a home with these dated ceilings. If you've got them in your house, there are several fabulous solutions to get rid of them in all price ranges. From scraping to covering, choose a great way to rid your home of the popcorn and highlight your 5th wall. [where: 75230]
Labels: Dallas, decorating, home improvement, real estate
Oct 19, 2009
House vs. Home
[where: 75230]
Labels: buyers, real estate, sellers
Oct 16, 2009
Preston Hollow Tour of Homes on Sunday
Labels: buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, PHNHOA, Preston Hollow, real estate
Oct 15, 2009
Come meet Bevo today!
Labels: Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, Preston Royal, real estate, Realtors
Oct 14, 2009
Komen Race coming through Preston Hollow
The Race for the Cure will come by Preston Hollow this Saturday, October 17th in the morning.
This annual event raises funds to fight breast cancer. The 1k and 5k race/walk starts at Northpark Mall and a portion of the route goes along Hillcrest between Walnut Hill and Park Lane. Get out the pink and support this worthy cause. Join me in cheering on the Virginia Cook Realtors team! [where: 75230]Labels: Dallas, mortgage rates, North Dallas, PHNHOA, Preston Hollow, Realtors
Oct 11, 2009
Virtual Pools
Before jumping in to build a pool, pause and first stick your toe in the water with a virtual pool designed to fit your space. You can see what it will look like before diving into your wallet on this big expense.
Whether the buyers want a pool or not - this is a win-win for them. And we're hoping this offer makes a splash in the market.
Labels: buyers, Dallas, home improvement, North Dallas, Photos, Preston Hollow, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Oct 8, 2009
Someday you can tell your grandchildren ....
Labels: real estate, signs
Oct 7, 2009
Tax bills are here
Ouch! Time to pay Uncle Sam for owning a home.
Well actually, you don't have to pay until January - but get ready. Don't forget that you can pay your Dallas property taxes with your credit card. So what if our taxes are sky high? We can earn airline miles! [where: 75230]Labels: Dallas, real estate
Oct 5, 2009
How to pronounce Realtor
But for the record people, Realtor is pronounced "Real Tor" or "Real Ter". Just two syllables.
It is not pronounced "Real-a-tor", "Real-uh-ter" or "Real-i-tar".
or say ath-uh-leet for athlete.
Labels: real estate, Realtors
Oct 1, 2009
Bevo is coming to Preston Hollow
Labels: agents, buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, PHNHOA, Preston Hollow, real estate