April 28, 2010
By
Dick Baker
We all know that the federal tax credit opportunity ends at midnight Friday. That’s the deadline for have contracts fully executed, and then we need to get them closed by the end of June. But what if you find the perfect Toledo real estate listing on Saturday . . . or Sunday or Monday?
Some well-meaning people feel that it’s no big deal to bend the rules; they may be tempted to back-date a contract to April 30th in order to qualify for an $8,000 or $6,500 gift from Uncle Sam. Don’t ask a Realtor to participate in that scheme! The Danberry Co. will not. It may seem harmless, after all, what’s a day or two, especially over a weekend when you probably wouldn’t even make a mortgage application? What’s the difference? You would be asking your Realtor to risk losing his or her license. You would be engaging in tax fraud, and the federal government has teeth. You don’t even want to think about the fines and yes, prison time.
So let’s get back to positive topics. Those tax credits may be disappearing, but where does that leave us? It leaves the Toledo real estate market facing terrific conditions! Interest rates remain at historically low levels, despite predictions that they are on the rise. Our listing inventory remains high, meaning great housing choices. Many prices are at the lowest level in years. And now we enter our traditionally strongest spring market. So come on out and join us at a Danberry open house. We’d love to discuss the housing opportunities-Toledo homes for sale and the surrounding market property listings- available to you right now!
April 19, 2010
By
Dick Baker
Federal tax credits ranging from $6,500 to $8,000 will no longer be available to buyers unless they have a fully executed real estate contract by midnight Friday, April 30th.
Most BUYERS understand that this is a rare opportunity to have Uncle Sam help them buy a new home, but what about home SELLERS who currently have their homes listed? Consider this: nobody wants to be the proud owners of two mortgage payments, so the natural sequence is to sell first, then buy. But if an owner has the ability to purchase prior to selling, execute a contract this week and specify a closing on or before June 30th (to comply with the tax credit criteria). That allows 2 more months in which to work with your Danberry Real Estate Agent to get the first home sold, and IF you qualify for the $6,500 tax credit (that would otherwise disappear Saturday), sellers can use that to cover the additional costs for a substantial period of time.
Don’t let the time run out! Find Toledo homes for sale with Danberry. If you are buying or selling a home, find an experienced Danberry Real Estate agent to help you have a successful real estate purchase or sale. Our inventory includes Maumee homes, Sylvania homes, Monroe homes and many other fine communities.
April 12, 2010
By
Dick Baker
But every month needs to be Fair Housing Month. Federal, state and local fair housing laws insist that sellers and homebuyers be provided with equal professional services in the marketing or selection of their properties. Realtors pledge to do just that.
Laws do not change attitudes, people do. To provide equal housing opportunities, we make a conscious personal commitment to eliminate bias and prejudice from the housing market. This commitment is not only required because equal housing opportunity is the law, but it is also good business, and it is right!
In my entire career, I have never witnessed a better time to buy Toledo Real Estate than right now. Prices have dropped in recent years, inventory remains high, interest rates remain near historically low levels, and if you can execute a contract before the end of this month, you will probably qualify for a tax credit whether you are a first-time buyer or an existing home owner. How can Danberry Realtors help you?
April 6, 2010
By
Dick Baker
Gentlemen, start your engines!
I mean lawn mowers and trimmers! Wow, what a change a couple of weeks can make! Daffodils are in bloom and their cousins aren’t far behind. Trees and shrubs are budding, and a glorious spring season is under way in our region. Whether your home is currently for sale or not, this is a perfect time to show it off without too much effort.
Excuses abound: Opening day for the Hens as well as their big brothers in Detroit and Cleveland; area golf courses are calling us (and many of us have answered the call); but let’s not neglect Home Sweet Home! This is the perfect time to enjoy your property while boosting its value as well. So get out in this beautiful weather and get your exercise by improving the “curb appeal” of your home. If (unlike me) you’ve resisted the urge to mow for the first time, here comes the growing season. If someone says you’re jumping the gun just tell them you’re mulching the mess winter left behind. How about those pre-emergent “weed ‘n feed” fertilizers, whose bags don’t state a date when to put them down? If the weeds are germinating (they MUST be by now, right?) then now is the time. This is also a perfect time to split and transplant some garden favorites like hostas, before their leaves open up.
So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. You’ll be rewarded by enhancing the value of your home while you’re at it!
