Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended in California

California Home Buyers Tax Credit

The homebuyer tax credit has been extended in California.  Governor Schwazenegger signed the bill providing $200 million dollars in home buyer tax credits. The bill provides $100 million for first-time home buyer who buy existing homes and $100 million for home buyers who buy new or previously unoccupied homes. To qualify you must close escrow between May 1 and December 31, 2010.  Or, if you were under contract on or prior to December 31, 2010, you still qualify if it is your principal … [Read more...]

First Time Homebuyers – How to Buy a Home

I realize that many first-time home buyers don't know what is involved in the buying process, so I have itemized below the main points with which you may not be familiar: Are you aware that you do not pay your Buyer's agent a commission?  This is paid by the Seller.  All the more reason to use an exclusive buyer's agent who will be looking out for your interests and walking you through all the negotiations. Making your first offer can be scary.  However, the purchase contract is … [Read more...]

It Pays to Buy Now

Buying a New Home

Grab this opportunity to take advantage of the home buyer tax breaks which expire at the end of April Little time remains for you to take advantage of the Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit. Along with high affordability and low mortgage rates, tax incentives make now a great time for first-time and repeat buyers to purchase real estate. It also presents a good opportunity for sellers. Now is the time to make sure your home appeals to motivated buyers. First-time Buyers If you have not owned … [Read more...]

Why Use a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home?

Couple with boxes moving into new home smiling

Buying a home is not simply a matter of walking into a house and making an offer. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that you need your own personal agent.  Only this agent does not take his or her 10%.  You have the benefit of  someone guiding you through the process for absolutely free! This is what your real estate agent will do for you: Provide you with a market analysis to determine the value of the home.  This is done by researching comparable properties that have … [Read more...]