Frequently Asked Questions about New Tax Credit for Home Purchase

NAR Frequently Asked Questions


Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

National Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Division

500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?

Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

Question: I am a firsttime homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill.  The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phaseout range).

Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a nonnegotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

Question: I am an eligible firsttime homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?

Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Colling County Real Estate Statistics

Nine Consecutive Gains for Pending Home Sales

Nine Consecutive Gains for Pending Home Sales

Dallas council OKs variance for Kroger store near Cityplace | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Local News: TV

Dallas council OKs variance for Kroger store near Cityplace | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Local News: TV

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House votes to expand homebuyer tax credit

House votes to expand homebuyer tax credit
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER (AP) – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON — Buying a home is about to get cheaper for a whole new crop of homebuyers — $6,500 cheaper.

First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. But with the program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the House voted 403-12 Thursday to extend and expand the tax credit to include many buyers who already own homes. The Senate approved the measure Wednesday, and the White House said President Barack Obama would sign it Friday.

Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers — or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years — would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.

"This is probably the last extension," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., a former real estate executive who championed the credits.

The homebuyers tax credit is one of two tax breaks totaling more than $21 billion that was included in a bill extending unemployment benefits for those without a job for more than a year. The other would let companies now losing money recoup taxes they paid on profits earned in the previous five years.

"We are still in a world of economic hurt, and Congress must continue to act boldly and creatively," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "With the right mix of tax breaks and investments we will get through this recession and get folks working again."

The real estate industry has been pushing to extend and expand the housing tax credit. About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

Extending and expanding the tax credit for homebuyers is projected to cost the government about $10.8 billion in lost taxes. While the measure passed the Senate by a 98-0 vote, Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., questioned its efficiency in stimulating home sales.

"For the vast majority of cases, the homebuyer tax credit amounted to a free gift since it did not affect their decision to purchase a home," Bond said. "And for the small minority of buyers whose decision was directly caused by the credit, this raises the question of whether we are subsidizing buyers who may not have been able to afford buying a home in the first place."

The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

Expanding the tax credit for money-losing companies is projected to cost $10.4 billion.

The business tax break would allow money-losing companies to use current losses to offset taxable profits earned in the previous five years, giving them refunds of taxes paid in those years. Under current law, businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $15 million can claim losses back only two years.

The tax break would help industries suffering losses in 2008 or 2009, including retailers, homebuilders and newspapers. Congress included a scaled-back version of the tax break — for companies with revenues of $15 million or less — in the economic recovery package enacted in February. The new tax break would be available to companies of any size, providing a quick source of cash.

The U.S Chamber of Commerce has been a big backer of the tax break for money-losing companies.

"It frees up capital that they can use to maintain jobs and potentially even hire new people as the economy returns," said Caroline Harris, senior tax counsel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The tax breaks would be paid for largely by delaying a tax break for multinational companies that pay foreign taxes. It was passed in 2004 and originally was to have taken effect this year, but would now be delayed until 2018.

The bill is H.R. 3548.

Real Estate 411 – The MOBILE Real Estate Agent

Mobile technology enters the real estate market to make house hunting convenient and put the information in the palm of your hand!

With the rise of the second smartphone generation (iPhone, Android, and BB touch screen), people are using their mobile phones in completely new ways. The most significant trend is the usage of mobile applications or “apps”, led by the game changing iTunes App Store. Applications are easy to find and download to mobile device, making the user experience both rewarding and entertaining. With the availability of real estate apps, consumers now have access to property information in the palm of their hand and know where to find homes in an area they want to be in.



Fact: With GPS available on your cell phone, you can navigate applications to search for a home in your location, view photos and details of the property, and contact an agent or an office.



Fact: Through mobile lead routing technology, the mobile real estate agent can receive your inquiry about a property within minutes and respond. You will soon be touring the home of your dreams. Mobile real estate technology also has the power to push your listings out across multiple mobile apps to be seen by thousands of potential homebuyers.



Fact: Using a mobile application is better than browsing the mobile web. It is much faster! It takes only one second to launch a mobile application versus up to several minutes for a mobile web in a bad reception area. Your smartphone goes with you wherever you go and can get reception where your mobile web cannot. You can even house-hunt when you are sitting at a football game!

NEW TRAFFIC & CRIMINAL LAWS GO INTO EFFECT SEPT. 1, 2009.

Texas Department of Public Safety
Information for the News Media
Media Relations
(512) 424-2080

August 11, 2009
New traffic, criminal laws set to go into effect Sept. 1



HB 2730 is the DPS’s Sunset Legislation, and many of the DPS-related bills this session were included in HB 2730. Notable traffic and criminal laws that go into effect on Sept. 1 (unless otherwise indicated) include*:

Seatbelts :
HB 537 requires all occupants of a vehicle, no matter their age, to be secured by a safety belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle; changes the definition of a passenger vehicle to include a passenger van designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers including the driver; removes the current exemption for third-party Medicaid transportation provisions regarding the use of child passenger safety seats; and prohibits a motorcycle operator from carrying a passenger under the age of 5 unless the child is seated in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle.

SB 61 amends the existing statute regarding child passenger safety seats. The bill requires that any child younger than 8 years of age be restrained in an approved child passenger safety seat unless the child is at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height. The fine is no more than $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second offense. The law also creates a new court cost for conviction of an offense under this section to be collected and used by TxDOT to buy safety seats for low income families. The law becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2009, but tickets for this offense cannot be issued until June 1, 2010. Police officers are allowed to issue a warning before that date.

Driving : HB 55 makes it illegal to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. Cities or counties wanting to enforce this law must post a sign at the beginning of each school zone to inform drivers that using a wireless communications device is prohibited and the operator is subject to a fine. It is a defense to prosecution if the operator was making an emergency call.

HB 2730 increases the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a child passenger by adding an automatic driver license suspension period for first-time offenders and an increased suspension period for repeat offenders. The driver license re-instatement fee for completing an education program will rise from $50 to $100. Closes a loophole so a person who commits an offense as a minor cannot circumvent the driver license penalty if the person turns 21 before their court date.

HB 2730 allows a new Texas resident to operate a vehicle without a Texas license for 90 days instead of the current 30. (This provision went into effect on June 19, 2009.)

HB 2012 creates two new punishment enhancements: a Class B misdemeanor if a person drives with a suspended license and without insurance; and a class A misdemeanor if the person driving without insurance or a valid driver license has an accident and someone is seriously injured or dies as a result of that accident.

SB 129 authorizes neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) to be operated on roads with a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less. The bill authorizes driver license holders to operate NEVs without having a motorcycle endorsement, clarifies that drivers and passengers in such vehicles are not required to wear helmets and specifies that enclosed three-wheeled vehicles as described in the bill are authorized to operate in preferential lanes.

Concealed handgun :
HB 2730 amends numerous provisions regarding concealed handgun licenses (CHLs), including eliminating student loan defaults as a disqualifier, to clarify that DPS must suspend or revoke a license when the licensee becomes ineligible and mandating that a magistrate suspend a CHL held by the subject of an emergency protective order.

HB 2664 provides a defense to prosecution if a concealed handgun license holder carries a concealed handgun into an establishment that gets 51 percent or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages, but has failed to post the statutorily required notice that it derives 51 percent or more of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages. (Under current law, a concealed handgun licensee can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for doing this.)

HB 2730 removes DPS authority to suspend a concealed handgun license (CHL) for the holder’s failure to display the CHL to a peace officer on demand. It removes associated penalties and suspensions for the failure to display.

Driver license :
HB 2730 requires that all applicants under the age of 18 take the driving skills exam to receive a driver license. The law also requires that a provisional driver license (under 18) or instruction permit expire on an individual’s 18th birthday, removes the requirement that a provisional driver license or instruction permit be renewed annually and increases the fee for those licenses from $5 to $15. It also extends the current phase-two restrictions for holders of a graduated driver license from 6 months to 1 year. These restrictions include limited night driving, prohibited use of wireless communication devices and a limited number of passengers.

HB 339 increases the total hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction a teen receives from 14 to 34 and creates an adult driver education requirement for applicants older than 18 and younger than 21.

SB 1317 creates a six-hour driver education course required for driver license applicants 18 years of age or older. It also mandates that applicants 25 or under must submit to an approved driver education course. (Goes into effect March 1, 2010.)

SB 328 gives DPS the power to suspend a minor’s driver license if they fail a breath or blood alcohol test while operating a watercraft. Chapter 524 of the Transportation Code also clearly defines the suspension period for an individual who was under the age of 21 at the time when the offense of boating under the influence or driving under the influence of alcohol occurred. The law also increases the reinstatement fee for a license suspended under sections 49.04-49.08, Penal Code from $50 to $100.

HB 2730 increases the driver license sanction from a one-year CDL license disqualification to a lifetime disqualification if a person uses a motor vehicle to transport, conceal or harbor an alien. If a child is engaged in conduct involving a severe form of trafficking persons, a judge at a juvenile hearing is required to order the juvenile’s driver license or permit to be suspended.

HB 2730 prohibits DPS from issuing a driver license or identification card to a person who has not established a domicile in Texas. The law specifies that an applicant may receive a driver license at a post office box only if the applicant’s residence address has also been provided, with some exceptions.

Crime :
HB 558 allows minors to be charged with public intoxication.

HB 2386 allows courts to immediately seal juvenile criminal records if the juvenile successfully completes a drug court program, or another special program ordered by the court.

HB 1282 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to steal a driver license, commercial driver license or personal identification.

SB 554 makes it illegal to own or possess dog-fighting equipment and establishes that such equipment and property where dogs are found to be engaged in dog fighting is contraband and is subject to forfeiture. The law also makes dog-fighting subject to the elevated penalties authorized in the Texas Penal Code, Section 71.02(a), in an effort to deter organized criminal activity.

HB 1813 makes it a third-degree felony to tamper with forensic, medical, chemical, toxicological and ballistic reports, as well as reports of certification, inspection or maintenance of instruments used to examine or test physical evidence. (Currently, someone who does this can only be charged with a state jail felony.)

HB 358 allows law enforcement authorities to store only a small part of gambling machines that have been seized, instead of storing the whole machine. They would be able to remove and store just the computer chips in gambling machines, which are the core of the machines and contain the information necessary for prosecutions to go forward.

Registered sex offenders :
SB 689 restricts Internet usage by certain registered sex offenders, and requires registered sex offenders to provide information about their e-mail addresses when they register.

Motorcycles etc .:
Senate Bill 1967 requires that applicants for an original class M license or class A, B or C driver license (including commercial driver licenses and permits) with authorization to operate a motorcycle, provide evidence of completion of an approved motorcycle operator training course. It also repeals the helmet exemption sticker program. Current law requires a person be covered with a minimum of $10,000 in health insurance for injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident to be eligible for an exception for the offense of operating or riding a motorcycle without a helmet. As of Sept. 1, the minimum amount is removed. The bill requires the Texas Department of Insurance to prescribe a standard proof of health insurance for issuance to persons who are at least 21 years of age and covered by an applicable health insurance plan. The law also increases the penalty for failure to yield the right-of-way if there is a crash that results in injury to a person other than the motorcycle operator.

Vehicle inspection :
SB 589 requires that a vehicle equipment safety compliance label be placed on a windshield, side or rear window stating that the window tinting complies with the appropriate provisions of the Transportation Code. Failing to place the required label on the vehicle could lead to a $1,000 fine.

Miscellaneous :
HB 2730 increases the fine for a parking violation at the state Capitol from $10 to $25, and increases the late fee from $2 to $5. SB 1188 authorizes a Texas resident to buy firearms, ammunition or firearms accessories in any other state, not just those contiguous to Texas, to reflect updated federal statutes.



For a recorded sound bite on this topic, call 512-424-2606
Read about DPS online at www.txdps.state.tx.us

* Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all laws passed in the past legislative session.


### (PIO 2009-40)

5 Housing Markets That Have Further to Fall - Yahoo! Real Estate

We are quite fortunate in the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex not to have any bad news. Real Estate is Great in D/FW! Although it is a slow market, we still see a healthy activity and happy buyer's and sellers overall. Let me help you today!


5 Housing Markets That Have Further to Fall - Yahoo! Real Estate: "5 Housing Markets That Have Further to Fall"

10 Foods That Help You Get Your ZZZs - MSN Health & Fitness - Sleep Disorders

10 Foods That Help You Get Your ZZZs - MSN Health & Fitness - Sleep Disorders: "10 Foods That Help You Get Your ZZZs"

Tax credit for first-time homebuyers boosts market | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News

 

Tax credit for first-time homebuyers boosts market

12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, June 7, 2009

By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com

Earlier this year when federal lawmakers voted to give first-time homebuyers a tax incentive, they hoped the move would boost home sales.

And that seems to be happening.

The offer of an $8,000 tax credit – combined with low mortgage rates – has lured thousands of buyers to the beleaguered housing market.

Keller resident Joe Palacios is one of them. He and his wife are purchasing a new home.

"The tax credit was icing on the cake," said Palacios, who's living with friends until the couple's four-bedroom Pulte home is finished this summer. "My wife and I were looking at apartments that were going for $1,200 a month.

"We decided why not go for a home instead?" he said. "With the mortgage rates being down so low, we had to take advantage of the situation."

More than half a million homebuyers have been motivated by the temporary tax credit, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

And so far this year, almost half the home sales nationwide have been to first-time buyers, the National Association of Realtors reports.

The surge in buyers is welcome news in a housing market suffering its worst shakeout in generations.

"We are hoping this will help us have a better summer market," said Teresa Costa, a real estate agent with Dallas' David Griffin Realtors.

Ms. Costa has been talking up the $8,000 tax credit with potential buyers at an Oak Lawn condo complex she's marketing.

"We have three units we put under contract in the last couple of weeks," she said. "And I think all three of them are first-time homebuyers doing that."

Real estate agent Vivian Vance with Century 21 Judge Fite Co. said the tax credit has already made a difference in her business.

"I'm telling everyone I know about it," said Ms. Vance, who sells houses in the Grand Prairie area. "In my 28 years in this business, I've never seen an opportunity like this."

Some builders are also seeing a jump in sales of starter houses, said Ted Wilson of Dallas-based housing analyst Residential Strategies Inc.

"I would expect to see some renewed construction activity at the entry-level price points in the second quarter," Wilson said.

"Because not many builders are building spec houses these days, there is some urgency to commit to a house now so that it is ready to close by Nov. 30, when the tax credit program ceases," he said.

The lure of the tax credit and a recent uptick in mortgage rates has been enough to get some buyers off the fence, said Scott Sim, Pulte Homes' vice president of sales for the Dallas-Fort Worth division.

"You are starting to see a number of things coming into play to get people to buy now," Sim said. "We see a lot of folks who are still anxious and wondering if prices are going to go down further."

Nelson Mitchell, president of Fort Worth-based History Maker Homes, said his firm is stepping up its production to provide new homes for first-time buyers.

"Our April and May sales were up pretty dramatically from the first quarter," Mitchell said. "I think that's attributable to a lot of things, the tax credit being one of them.

"We are pushing it very hard."

Mitchell said that the federal homebuying stimulus would have a broader impact on the housing market if buyers could tap into the tax credit funds when they contract to purchase.

The Federal Housing Administration last month said it would allow buyers to fund certain down payment and closing cost expenses with an advance on the tax credit funds.

"Even the government has finally figured out that the credit didn't do nearly as much good for housing as they hoped since the buyer has to wait until they file their tax return to get the money and therefore can't use the credit as part of the down payment," said Dr. James Gaines, an economist with Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center.

"We are hearing that the credit is stimulating a lot of folks to buy and has contributed to increased sales for first-time buyers," Gaines said.

Tax credit for first-time homebuyers boosts market | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Tax credit for first-time homebuyers boosts market

Tax credit for first-time homebuyers boosts market

12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, June 7, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com

Earlier this year when federal lawmakers voted to give first-time homebuyers a tax incentive, they hoped the move would boost home sales.

And that seems to be happening.

The offer of an $8,000 tax credit – combined with low mortgage rates – has lured thousands of buyers to the beleaguered housing market.

Keller resident Joe Palacios is one of them. He and his wife are purchasing a new home.

"The tax credit was icing on the cake," said Palacios, who's living with friends until the couple's four-bedroom Pulte home is finished this summer. "My wife and I were looking at apartments that were going for $1,200 a month.

"We decided why not go for a home instead?" he said. "With the mortgage rates being down so low, we had to take advantage of the situation."

More than half a million homebuyers have been motivated by the temporary tax credit, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

And so far this year, almost half the home sales nationwide have been to first-time buyers, the National Association of Realtors reports.

The surge in buyers is welcome news in a housing market suffering its worst shakeout in generations.

"We are hoping this will help us have a better summer market," said Teresa Costa, a real estate agent with Dallas' David Griffin Realtors.

Ms. Costa has been talking up the $8,000 tax credit with potential buyers at an Oak Lawn condo complex she's marketing.

"We have three units we put under contract in the last couple of weeks," she said. "And I think all three of them are first-time homebuyers doing that."

Real estate agent Vivian Vance with Century 21 Judge Fite Co. said the tax credit has already made a difference in her business.

"I'm telling everyone I know about it," said Ms. Vance, who sells houses in the Grand Prairie area. "In my 28 years in this business, I've never seen an opportunity like this."

Some builders are also seeing a jump in sales of starter houses, said Ted Wilson of Dallas-based housing analyst Residential Strategies Inc.

"I would expect to see some renewed construction activity at the entry-level price points in the second quarter," Wilson said.

"Because not many builders are building spec houses these days, there is some urgency to commit to a house now so that it is ready to close by Nov. 30, when the tax credit program ceases," he said.

The lure of the tax credit and a recent uptick in mortgage rates has been enough to get some buyers off the fence, said Scott Sim, Pulte Homes' vice president of sales for the Dallas-Fort Worth division.

"You are starting to see a number of things coming into play to get people to buy now," Sim said. "We see a lot of folks who are still anxious and wondering if prices are going to go down further."

Nelson Mitchell, president of Fort Worth-based History Maker Homes, said his firm is stepping up its production to provide new homes for first-time buyers.

"Our April and May sales were up pretty dramatically from the first quarter," Mitchell said. "I think that's attributable to a lot of things, the tax credit being one of them.

"We are pushing it very hard."

Mitchell said that the federal homebuying stimulus would have a broader impact on the housing market if buyers could tap into the tax credit funds when they contract to purchase.

The Federal Housing Administration last month said it would allow buyers to fund certain down payment and closing cost expenses with an advance on the tax credit funds.

"Even the government has finally figured out that the credit didn't do nearly as much good for housing as they hoped since the buyer has to wait until they file their tax return to get the money and therefore can't use the credit as part of the down payment," said Dr. James Gaines, an economist with Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center.

"We are hearing that the credit is stimulating a lot of folks to buy and has contributed to increased sales for first-time buyers," Gaines said.

"Going Green" may be mandatory soon!

HOME SELLER AUDIT

AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) – To encourage sellers and buyers to make their houses more energy efficient, owners of homes older than ten years will soon be required to conduct energy audits on their homes before putting them on the market.

The city ordinance, which takes effect Monday, will not require sellers to make any improvements, but it will require them to disclose the results to prospective buyers.

The ordinance also has provisions for multifamily properties and commercial buildings but does not apply to condominiums or mobile homes. Owners who have made certain improvements under Austin Energy programs in the previous ten years also can disregard the ordinance.

The audits are expected to cost $200 to $300 for a typical home of 1,800 sf or less.

The reports, which will cover issues such as how much insulation the house has and the condition of the heating and cooling equipment, must be done by auditors who are certified by the Building Performance Institute.

Violations of the ordinance will be a Class-C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.


Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Material herein is published according to the fair-use doctrine of U.S. copyright laws related to non-profit, educational institutions. Items attributed to sources other than the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University should not be reprinted without permission of the original source.

Daily Real Estate News | May 12, 2009 | Share
Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.

“We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..

He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Other Solutions for Today's Market

During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” Donovan says. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”

The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.

“Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.

“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”

The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.

Source: NAR

ServiceMagic - Laminate: Hardwood's Killer or Colleague?

ServiceMagic - Laminate: Hardwood's Killer or Colleague?: "Laminate: Hardwood's Killer or Colleague?"

Real Estate 411 – Top 10 Reasons to BUY or SELL Real Estate in Today’s Market

1. $8000 Tax Credit for first-time homebuyers – there is no doubt that the tax credit is responsible for a good percentage of the increase we are seeing in real estate buying.

Rules for 2009 first-time homebuyers tax credit

Does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold within three years.

Applies only to first-time homebuyers, defined as those who have not owned a home within the previous three tax years.

Available only for homes purchased between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 1, 2009.

Restricted by income; phases out for individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or above and for married couples with a combined adjusted gross income of $150,000 or above.

Tax credit is for up to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. For example, a buyer of a $150,000 home could receive a tax credit of a maximum of $8,000, while a first-time buyer of a $70,000 home would be eligible for a tax credit of $7,000

The credit can be taken on 2008 taxes even when the purchase is made in 2009.

2. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in years!

Because the interest rates are near historical lows, not buying now could have you experiencing regret later. A 30-year loan of $250,000 at an interest rate of 7% in comparison to 6% will cost you an additional $60,000. This is truly a great time to buy real estate


3. “Trade up” using your equity.
According to the National Association of Realtors, over 79% of the 50+ population are homeowners. Of those, 67% own their homes free and clear (mortgage-free). Are you one of those? If so, you are in an ideal financial position to upgrade your lifestyle while the prices are right and the selection is abundant.

4. Low price, low interest rate today = larger gains in the future
Prices are low today and that mixed with low interest rates is not only a “good buy” but a great investment for the future! These prices and rates will NOT stay this low, the natural swing will bring them back up, and that’s why buying real estate today is a good idea!

5. Builder Incentives

If you want to buy a newly constructed home, this is the time. With the builder inventories being high, there are great concessions being given to attract the many buyers in this market. But as the inventories decrease, so will the concessions!

6. Sellers are motivated

In hot sellers’ markets, everything tends to get rushed: the house hunting, the offer-writing, the negotiating… everything! Now, a buyer can take his/her time looking through available inventory and visit several homes before making an offer. Many sellers are willing to negotiate and work towards a win-win situation that works for both parties.

7. There are a lot of buyers in the market

Sell now when there are fewer sellers and more buyers. With more buyers in the market your home becomes highly sought after in your market with more chances of pairing up with the right buyer.

8. Good inventory to choose from

With a high inventory of properties on the market, including new home construction and foreclosures, you have choices that buyers just a few years ago would have loved.

9. Good market for investors

With the low prices and the low interest rates and the abundant inventory of homes and foreclosures, this is a great time for investors. Now is the time to start building wealth with real estate, start developing your own portfolio of homes.

10. You can build long-term wealth

60% of the average homeowner’s wealth comes from their home’s equity*. You might be wondering if buying a home right now is a smart financial decision. The fact is homeownership is the key to building long-term wealth, no matter when someone buys. Studies show that over time most homeowners will steadily build equity. Of course, owning a home is much more than a way to gain a financial edge; it’s also where you raise a family and create life-long memories. Home ownership is an investment in YOUR future. According to Housing Market Facts published by National Association of Realtors, the average homeowner’s net worth is 46 times the net worth of a renter! The average homeowner’s net worth is $171,000 compared to $4,800 for renters.

Dallas Homes Still Affordable

Study: Dallas homes are more affordable this year 11:45 AM CT

12:16 PM CDT on Thursday, May 7, 2009
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
stevebrown@dallasnews.com

Falling home prices and lower interest rates have made homeownership more affordable for Dallas residents,

The Dallas area is 110th in a ranking of the country ‘s most expensive U.S. housing markets in 2008, according to the Center for Housing Policy in a study released Thursday.

That’s a slight improvement from 2007, when Dallas placed 106th.

The median home price in 2008 was $155,000, compared to $183,000 the year before, according to the Center for Housing Policy report.

That meant an average homebuyer in the Dallas area needed 16 percent less income last year to qualify to buy a midprice home, the study found.

Researchers compared median housing costs in more than 200 U.S. metropolitan areas with average wages earned to come up with the ranking.

While nationwide home prices have fallen more than 20 percent, residents in many high-price markets still can't afford to buy homes, the study concludes.

“Contrary to popular belief, the recent decline in home prices has not resolved the nation’s housing affordability problems,” Jeffrey Lubell, executive director of the Center for Housing Policy, said in the report. “Working families – including most of the workers who will be hired as a result of federal spending in the stimulus package – still cannot afford to buy a home in most markets, and many also struggle to afford their rents.”

The D-FW area ranked as the 71st most expensive home rental market in the study, with an average rent of $905 for a two-bedroom apartment.

While Texas cities typically fare better in such reports, many of the state’s residents still can't find affordable housing to rent or buy, said Keith Wardrip, senior research associate for the Center for Housing Policy.

“The prices haven’t dipped enough even in Dallas for a lot of full-time employees to be able to afford a home,” Wardrip said. “Even with the lower prices, it hasn’t brought home ownership or rental housing within the reach of many.”

And lower mortgage rates and prices are enough for some potential buyers, he said.

“The prices are lower, but the lending standards are tighter,” Wardrip said.

San Francisco was the most costly market for the second year in a row, even though median home prices fell almost $200,000.

New York, which saw a $70,000 dip in median prices, placed second.

The most expensive Texas market on the list was Austin, which ranked 83rd with a median price of $176,000.

The most expensive U.S. apartment market was San Francisco with an average rent of $1,658 for a two-bedroom unit.

Most expensive homebuying markets
List was based on a comparison of median home prices in each metro area in 2008. Income needed is the percentage change in qualifying income required to buy in 2008 from 2007:
City Price Income needed
1. San Francisco $575,000 -26%
2. New York $455,000 -14.2%
3. San Jose $410,000 -37.4%
4. Honolulu $400,000 -3.1%
5. Santa Cruz, Calif. $400,000 -37.1%
Texas cities
Austin $176,000 -15%
Dallas $155,000 -16.1%
Fort Worth $131,000 -15.2%
Houston $150,000 14.1%
San Antonio $146,000 -10.8%
SOURCE: Center for Housing Policy

Most Lethal Driving Mistakes - MSN Autos

Most Lethal Driving Mistakes - MSN Autos

Flooring Trends- Get up to date...

Floored By Old Decor? Step It Up With These Hot Trends!

Flooring can be one of the easiest ways to give your home a new and improved look. But it can be expensive, which is why it's important to choose wisely so that you don't get stuck with something you'll soon rip out.

Pulling out old flooring and putting in a stylish, comfortable floor can spice up an old home instantly. Before you get to the fun part choosing colors, textures, and types of flooring take into consideration what you expect from the flooring.

For instance, if you're re-flooring your kitchen, make sure you opt for something that is water resistant and can handle spills. In the hallways and playrooms, you're likely to be more concerned with a floor that can help absorb noise. Also, think about how long you might be standing on a floor in a particular room such as the kitchen. If you're cooking and doing dishes while standing on a very hard-surfaced floor, you're likely to get tired more easily than if you had a vinyl or softer-based floor.

Carpet Carpet never goes completely out of style. "Carpet fits everyone's budget. It's very versatile. It can go many places and it's a very environmentally-friendly product," says Sean Moran, sales representative for San Diego Carpet One.

Moran says, today though, customers are skipping things that used to be popular. "No more borders, no multi-colors in rooms, and not a lot of custom inlays in carpets any more," says Moran. However, patterns are growing in popularity.

According to Moran, the biggest interior design faux pas is blue carpet. "I've never seen a color die so fast in my life. Nobody likes blue carpet," says Moran.

What is hot? Designer carpeting. "We sell a line sponsored by the designer, Liz Claiborne," says Moran.

Also, natural fibers such as wool are being requested more frequently. "It's very durable, pretty stain resistant and it's got a really nice soft look that comes in lots of patterns," says Moran.

Hardwood "It's sustainable because it's re-finishable. When the hardwood begins to show signs of wear, you can have the hardwood refinished in your home. It brings it back to new again and you can have 10 to 20 more years of life wear on that floor. It's also very luxurious and has a great look,"

What's hot? "People are starting to get more toward the middle ground. I think the really heavily distressed, heavily-beveled hardwoods make people afraid they will look dated in about five or six years," says Moran.

Instead, they're opting for less distressed wood that has a smooth finish and nice quality wood. Moran says hardwood is also being installed more frequently in kitchens to create a more elegant look.

Cork: Cork flooring has been around for about 30 to 40 years. "It kind of fell out of favor when vinyl became so popular but now that people are looking at environmentally-friendly floor covering, they're returning to cork," says Moran. He adds, "Cork is a product of the cork oak tree, most of the quality cork is imported from Portugal or that part of Europe." The bark is harvested off of the tree and then it is turned into cork flooring and things like wine corks. "The tree stage regenerates the cork for future harvesting," explains Moran.

Cork can be put in nearly every room of the house and helps to absorb sound better than wood, tile, or stone flooring. "It goes over almost any type of floor covering except for carpet and it's very easy to install," says Moran.

Laminates: "They act a little bit like cork flooring they're pretty forgiving as far as what you're going to put them over the top of and they're very durable and scratch resistant," says Moran.

Laminates are also highly liked for their easy maintenance. All you have to do is use a neutral pH laminate cleaner on it.

"The nice thing that they have done with laminates in the last couple of years is make them so they really mimic wood," says Moran. He adds that laminates also come hand-scraped and distressed just like real wood.

Tile: While tile may seem like it's an extremely noisy option, there are underlayments that can be put down beneath the tile to help absorb sound between floors which can help reduce noise from different levels of the homes. However, this won't make a tile floor any less noisy when someone is walking on it in the same room.

"We're still getting a lot of calls for ceramic tile," says Moran. But he says that porcelain is actually harder than ceramic. When porcelain chips it doesn't reveal the red clay underneath it like ceramic does. Porcelain can be used both inside and outside the home.

A critical change in tile is the size. "People are looking for bigger tiles now. In larger spaces, they're going 18 x 18, 20 x 20, and even up to 24 x 24," says Moran.

The bigger the tile, the less grout, and ultimately the easier it is to care for the floor.

The bottom line is your flooring is likely going to stay in your home for many years so take your time and choose carefully.
Written by Phoebe Chongchua
May 23, 2008

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Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? Let me show you now.

Flooring Trends- Get up to date...

Twitter and Facebook Post Huge Growth Numbers in March

Twitter and Facebook Post Huge Growth Numbers in March

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Real Estate 411

Henry Ramirez

469-326-3909 Office Direct

214-213-7050 Mobile

henryramirez@judgefite.com

www.henryramirez.com

Real Estate 411
The MORTGAGE Factor:

Getting back to the basics

2-MINUTE 411 WITH JIM FITE
Watch the video at
www.YouTube.com/judgefite

Remembering what the Judge said

All things wise and true always have a way of coming back around to each generation. Here are a few KEY things that my dad taught me that I have passed on to my children. This wisdom has helped me through several rough real estate landscapes in my career:

Remember your responsibility – Purchasing a home is a privilege and needs to be regarded as such, be prepared and honor your responsibility to the lender, the neighbors and the community.

Don’t buy more than you can afford – Live within your means, don’t think you have to have your dream home today, grow towards it by buying right today.

Rule of Thumb buy right going into your mortgage loan by choosing the best type of loan for your situation, purchasing a home priced right for your paycheck, and make a down payment.

Understand the market – know your options, understand your local market today so that you can make a better, more educated decision.

Use a Realtor for buying and selling real estate. They are trained professionals that are looking out for your best interest throughout the transaction.


For April we are looking at how MORTGAGE factors into buying real estate, and remembering the 28/36 Rule.We are spreading the word that “Real Estate is GREAT! at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company”. There is real estate to be bought and sold in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and we are doing it! Join us in spreading the word that real estate really is GREAT here in our market.

Each month we will deliver a new Real Estate 411 that will give you INFORMATION you need to know. REAL ESTATE 411 will deliver GOOD NEWS about what is happening here at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company and in our local real estate market....


Real Estate 411 – FACTSThe MORTGAGE Factor: Getting back to the basics

QUICK FACT #1: What our parents told us was true
At the height of the housing boom, many borrowers had to stretch to afford a house. In some cases agreeing to spend half their monthly earnings on their home and getting into the mortgage with 100% financing. We all know how that turned out.Now, reducing monthly payments to 31 percent is the goal that many financial advisors say is optimal, and the amount that is being targeted in the new housing plan to help people who are in mortgage “trouble”. But is that a reasonable goal? And where did that number come from? Its roots may go back more than a century to company towns, where employers would collect a week’s wages for a month’s rent. In the 1920s, as homeownership became an option for more middle-class families, lenders adopted a similar standard: spend a quarter of a month’s income on housing. And during the New Deal, governmental housing agencies also adopted that as a reasonable amount to spend on a mortgage. Though the number has inched up through the years, that general rule of thumb has stuck. I remember my dad advising me early in my college years that my housing costs could not exceed 25% of my pay….thanks dad, I should have listened to you!

QUICK FACT #2:
The 28/36 Rule
Several financial planners agree that a figure around 30 percent is not a bad place to start. That usually leaves enough to pay for life’s many other costs. Given that the current economic crisis has turned a lot of financial assumptions on their head, it is probably wise to rethink how much of your income should go toward servicing the large debt that is truly homeownership. Several financial advisers recommend reverting to an old standard known as the 28/36 rule. Using that rule, households should spend no more than 28 percent of their gross income on housing costs — including mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance — and less than 36 percent on all debt. The total includes obligations like car payments, student loans, credit cards and medical debt.

QUICK FACT #3:
Now is the right time to revisit some of the lessons our parents and grandparents learned long ago.
HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD? Your housing budget depends on your situation and priorities. One exercise I remember from school involves simple math and planning. Write down all of your expenses. Break them down into expenses that are fixed (utilities, groceries, auto expenses, insurance, etc.) and variable (everything else). Now, look at the variable costs…what am I willing to give up that could be reallocated toward housing? Another exercise is to start by establishing savings goals, and then working backward. Set aside10 to 15 percent of your salary, preferably in tax-deferred accounts, and then work with what’s left over for living expenses and housing costs.
DO THE MATH Before you start hitting open houses, sketch out a rough budget based on the 28 percent rule of thumb, using a simple mortgage calculator.
DOWN PAYMENT Currently, many consumers have no choice but to make a sizable down payment (unless you are going FHA). If you do not, or cannot, it will cost you dearly in the form of a higher interest rate or fees.
TAXES Consider the tax savings associated with buying a home, but do not use it as an excuse to buy more than you can afford. Property taxes and mortgage interest are generally tax-deductible, but only if you itemize your deductions. Itemizing makes sense when your individual deductions exceed the standard deduction, which is $11,400 for married people filing jointly in 2009.
RESERVES Ideally, homeowners should have six months of net pay in the bank. But if you halve that figure and save three months of your take-home pay that generally translates into eight months of payments. That does not account for food and other necessities, but it does provide some cushion.

Real Estate 411 - TIPS
Understanding how a MORTGAGE FACTORS into homeownership.
The first step in buying a home is qualifying and applying for a mortgage. Understanding the mortgage process, the terms and options available, will help make the experience a better one.

QUICK TIP #1: 5 Ways that FHA loans can help you get the home you are looking for
FHA loans are government-backed loans that often have a much lower interest rate than a conventional (traditional) loan. Before you right off these loans as impossible options, keep in mind that millions of people are benefiting from theme right now. In fact, FHA has increased its loan amount to upwards of $250,000 in most areas.
#1: Lower Interest Rates: The main benefit of FHA loans is to provide individuals with a lower interest rate. If the FHA is backing your loan, you are less of a risk to the lender. Therefore, they agree to offer you a slightly lower interest rate. This translates into an interest rate that could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of that loan. That is money in your pocket.
#2: Better Qualifications: Many lenders have increased their standards in lending money. If you do not have a credit score over 700, then our best bet to getting a low interest rate home loan is with the FHA loans. You do not have to have as much down to qualify for these loans either (usually 3.5%)
#3: Help Getting Out of a High Interest Loan: Perhaps you have a high interest rate loan. You are paying much more than the current four to six percent loans that are available. FHA loans can help you to get a low rate even on refinances. Definitely, worth looking forward to since it will drastically cut the amount it costs to buy your home.
#4: You Need Help: There are a number of programs available through the FHA to help you to get out of a troublesome home loan. You can stop foreclosures and often stop your overall risk of losing your home by taking advantage of these programs. If you need this help, contact an FHA loan specialist today.
#5: You Are A First Time Home Buyer: For those who have yet to buy a home and are worried about doing so, FHA loans can help. These loans are highly affordable and they are ideal for the first time homebuyer unsure of what to do next.

FHA loans can help millions of people to get into the homes they want and need, or to protect them from losing their investment. Contact a professional today to learn if you qualify.

QUICK TIP #2: Choosing the best mortgage for you and your budget
Whether you're buying a house or refinancing your mortgage, this information can help you decide what type of mortgage is right for you. Some mortgages can be complicated. If you do not understand how they work, you should not sign any mortgage loan agreements until you do. Once you select the type of loan product you will apply for, carefully read any related product disclosures that you receive. If you need additional information, ask your mortgage loan representative for details about the products you are considering.
Fixed-rate mortgages
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)
Fixed-rate interest-only mortgages
Adjustable-rate interest-only mortgages

Building Equity. If you make interest-only payments, your payments are not building home equity. This may make it more difficult to refinance your mortgage or to obtain funds from selling or refinancing your home.

QUICK TIP #3: Be prepared and organized
Your mortgage experience will be less of a hassle the more prepared you are. Here is a quick and easy Mortgage Checklist and list of required documents to help you get organized before you start the mortgage process.
The following information is usually required during the loan process.
· Your Social Security number
· Current Pay stubs or if self employed, past two years of Tax returns
· Bank statements for past two months
· Investment account statements for past two months
· Life Insurance policy
· Retirement account statements for past two months
· Make/Model of vehicles you own along with their resale value
· Credit Card account information
· Auto Loan account information
· Personal Loan account information
If you currently own Real Estate:
· Mortgage Account information
· Home Equity Account information (if applicable)
· Home Insurance Policy information

Real Estate 411- The MORTGAGE Factor: Getting back to the basics

http://www.henryramirez.com/

Real Estate 411 : April 2009


The MORTGAGE Factor: Getting back to basics

Jim Fite & Jan Fite Miller

The MORTGAGE Factor: Getting back to the basics
For April we are looking at how MORTGAGE factors into buying real estate, and remembering the 28/36 Rule.We are spreading the word that “Real Estate is GREAT! at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company”. There is real estate to be bought and sold in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and we are doing it! Join us in spreading the word that real estate really is GREAT here in our market.

Each month we will deliver a new Real Estate 411 that will give you INFORMATION you need to know. REAL ESTATE 411 will deliver GOOD NEWS about what is happening here at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company and in our local real estate market....

469-326-3909
http://www.henryramirez.com/

Real Estate 411 - FACTS
The MORTGAGE Factor: Getting back to the basics
QUICK FACT #1: What our parents told us was trueQUICK FACT #2: The 28/36 RuleQUICK FACT #3: Revisiting lessons learnedWant the details on these QUICK FACTS? CLICK HERE!
Real Estate 411 - TIPS
Understanding how mortgage factors in
QUICK TIP #1: 5 ways FHA can help QUICK TIP #2: Choosing the best mortgageQUICK TIP #3: Be prepared
Want the details on these QUICK TIPS? CLICK HERE!
2-Minute 411 with Jim FiteClick here to watch the video
Remembering what the Judge saidAll things wise and true always have a way of coming back around to each generation . . . CLICK HERE to read complete article.
To find a real estate professional or mortgage counselor who can help you with your mortgage, contact
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
800-451-8055 or email 411@judgefite.com.

Suggestions

Hello all and thank you for visiting my little piece of cyberspace for community information, Real Estate News and more. I am new to this, so please if you have any suggestions, I am all ears...

March Real Estate 411

Real Estate 411 – FACTSWhere does your credit score come from?QUICK FACT #1: 1956 was a year for creditQUICK FACT #2: So, what's the BIG deal?QUICK FACT #3: 5 factors determine your scoreWant the details on these QUICK FACTS? CLICK HERE!
Real Estate 411 – TIPSIt's a CREDIT driven society we live in, but don't let credit drive YOU!QUICK TIP #1: It's NOT error freeQUICK TIP #2: Get in the driver's seat!QUICK TIP #3: Talk their language
Want the details on these QUICK TIPS? CLICK HERE!
2-Minute 411 with Jim FiteManaging CREDIT: Old-school wisdomGetting into major debt can mean BIG trouble and prevent you from being able to buy the home of your dreams. The task is learning how to effectively . . . CLICK HERE to read complete article.

To find a real estate professional or mortgage counselor who can help you address your credit issues, contact
Henry Ramirez
CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company
(469) 326-3909 Direct
henryramirez@judgefite.com E-Mail

Brrrr

Freeze warning in effect from 3 AM to 9 AM cdt Tuesday. "Father Winter's Last Stand", and the saga continues... Bundle up Dallas, we're not done yet!

Moving to the Dallas Metro Area?

Wow, the weather outside is absolutely gorgeous! We here all know that we have a short winter, an even shorter spring, and a very long summer! I can't imagine being indoors today so here I go for a great long workout and then outside to enjoy the day! I am always on call if you need me though, but what a gorgeous day for anything outside...

First time Home buyers! Just for fun.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?e=20090402102230192

Hire a REALTOR® in Collin County!!!

It's incredible how easily Real Estate information can be found today. Although information about property can be found in the most popular websites such as Realtor.com, Homes.com, or most any popular Broker Website, such as CENTURY21.com, the Real Estate Professional will not go away. It is human nature these days to not have to deal with another individual when purchasing goods and services, and it's only natural to assume that Real Estate will eventually be able to be done in the same manner.

Your full service Realtor® is the only way to build a system of trust in the most vital investment you will make in your life. In any given market, considering that their is no such thing as a "national market", I pride myself in getting you the most updated information available to me, including any historical data, through several resources. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, your family, and friends when it comes to a Real Estate need. Certainly, if you are not thinking of moving to Collin County or the surrounding areas, please let me be your guide to the most qualified REALTOR® in your area.

Please remember, only REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®. We are bound by a Professional Code of Ethics and give only quality and professional service to our clients. Why would you hire merely an Agent? Thanks for reading today and have a great day!