California State Tax Credits for First Time Buyers and New Homes

For Buyers - 1 month ago

Many home buyers were rushing in the last days of June to close escrow and qualify for the federal tax credit of $8,000 for first-time home buyers and $6,500 for repeat home buyers. If you were one of many buyers who were under contract on a home purchase by April, 30 2010, and waiting to close escrow, you still have hope. The U.S. Senate has passed a 3 month extension to allow buyers additional time to close, moving the deadline to close escrow to September 30, 2010. However, if you’ve missed these deadlines, you’re not out of luck, you may qualify for a California State Tax credit. California State Tax Credits In addition to the federal tax credit, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is offering tax credits of its own to first-time home buyers and new home buyers in 2010.... [Read More...]

Over 55 and Moving? Save on Your Property Taxes

For Sellers - 2 months ago

One of the most common obstacles I run into when working with clients over the age of 55 to find a new home is their property taxes. Many retirees over the age of 55 rely on fixed income or need to be cautious with their money. So when they want to move, either downsize, move to a different area, or move closer to their kids, they can usually afford the home but sometimes they can’t afford the property taxes that are associated with it. Property taxes are usually assessed when you purchase your home at the market price at the time you complete your purchase. Since home prices are so much higher than they were decades ago, this can mean a huge jump in property tax expense. Luckily, there’s Proposition 60 and Proposition 90 that allows homeowners over 55 to transfer their previous... [Read More...]

What are 3 Reasons a Home Doesn’t Sell?

For Sellers - 9 months ago

No one wants to be on the market and not sell. No one wants to deal with the pain of preparing the home to have guests, the agony of scrambling to clean and race out of the house when you have a showing, and most of all, being uncertain of whether someone will ever buy your home so you can finally move on to the next stage of your life. So what are 3 major factors for actually getting your home sold? 1.    Presentation – Cleaning, Staging, General Home Preparation The bottom line is buyers are more picky and more busy than ever. They want the perfect home without having to do much work on it. Most people these days have more responsibilities than hours in the day so the majority of buyers will want something move-in condition or something close. So…Condition matters! Before you even... [Read More...]

Obama’s Plan Offers Exciting Refinance Options

For Sellers - 1 year ago

Making Home Affordable is a new plan to help keep homeowners in their homes. One really great part of the plan includes a new refinance option for homeowners who are trying and keep their homes. A lot of ideas surround helping homeowners who are in default or already close to foreclosure. Some loan modifications and short sales even require that homeowners be delinquent on their mortgage payments before being eligible and by this time it can be already too late to keep an owner in their home. The difference in this plan is that it targets responsible homeowners who have paid their mortgages on time for the past 12 months. By doing that, it targets homeowners who aren’t yet in trouble, making it more likely for a home to be saved. It also gives homeowners who bought in the past few years... [Read More...]

$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Buyers (2009)

For Buyers - 1 year ago

Update: The $8,000 federal tax credit for first time buyers is still available in 2010, but only if you entered into a contract on or before April 30, 2010. The new deadline for closing escrow is now September 30, 2010, a full 3 month extension from the original June 30 deadline. Repeat home buyers also will still qualify for the federal $6,500 tax credit as long as they have entered into a contract on or before April 30, 2010. Some people have been asking me about the recent $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers and I thought I should address it here. If you are buying or will buy a home in 2009 as a first time home buyer (see below for definition), you will be eligible for an $8,000 tax credit that you will not have to pay back. This is part of Obama’s Recovery and Reinvestment... [Read More...]

The Increasing Importance of Marketing Your Home Online

For Sellers - 2 years ago

In today’s technology driven world, more and more buyers are turning to the internet to look for a home. In a 2006 survey, the National Association of Realtors found that over 75% of buyers start their search online. With so many homes on the market today, it is now essential that these buyers see your home first. And in the real estate market’s current state, it’s now more important than ever to have a solid internet marketing plan as part of your overall marketing plan. With so many homes for sale, buyers simply don’t have the time to see the hundreds of homes on the market. What are some ways a technology savvy real estate agent can use to help market your home? 1. Preparing the Home to be Showcased Even though this isn’t high-tech, preparing your home for... [Read More...]

JUST SOLD! Multiple Offers! Stunning North Arcadia Pool Home!

This Stunning North Arcadia, Highland Oaks Home has Been Completely Remodeled…Complete with Gorgeous Mountain Views…The home offers a Smart, Bright Floor Plan with 3 Large Bedrooms, a Den, and 3 Baths…Recessed Lighting, Double Pane Windows, Rich Hardwood Floors, Crown Molding and Meticulous Attention to Detail are Found Throughout the House…Spacious Living Room with Built in Shelving…Spacious Formal Dining Room with Wainscoting and Large Windows…Huge Great Room Features High Ceilings with Wood Beam Details an Open Kitchen and Family Room…the Kitchen Features... [Read More...]

SOLD in 9 Days! Multiple Offers! Temple City Home on Large Lot!

Recently Remodeled Temple City Home…Temple City Schools…Immaculately Maintained…Remodeled Kitchen with Newer Cabinets and Granite Counters…Breakfast Nook…Large Window in Living Room…Recessed Lighting…Wood Floors Throughout Common Areas…Large Windows offer Plenty of Light…Bonus Room for Studying or Play…Separate Laundry Room…Spacious Yard…Walking Distance to Schools…A Great Family Home in Temple City! ... [Read More...]

Just Sold in 11 Days! 2324 El Capitan, Arcadia!

This Beautiful Home is Located on a Quiet Tree-Lined Street in Arcadia…Offers a Bright and Spacious Floor Plan…Immaculately Maintained…Features 3 Total Bedrooms including a Huge Master Suite with Vaulted Ceilings, 2.5 Baths…Formal Living Room with Recessed Lights…Spacious Kitchen with Refinished Cabinets…Formal Dining with Storage Cabinets…Large Den with Wet Bar…Stone Entry and Fireplace…Double Pane Windows Throughout… Plentiful Storage…Beautifully Landscaped Yard……A Wonderful Home in a Charming Neighborhood! ... [Read More...]