HOMEBUYERS TAX CREDIT
There is a lot of confusion out there on the federal Homebuyers Tax Credit. This is probably because there are actually three of them:
1) The first one was actually a long term, interest free loan that had to be repaid over 15 years.
2) The second one raised the credit, and it did not have to be repaid (unfortunately, the government didn’t make this break retroactive for the home buyers a little earlier in the year).
3) The third extended the credit to all buyers of homes who could qualify. One of the best brief explanations I have found for these tax credits is at
www.abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9604343
The puzzling question is why aren’t people now taking advantage of this credit in the numbers they should be? When ever can anyone remember a time in the past when prices were low, the interest rate was fantastic, and the government was giving you some money (tax credit) just for taking advantage of an obviously amazing opportunity. Someday, there will be lots of people giving themselves a quick kick for not taking advantage of this great chance.
Homebuyers who would like to take advantage of this great opportunity need to be under contract for their home by April 30th of this year.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
HOMEBUYERS TAX CREDIT
There is a lot of confusion out there on the federal Homebuyers Tax Credit. This is probably because there are actually three of them:
1) The first one was actually a long term, interest free loan that had to be repaid over 15 years.
2) The second one raised the credit, and it did not have to be repaid (unfortunately, the government didn’t make this break retroactive for the home buyers a little earlier in the year).
3) The third extended the credit to all buyers of homes who could qualify. One of the best brief explanations I have found for these tax credits is at
www.abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9604343
The puzzling question is why aren’t people now taking advantage of this credit in the numbers they should be? When ever can anyone remember a time in the past when prices were low, the interest rate was fantastic, and the government was giving you some money (tax credit) just for taking advantage of an obviously amazing opportunity. Someday, there will be lots of people giving themselves a quick kick for not taking advantage of this great chance.
Homebuyers who would like to take advantage of this great opportunity need to be under contract for their home by April 30th of this year.
There is a lot of confusion out there on the federal Homebuyers Tax Credit. This is probably because there are actually three of them:
1) The first one was actually a long term, interest free loan that had to be repaid over 15 years.
2) The second one raised the credit, and it did not have to be repaid (unfortunately, the government didn’t make this break retroactive for the home buyers a little earlier in the year).
3) The third extended the credit to all buyers of homes who could qualify. One of the best brief explanations I have found for these tax credits is at
www.abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9604343
The puzzling question is why aren’t people now taking advantage of this credit in the numbers they should be? When ever can anyone remember a time in the past when prices were low, the interest rate was fantastic, and the government was giving you some money (tax credit) just for taking advantage of an obviously amazing opportunity. Someday, there will be lots of people giving themselves a quick kick for not taking advantage of this great chance.
Homebuyers who would like to take advantage of this great opportunity need to be under contract for their home by April 30th of this year.
Monday, January 11, 2010
FULL STEAM AHEAD TO 2010
Poof! 2009 is now in the rear view mirror. As we look ahead, we’re filled with new hope and plans for 2010. All are good (even if broken in the future), because we pause in our busy lives to take a look at both ourselves and our businesses to see what changes need to be made. Of course, the #1 resolution always is to lose weight, and this year is probably no exception for most of us (ah, those holiday goodies!). This is generally followed by being more productive, spending less, saving more, being better people and on and on. How about adding this one? Just have more fun. Work is good, but the old saying “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is quite true. Be resourceful, and you can find great things to do, and many are free or cost very little. When you live in a beautiful area like ours here in the wonderful White Mountains of New Hampshire, it should be no problem in these surroundings to find inexpensive ways to spend quality time. At this time of year, a walk down a road with a shimmering canopy of snow and ice overhead can be nearly as thrilling as a ride at Disney World. Pick a sunny winter day when the skies are that gorgeous blue you only see in the winter months for an amazing walk or drive. Another choice is do some tubing at Great Glen Trails or one of the other commercial areas around (or find your own hill for free sledding or tubing). Ice skating at Libby Pond or one of the town created ice rinks in most towns. One exciting activity you may not have thought of is seeing Mt. Washington & its view from a snowcoach. It’s not free, but sure would be a thrilling day for anyone. See the video http://ping.fm/of9RX
Poof! 2009 is now in the rear view mirror. As we look ahead, we’re filled with new hope and plans for 2010. All are good (even if broken in the future), because we pause in our busy lives to take a look at both ourselves and our businesses to see what changes need to be made. Of course, the #1 resolution always is to lose weight, and this year is probably no exception for most of us (ah, those holiday goodies!). This is generally followed by being more productive, spending less, saving more, being better people and on and on. How about adding this one? Just have more fun. Work is good, but the old saying “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is quite true. Be resourceful, and you can find great things to do, and many are free or cost very little. When you live in a beautiful area like ours here in the wonderful White Mountains of New Hampshire, it should be no problem in these surroundings to find inexpensive ways to spend quality time. At this time of year, a walk down a road with a shimmering canopy of snow and ice overhead can be nearly as thrilling as a ride at Disney World. Pick a sunny winter day when the skies are that gorgeous blue you only see in the winter months for an amazing walk or drive. Another choice is do some tubing at Great Glen Trails or one of the other commercial areas around (or find your own hill for free sledding or tubing). Ice skating at Libby Pond or one of the town created ice rinks in most towns. One exciting activity you may not have thought of is seeing Mt. Washington & its view from a snowcoach. It’s not free, but sure would be a thrilling day for anyone. See the video http://ping.fm/of9RX
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Buying Phobia
Many potential home buyers today are afraid to risk buying now. They fear what they’ve been hearing about - which is that many owners are losing their homes. Many of the hesitant buyers worry that if they were to buy today, then maybe at some future time, when they want or need to sell, they might be caught “upside down” in their homes, meaning they would owe more than they could sell the home for, because the housing market has declined severely.
Let’s take a sober look at why this has happened.
One reason is that the housing market, like the stock market, does have its ups and downs. The real estate housing market traditionally goes up slowly over many, many years and homeowners gradually gain more and more equity in their homes as their mortgages are paid down. However, not only are they gaining wealth with the accumulating equity, but housing tends to go up in value over many years, until finally it becomes an accepted “norm” - the house you buy today will likely be worth more when you sell. Unfortunately, towards the end of these years of rising values, a period will set in when the home prices begin to soar unreasonably (called a “bubble” in the market). Speculation sets in and it will not take long to burst that bubble, as more and more people put their homes on the market hoping to make a tidy sum to put away. A glut in the market occurs, and then the problems set in.
Other reasons have also contributed to the housing crisis. People borrowed against the equity in their homes to buy cars, pay college tuitions, and many other things. At the time, it didn’t seem a risky thing to do, but in reality, it is increasing your debt while at the same time reducing your net worth. For other folks, they just took on too much credit car debt until payment on all debt became impossible. For others, it was job loss or unexpected medical expenses. For still others, they were just into bad mortgages, which also flourished during the heady years of rising prices.
Look at it this way. As Tom Lundstedt, a speaker and an expert in the R.E. tax and investment area, says “ you are always buying a house – the only question is - who are you buying it for?” If you’re renting, you are helping to buy the building for your landlord. Is this really what you want to do with your hard-earned money?
This is a fantastic time to buy! Prices are lower than they’ve been in years & interest rates are still wonderful – it’s like the “perfect storm” of converging opportunities. If you’re able to buy and have a stable job, don’t let this great opportunity slip away from you. It may not return for a very long time.
Read my newletter for October at:
http://ping.fm/poa0J
Many potential home buyers today are afraid to risk buying now. They fear what they’ve been hearing about - which is that many owners are losing their homes. Many of the hesitant buyers worry that if they were to buy today, then maybe at some future time, when they want or need to sell, they might be caught “upside down” in their homes, meaning they would owe more than they could sell the home for, because the housing market has declined severely.
Let’s take a sober look at why this has happened.
One reason is that the housing market, like the stock market, does have its ups and downs. The real estate housing market traditionally goes up slowly over many, many years and homeowners gradually gain more and more equity in their homes as their mortgages are paid down. However, not only are they gaining wealth with the accumulating equity, but housing tends to go up in value over many years, until finally it becomes an accepted “norm” - the house you buy today will likely be worth more when you sell. Unfortunately, towards the end of these years of rising values, a period will set in when the home prices begin to soar unreasonably (called a “bubble” in the market). Speculation sets in and it will not take long to burst that bubble, as more and more people put their homes on the market hoping to make a tidy sum to put away. A glut in the market occurs, and then the problems set in.
Other reasons have also contributed to the housing crisis. People borrowed against the equity in their homes to buy cars, pay college tuitions, and many other things. At the time, it didn’t seem a risky thing to do, but in reality, it is increasing your debt while at the same time reducing your net worth. For other folks, they just took on too much credit car debt until payment on all debt became impossible. For others, it was job loss or unexpected medical expenses. For still others, they were just into bad mortgages, which also flourished during the heady years of rising prices.
Look at it this way. As Tom Lundstedt, a speaker and an expert in the R.E. tax and investment area, says “ you are always buying a house – the only question is - who are you buying it for?” If you’re renting, you are helping to buy the building for your landlord. Is this really what you want to do with your hard-earned money?
This is a fantastic time to buy! Prices are lower than they’ve been in years & interest rates are still wonderful – it’s like the “perfect storm” of converging opportunities. If you’re able to buy and have a stable job, don’t let this great opportunity slip away from you. It may not return for a very long time.
Read my newletter for October at:
http://ping.fm/poa0J
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Fall Foliage Map
It’s hard to figure out the best time to make a trip to the White Mountains to see the fall foliage. We found this handy map very helpful! http://ping.fm/i6CuQ
Autumn in the White Mountains
Ah, fall…my favorite time of the year. Trips to the local orchard to enjoy fresh-squeezed cider and those delectable temptations – hot off the press cider donuts. Fields laden with round hay bales. Patches of colorful chrysanthemums. The land bathed in a swirl of fiery colors against a sapphire sky.
If you have never spent an autumn day in the beautiful White Mountains, you are missing out. While fall is beautiful in most places, the colors that you will find in this area unparallel anything you can find almost anywhere else in the world. I have a fond memory of my daughter staring at a flaming red tree, her jaw agape, exclaiming “How does that color even EXIST?” I often wonder the very same thing myself when I view the spectacular foliage.
Some favorite drives to see the foliage include the famous Kancamagus Highway, which winds 50 miles between Conway and Lincoln, or Route 93 through the scenic Franconia Notch, old stomping grounds of The Man of the Mountain, may he rest in peace.
Autumn is nothing short of a celebration in this part of the country. In Jackson, NH, the residents and businesses in the area compete in the Pumpkin People contest. You will find sly pumpkin people sitting proudly in carriages, attending school or posing as the Beatles crossing Abbey Road.
Another fun addition to the season are the harvest suppers that appear throughout the area. For a measly $7 or $8, you can enjoy a homemade meal complete with melt-in-your mouth homemade pie. And enjoy conversation with the locals in the area, who can be just as colorful and interesting as our beautiful autumn leaves.
If you have never spent an autumn day in the beautiful White Mountains, you are missing out. While fall is beautiful in most places, the colors that you will find in this area unparallel anything you can find almost anywhere else in the world. I have a fond memory of my daughter staring at a flaming red tree, her jaw agape, exclaiming “How does that color even EXIST?” I often wonder the very same thing myself when I view the spectacular foliage.
Some favorite drives to see the foliage include the famous Kancamagus Highway, which winds 50 miles between Conway and Lincoln, or Route 93 through the scenic Franconia Notch, old stomping grounds of The Man of the Mountain, may he rest in peace.
Autumn is nothing short of a celebration in this part of the country. In Jackson, NH, the residents and businesses in the area compete in the Pumpkin People contest. You will find sly pumpkin people sitting proudly in carriages, attending school or posing as the Beatles crossing Abbey Road.
Another fun addition to the season are the harvest suppers that appear throughout the area. For a measly $7 or $8, you can enjoy a homemade meal complete with melt-in-your mouth homemade pie. And enjoy conversation with the locals in the area, who can be just as colorful and interesting as our beautiful autumn leaves.
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