Central Ohio Real Estate Cafe'

Mark Your Calendar-Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House

Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House will occur Sunday April 19^th, 2009.

This event is sponsored by the Columbus Board of Realtors and will feature over 200 affordably priced ($125,000) homes all over the central Ohio area.  If you spot by to visit any participation home on 4/19/2009 you can register to win one of the following exciting prizes:

Whirlpool Stainless Steel Smooth Top 
Electric Range & 25 cu ft Side-by-Side                   
Refrigerator with water & ice Dispenser
courtesy Dominion Homes & Whirlpool

Wii Gaming Systems courtesy Perma View
(ANDERSON Replacement Windows) &                                
Tim Moffitt & Nancy Garrabrant, National
City Bank now a part of PNC

Wii Fit System courtesy First American
Title Insurance Company

This has become an annual event for the Columbus Board and gives the community an opportunity to see some great affordable homes.  Mark your calendars for Affordable Housing Super Sunday Open House Sunday April 19^th, 2009.  A full listing of the homes that will be featured will be available in the Sunday April 19th, Columbus Dispatch and Columbusdispatch.com

If you need additional information or have any Columbus area real estate needs please call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com.

Other upcoming events: April is Fair Housing Month

There are great incentives for first-time Columbus area real estate buyers. Big tax incentives and money put into the banking and financing industries to give buyers more availability to loans makes now the best time to move when looking for a home. This environment won't last-exactly. Some of the elements put in place are geared toward a strong future for the housing market, but many of the advantages are only good for now.

Tax Relief

First-time Columbus Area real estate buyers, meaning those who have not owned a home in the past three years, are eligible for a big tax break on income taxes. Next year at tax time all buyers have to do is report the new home purchase to get $8,000 dollars back. That's a big incentive. The drawback is it's only good for this year. It is retroactive to the beginning of 2009 so even if you have already bought that home you can still claim it, but if you drag your feet hoping for better mortgage financing, or just a better time for your family to get a new home, you will miss out after December 31, 2009.

OHFA

The Ohio Finance Authority has decided that as of March 30^th, 2009 buyers who qualify can use their $8000 stimulus tax incentive to help with down payment and closing costs.  This will allow more Columbus area buyers the opportunity to take advantage of the outstanding inventory of homes available.  This program is scheduled to run through November 2009, however, funds are limited so don't miss out.

Affordable Housing

Right now is the time to buy because of prices, too. Thanks to the failings of the housing market, there are tons of homes for sale at prices they would not normally be listed at. If the stimulus plan improves the economy the way it is hoped it will, that won't last. This week there has already been signs that home sales are on the rise.  That's great news for homeowners, but not great for those who wait to take advantage of the greatly reduced home prices.

Columbus area real estate buyers need to take advantages of all that 2009 and the current real estate market have to offer. There are great deals that may never happen again-Do not miss this golden opportunity to grow your personal net value. 

If you're interested in taking advantage of the 2009 stimulus plan or have any other real estate concerns, I can help.  Call me at 614-273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com for more information.

LINKS:

Big tax break on income taxes: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home#taxcredit

Mortgage financing: http://mortgage.freedomblogging.com/2009/02/18/obama-mortgage-rescue-promises-75-billion-in-aid/6767/

Ohio Finance Authority:  http://www.centralohiorealestatecafe.com/post/1002788/-8000-dollar-tax-credit-down-payment-assistance-hurry-limited-funds

Stimulus plan: http://centralohiorealestateinformation.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-stimulus-bill-can-help-you-get-your.html

What an exciting time to be a 1^st Time home buyer.  Everything is on sale and your rich Uncle Sam is going to give you a tax credit of $8000 dollars as an incentive to stop renting and go out and buy your dream home.. However, before you rush off to take advantage of that credit take a second to review the tips and advice here.

Do Your Homework

When you are looking through homes they all look great just ask anyone who has done a home search,   Often after you close and move in things still look pretty good and then you start to notice the "little" things. You start to question how you could have totally over looked this and that.   There may be things that you knew to be on the lookout for but somehow were missed each time you walked through. This is why it is so important to have your Central Ohio home thoroughly inspected by a professional home inspector.

Avoid Last Minute Surprises

Issues with Title can not only cause you heartburn on closing day they can totally derail the transaction and cause you to be without a home.  I was recently made aware of a situation where a couple sold their home and had to move out so that the new owners could move in.  The couple had title issues with their new home and was forced to find somewhere else to live until the title issues were resolved.  Title is not the sexiest part of the home buying and selling process to think or talk about but it is a vital part and by working with your agent you can find a reputable title company that can help you avoid any last minute surprise during the home closing process.

Don't be a Victim of Rookie Mistakes

Outside of the typical problems that will likely be uncovered by a good home inspection there are a few typical first time buyer mistakes that you will want to avoid, a few of which include:

•·         Underestimating the cost of fixing up an older home.

•·         Failing to negotiate better terms and conditions.

•·         The full impact of a long commute and how to decide how far is too far.

You want your home buying experience to be exhilarating, fun and exciting and it will be providing you work with professionals that can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you need a recommendation for a professional lender, home inspector or contractor for your Central Ohio property, I can help.  Call me at (614)273-6406 or email me at Vanessa.simmons@realliving.com

LINKS:

$8000 Stimulus Plan:  http://centralohiorealestateinformation.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-stimulus-bill-can-help-you-get-your.html

Professional home inspector:  http://www.ashi.org/

Home closing process:  http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/101107_homclose.htm

First time buyer mistakes: http://www.realtor.org/rmosales_and_marketing/handoutsforcustomers/handouts/buyer12