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Time Is Running Out
September 17th, 2009 2:49 PM

The first time home buyer tax credit is set to expire on November 30th. That means that you must close on your owner occupied home no later than that day to receive your tax credit. If you close on the 1st of December, no credit. Not even a little one.

Yesterday I was speaking with a Realtor about managing peoples expectations regarding being able to take advantage of this awesome opportunity. He stated that he has simply stopped showing short sale properties to buyers as they almost always take several months to close. While we can close some home purchases in a couple of weeks, as the clock starts running out on this program, you can certainly expect for that time to increase. As loan applications ramp up to beat this deadline, so will the time to underwrite them.

There is till a window open for this chance to get up to $8,000 after closing on your home, but it's likely that after November 1st it will be gone for good.

If you are still on the fence, you may not want to wait much longer. The sun is about to set on this once in a lifetime opportunity.


Posted by Terry Shepard on September 17th, 2009 2:49 PMPost a Comment (0)

Charming Home in Speedway, Indiana
July 28th, 2009 7:04 PM

 3 Bedroom home in Speedway!

L#: 2923541 LP: $94,900 RES Status: Active Area: 4993

Map: N-16 W-35

¤1682 PRESTO AV Lt: 39.7894 Ln: -86.2463

School: Speedway

Town: ¤INDIANAPOLIS Twp: ¤WAYNE Zip: ¤46224

Legal: ¤SCHLOSS HOME PLACES eLc1t7io2n: Lot: 172 County: ¤MARION

Tax ID: MAR9002949 Multi-Tax ID: Solid Waste: N Semi-Tax: ¤$523

Subdiv: ¤SCHLOSS HOME PLACET aLx1 7E2xempt: HmTxEx Tax Year Paid: ¤2008

Builder/Project/Contractor: Const.Stage: Yr Built: ¤1934 Est.Comp.Date:

Loc:

Rooms: 6 Bd: 2

Floor#:

843

Unit Entry Level:

Living: 12x12 M H Y Master: 14x10 M H Y Basement: ¤843

Levels:

Family Rm: 2nd: 12x10 M H Y 1,686

Baths: 1

Great Rm: 3rd:

Parking:

Dining: 12x12 M H Y 4th:

Kitchen: 10x8 M H Y

Bas:

Brkfst Rm:

Foundation: Basement-Block Gar:

Adorable home filled with character. Short distance to the track. Solid low maintenance home, inviting front porch, beautiful wood floors (some under carpet).

 

Call Dona Hayes at Home Quest Realty to schedule your showing. (317) 889-7403


Posted by Terry Shepard on July 28th, 2009 7:04 PMPost a Comment (0)

Expanding the tax credit to $15,000?
July 27th, 2009 10:53 AM
The Senate originally pushed for a tax credit of $15,000 to further stimulate a stalling economy. It was scaled back to $8,000 and is set to expire at the end of the year. Still, there is some talk in Congress of renewing the tax credit and possibly increase it to $15,000. Only time will tell how this plays out, but if I were a betting man, I'd say jump on the credit now. If we continue to see improvement in the economy and increase home sales, the credit is likely to go away on November 30, 2009!

Posted by Terry Shepard on July 27th, 2009 10:53 AMPost a Comment (0)

Amend Your Tax Return
June 30th, 2009 9:52 AM

Many people rank filing taxes right up there with public speaking and being attacked by a shark. With the right no how and software, it's fairly easy. I've helped my customers file their tax returns for over ten years now. With the new first time buyer tax credit come new forms and new tax code. Even if you've already filed your 2008 tax return, you can still get your tax credit without having to wait until next year.

Filing an amended tax return takes maybe 20 minutes, but can get you up to $8,000 in as few as six weeks! If you've recently purchased a home and would like someone to help you take advantage of the new tax credit, give me a call. I am always happy to help. Plus, I think you'll find me a bit more reasonable than the big chain tax prep companies!


Posted by Terry Shepard on June 30th, 2009 9:52 AMPost a Comment (0)

Interest rates
June 19th, 2009 10:28 AM

What determines my rate of interest?

There are several factors that come into play when determing interest rate. For the most part, rates will be roughly the same from lender to lender or within a quarter of a percent. When it comes to rate keep the following things in mind.

1. What is my credit score?

Typically there are adjustments for credit scores below 720. There may be different adjustments for scores between 620-660, 660-680, etc.

2. What is my loan-to-value?

Lenders set their rates based on risk. One of the key factors in figuring the risk is your loan-to-value. How much do you have invested in the transaction? If you are buying a home, the less money you put down, the higher the risk.

3. What is my loan size?

Banks are in business to make money. The smaller loans net them less money and in turn they make up for this by charging a higher rate. The sweet spot for banks is an amount between $100,000 and $400,000. This range gives them the most bang for their buck.

4. How much is my loan originator making?

Wether you are working with a mortgage broker or a bank loan officer, chances are they are making the bulk of their money from the interest rate they lock in for you. A mortgage broker can often times get best overall deal for you by shopping for the best rates and fees.

5. What is happening in the bond market? 

Mortgage rates are loosely based on the US Treasuries bond markets. We general follow the 10-Year T-Bill bond. When investors put their money into these bonds, we normally see the yields go down. Interest rates usually follow. When investors feel stocks are a better bet, we normally see interest rates rise. Rates can and do change several times in a day. It is important to know this when shopping for a loan. The rate you are quoted in the morning may be different in the afternoon. Most lenders can't lock an interest rate until you've signed a loan application and have a property address.

To discuss your particular scenario or for a quick loan approval, call me today!

 

 


Posted by Terry Shepard on June 19th, 2009 10:28 AMPost a Comment (0)

First Time Buyer Tax Credit
June 10th, 2009 8:56 AM
I just helped a couple buy their first home. They loved everything about this newly renovated home, except the windows. Built in the 50's, this home had the original windows. Now, being a betting man, I'd say that their utility bills could probably be cut in half with efficient air tight windows. Not wanting to let this otherwise gem of a home get away, they decided to make an offer. Since they closed in the spring, they have some time before a harsh Indiana winter sets in. More than enough time to file an ammended federal tax return for 2008. This ammened return will allow them to get a check from the government for $8,000 in about 6 to 8 weeks. After pricing new windows, it seems they will have an extra couple grand to put in their pockets after their check arrives. I was so excited for them, that I brought them a nice bottle of Moet to celebrate!

Posted by Terry Shepard on June 10th, 2009 8:56 AMPost a Comment (0)

Is now a good time to buy?
November 11th, 2008 1:27 PM

I was asked by a friend at the gym if it was smart to buy a house now. Being a salesman that makes his living off of home financing, my obvious answer as it has been for nearly 15 years, was "absolutely".

Well this time it is absolutely a great time to buy a home. In my market, Indianapolis, we've not seen a large depriciation in prices. That is probably because we live in the most affordable housing market in the country. The median home price in Indianapolis is roughly $140,000 about $100,000 less than the national average.

The bank and government owned homes in the city are priced well below market value. Homes that sold for $100,000 a few years ago that need minor repairs are going for two thirds as much. When you add to this the first time homebuyer tax credit and interest rates hovering around six percent, you have one of the best times ever to be a home buyer!

Most experts agree that we are at or very near the bottom of the housing downturn. And when is the best time to buy? NOW! 

 


Posted by Terry Shepard on November 11th, 2008 1:27 PMPost a Comment (0)

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