If you are thinking about buying a home in 2010, you may want to at least have it under contract before the end of April. That way, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000 (if you meet the other requirements).

The federal housing tax credit gives first-time home buyers and certain existing homeowners a major incentive to buy a home. Qualified buyers can receive a tax credit of up $8,000. The program has been extended until April 30, 2010, with no more extensions visible on the horizon.

Housing Tax Credit Q&A

1. Who can claim the $8,000 housing tax credit?

Anyone that meets the loose definition of first-time home buyer is eligible for the federal tax-credit program. If you have not owned a home (as your primary residence) in the three years prior to your home purchase, then you meet the IRS definition of “first-time” buyer.

2. Are there any other restrictions, such as income?

Yes. Single filers must make less than $125,000 per year, and joint filers must make less than $225,000. Due to possible changes, please visit the IRS website for updated amounts.

3. Is there anything for homeowners buying a new home?

Yes! Under the expanded tax-credit program, homeowners can simply buy another primary residence or they can sell their current home and then buy another one to qualify for a tax credit up to $6,500. The same deadline applies.

4. What if I don’t earn enough to need a CREDIT?

It’s not just a credit, it’s cash in hand. The government GIVES you a check for the amount you qualify if you owe no taxes.

5. Where can I learn more about the credit?

Visit the IRS explanation of the federal housing tax credit, and you’ll know exactly how it works.

6. Would this also be a good time to Sell?

Yes! More buyers trying to buy before April 30th means more homes being sold!

Please consult your tax advisor to verify that you would qualify for one of these available tax credit opportunities.

Put one of our buyer specialists to work for you now – Call: 727-787-6995

Visit the best Tampa Bay Home Search Site.

Keller Williams Realty Receives Nod as the Highest Ranked in Customer Satisfaction

J.D. Power and Associates names company highest in customer satisfaction
for second year in a row

AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 2, 2009) —According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in North America, received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the second year in a row. The company also ranked second-highest among home sellers in the study.

 “We couldn’t be prouder. This is an achievement our associates have truly earned. It is the face-to-face interaction and the relationships they build daily that has impacted this study and elevated Keller Williams Realty to another level in customer service,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. “Knowing that this study was conducted during the toughest times the market has seen shows that spirit and dedication can make an impact.”

The study was produced by J.D. Power and Associates to measure home buyers’ and sellers’ customer satisfaction. The results of the home-buying experience were determined by three factors including the agent, office and the package of additional services.

“I am absolutely beaming with pride that our agents have been honored in such a fantastic way,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. “We are lucky to be in business with such incredible business people, who have shown incredible resolve over the past two years. If there was a time to build their business, it is now.”

The Gary & Nikki Team would like to wish you and your family the best for the upcoming holidays. We’d also like to offer you some special information that can be very beneficial if you are thinking of selling your home in the upcoming month. 

 10 Reasons To List Your Home In December

1. People who look at properties during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a decision.
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays because many sellers are waiting until “AFTER THE HOLIDAYS” to list their properties. With less competition, your property has a better chance to sell for top dollar.
3. Houses “show better” when decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season.
4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feeling they receive when viewing your house.
5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because they have designated time off from work to purchase a home.
6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.
7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until the spring to buy. Your house must be on the market to capture these buyers.
8. You may restrict showings during your own personal family events and still take advantage of your spruced up and decorated “show ready” home.
9. You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until next year if you so desire and if agreeable to the other party.
10. By selling now, you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more properties are on the market.

BONUS: The recent extension of the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers, and the addition of a $6,500 credit for homeowners looking to relocate, is putting more buyers into the market. More buyers looking for a home like yours!

Call The Team today – the sooner you list, the sooner you sell!
727-787-6995

2009—President Barack Obama has approved the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension which will extend the tax credit until April 30, 2010.

The extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers who are purchasing their first home from the current November 30 deadline and expands the program to offer a credit of $6,500 to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate.

What the tax credit means to First Time Buyers and Homeowners that are thinking of relocating.

First Time Buyers – You can get an $8,000 tax credit on your taxes if you qualify – and if the amount of taxes you owe is less than the credit, you will get a check for the difference from the government.

Home owners thinking of relocation or upgrading – If you meet the tax guidelines you can receive a $6,500 tax credit or again, if the amount of taxes you owe is less than the credit, you will get a check for the difference from the government.

Call us today to discuss your options. 727-787-6995 Call your tax advisor to see if you qualify.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE DETAILS

ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS:

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE $8,000 Tax Credit

However, if you’re banking on the passage of anything congressional, you may be disappointed. The tax credit expires December 1st 2009  – don’t count on a government extension! There is a huge push this summer to address health care reform. The extension of the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit could therefore easily be in jeopardy.

To get your $8,000 Tax Credit, you must close on your purchase by November 30th, 2009 !!! In order to get this done and allow enough time for the mortgage approval process you need to have the home under contract by October 15th!!!  ACT FAST!!!   DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!! 

If you know of anyone who is interested in leveraging the tax credit opportunity before time runs out, please feel free to give them our contact information if they would like to discuss options! The Gary and Nikki Team: 727-787-6995

But the mortgage industry is in trouble right?

Don’t assume that you are either eligible or ineligible, assume nothing. The mortgage industry has plenty of well-respected bankers and brokers that can help you find the perfect product for your needs and to suit your goals. If you are considering a home purchase, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t have a sit-down with a trusted mortgage resource to review your options even before you begin your home search.  If you need assistance finding a trusted professional, let us know!

The clock is ticking on the expiration of the First-Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit. There are, as you’re probably aware, several bills under consideration to both increase and extend the terms of the allowance.

Learn How to List & Sell Hundreds of Properties Every Year

• Become a Master at Listing Lead Generation and our PROVEN Listing Consultation Process
• Must be learning-based, driven to succeed at the highest levels and a team player.
• Licensed REALTORS ONLY

Contact Gary Ubaldini at gary@gnteam.com

The Gary and Nikki Team Keller Williams Realty

Every year, Gary and Nikki offer a $500 “Teamwork” scholarship to area high school seniors. The student with the best essay (based on content and clarity) on the topic “What teamwork means to me” will be chosen.

Here are this year’s scholarship winners – congratulations!

Evan Chronis
of Tarpon Springs High School
Evan will be attending The University of Central Florida

Hannah Wong
of Countryside High School
Hannah will be attending the University of Florida

1. Low Home Values……back to 2001 prices
2. Below 5% interest rates for the first time in our generation
3. $8000.00 Tax Credit for buyers who have not owned a home for 3 years
4. Keller Williams Safe Home Buyer protection plan- for the first 2 years of home ownership buyers could have their mortgage payments made up to $2500 per month for up to 6 months
5. Portability-potential property tax savings by moving within Florida

“The thing to do is keep your mind when the world around you is losing theirs.”
WARREN BUFFETT

Below is a video explaining more in-depth.

$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

• The tax credit is for first-time home buyers and buyers who have not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
• The tax credit does NOT have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
• The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

What an excellent opportunity to buy real estate and to legitimatelyget paid for doing it! For those that qualify, our Federal Government will actually reduce your tax liability or pay you up to $8000 to begin building your wealth through real estate.

Why wait?