If you never envisioned yourself as a homeowner, by the end of this month, you just might be. And Just in time.
Even single parents have a chance in this marketplace. In some parts of the country, you can purchase a three-bedroom single family house for less than $150,000.
To be eligible for the federal tax credits—up to $8,000 for qualified first-timers and up to $6,500 for certain repeat buyers—houses must be under contract by April 30, with settlement by June 30, 2010.
With those deadlines in sight, some real estate agents say they are relishing their first busy days in months.
For some buyers, a tax credit is an added perk in an already-friendly market with good inventory and low mortgage rates.
Non profit organizations are another source of down payment assistance for some people. Some state loan program that may provide money up front for closing costs or maintenance on the house.
The tax credit is creating flurry of activity noticeable in areas with a strong inventory of homes affordable to young families.
For repeat buyer, the first-time-buyer credit is an added bonus.
If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, please contact your local Habitat affiliate. To find the Habitat affiliate serving your area, call their help line at 1 (800) 422-4828.
The Habitat affiliate will explain the application process and provide information on the availability, size and cost of Habitat homes in your area.
Habitat affiliates will select “partner families” to become Habitat homeowners. Partner families are always selected based on their:
- Level of need
- Willingness to become partners in the program
- Ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest loan
Habitat for Humanity follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families.
A lot of homeowners have been seeing, for the first time, a reduction in the assessed values of their properties as county assessors take into account the housing market’s extraordinary downturn. Is it still worth it to appeal the property tax assessment?
Some of the questions to ask might be
Is your home in a census tract with high median home values and larger or newer homes ?
Are your neighbors doing the same ?
Did you purchase property your home within the past three years?
Is your property a smaller older property in areas where there has not been a dramatic run-up in property appreciation?
Property taxes come in a lump sum that comes twice a year. Other kinds of taxes are more hidden so you don’t feel the pain.
If you are curious about the current value of your home, contact a local Realtor who knows the market well, and who can provide you with adequate information to make your decision.
The City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department is holding its annual Kids and Kites Festival on SATURDAY MAY 15 from 10 am – 3 pm. The festival is free to the public and includes free kites to the first 2500 children in attendance. There will be live entertainment on the main stage, interactive booth highlighting summer activities, and play area for the kids, food and more. The festival has something fun for everyone!
