A NEW benefit to present Homeowners!!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6691252.html

Senators agree to extend homebuyer tax credit

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Associated Press Writer © 2009 The Associated Press

Oct. 28, 2009, 7:00PM

WASHINGTON — Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.

The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of November. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new home sales fell 3.6 percent in September, and some industry representatives blamed uncertainty about the tax credit.

Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time homebuyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years, said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

The tax credits would be available to homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes, according to a summary of the legislation being circulated among lawmakers.

Senators were still negotiating the expansion of a separate tax credit that lets money-losing businesses get refunds for taxes paid in previous years, providing them with an immediate source of cash.

Senators in both political parties were hoping to add both tax provisions to a bill that would give people running out of unemployment insurance benefits up to 20 more weeks of federal aid. The Senate could vote on the overall bill as early as Thursday, but lawmakers were still haggling over several unrelated amendments Wednesday evening.

Popular bills like the one to extend unemployment benefits often attract amendments that would have a difficult time passing on their own.

Republicans were demanding that they be given a chance to offer amendments to restrict federal aid to the beleaguered community activist group ACORN and on requiring that people receiving unemployment insurance be processed through E-Verify, an Internet-based system that employers use to check on the immigration status of new hires.

Majority Democrats have refused to add the amendments.

If the Senate passes the bill, it would go to the House, which passed a similar bill extending unemployment benefits last month. House leaders have also said they support extending the tax credit for homebuyers.

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., has been negotiating for several weeks with Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to craft an extended tax credit for homebuyers that would pass the Senate.

Lawmakers didn't release a cost estimate for extending the tax credit, though similar proposals were projected to cost about $10 billion.

Industry representatives said uncertainty about the tax credit is hurting new home sales. September's decline was the first since March.

It takes 45 days to 60 days to close on a house, making it unlikely a sale made today would be consummated by the end of November, said Lucien Salvant, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors.

"Buyers right now have an incentive to hold off, not knowing whether the credit will be extended," Salvant said.

About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

The tax credit for money-losing businesses is a favorite among Republican lawmakers. Businesses could get tax refunds by using losses from 2008 and 2009 to offset taxable profits made in the previous five years. Under current law, they can only offset profits from the previous two years.

The provision would help a variety of industries, including retailers, manufacturers and home builders, though it's expensive.

"It's clearly a way to put cash in the hands of some major economic players," said Clint Stretch, a tax policy expert at Deloitte Tax.

A similar proposal that was ultimately dropped from the economic stimulus package enacted in February would have cost nearly $20 billion over 10 years. Lawmakers are working to reduce the price tag.

Because people are so strapped for cash, this is a good way to get refunds when businesses need them for operating expenses, said Rachelle Bernstein, vice president and tax counsel for the National Retail Federation.

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Taking life for Granted....

Today I received a friend request on Facebook from John. I looked through his profile and realized that he was not in Real Estate, did not live in the Houston area...but we had some common friends, so I accepted his friend's request. Like with any person we meet on the internet, John looked to be an average, everyday kind of guy. Later in the afternoon, I received a message from him, thanking me for accepting his friendship. He then, took the time to tell me a few things about his life and how it changed him forever - and it was at that time that this "average, everyday kind of guy" was nothing of the sort. He served his Community in which he lived , put his life on the line for others and for a second....lost his life doing his duty.... I'll let you read the conversation:

Hello

Between You and John Burtis

John Burtis October 22 at 6:15pm

I wanted to say hello and thank you for letting me become a facebook friend of yours.

Life can be too short, indeed. Although I was never injured while serving as a firefighter, I was killed as a police officer, when I was dragged down Wilshire Boulevard by an automobile at 55mph. I was pronounced dead and lay in a coma for three days after I struck the pavement bareheaded. It took me 8 months to return to work, overcoming a broken neck, amnesia, aphasia, brain damage, and a severe cerebral concussion.

Today I have a metal neck, a metal right shoulder, and cadaver bones in my left foot, among my 14 surgeries.

As a result, I tell my wife that I love her every single day and greet her at the door every night. And I try to send a note to every facebook friend, like you, and make them unique, depending on their favorite quotes and goals.

Life is certainly an interesting trip. Make sure that you have the right pilot.

John in NH.

Trisha Tomlinson Armstrong October 22 at 8:55pm

John -

You truly have a testimony that will surely change lives. So often times, people don't take the time to enjoy what life they do have....they just reminisce about what they used to have or what they could have - and never relish in the beauty of what God has blessed them with. I truly believe that each and every circumstance in our life, both good and bad, are perfectly orchestrated to shape us into the person we were intended to be, and in turn, our obligation to share our life experiences with others so that they can understand TRUE happiness, which is not found in money, materialism, or our economy. I appreciate you sharing your story with me and I look forward to gaining more wisdom from you in the future while networking here on Facebook.

With your permission, I would love to post this short conversation on my blog....I will wait for your response. Until then, Bless you and have a good evening!

Trisha


Oftentimes, outside appearances aren't what you may imagine... Through several tragic events in my own life and of my family's, we understand that we must NEVER take life for Granted. Life can be taken from you in a blink of an eye. Life is too short to live miserably. Life is too short NOT to love and love wholeheartedly. Life is too short to live like you have forever! I know, firsthand, that that is not the case! Live, Love, and Laugh just like you may not have another opportunity. As I listen to my first husband's heart beat for the very last time, I then realized that I will never be able to tell him again how much I love him. And with that experience....I don't ever want to miss the opportunity to tell my husband, Darrell, how much I love him. I don't ever want to miss the opportunity to tell my Children how much I love them, nor do I want to miss the opportunity to tell my friends how important they are in my life.

Life life to the fullest. Yes, plan for the future, but live for today and make darn sure that people that are close to you KNOW how much they mean.

Cre8 A Scene Productions

I am so very happy to be able to plug my Husband's business. He owns a Set Design and Construction company that builds equity Theatre sets and props. He has had the privilege of working on Broadway Touring Sets, Houston Grand Opera sets, and several sets on the Collegiate level. He also builds productions for Churches, Schools, Conferences, Expo's, etc. I am attaching a promotional video for you to view and would appreciate anyone passing it along.

Darrell has over 27 year experience in his field and we opened this business together in 2000. We were forced to take a 2 1/2 year leave due to cancer and treatments. But now, better than ever, Darrell is back and his business is thriving! Thank you for you time in viewing, and - as always -your comments are appreciated.

FALL is in the AIR (and so is the smell of apple pie!)

October 19, 2009 - Houston, TX

The sun is out and it about 68 right now - beautiful day! The pine needles cover my back deck and when I walk outside barefoot, the pieces of pinecones that the squirrels have discarded remind me that I should be wearing shoes.....lol I sit in the sun, swinging on our swing and enjoy the cooler weather and begin to thank GOD for ALL of his blessings. This brings to mind that there are many wonderful things that I take for granted....

My eyesight to be able to view the world that God has created. To see my children's faces and to watch their expressions. And in those expressions to see if they are happy or sad - they eyes are a picture into the soul. My eyes to see accomplishments of others and of my own. Eyes to see my Husband's handiwork as he creates his masterpieces. Eyes to observe and to learn, to read and to dream....

My ability to hear the voices of my children as they giggle and laugh. Ears to hear and listen to my Husband as we enjoy time together. The ability to listen to my friends and the ability to build friendships. The ability to enjoy music and the beautiful instruments. The ability to listen to learn....to hear birds chirpping, dogs barking, cars driving, etc.

As those are just a few of the many things I am guilty of taking for granted - there are many others. I cannot imagine life without those abilities and I know that there are those that must. Thank you Lord for giving me those precious Gifts - I know that they are truly a gift from You!

As I head back into the house, fully refreshed from the fresh air - I am thinking about Fall and how lovely are the colors and how wonderful are the smells!! Fall, in my mind, smells of wood-burning fireplaces, the fresh apple pie, the pumpkin muffins baking, and then the beautiful orange, gold, and red leaves - the scarecrows, pumpkins, and corn stalks adorning the porches of many homes. Yes, these are wonderful things to contemplate and to see popping up around the area.

I encourage you to take time and thank God for your Blessings - never take your ability to enjoy your surroundings for granted. Look around, observe others and spend time with those you love!! Tell your family how much you love them!!!

Cheers!!! (now to find an apple pie!! yummm)

Trisha

Developing "Community"

COMMUNITY -

noun, plural -ties.
1.
a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
2.
a locality inhabited by such a group.
3.
a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually prec. by the): the business community; the community of scholars.
4.
a group of associated nations sharing common interests or a common heritage: the community of Western Europe.
5.
Ecclesiastical. a group of men or women leading a common life according to a rule.
6.
Ecology. an assemblage of interacting populations occupying a given area.
7.
joint possession, enjoyment, liability, etc.: community of property.
8.
similar character; agreement; identity: community of interests.
9.
the community, the public; society: the needs of the community.


As we can see from the definition above, "Community" has many similar meanings but all are related to: a group of like people in a common place with common needs and interests. I go to this extent only to try to relay the importance of bringing back "Community" to our generation. Yes - technology is vital to the survival of commerce today, but so is still the need for "community" or the need to belong or relate-with other people.

I know that in some parts of our country, to initiate a conversation with a Cashier, Bank Teller, Waitress - would be uncomfortable and not accepted etiquette. Over the years, I have traveled to a few places - and because I am used to speaking to everyone I come in contact with (much to the embarrassment of my children) I have found that even in those cities where it is not readily acceptable - it was welcomed. People are still people no matter where they live and have a desire to be needed, heard, and valued.

I would encourage Community to be revisited. It has to start somewhere - so start by saying hello to your neighbors and those walking the neighborhood...invite friends to dinner - and you cook...Who knows??? It will cause you to value friendships more and it is a HUGE way to network and to gain possible Clients. Life and Success is all about RELATIONSHIPS - start making a difference and recreate Community in your part of this world!!

Your opinions and thoughts are appreciated!!

Agents - Interviewing Buyers???

Interview your Buyer??? Of course you do!!! (This one of the most simple tasks we have as Realtors - giving the Client the opportunity to tell you something about themselves. ) By giving them the opportunity to tell you about themselves, allows you to be better prepared on what properties and neighborhoods you are going to be showing. You can either ask the questions while engaging in your everyday conversation or by actually letting them know you have several questions for them to answer in order to give you an idea of the perfect house they are looking for. No matter the method you use, here is the information you need to note:

→ Are they pre-Qualified -Credit scores & Income Verified??

→ Budget?

→ Where are their jobs?

→ Do they have children?

→ Are their certain School Districts required?

→ What are their hobbies?

→ How often do they travel?

→ Where do they spend their off-time?

→ Move-in Ready or Fixer – Upper?

→ Newer or Older Construction?

→ Lot size for maintenance

→ 1 or 2 story

→ Required Amenities for house and Neighborhood?

These are just a few questions – but the answers should give the Agent a very good idea of where to begin their search for new homes. Most Buyers will already have a few houses that they’ve seen on the internet – but, as we all know….what is looks like on the internet and what it is – could be two different things. Be sure that you get a very good ideal of what your Client is wanting.

Get personal and get to know your Client……IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIP!!!! If you find out that the Client has not spoken with a Mortgage company about a loan, it is IMPERATIVE that you have them do that BEFORE you show them any houses. Here is the reason: It tells you the best budget to stay within so that they do not get in “over their head” and if for some reason they are not approved right now, it doesn’t add insult to injury by showing them houses they cannot buy. There are very good Loan Officers that will take the time to work with your Clients. If the Clients do not qualify – these Loan Officers will instruct them on credit repair and keep in close contact with these Clients to help them. They will help you NOT to lose a Client for the future. I will be happy to recommend these Loan Officers.

Terminate or NOT to Terminate.?.?.?.? That is the Question

A friend of mine, also an Agent, were discussing this topic.......

In todays economy:

You have a Client in which you have Listed his or her house. They have chosen to list higher than your recommendation and now are giving you the 3rd degree about why the heck their house has been on the market 40+ days and has not shown.... The house is located in a gated community - the Seller wants public Open Houses, flyers out on the sign and pretty much the guy with the funny hat blowing a horn...waving people to their house...... All unrealistic, because the public cannot gain access to the house without driving through the gate with another car.

The Client will not even HEAR of lowering the price, because their house is far better than any other in the neighborhood and they have spent a lot of money in upgrades..... What do you do? Terminate or NOT? Are you fighting a loosing battle??

Your thoughts????

Need new ways to Market Listings??

This is a very cool tool for generating Leads and bringing Buyers to your Listings!!

http://www.mobileflyers.net/index.asp

If you have ever used this service, I would love to hear your comments!!

Google Wave

This is a cool tool!!! Check out this youtube video and give me your comments!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6pgxLaDdQw