Tax Credit Going Away???

Tax Credit Going Away?

I keep getting the question as to the first time homebuyer's tax credit. I even heard one gentleman tell me that the credit is going to improve!! I dont think he controls that but.... I sounds like an optimistic thought to me.

With only a few months left, we will soon see folks that enter the buying process in a rush to get their purchases closed before December 1, 2009 when the tax credit expires. We CONSTANTLY get questions on whether it will get extended, or even may be raised. Keep in mind that any changes require consensus and there is a tremendous amount of legislation focused on mortgage/banking regulation and healthcare. As it stands now there will be some great folks that will close November 30th (he, he) and other nice folks that close December 1st and I assume both will get great deals but on will qualify for the $8,000 tax credit and one will not. With all the changes in financing, many companies are at 45-90 days to close a mortgage loan, while we remain at 30 days, we still encourage people to start the financing process if you are interested in purchasing.

I really think anyone interested in the credit push should get a preapproval in process. Call me for some good mortgage leads.

THE HOMES MUST BE STAGED

I have to give major "props" to MIBOR. The marketing of the BLC is spectacular. I honestly do not know a better way to market your home for sale than with a MIBOR member/REALTOR. "obviously" you may say - "you ARE a realtor". Time and time again I sell homes VERY quickly in this bad economy. I don't know if it is just hard work, salesmanship, and hustle or just ...well...MIBOR marketing. I have, however, taken a stance this week. I am going to pay for a home stager to consult with the my clients/sellers each home I list over $200,000.

I find it that important. It is important for the sellers to set their product above the competition. Staging can be a difficult process. Every person has their idea and perception of colors and furniture placement. We each live in our homes as a dwelling, not a showroom. I made a stand. My listings are a product to be properly merchandised. My clients want me to sell quickly. Therefore it is my responsibility to do just that...sell quickly.

I listed an average home in a middle class area of Fishers last month. The home was staged. I sold that home in less than three weeks for more $/SF than any other home on recent record. I could chalk it up to luck, good signage, good weather, and an AWESOME listing realtor. Naw, I am giving the props to two areas: MIBOR and their members and the stager. The second of which has finally "sold me" on the importance of a proper third party critique of product presentation.