Need to Find the First-Timers

By now, most people have heard about the "Obama $8000 tax credit." It's real, it's true and it's definitely working. What's not true, at least in South Carolina, is that you can get it in advance to use as a down payment.

But, not to worry. A Columbia-based mortgage company has been awarded $1million in federal grant money to provide 5-to-1 matching funds to first time buyers for their down payments. And guess what? It's NON-REPAYABLE! And they'll match the buyer's funds up to $10,000!

Here's the thing...we need to find the first time buyers who are still huddled down in rental units. Many times we find that renters don't think they qualify, surely this must only apply to other people. Not true in most cases. We just need to find those folks and explain the programs to them so they can learn if this does indeed apply to them.

I'm happy to sit down with anyone to educate them on these incredible opportunities. I just need to locate them. If any of you reading this entry have a friend, relative or co-worker who would like information, please let me know and I'll be happy to contact them.

Getting the Word Out

We are concerned about how under-publicized the First Time Buyer tax credit is! This was one of the first economic stimulus programs created, but hardly anyone knows about it.


What am I talking about?


The IRS is allowing first time buyers, or a buyer who has not owned a home in the last three years, to take advantage of a $7500 credit. So, when the buyer files his return, if he owes nothing, they send him $7500. If he owes a $1000, they send him $6500 and so on. The idea is to put money back in the hands of the consumer so he can then invest it back into the economy: buy some clothes, tires for the car, eat out once in awhile, etc. Is it an outright gift? No, but for the next 15 years, when returns are filed, the buyer pays back $500 per year, via his tax return, INTEREST FREE! Can you find anyone else who will loan you money without interest and payable by only $500/year?


Contact us for more details...this is something to take advantage of!

2008 REALTOR of the Year

On December 18, 2008, the Central Carolina Realtors Association awarded its prestigious REALTOR of the Year award to me, Elizabeth Akre. This award is given annually to a member who has demonstrated dedication, expended time and effort and promoted the mission of the Association. It is genuinely an honor to be recognized by one's peers in such a manner. I am very proud and privileged to have received this distinction.

Interestingly, my Mom, Dottie Webber, was named REALTOR of the Year in 1994. She was the first woman to receive this award. Now, in 2008, we are the first Mother-Daughter R.O.Y. team.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Hiatus over!

I've been away from the blog for a little while, but have returned! Lots of things are going on here in Columbia. The market is moving slowly but surely. Buyer confidence seems to be returning since we've gotten the election behind us. For anyone considering real estate in the Columbia area, you're really in the catbird seat. Lots to choose from, prices down slightly, interest rates still low and yes, there is money to be loaned. First timers, are you aware of the $7500 tax credit? Contact us and we'll supply complete information for you!

September 11th

As we all remember September 11th today, let's keep the families who lost loved ones, in our hearts, as their wounds have yet to heal.

Huge Tax Incentive for Buyers

Homebuyer Tax Credit - creates a new temporary tax credit to provide an incentive to first-time homebuyers. A maximum of $7500 will be available for any qualified purchase of a principal residence between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit must be paid back over 15 years though with no interest charge.

Contact us for more information.

Why Does it Always Happen on the Weekend?

It's been one very, very, long week. It's Friday night (of course) and our plumbing backs up. Our regular plumber is out of town. After 2 visits from the City sewer department, and a different plumber(and 3 days), problem still not resolved. Our regular plumber returns, snakes the line, no luck. First plumber comes back and breaks his snake machine cable. Then, we hear water running in the hall bath. Check the water meter & sure enough, something's leaking and we have to turn off the water. It's now Wednesday. Roto Rooter manages to fix sewer problem in the morning. In the afternoon, it's Carolina Leak Detection jack-hammering through the floor and fixing the leak.

Thank heavens Mom and Dad live nearby so we had a place to camp out!

Moral of this story is...Roto Rooter can clear a sewer line; after all, that's what they do. Don't waste time, call them first. Second moral, Tom at Carolina Leak Detection uses high-tech listening devices to find your leak, then he actually fixes it right then and there. It was amazing to watch. Especially since I'd been having nightmares about someone digging trenches throughout my house just to find the leak in the first place!