At RE/MAX, we offer a complimentary, educational hot air balloon program for school kids. The pilot will bring the official RE/MAX balloon, give tether rides and teach a program about flight, weather and ballooning.
If you're interested in having this superb event at your child's school, contact us.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
100% Financing a Thing of the Past?
No! BB&T still offers its CHIPS program. Qualified buyers can still purchase a home without having funds for a down payment. Contact us for more information. Interest rates remain low, inventory is high...perfect conditions for buyers!
Friday, July 17, 2009
First Time Buyers...Hurry Up!
First-Time Buyers: Hurry for $8,000 Tax Credit
It’s time to remind first-time home buyers that in order to qualify for the government’s $8,000 gift in the form of a tax credit, the deal must close by Dec. 1.
Buyers should have a purchase contract signed by early October, so they have 45 to 60 days to arrange financing and safely close the deal.
"There's not as much sand in the hourglass as we may think," said Jim Merrion, regional director at RE/MAX Northern Illinois.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Ellen Podmolik (07/11/2009)
It’s time to remind first-time home buyers that in order to qualify for the government’s $8,000 gift in the form of a tax credit, the deal must close by Dec. 1.
Buyers should have a purchase contract signed by early October, so they have 45 to 60 days to arrange financing and safely close the deal.
"There's not as much sand in the hourglass as we may think," said Jim Merrion, regional director at RE/MAX Northern Illinois.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Ellen Podmolik (07/11/2009)
Monday, June 15, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, November 14, 2008
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!
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