Friday, June 26, 2009

Monetizing the $8000.00 tax credit

The clock is ticking to have the $8000.00 tax credit available at the time of settlement will make a big difference to the first time buyer that needs their cash for their down payment and or closing costs.

At the mid year meeting NAR and the federal government agreed to make this a reality. Since the $8000.00 Tax Credit is a real credit and not a loan. It is a terrific opportunity for a home buyer that has not owned in the past 3 years.

Since the buyer must close by December 1, 2009, the monetizing of the credit to give the maximum benefit needs to occur quickly. The first time buyer is the first in a line of transactions. Their entrance into the market unlocks a chain of contingent contracts.

For those that have already purchased this year and are entitled to the credit they can amend their return and get the credit now. The form needed is Form 1040X available at http://www.irs.gov/


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!




Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A Great 'How-To' Website

We're happy to be able to share more information with you that we think you may find interesting. Have you heard of the web site that provides step-by-step how-to information for thousands of common projects, from how to replace a leaky faucet to how to plan a dinner party? It's http://www.ehow.com/. We enjoy being able to share Internet sites that we think may be useful.


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!




Friday, June 19, 2009

Kiss Your Landlord Good Bye - Own Your Own Home!

The biggest problem many people face when making the move from renting to owning a home is the down payment. You've been making regular payments every month for rent and can't seem to accumulate enough capital for a more permanent home. Many times homes in your area appreciate in value faster than you can save. You should explore all possibilities and make every effort to purchase a home now and begin benefiting from the home's appreciation and the income tax deduction that come with home ownership. But saving for your down payment doesn't need to be the mountain you've made it out to be.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Veteran's Administration (VA) and many other government programs or grant programs are available for homebuyers with zero or little down. Hundreds of thousands of homebuyers are realizing their dream of home ownership every year and you can too.

1. You can make a much smaller down payment than you think.Certain government programs, such as first-time buyers programs, are intended to assist people in getting into the housing market. Even if your spouse is a former homeowner, as long as your name was not on a home loan, you can still qualify as a first time buyer. It's vital that your real estate agent has knowledge of this area and can provide you with relevant information.

2. Your lender may be able to help with your down payment and closing costs.Even if you do not have enough cash on hand to make a down payment, provided you own an asset (car, for example) free and clear and have no debt, your lender may be able to secure a loan against that asset to cover the down payment.

3. A seller may help you buy and finance your home.Some sellers might consider holding a second mortgage for you in what is called a "seller take back." Under these circumstances, the seller acts as a lending institution. Rather than a large lump sum payment, you pay the seller a monthly mortgage installment.

4. Create a cash down payment without going into debt.There are ways to borrow money for certain investments that can generate major tax refunds that you can use as a down payment for a new home. While money borrowed for these investments are technically a loan, the monthly amount paid can be small, and the money in both the investment and the home will be yours when all is done.

5. You do not need perfect credit to buy a home.Provided you can come up with more than the minimum down payment or can secure a loan using other equity, many lenders will consider you for a mortgage. If you have a less-than-perfect credit rating, seeking a seller that will take back the mortgage can also be very helpful.

6. You should get pre-approved for a loan before shopping for a home.It is very easy to get pre-approved and by doing so, you can shop for a home in peace. Mortgage professionals can obtain a written pre-approval in very little time, often over the phone. A written pre-approval certificate is like money in the bank. All it takes is a completed credit application and a certificate that guarantees you a mortgage to a specified level when you find the home you are looking for. This also strengthens your bargaining position when competing with other buyers on the home you want.

You should only work with a professional who specializes in home mortgages. Their services can make the difference between obtaining a home loan or being trapped paying rent forever.

7. Choose your agent wisely. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold.

Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist you with financing a new home? Does your agent ask questions of you in order to have a full understanding of what you are looking for to help you locate the most home for the money?

Have questions, need advice you can count on or just want to discuss this further? Don't waste any more time; pick up the phone and call me now!


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit: freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/


------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,

CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled

Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel

County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!




Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Selling Your Home is One of the Most Important Things You Will Ever Do in Your Life.

Selling your home is one of the most important things you will ever do in your life. This simple system will provide the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with the home-selling process.

Know why you are selling and keep it to yourself. The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What is more important to you? The money you walk away with, the length of time your property is on the market, or a combination of both? Different goals will dictate different selling strategies. However, it is critical that you do not reveal your reasons to anyone else, because it could come back to haunt you at the negotiating table. When asked, simply explain that your housing needs have changed.

Be sure to do your homework before setting a price. Settling on an offering price should not be done lightly. In a hot seller's market, should you set your asking price too low, be prepared to receive offers over and above your asking price. However, remember that pricing your house too high is very dangerous. The average homebuyer will view and compare dozens of homes on the Internet at the same time they are considering yours. This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn't compare favorably with others in the price range you have set, your home will sit on the market and prospective buyers will not take you seriously. The longer your home sits on the market, the more likely people will think that there is a problem with it.

Work with your agent to find out what homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past three to six months. Research what current homes on the market are listed at. It's the same process that buyers will undertake when assessing the value of your home.

Find a good real estate agent that represents your needs. Nearly three quarters of all homeowners claim that they would not use the same real estate agent who sold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication and lack of feedback, which will ultimately result in lower prices and strained relationships.

Be sure to maximize your home's sales potential. Each year, corporate America spends billions of dollars on product packaging and design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this fact when selling your home.

You may not be able to change your home's location or floor plan, but you can do a great many things to improve its appearance. The look and feel of your home generates greater emotional response from prospective buyers than any other factor. Before showings, clean like you have never cleaned before. Scrub, scour, and otherwise make everything spotless. Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Present your home to get the best possible reaction from those viewing it. Your home's condition and how it shows will greatly affect your sales price and time on the market.

Allow buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. The decision to buy a home is based a high level of emotion. Prospective buyers are trying on your home the same way they would try on a new suit before buying it. If you follow them around pointing out improvements or making excuses for a lack of upkeep, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves as the new owners.

Make it simple for prospects to obtain information on your home. You would be surprised to know that some marketing tools that most agents use to sell house (such as traditional open houses) are generally not very effective. In fact, only about one percent of homes are sold at an open house.

Prospects calling for information on your home value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent or unwanted sales pitches. Make sure the ads your agent places for your home are attached to a 24-hour information hotline with a specific identification number for your home which gives prospects detailed information at all times. It has been proven that three to five times more buyers call for information on a home when they have access to a free-recorded message rather than talking with an agent directly. Remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home, the better. It will set up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver's seat.

Ask your agent what he or she can find out about the buyers. In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and direction of the sale. If you know the buyers' motivations, whether they need to move quickly, and whether or not they have enough money to pay for the home, will give you the upper hand once negotiations begin. Make sure that the contract is complete. For your part as a seller, you must be certain to disclose everything about the property. Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond legal requirements to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing. If the buyer knows of a problem beforehand, they cannot come back to you with a lawsuit later on. Provide a detailed list and have the buyer sign for items that do not stay.

All terms, costs, and responsibilities have to be spelled out in the contract. Do not divert from this contract. For example, if the buyer requests to move in before the agreed upon date, you should say no. Once these terms are all in place, it is dangerous to deviate and could potentially lead to the collapse of the whole sale.

Finally, if you need to move out before you sell your home, steam clean the carpets, paint all the walls, and have a gardener water and maintain your lawn. Make sure that your agent markets it as being vacant, available for a quick close and immediate occupancy.

Choose your agent wisely. Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her. Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing? A good listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a new home.


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:



------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to

ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything

but the best…you very often get it”
Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,

CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled

Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel

County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!





Tuesday, June 16, 2009

What is a Mortgage?

Some of you wanted more on the mortgage process, so my friend Lewis Ivey sent this to me. I hope as always you find the information helpful;

What is a Mortgage?

A mortgage represents a loan or lien on a property/house that has to be paid over a specified period of time. Think of it as your personal guarantee that you'll repay the money you've borrowed to buy your home. Mortgages come in many different shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you select the mortgage that is right for you, your future plans, and your financial picture.

What is an amortization schedule?

The month-by-month allocation of your monthly payment to the loan's interest and principal is called an amortization schedule. With most loans you pay off the interest on the loan before you pay off the principal (or the actual amount you borrowed). Your lender will provide an amortization schedule to show you how the percentage of your principal paid off increases with every payment, while the percentage of interest decreases.

Choosing the right mortgage

Once you decide on the mortgage you want, do your homework. Different lenders offer different rates, points, and fees. Ask around and compare. Understanding the benefits of different mortgage offerings can be a complex process. How do you figure it all out?


For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit: FreeReports.AnnapolisHomes4You.com/

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.


Pat Ogle, Associate Broker,

CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled

Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel

County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!





Thursday, June 11, 2009

28 Old Sturbridge Rd Arnold, MD 21012

Welcome to 28 Old Sturbridge Rd in Arnold, MD. This investment property is offered at $525,000. This beautiful 2 floor colonial is located in the community of Sturbridge. Situated on .4 acres this home backs to woods on a cul-de-sac and is close to the community commons. This home features 4 BR, 2FBA, and 1 Half BA. Hardwood floors can be found throughout the hall, living room and dining room. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace and adjoins the kitchen and leads to a deck overlooking the woods. The home also has a full unfinished basement with walk out stairs and a 2 car garage.

The $8000.00 Tax Credit

As the market continues to improve the $8000.00 tax credit is getting the attention it deserves. The real estate community has been beating the drum and getting the word out. The program although not perfect is appealing to the prospective first time home buyer.

Don’t let this opportunity slip past you or some one you know go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ to see who qualifies.
This is not a loan it is a real credit!

  • Parent homeowners can assist children in their purchase.

  • If you haven’t owed a primary residence in the past 3 years you qualify.

  • You can amend your 2008 return to get the money now.



For More Valuable Real Estate Information visit:
http://freereports.annapolishomes4you.com/

------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your time, if there is ever anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best…you very often get it” Somerset Maugham

"Expect the Best" Pat Ogle

Pat Ogle, Associate Broker, CRS, DSAC, e-Pro, GRI, MCJ, REALTOR®
Certified Residential Specialist / Certified Internet Marketing Specialist
Over $73,000,000 in Settled Sales
Champion Hall of Fame
Best of the Best 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
National Sales Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
#1 in AOL, Comcast, Google and Yahoo
#1 Relocation site for Annapolis, Anne Arundel County For more information Click Here

Champion Realty, Inc. 711 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
410.224.0660 (O) 443.569.2736 (C) 410-224-0632 (F)
e-Mail PatOgle@AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Visit www.AnnapolisHomes4You.com
Blog AnnapolisHomes4You.blogspot.com

Please Don't Forget to Show Your Support for Our Troops!