• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Latest news:

Tax Credit Extension a Positive Step Toward Real Estate Recovery (Nov.5)
President’s Podcast: Tax Credit Extended (Nov. 5)

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer’s income.

Price


Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income


Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009,  single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

Reprinted form the National Association of Realtors website.

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   Even BETTER news for First Time Homebuyers!

Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

This is great news!  First time home buyers can basically get an “advance” on the $8000, meaning they don’t have to wait until next tax season to claim their money.  A first time home buyer can use this money at the time of closing to pay for closing costs and buy down their interest rate.  So if the interest rate is 5.5%, they can apply some of the money to get a 5% rate instead.  Now, at closing, there will be a lien put on the property, and when the buyer does their taxes for 2009, they will need to use the credit to pay back the advance they received.  Here is a link to the HUD tax credit announcement on the HUD website.

This is great news for the real estate market! According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the Administration’s home buyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the nation – 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing homeowners will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home. Given FHA’s current market share, it’s estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home by allowing the anticipated tax credit to be applied toward their purchase together with an FHA-insured mortgage.

By the way, even of you had purchased a home in the past, you may still be considered a first time home buyer!  If you have not purchased or owned a home in the past three years, you will most likely qualify!

Want more info? Interested in taking advantage of these programs?  Contact me

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1. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home-new or resale-are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
2. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
   The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the home-ownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse.For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer.

   
   

3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
5. What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
   Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for higher-education costs.

   
   

6. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $8,000 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.
7. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
   Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.

   Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

   
   

   
   

8. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous “credit” was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply.
9. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests.
10. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.
11. I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?
    The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed).

    
    

12. I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.
13. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
    Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

    
    

14. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may not claim the tax credit if they are participating in an MRB program.
15. I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit?No. You can claim only one.
16. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.
17. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
    No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800.

    
    

18. I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit.
19. Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?
    Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

    Further, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. Some state housing finance agencies, such as the Missouri Housing Development Commission, have introduced programs that provide short-term credit acceleration loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should inquire with their state housing finance agency to determine the availability of such a program in their community.

    
    

20. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
    Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

21. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

The Founders Club offers 262 exclusive residences on spanning 700 acres. There are only 275 Golf memberships available, therefore tee times are not needed. Home sites start in the 200′s, with home site and luxury home packages starting in the 800′s.

[[Show as slideshow]]

The Founders Club community amenities include:

• 18 hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course
• 24,000 Sq. Ft. Golf hall
• Gracious formal dining room
• Intimate dining room
• Club Grille featuring bar, flat screen television, and fireplace
• Charming shaded dining verandah overlooking the 18 green
• State-of-the-art fitness facility
• Men’s and Women’s locker rooms
• Lounge area with card tables
• Massage therapy treatment room
• Outdoor athletic area with basketball, sand volleyball
• Two HAR-Tru lighted tennis courts
• Picnic gazebos and grills

Current Founders Club Luxury Homes For Sale

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 15. See more Founders Club - Sarasota Florida.
(all data current as of 2/8/2012)

1. $849,900 : 3591 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,751 sq ft

   Lot size: 20,522 sq ft

   Year built: 2006

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 8
2. $700,000 : 9308 Mcdaniel Ln, Sarasota
   
   3 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,323 sq ft

   Lot size: 18,356 sq ft

   Year built: 2006

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 15
3. $1,299,000 : MLS # A3950443 in Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,180 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,222 sq ft

   Year built: 2006

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 110
4. $1,200,000 : 3336 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 5,211 sq ft

   Lot size: 22,159 sq ft

   Year built: 2007

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 226
5. $995,000 : 3420 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 5,298 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,851 sq ft

   Year built: 2007

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 252
6. $799,000 : 3432 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,837 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,851 sq ft

   Year built: 2007

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 285
7. $1,425,000 : 3224 Signet Ct, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,009 sq ft

   Lot size: 32,944 sq ft

   Year built: 2006

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 308
8. $1,599,900 : 4070 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,889 sq ft

   Lot size: 25,186 sq ft

   Year built: 2007

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 329
9. $1,490,000 : 3117 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
   
   3 beds, 3 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 5,056 sq ft

   Lot size: 30,627 sq ft

   Year built: 2009

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 350
10. $1,619,000 : 3367 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
    
    4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,040 sq ft

    Lot size: 21,244 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 355
11. $1,095,000 : 8817 Colonels Ct # 0, Sarasota
    
    3 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,505 sq ft

    Lot size: 14,984 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 355
12. $3,650,000 : 8263 Archers Ct, Sarasota
    
    5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 6,367 sq ft

    Lot size: 32,430 sq ft

    Year built: 2006

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 386
13. $1,295,000 : 3719 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
    
    4 beds, 4 full baths

    Home size: 4,577 sq ft

    Lot size: 24,999 sq ft

    Year built: 2010

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 386
14. $751,000 : 3501 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
    
    4 beds, 4 full baths

    Home size: 3,431 sq ft

    Lot size: 18,330 sq ft

    Year built: 2011

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 470
15. $1,394,500 : 3290 Founders Club Dr, Sarasota
    
    4 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,092 sq ft

    Lot size: 25,944 sq ft

    Year built: 2007

    Parking spots: 3

    Days on market: 527

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

This is even better news for first-time homebuyers than the tax credit announced in April 2008 because not only has the tax credit maximum increased from $7,500 to $8,000 – but more significantly – it does not need to be repaid unless the individual re-sells the home within three years.

There are several notable points about this federal income tax credit that I have bulleted for your convenience so you can easily explain the highlights to potential first-time homebuyers.

They are:
• Credit maximum was increased from $7,500 to $8,000. The credit is calculated as 10% of the purchase price. Example: If the purchase price is $70,000, the credit is $7,000.
• Removed the repayment requirement, provided the homebuyer does not resell the home for three years.
• Eligibility remains for first-time homebuyers only. In this case, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who has not owned a primary home at any time during the three years prior to purchase, but who may have done so prior to that time. Although certain income limits do apply, the amount of the credit is the same for all taxpayers, married or single.
• To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer can have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). A homebuyer with an annual adjusted gross income above that level and up to $95,000 ($170,000 on a joint return) is eligible for a reduced tax credit.
• The tax credit can be claimed on one’s individual or joint tax return for the purchase of any single-family home between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009. It can be claimed on a 2008 tax return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 tax return. Individuals should consult a professional tax advisor for exact tax calculations and timing.

Are you a First Time homebuyer looking for a new home?  Contact me for more details!

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

Community, Schools, and local stores information!

While viewing an individual listing, under the “tools” tab, you have access to school information, neighborhood demographic information, and a powerful search to view how far stores and restaurants are located from the desired listing.

Zillow Estimates and a Mortgage Calculator

While viewing an individual listing, under the same “Tools” tab, you are able to view the Zillow property value estimate for your desired listing, along with an integrated mortgage calculator!

View arial pictures of each Sarasota Area property!

Are you interested in seeing the lot for a home that interests you? While viewing an individual listing, be sure to click the “maps” tab to view an arial picture of the lot! This could save you a lot of wasted gas and showing appointments if the lot does not work for your needs.  You also have a “Street View” feature where you can take a tour around the streets of the desired listing to see what the surrounding neighborhood looks like!

Save all your favorite listings for future reference

Our map search technology is provided to you free of charge. You do not need to register to use the map search feature, however by registering for free, you are able to login, and create saved searches, and save your favorite listings for future reference! It’s easy to do and makes your searching efforts easier!

When you are ready to view a property, please contact me!

I are here to help you, and can show you any property you find, and most importantly, I will represent YOU in the transaction! Best of all, my services are FREE for buyers!
Search Sarasota FL. MLS listings now.

Happy searching!

Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

Do you have a home you need to sell?

If you are thinking of buying a new home, but you have a home currently that you will need to sell in order to buy the new home, it is important to place your current home on the market before you begin setting up showing appointments.  We have watched future buyers spend a lot of time visiting homes, and either they find the perfect home and become heartbroken when it sells to a buyer who is ready to buy now, or all the inventory they viewed is no longer available when they are ready to actively visit and purchase,  and all their market research is now outdated.   Market research can be performed online using our MLS map search technology, but to avoid a possible heartbreak or wasted time, only start touring homes when you are financially ready to buy! Also, most sellers ask that their agents only bring buyers ready to buy now.

Financing

Mortgage financing has changed considerably in the past two years. It was once very easy to qualify for a loan with little or no money down, but no longer is this the case. Loan officers have fewer products they cab offer buyers, and buyers may find that they qualify for less than they did a year or so ago, even though their credit and income are unchanged. It is in your best interests to know exactly what price range you can afford based on a mortgage pre-approval completed prior to visiting any properties with an agent. No agent wants to see a buyer fall in love with a home worth more money than they can financially afford, and become discouraged.

Learning the market

Spend some time browsing listings on our website.  Our listings get updated daily. This allows buyers to gain a broad knowledge of areas, neighborhoods, view individual listings, view arial pictures of homes, access Zillow property value estimates and more. This is a real time saver!   You can also use our New Listing Alert. Just tell us your needs, and we will email you all the current and new Berks County Pa home listings which match your criteria.

Drive Around And Get A Feel

Ever see a home online, but then we you see the surroundings, you know it is not a good match? By driving around and learning which neighborhoods you like before you hit the streets with your agent, you will save a lot of time for both you and your agent. Once you know the neighborhoods you like, take advantage of our neighborhood search program. We will email you any new listings from the desired neighborhood(s) you specify, as well as include the the recent sold homes listings. This will give you a real good idea of what homes are selling for in your desired communities to help with your market research efforts.

Hire Just One Realtor

Did you know that almost all Realtors use the same database (called the Multi-List Service or “MLS”) to post their listings for sale? Realtors all go the same database to pull the results, so in other words, XYZ Realty and ABC Realty both use the same database to email buyers listings. Realtors have access to each others listings for sale, therefore, we can show just about any property for sale in Berks County. Don’t use more than one! There are many advantages to using just one agent to help you. That one agent will learn your likes and dislikes, and will be able to match properties to your needs more efficiently. If your Realtor is not cutting it, it is best to fire them and move on to another one to use exclusively. You really only need to hire one good agent, and a good agent will not want to dedicate much time to you if you are not using them exclusively.

Are you ready?

Wait until you are ready to buy or close to it before looking at too many properties. The market changes everyday. Properties sell, expire without selling and change in price. If you learn the market today with a planned purchase date in 6 months you will most likely have to relearn the market again in 6 months.

Timing the market

If you are trying to time the bottom of this market start looking at property when you feel the bottom has hit or is about to hit. You can learn a lot about properties for sale from this website by viewing virtual tours, photographs and details. Monitor the market and then start viewing homes when you feel the time is right to buy. Besides, it is very difficult to accurately time the market.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your needs!

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

2. If you are “on the fence” about buying and are waiting for prices to potentially fall before taking the plunge, there is another factor to consider. Interest rates are low right now. Speculating that home prices will drop in the future may be offset by an increase in interest rates, so if you see a home you love, go for it! A fabulous home which is competitively priced will not stay on the market that long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

4. Very few previously owned homes will be an absolute “perfect” match unless it is custom built to your taste. Focus in on the things that are most important, the small details can be changed once you move in!

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it’s like to live in your new home.

7. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a
mortgage. Investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your homedeteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

10. Choose a home first because you love it. Then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes

First and foremost, the buyer’s agent will represent their buyer’s interests, and not the seller’s interest. The buyer’s agent will learn the likes and dislikes of their client, and will be able to target properties that he/she knows will be a good match. If a buyer only calls listings agents by calling on ads, or calling from a signs they have seen in a yard, and the buyer basis their home search in this manner, the buyer will not have an agent that really understands what they are looking for, and who knows the likes and dislikes. This can be a real time-waster, and cause the buyer frustration.

If you are planning to buy a home, please call me so we can discuss your needs further.  I’m in the business of exceeding my clients expectations and look forward to talking with you!

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Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Homes - Your One Stop Source For Sarasota Homes