Model Home Sale Was $277K Now $249,990 Furnished in Frisco ISD

Beautiful 1.5 Story model home fully furnished in Frisco ISD!  This home features 3 bedrooms, home office, 2.5 bathrooms, gameroom, and 2 car garage in 2,768 square feet on a corner homesite.  You can even walk to the exemplary Frisco Elementary School and Community Pool.

Upgrades in the home include covered front and back porches, wired for surround sound, granite counters in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 42 inch cabinets, and much more!

Was Priced at $277,623  Now Priced at $249,990!   Hurry this home won’t last long at this price! 

Call Teresa at her cell 214.475.1957 to schedule your exclusive viewing of this property!

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@Northtexashomefinders.com and she can help you sell your home or find a new one!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone. We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees! Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com  for more information.

Teresa Robinson is one of more than 400,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors, who have attended the ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is ”The Voice for Buyer Representation, ” with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

Correction to My Last Post – “There is still Time to Get the $8,000 Tax Credit This Year!”

I surely do apologize folks, but I made an error on my blog post last week.  My information source was from a local Builder’s Salesperson.  When I was asked my source, I went to find the Salesperson’s source for the claim.  He had heard it somewhere.  That’s how it goes.

Google was next.  I’ve searched high and low, but I could not find a deadline for amending 2008 returns to gain the credit.

Finally,  I checked with my CPA.  According to her, there is no specific deadline for amending your 2008 taxes to claim the tax credit.  Tax returns can be amended for up to 3 years.

That’s good news for all you first-time homebuyers out there.  If you close in August, you can still get your tax credit now.  However, my CPA always recommends you look closely at your expected income for 2010.  If your income has the possibility of dropping off, it might make more sense to wait to get the $8,000 tax credit next year to supplement your income.

Another error that has been reported our there is a deadline of June 30th to file the amended return.  That date is getting confused with the deadline that was imposed last year, for the $7,500 tax credit. It does not apply in this case.

The one current deadline to remember is November 30th of this year.  You must close on your home prior to that date.  If you close on December 1st, you will not receive the tax credit as the current law is written.

Article by Chad Underwood, Owner/Broker, chad@northtexashomefinders.com, www.NorthTexasHomeFinders.com

First Time Homeowner Tax Credit – Act NOW?

The First Time Homeowner Tax Credit of $8,000 has certainly helped the Dallas/Fort Worth real estate market.  I’ve had first time clients buy in places like Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper.  Would they have purchased without this incentive?  Maybe.  However, I can tell you that the incentive was a driving force behind them deciding to purchase now.

For other potential Metroplex home owners, one thing to keep in mind is that the inventory of existing homes has been dropping.  What this means is that it is now less likely that you will find an “already built” home in October that meets all of your needs and that you can close on in November (to beat the December 1 deadline for the credit). 

Your other option is to build a home from the ground up.  Many builders in North Texas are offering some nice incentives on build jobs.  North Texas Home Finders clients get additional incentives as well with many home builders.  The time it takes to build a new home in the North Dallas and Ft. Worth suburbs varies from about 3-6 months in most cases.  That means that if you want to build your own personal dream home, you better get started today! 

Article by W. Cody Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders

Contact Cody at 972.365.0432 or Cody@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

$8,000 Tax Credit Can Be Used For Closing Costs

This just in from the National Association of Realtors!  Good stuff.  Remember, you still need to come up with 3.5% required down-payment, but this can help with all the closing costs.

HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs
FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.

Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.

The loans can’t be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning.

Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent downpayment.

There remain many sources of assistance for buyers needing help with the 3.5 percent downpayment, including many state and local government instrumentalities and nonprofit lenders.

In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their downpayment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit was enacted last year–and improved upon earlier this year–to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven’t owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@Northtexashomefinders.com and she can help you sell your home or find a new one!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone. We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees! Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com  for more information.

Teresa Robinson is one of more than 400,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors, who have attended the ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is ”The Voice for Buyer Representation, ” with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

Argyle ISD New Listing- Shows like a Model!

3124 Sq ft.

4 Bed

3 bath

Gameroom

Study

ARGYLE SCHOOLS!! LOVELY 2 STORY BUILT IN 2006 THAT SHOWS LIKE NEW! HANDSCRAPED WOOD FLOORS. SPACIOUS MASTER WITH SITTING AREA AND LUXURIOUS BATH. 2 INCH BLINDS AND SOLAR SCREENS. GREAT ISLAND KITCHEN WITH GRANITE CTOPS & DOUBLE OVEN. FAMILY ROOM WITH BUILT-INS. 18 X 14 COVERED PATIO OVERLOOKING LARGE BACKYARD THAT BACKS UP TO GREENBELT. STORAGE BLDG. SPRINKLER SYSTEM. SHOWS GREAT!!!!!!

If you need a professional to find your next home…call: Amy Underwood, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders  Contact Amy at 972.921.8787 or Amy@Northtexashomefinders.com .

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The seller/builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Great Listing in Country Lakes Argyle- Shows like a MODEL!

June 27, 2009

There is still Time to Get the $8,000 Tax Credit This Year!

That’s right, it’s not too late for first-time homebuyers to get their $8,000 tax credit.  If you close on a home by July 31st, you can file an amendment to your 2008 taxes to obtain the tax credit now.

The same rules apply, first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the last three years qualify.  The credit is 10% of the home value or $8,000 whichever is less.  The credit begins to phase out at a modified adjusted gross income of more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.

Do you need to close before July 31st to get the credit?  No.  Eligible buyers can still get the tax credit for purchases made prior to December 1st.  However, buyers who purchase after July 31st will file for the credit on their 2009 tax return.

Article by Chad Underwood, Owner/Broker, Chad@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com, www.NorthTexasHomeFinders.com.

Texas Announces New Down Payment Assistance Programs

The following was taken from the Texas Association of Realtors Newsletter.  Good stuff.

TDHCA releases two downpayment-assistance programs
Texas homebuyers who qualify for the federal first-time buyer tax credit have two new programs from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs that enable them to turn that credit into cash for a downpayment.

• The 90-Day Down Payment Assistance Program enables buyers to receive 5% of the first-lien mortgage amount up to $7,000 for downpayment or closing costs as a 90-day no-interest loan.
• The Mortgage Advantage Program works in conjunction with the 2009 Texas Mortgage Credit Program and the Texas First Time Homebuyer Program. Eligible buyers could receive 5% of the first lien mortgage amount up to $6,000 for downpayment or closing costs as a 120-day no-interest loan.

Both programs require buyers be eligible for the federal first-time buyer credit, complete homebuyer education, and file an amended 2008 federal tax return. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying purchases made before Dec. 1, 2009. Get full details about both programs at the TDHCA’s Web site.

Article by W. Cody Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders

Contact Cody at 972.365.0432 or Cody@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.

Amazing Foreclosure Deal in McKinney Save Over $260K from Proposed 2009 Tax Value

Ran across this one and couldn’t help but share it!  Beautiful Luxury Home located in McKinney Texas.

2009 Proposed Tax Value of this home per Collin County is $652,580. 
Current asking price of the home is $384,000.  Save $268,580!

This executive luxury home is 4,452 square feet featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 1 half bath, media room and game room.  Master bedroom, guest room, and study are located on the 1st floor.  You will love all the attention to detail with the stone elevation, elegant landscaping, extended ceramic tile, hardwood floors, gourmet island kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, butlers pantry and service bar.  There is also a large tiled covered patio with fireplace and spacious backyard.

This home is a must see and won’t last long.  Call Teresa at her cell 214.475.1957 to schedule your exclusive viewing of this property!

Article by Teresa Robinson, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders Contact Teresa at 972.335.0571 or Teresa@Northtexashomefinders.com and she can help you sell your home or find a new one!

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone. We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees! Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com  for more information.

Teresa Robinson is one of more than 400,000 members of the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors, who have attended the ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, designation. As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is ”The Voice for Buyer Representation, ” with more than 44,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

Dallas-Fort Worth Ranked 3rd Best Housing Market

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of the top three housing markets in the country, according to a just-released economic report from the Brookings Institution.  Brookings researchers make these claims based on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s quarterly House Price Index, which tracks values of homes mortgaged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The housing report was part of a comprehensive nationwide study on the economic health of metropolitan areas nationwide.  Brookings found that 38 of the top 100 metro areas avoided home price declines over the last year, even as prices nationwide dipped 6 percent. Most of these metro areas also had below-average employment declines and are in less-affected parts of the Manufacturing Belt (Pennsylvania and upstate New York) and the Sun Belt (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana).

Best U.S. Housing Markets:

1. Houston

2. Buffalo

3. Dallas-Fort Worth

4. Wichita

5. Greenville, S.C.

 Worst U.S. Housing Markets:

1. Stockton, Calif.

2. Las Vegas

3. Modesto, Calif.

4. Riverside, Calif.

5. Cape Coral, Fla.

 Source: Brookings Institution

Chad Underwood, Owner/Broker, Chad@NorthTexasHomeFinders.com, www.NorthTexasHomeFinders.com.

Foreclosed Prosper Model Home 100K under Value..$319,000

$319,000

6/4/2

4800 Sq. ft.

Valued way over 400K

FORMER MODEL HOME LOADED WITH POOL AND SPA!ENTER TO A LARGE OPEN FOYER WITH HANDSCRAPED HARDWOOD FLOORS,PRIVATE FORMAL LIVING WITH SEE-THRU FIREPLACE TO STUDY WITH WAINSCOTING,GOURMET KITCHEN WITH ROCK ACCENT,STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES,GRANITE C-TOPS,PRIVATE MASTER WITH VIEWS OF B-YARD RETREAT,GAMEROOM WITH WET-BAR,SUNKEN MEDIA,CUSTOM & FAUX PAINT THROUGHOUT. SOLD AS-IS.

If you need a professional to find your next home…call: Amy Underwood, Owner/Buyer Specialist, North Texas Home Finders  Contact Amy at 972.921.8787 or Amy@Northtexashomefinders.com .

Get a Buyer Specialist and rest easy! The seller/builder pays our service charge from their advertising budget which is built into every home they sell. Since these fees do not come out of the home construction budget, you cannot negotiate one penny of a better deal alone.  We also work with preowned homes where the seller pays our fees!  Visit www.northtexashomefinders.com for more information.