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From the monthly archives:

November 2009

Real Estate Insights – November 2009

by John TayebNovember 29, 2009 Housing Market News Update

In This Issue
“There’s Good News Tonight” The first-time home buyer tax credit, originally scheduled to expire on November 30th, has been extended – and expanded. That is indeed good news for first-time buyers, as well as repeat buyers, many of whom will be able to take advantage of the program. In his commentary this month, [...]

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Tax Credit Quandaries Answered

by Raja TayebNovember 28, 2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009

The complexity of new home buyer tax credits leaves potential buyers with many questions. Here are answers to some of the most confusing:

How does a current home owner qualify for the $6,500 credit?
Buyers must have lived in their homes for at least five out of the last eight years. The home they buy must become [...]

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U.S. markets fall on Dubai crisis

by John TayebNovember 28, 2009 Housing Market News Update

U.S. stocks tumble as Dubai debt worries continue to weigh on global traders.
U.S. stocks continued to slump in afternoon trading Friday amid growing concern over Dubai’s financial stability.
The Dow Jones industrial average began the day with a loss of more than 200 points and it ended down 154.48 points, or one [...]

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Existing-Home Sales Record Big Gains

by John TayebNovember 27, 2009 Housing Market News Update

Driven by the home buyer tax credit, existing-home sales showed another big gain in October with a strong uptrend established over the past seven months, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. At the same time, inventories have continued to decline.
Existing-home sales—including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops—surged 10.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate [...]

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2008 Cost vs. Value Report: Still Many Happy Returns for Home Rehabs

by Raja TayebNovember 26, 2009 Home Renovations

Remodeling magazine’s annual report shows that maintenance-related projects and moderately priced upgrades are providing stable paybacks, even in a slower market.

Despite home price drops in many cities, remodeling projects are holding their own as a way for owners to add value.
Many people are wondering where their money will be safest during these uncertain economic times. [...]

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Mortgage Tuneup

by Raja TayebNovember 19, 2009 Real Estate | General Info

Give your mortgage an annual once over
If the last time you looked at your mortgage was when you closed on your loan, it’s time to take it out for an annual once over. New loan programs and opportunities to leverage your home equity can bring you lower mortgage payments and new investment opportunities.

Is a fixed [...]

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Foreclosure Opens Windows For Investors

by John TayebNovember 16, 2009 Foreclosures

There’s an old saying that suggests that opportunity is where you find it. Note that it doesn’t say “where it finds you”.
This old saying could easily be the mantra of the foreclosure investor. To such an investor, finding a great foreclosure property is like finding a diamond in the rough. And, with foreclosures always present in the real [...]

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Green Cleaning Products for the Kitchen

by Raja TayebNovember 13, 2009 Real Estate | General Info

Going green in the kitchen doesn’t mean going broke as long as you choose the right eco-friendly cleaners for your countertops and appliances.
From meat juices to milk spills, the kitchen can be a messy place. But don’t reach for caustic cleaners or synthetic air sprays to give your countertops and appliances a fresher feeling. Many [...]

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2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

by John TayebNovember 11, 2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.
Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can [...]

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THE BASICS: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

by John TayebNovember 11, 2009 Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

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 [...]

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