'Tis the Season

’Tis the season

One of my most favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. Looking forward to that time with family and friends, to pause for a moment and be thankful. And it is also the official start of the holiday season and high season in the Scottsdale area.

We are also fast approaching the end of the year. Some things to consider:

’Tis the season to purchase a home

You may think it is a little crazy to tackle the huge task of home buying during the fast paced holiday season. But this holiday season is especially a GREAT time to find real estate deals in today’s economy.

This year in particular will be different from other years; the economy has boosted the motivation of many sellers to sell, interest rates are at an all time low, prices are way way down, inventory is plentiful and the extended and enhanced tax credit makes this the best time ever.

Many property owners are anxious to get the home sold before the end of the year because it helps on their taxes; and financial institutions and lenders that are looking to close the books on 2009 may be more willing to act quickly to get a transaction closed by year end.

’Tis the season to rent a home

If you need a rental property, this holiday season is a particularly good time for renters to find a home. Many homeowners not willing or interested in selling their properties has also increased the amount of rental inventory available. Many are willing to rent below their costs just to get some help with their financial burden each month.

’Tis the season to rent a furnished home

Hotels cannot match the per person rates of furnished rental homes and condos. Search the largest selection of luxury furnished Scottsdale area homes and condos at the best rates in years. And now is the time to select your seasonal rentals. Enjoy some great deals during horse shows, car auctions, Spring Training or just spend the season in the Scottsdale area enjoying the weather, events and maybe some golf.

’Tis the season for property owners too

Property owners interested in selling or renting their Scottsdale area properties now is a good time to start the listing process. It’s a good time for starting the research, taking photos, cleaning and maintenance, etc.

We all have something to be thankful for, so please enjoy the time with loved ones all this holiday season. And Remember, Home Team Scottsdale is here to help you with your Scottsdale area real estate needs this holiday season and all year long.

Sincerely,

Jim

Jim Kempski

RealEstate.com REALTOR

HomeTeamScottsdale.com

480-389-4224 D/L

866-680-1170 Fax

Skype: jimkempski

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended & Expanded

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended & Expanded

You may not have heard the news. In addition to the best real estate prices in decades and the very lowest mortgage interest rates we now know that the real estate tax credit has been extended to contracts written and accepted by April 30th, 2010, and also expanded to included move-up home buyers.

Home Team Scottsdale is here to help you take advantage of the prices, rates and get all the tax credits you deserve. Call 888-925-2562 or visit HomeTeamScottsdale.com today and start your Scottsdale Real Estate search with the Home Team on YOUR side.

The National Association of Realtors published this helpful guide for comparing the program that was expiring on November 30th with the one which was just signed by President Obama.

NAR Issue Brief: Homebuyer Tax Credit

A couple of the highlights include:

* Purchase contracts must be written by April 30, 2010.
* Move-up home buyers are eligible for a $6500 tax credit, providing they meet income limits and occupancy rules.
* First-time home buyers are still eligible for a $8000 tax credit, with income limits.
* Qualifying home prices are capped at $800,000.

I suspect that there are a few home buyers that are breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that they still have time to find a home, make an offer, and close before the extended 2010 deadline.

And there’s the potential to release a whole new wave of homes for sale. Homes that have been lived in, where the owners have taken care of them, and will disclose the history of the home to the buyer. I’ve listed six houses like this in just the past two weeks, and I suspect that I will be hearing from a few more folks who’ve been sitting on the fence, deciding whether the time was right to sell and buy up.

Here’s a link to the actual language of H.R. 3548: Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009.