Sandra K. Smith

REALTOR®

 

 

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First Time Home Buyers and $8,000 Tax Credit Information

  • Overview: The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

  • Repayment: The tax credit does not have to be repaid.

  • Total credit: The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.

  • Timeframe: The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

  • To qualify: Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

For more information or questions, please contact me.

 

Tips For Buyers & Sellers

 

Tips for Buyers

 

- Understand the key drivers for growth in a community when looking for an investment property, including local employers and their industries, highways and access to larger metropolitan areas, and schools.

 

Timing the Market...

 

- The ideal leasing times in non-university areas are March - July. In University areas, the key months are June and August. Purchases 45-50 days before these months will ensure closing on the property and time to make ready for tenants.

 

- Foreclosures are some of the best deals available, however they typically require significant work to make them "lease-able" as previous owners do not leave the home in the best shape.

 

-New Homes have also become a popular investment as homebuilders are now selling homes finished with blinds, appliances, etc.

Tips for Sellers

- In Central Texas, the most desirable time to sell a home is March through July when the weather is nice and when most moves occur. In addition, major employers in the Round Rock area will typically pay bonuses in the late March time-frame, so more capital is in the market for those looking to move.

 

- The new college graduate market is significant in Central Texas, so home sales are often correlated when 1-year leases are up -- which is correlated with  new college grads entering the job market ... typically June.


- With the high-tech industry in Austin, there are several options available for promoting a house that is for sale. For instance most area residents seek out certain websites to search for homes.

 

 

 

Contact Me

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P: 512.789.6440

 

Copyright ©2006 Sandra K. Smith. All Rights Reserved.