Winter Driving has it's issues:

 

 At a minimum, slow down!

 

February 7, Super Bowl: Saints and Colts

 

February 12,  Lincoln's Birthday

 

February 14, Valentine's Day

 

February 17, Ash Wednesday

 

February 22, Washington's Birthday

 

 

 

January Market Update!

 

Yes, there is money available for home mortgage loans. Various reports indicate that we are coming out the other side of the tunnel, and in some cases maybe there. Homes priced appropriatelyfor the market and appropriate for their condition relative to the competition are selling! Price your home correctly, or adjust the price until it is correct and it will sell. Average market time is still greater than it was a year or two ago, but this may work in the favor of buyers. Thirty year fixed mortgage rates are in the 5% range in most cases. Rates are a bit volatile and they do move up and down through out the week. Check with us or your lender to be sure. 

 

There are loan programs available that are quite attractive, including the tentatively approved recent tax credit! Basically, you must be under contract before April 30, 2010. That sounds like a long ways off, but it isn't. The nicer homes, market priced go quickly and often with multiple offers, so plan accordingly. Best advice is do not wait too long especially if you are buying to live in and must meet a time line! Some Highlights of the proposal:

 

Senate Passes Expanded Tax Credit Bill; House Vote Expected Soon
The Senate voted yesterday to extend and expand the homebuyer tax credit. The extension is part of a larger bill that will go to the House today. The House is expected to accept the Senate amendments, vote on the package and send it to the President for signature. The underlying bill is an extension of unemployment benefits.

The expanded provisions are as follows:

  • Tax credit available for purchases before May 1, 2010. Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
  • Tax credit remains at $8,000 for first-time purchasers. No change to definition of first-time purchaser.
  • New $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. Repeat buyers must have lived in their homes consecutively for five of the previous eight years.
  • Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return. Current law $20,000 phase-out retained.
  • New anti-fraud limitations are imposed.

    The White House has indicated that President Obama will sign the legislation.

 

FHA loans back again to $729,750 with only 3.5% down payment & -0- down VA loans up to $812,500 and higher with certain lenders. It seems some of the VA guidelines are not the same across the board for loan amounts.  FHA & VA Loan amounts vary, so amounts may be lower in some areas. 

 

Be a winner this winter, buy a house from us. We both win! Call or email us today.

 

  

 

 

Welcome to Martin & Suzanne's Real Estate web site.

 

Here you will find a wide variety of useful information and resources designed to help you buy or sell a home more effectively in the Northern Virginia areas. From information on the local community, to advice about finding a mortgage or preparing your home to sell, it's all available here on our web site.

You can also search for your ideal home by viewing current listings with detailed descriptions and photos. Or you can get help determining the value of your home by requesting a report that includes the prices of similar homes that recently sold or are currently for sale in the Northern Virginia areas.

So whether you're buying or selling, feel free to contact me and Suzanne and Martin will be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

Buyers

Whether you're looking for your first home, your dream home or an investment property, Suzanne and Martin are committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which we can provide you with. Read more.

Sellers

The decision to sell a home is often dependent on many factors. Whatever your reasons are for selling, our proven effective marketing strategies will ensure that you get the highest possible price for your home. Suzanne and Martin guarantee to provide you with professional, ethical and confidential service and keep you fully informed every step of the way. Read more.