Tuesday, September 20, 2011

DOWNPAYMENT HELP FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.

If you're a first time home buyer, you might be able to sympathize with this statement. Thanks to the recent economic recession, there is no shortage of affordable homes, yet due to the mortgage crisis, lending has become tight. Prior to 2007, putting no down payment on a home was a common option for first time homebuyers. However, with mortgage lending practices coming under fire in recent years, the option to finance 100 percent has lost popularity. In today's market, a typical down payment can range anywhere from 3.5 to 20 percent; however, in this economy, few people have that much cash available to them.

Fortunately, there are ways to receive down payment help for first time home buyers. Gwinnett County has a grant program available for first time homebuyers using FHA financing who meet certain income guidelines.

For more information 770.736.1950 DiVarner@live.com www.searchlawrencevilleareahomes.com

Friday, May 6, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !

It’s not always easy being a mom, but single moms have it especially tough. With work, financial commitments, and running the kids to their special activities… well, raising kids alone is no easy task.

Where you live can make your life a little easier. Gwinnett County is a great place to raise a family, with lots of “close by” extracurricular activities for the kids, a wonderful parks and recreation department, and Georgia's largest school system which won the nation's top prize in public education, providing $1 million in college scholarships for students in the district.

Home prices in Gwinnett are extremely affordable today and with interest rates at record lows it’s a perfect time to buy your new home.

Check out Gwinnett…it’s Great !

Get your FREE list of homes for sale that meet your criteria. Call or email Diane Varner @ 770-736-1950 or DiVarner@live.com

Sunday, February 28, 2010

$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

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 $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.


Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
•• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.


•• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.


Which Properties Are Eligible?
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?
The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1.The price of the home.
2.The buyer's income.
Price



Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income


Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

If you would like to take advantage of the tax credit, please call me at 770-736-1950

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Facing a possible foreclosure?

If your home is facing a possible foreclosure, this is the mos important letter your will ever read.

"Unfortunately, many homeowners think that if they walk away from the home, the bank will just take it back & it's over. The truth is that they will generally enter a deficiency judgement against you for all of their losses. This can amount to well over $30,000 which goes on your credit as well as the foreclosure.

If you weren't aware, a much smarter solution for you is a SHORT SALE. This is where the bank will let you sell the home for far less than what is owed on the home and can literally stop the foreclosure and let you walk away free & clear. I am a realtor working with investors and specializing in short sale approvals. Have you looked at this option? I can certainly tell you within 5 minutes over the phone if I can help you out of this situation & eliminate foreclosures and judgements."

Call me at this number: 770-736-1950

Sunday, May 3, 2009

May 2009 Buyer's Update

Buying A Home Now Could Be Your Best Move Ever

At last, given recent changes in the housing market nationwide and locally, it's a small wonder buying a home is looking a lot more attractive. From first-time buyers to dream-home trade-uppers to snow birds to rental investors, market conditions and tax breaks have combined to make buying a home today much more affordable. The buyer's market of 2009 may make many new homeowners look back on today's market as one of the best opportunities ever. Here are six reasons why.

Lower Prices: Some areas may not hit absolute rock-bottom for some time. But focusing on the bottom of a housing market is fraught with problems. First, it's only with hindsight (or clairvoyance) that one can accurately spot the point at which housing prices hit bottom. By the time market data begin to show sales increasing and prices rising, the best home values are already a thing of the past. Opportunity missed.

Great Interest Rates: Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows for those who have good credit -- but that won't last forever. A buyer who can qualify for, say, a 5.5% fixed interest rate on a 30-year, $200,000 mortgage would have a monthly principal and interest payment of $1,136. Buying a home at today's interest rate could be less expensive than purchasing a lower-priced home some months down the road. (Interest rates used are for example only; call for a current quote!)

Big Selection: Another advantage of today's market is having a good selection of homes to choose from in most areas. Being ahead of the demand curve, before other buyers enter the market, means you get to choose from among the best properties within your price range.

Flexible Sellers: Sellers today are well aware that more homes are competing for the available buyers. Faced with lots of competition from other homes on the market, sellers right now are often willing to negotiate not just price, but contract terms. 75% of builders are offering incentives to get their homes sold.

Tax Credit: First-time buyers and those who haven't owned a home in the last three years may qualify for a tax credit up to $8,000 by purchasing a home before December 1 this year.

Now's The Time To Buy
Homeownership is a long-term investment. With that in mind, the fear that a home you buy today could lose some value in the short term should be weighed against the clear advantages today's market offers. With a long-term horizon, chances are your home's value will increase. In the meantime, it will provide you with shelter, stability, security and a place to call your own.

If you're interested in buying a home, think seriously about doing so now. You may never again have so many valuable advantages all at the same time. Give me a call…I can help!

I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.

Diane Varner
770-736-1950
www.DiVarner.com

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Avoid Foreclosure

TEAM Precision Realty is taking steps to help homeowners Avoid Foreclosure. We now have certified Foreclosure Prevention Consultants available to help you.

As part of our Community Outreach Program we offer Free Consultations to homeowners who find themselves behind in mortgage payments and facing foreclosure. For homeowners who qualify, we have the ability to submit information for “Loss Mitigation” directly to the lender.

The foreclosure process has a very specific time line, so the longer you wait, your options and doors of opportunity begin to close. That being said, the sooner we begin the better chance we have of helping you. A foreclosure stays on your credit report for 7 years….and we don’t want that to happen!

I will consult with you regarding Loss Mitigation and possible Short Sale alternatives. To schedule your consultation call me at 770-736-1950.

FREE Recorded Message
Tells 3 Things You Must Do !
Call: 1-800-281-9672 ext 4011

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Chapel Hills offered at $369,000

Virtual Tour

6 Bedroom, 4 1/2 Bath Home located in Chapel Hills Golf and Country Club

Main Level: Kitchen upgrades include granite countertops, stainless steel gas cooktop open to fireside family room and breakfast room, formal dining room, formal living room/library, hardwoods throughout.

Upper Level: 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, hardwoods in hallway and master with sitting area, newly tiled master bath including shower, jetted tub, huge walk-in closet, guest suite has private bath.

Terrace Level: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and media room with french doors opening to wonder backyard for kids.

For a private showing of this property call Diane @ 770-736-1950.
Diane Varner, Associate Broker
TEAM Precision Realty
770-736-1950