Buying A Home Category
May 4th, 2010
Richmond Moving Tips!
If you’re moving into a new Richmond home, your pockets probably feel pretty empty right now. You’ve just paid a down payment, closing costs etc, so the last thing you want is an expensive move. Here are some tips to help you pack up and ship out on a budget no matter if you are moving across the street, across town or across the country!
If you don’t need it, don’t pay to move it. Movers base their prices on what you’re shipping, so cutting down on clutter will simplify your life and lighten up the load in the moving truck. We’re talking to you, the owner of the treadmill-turned-drying-rack. You can sell what you don’t need or donate it to charity.
Get multiple in-home estimates. There are many good movers in the Richmond area. Make some calls and talk to 3 or 4. If you’re hiring a professional mover to do the heavy lifting and packing, prices can vary widely between companies. Read the rest of this entry »
April 11th, 2010
Homebuying Tax Credits Ending Soon!
Late last year Congress modified the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program, turning it from a “first-time” buyer program into an “Everybody” Home Buyer Tax Credit program.
Under the program’s new terms, first-time buyers are eligible for up to $8,000 in federal tax credits and long-time homeowners get up to $6,500. A “long-time” homeowner, according to the IRS, is someone who has used a home as a primary residence for at least 5 consecutive years dating back to 2002.
This is an important qualifier for existing homeowners.
If you plan to claim the Home Buyer Tax Credit in 2010, here’s what you need to know.
Time is running out!
In order to claim the Home Buyer Tax Credit, you must be under contract for your new home no later than April 30, 2010 and you must be closed on your new home between the dates of November 7, 2009 and June 30, 2010.
More details… Read the rest of this entry »
March 29th, 2010
Real Estate Negotiation in Richmond
Working with clients in Real Estate transactions, we see a variety of negotiation styles and strategies. Usually you can categorize them one of two ways. A cooperative approach or a combative approach. Which approach is more effective?
Our experience in the Richmond area shows that the cooperative style is the most effective and efficient way to complete a real estate transaction. Professional negotiators usually try to preserve the relationship between the parties, and work together to resolve problems. The goal is not to draw a line in the sand and reach an impasse, it’s to get you the home you want at the best possible price. Buyers sometimes through their REALTOR position an offer to the seller describing why their house is not worth what they are asking, pointing out deficiencies, etc. This can backfire, and start the negotiation off with a defensive seller. It is best to anchor your price to the Richmond marketplace, while remaining very complimentary of their home in the communication your REALTOR has on your behalf. Read the rest of this entry »
March 10th, 2010
Advice for First Time Richmond Homebuyers
During the height of the Richmond real estate market a few years ago, many first-time buyers were frustrated by high prices and the short supply of affordable homes for sale. Prices have come down substantially in Central Virginia, there’s plenty of inventory, interest rates are historically low and the federal government’s $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers was extended to April 30 2010.
Even with the drastic change in the market, it’s not always easy for first-timers. Once-liberal lending standards are much tougher and lower priced homes in good locations are selling. There are still great homes available in Richmond and we are currently in a unique window where both prices and interest rates are low. If you’re in good shape financially, with a positive credit score, this is an ideal time for a first-timer to buy in Central Virginia.
Here are important factors first-time buyers should consider: Read the rest of this entry »
March 2nd, 2010
New Listing in Kings Charter! $289,000
Absolutely immaculate 4 bedroom, 2,5 bath home in the Manorwood Neighborhood in the planned community of Kings Charter in Hanover County. This home features hardwood floors on the entire 1st floor, spacious rooms, Kitchen with granite counters, large Master with vaulted ceiling and walk in closet, Master Bath with vaulted ceiling, tile floor, glass enclosed shower & garden tub, hall bath with tile, deck, stone patio and wooded backyard with great privacy. Additional upgrades include 2″ blinds, upgraded Carrier Puron HVAC, professionally landscaped yard with landscape lighting, new interior paint, new carpet, irrigation system and Chickahominy/Atlee schools. Over 2000 square feet! (2048) Contact us today to tour this great home!
February 1st, 2010
Six Surprising Facts About the Homebuyer Tax Credit
The homebuyer tax credit is not as simple or straightforward as you might think. Here are some nuances that will affect homebuyers who plan to use it.
- To qualify for the move-up tax credit, a homeowner must have occupied the same principal residence for five of the last eight years consecutively.
- Buyers can elect to claim the credit on either their 2009 or their 2010 tax return, whichever is best for them.
- Buyers who claim the credit in 2009 can’t file electronically because the Internal Revenue Service hasn’t put the required forms online. The wait for a refund is three or four months.
- The home can be a mobile home or travel trailer that is fixed to land owned or leased by the home owner. A mobile home or travel trailer that is actually mobile doesn’t qualify.
- The home can’t be purchased from a close relative, including a parent, spouse, child, grandparent or grandchild.
- A buyer who earns no taxable income or doesn’t owe any federal income tax can qualify for the tax credit and file a tax return just to claim it.
Source: Bankrate.com, Marcie Geffner (01/21/2010)
Skye Bruce Properties has a team of mortgage and home buying experts to answer your questions about the Homebuyer Tax Credit. Contact Skye Bruce Properties today!
December 19th, 2009
Buying A Richmond House in the Snow
Okay, we are in the midst of the blizzard of 2009 and a week before Christmas, who is really shopping for a home? Well if you’ve been thinking about buying a new home December, January and February are great months to buy a home in the Richmond area. Why? There are usually fewer homes on the market in these months and sellers tend to be very serious about selling this time of the year. This can often translate into a better deal for a Richmond area homebuyer. Read the rest of this entry »
November 22nd, 2009
Trading Up To A Larger Richmond Home
How in the world are we going to do this, you’re asking. It’s time to move up, finding a bigger home in the Richmond area is something that’s a necessity now and you’re not quite sure where to start. Your home, when you bought it was the right place and had all that you needed at the time. It was economical, was in a great location, had good schools and carried a low cost, all of which you needed as a new family just starting out.
Your needs, like your family, have undergone a many changes. The family is larger now, the business has grown and you need more space to grow and evolve. Your feeling of cozy has gone to the need for more space, a room for that home office and probably a larger space for entertaining, along with more room for the children to spread out and have their own work space in their rooms. There just is not enough room to go around and you absolutely all agree that its time to move up. Finding a bigger home isn’t always an easy task and certainly moving isn’t any picnic, but you have decided it’s time to do it and take advantage of the current buyer’s market. Read the rest of this entry »
November 16th, 2009
Golf Course Living in Richmond
Golf course living in Richmond is all about peaceful life in the luxury of lush greens. Buying a home in a golf course community is really special and exclusive. Golf communities provide enjoyment of your favorite past-time along with security and comfort.
Golf communities offer the best variety of amenities, including golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more. A well constructed luxurious golf community is a dream come true for many new home buyers, seeking a peaceful environment away from the commotions of the city. You don’t have to even play golf to live in this type of a community, if all that appeals to you is the beautiful surroundings of a golf course.
A wide range of Richmond area homebuyers show interest in golf course communities. Many young families move into a golf community because they seek a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful home to enjoy while away from work, while many older couples choose golf course community living for retirement. Read the rest of this entry »
November 10th, 2009
$6,500 Move-Up and Repeat Homebuyer Tax Credit at a Glance
New Tax Credits Provide Outstanding Opportunities for Repeat Homebuyers Looking To Move Up!
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has extended the tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified repeat home buyers purchasing a principal residence. Here are the details for the $6,500 Move-Up & Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance… Read the rest of this entry »
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