Incentive Tax Rebates

Incentive tax rebates will start going out today, a week earlier than expected, President Bush announced Friday afternoon. Direct deposit payments will go out first, while paper checks will be mailed beginning May 9. The rebates — up to $600 for an individual, $1,200 for a couple, and an additional $300 for each dependent child. As I understand it, this incentive check is an advance to next years tax refunds so whether you get it now or next year it's all the same money. It's not extra money but money given to the American people early in order to stimulate the economy.
And also remember that you will only receive your check after you've filed your 2007 tax return.

Selling Today

Home owners who are reluctant to sell because prices have fallen, should do the math, and realize that the market downturn could work in their favor. Selling now also means buying in a market downturn which in the long run will be a positive. Taking advantage of this market can be possible on so many levels. Think about your dream home and what a great deal you can get for it while at the same time making someone elses dream come true by selling your current home. Don't wait until it's too late and prices rise again and they will rise again. They always do.

Open House

Come and visit me on Saturday 4/12/08 at the Open House for
16423 Fontlee Lane Fontana. I will be there from 12-4pm.
Asking price is $260,000 and that is a good deal for this neighborhood.
Not a short sale, probate or foreclosure. Just a regular house for sale that needs a buyer. There has been a lot of activity for this property so I don't see it staying on the market long.

Foreclosure Update

3.6 percent of borrowers were at least 90 days late on their payments in December – the highest percentage in more than five years, reported the Mortgage Bankers Association. Even so, it’s important to remember that 96.4 percent of borrowers were on time with their mortgage payments and new foreclosures accounted for only 0.83 percent of all home mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2007, up from 0.54 percent in 2006.
Not as bad as the media would like you to think.

Rates are down this week

If you're on the fence about purchasing a home jump off. Rates came down again this week for 30 fixed, conforming rates and jumbo rates. The only one that didn't go down but stayed the same was FHA rates.

Have you heard of metal roofs?

About one-third of new homes built today come with metal roofs, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, and an increasing number of homeowners are choosing metal for replacement roofs. Some of the advantages are they last about twice as long as traditional asphalt shingles. They can withstand high winds. When treated with coatings and finishes, they reflect heat to keep your house cool and air conditioning bills down. There are few drawbacks. They are slippery, so it can be difficult to find people to work on them. Rain and hail sound loud. And they cost about twice as much as even the most expensive fiberglass-asphalt shingles.