10 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

Here's some good advice offered by This Old House for ways to boost your home's value.  If you're thinking about selling in the near future...this is great info:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20247552,00.html?xid=hinewsletter-100824-boost-value

TAX CREDIT GETS EXTENDED!

If you think you missed out on the first time home buyer tax credit...you might still qualify!  Congress just passed an extension!!  Buyers who had a contract to purchase a property dated on or before April 30th 2010 just have to close by September 30th 2010 (original deadline was June 30th).  The following link has all the specifics:

http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit

If you or anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home, feel free to pass my name along!
Laura Yerkes
Success! Real Estate
phone: 781-964-1565
email: LYerkes@SuccessRealEstate.com

Chance to own in Duxbury for under 400k!

This is the perfect opportunity to get into Duxbury at a great price. This home has been totally updated and is located on a private cul-de-sac. Check it out:
6 Trout Farm Ln, Duxbury, MA Powered by Postlets

What's a SHORT SALE?

You're probably hearing the term "SHORT SALE" a lot these days when the topic of real estate comes up.  Here's a simple/non-technical explanation:

When a homeowner is in financial trouble and can not keep up with his/her mortgage, a real estate short sale is a method of avoiding foreclosure.  It's called a "SHORT SALE" because the homeowner not only can't pay the mortgage but also owes more than the house is worth (making selling the home in the traditional way impossible).  In order to find out if a homeowner is eligible, they usually submit an application to their lender.  Then, when the homeowner receives and offer it is forwarded to the lender for review and an approval/rejection is decided by the lender (this is why you see the words "3rd party approval required" associated with short sale listings).  The lender's review process can be lengthy. 

So, why would a lender want to allow a short sale??  Its a way for them to regain some of the costs on a nonperforming loan and it may be better than foreclosure for the lender because there can be substantial costs involved in that process as well.  Not all homeowners qualify for a short sale and it depends on the lender's guidelines and many financial factors. 

Home Inspection...get your $'s worth!

Think you've found your dream home?  GREAT! But wait, before you go out and buy furniture, get it inspected by a licensed home inspector so you know if there are any problems/issues that could cost you a lot of $ to repair.  A home inspection may seem expensive but its well worth it and strongly advised.  Here are some excellent tips on how to get the best bang for your home inspection buck: http://rismedia.com/2010-04-20/4-things-first-time-home-buyers-need-to-know-about-home-inspections/

Moving?! Need boxes?

You're moving! Yay! But wait, do you have boxes?  They're expensive, aren't they?  Well, check this website out:  http://www.usedcardboardboxes.com/  Discounted boxes and, as a bonus, its recycling so its good for the environment!  Another great resource is Craigslist where you can find FREE boxes from time to time (check out the 'free' page...but they go quick).

Senate supports Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension

The Senate is in support of the Bill to not only extend the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit but to also expand it to "move up" buyers as well.  The Bill will now move on to the House and we're hoping it will be fast tracked and reach the President by as early as Friday.  CNN.com offers additional details: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/04/news/economy/Extending_unemployment_benefits/index.htm?postversion=2009110418