Don't Make the Mistake....

Yahoo! Real Estate just posted an article: 10 Worst First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes 2010 (which I would be willing to bet looks quite similar to the same list for 2009). At any rate, while the article does bring up some very good points, it doesn't by any means pertain solely to first-time homebuyers! Purchasing a home (whether your first or your tenth) can be overwhelming, and being informed going into the process can definitely ease some of the stress.

A couple of my favorite points brought up in the article are:

Mistake #2- Skipping Mortgage Qualification. It is SO devastating to buyers when they walk into a property that they love, only to find out that they can not afford it. Trust me, skip the heartbreak, and get pre-approved before you get emotionally vested in any property!

Also, Mistake #9- Not Choosing to Hire an Agent! The fact that some buyers try to take on such a huge endeavor AND investment without representation baffles me! That would be like me to trying to replace the engine in my car...by myself! The results could be disastrous- and potentially costly! (Besides, any Realtor will help you through the process so that you avoid the other nine mistakes mentioned in this article- it's a no-brainer!)

Enough of my rambling, take a look at the article yourself! If you are a first-time homebuyer and looking to start the homebuying process, feel free to contact me today, and we can get you started off on the right foot!

-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
Jamie@BurlingtonVermontHomes.com
(802)846-9530

Only 118 days left!!

2010 has arrived...and so the countdown to the expiration of the first-time homebuyer tax credit has begun! Many homebuyers tend to put their home searches on hold during the winter months and go into "hibernation mode"...but with the looming deadline for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit or the $6,500 repeat homebuyer tax credit, homebuyers can not afford to wait until the spring to renew their home searches!! In order to be eligible for the extended and expanded tax credit, a homebuyer must be under contract for their new home NO LATER THAN APRIL 30, 2010! Factor in a couple of months to find the home, and the time for homebuyers to start their search is....now!!!

This article from MSN Real Estate highlights the importance to start your search sooner, rather than later: http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=22815497 (It also provides some great tips for homebuyers looking to take advantage of the tax credit.)

If you would like more information on the homebuyer tax credit, please visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215791,00.html?portlet=7

Of course, if you are thinking of purchasing a home in the upcoming year, I would be more than happy to help you through the process! Please feel to call or e-mail me today with any of your Real Estate questions!


-Jamie Wright, REALTOR
JWright@HickokandBoardman.com
(802)846-9530