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Tax Advantages of Buying a Home

• First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
   
• Expanded Tax Credit up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
   
• Click Here to Watch a Video Breakdown on Both Tax Credits

Advantages of Owning Your Home

• Homeownership is an investment in their future
  
• Homeownership offers immediate benefits and long-term value. It helps build wealth over the long term and has been shown to reduce crime, improve education and increase community involvement
  
• For many people, now really is a good time to buy a home. Inventory is high, prices are down and mortgage rates are near 50-year lows. And right now, first-time buyers can qualify for up to $8,000 and current homeowners can qualify for as much as $6,500, but they must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010.
  
• Owning a home is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, providing both equity accumulation and tax benefits over time.
  
• Homeownership strengthens communities. Homeowners are more likely to be involved and engaged in local issues and move less frequently than renters. This helps prevent crime, improve childhood education and support neighborhood upkeep.
  
• It offers immediate benefits and long-term value.

Benefits of Using a REALTOR®

1. Qualifying the Buyer - REALTORS^® qualify prospective buyers to determine in advance their financial ability to purchase and schedules appointments prior to showing a home to save sellers time and help them avoid worry about strangers coming through the house unescorted.

2. Advertising - REALTORS^® have access to several forms of advertising including newspapers, homes, magazines, contact with out-of-town buyers and the Multiple Listing Service--a cooperative sales information system which has an average inventory of 4,000 active listings.

3. Housing Trends - REALTORS^® have current market information substantiating comparable selling prices for specific types of homes, allowing sellers to establish realistic prices while obtaining fair market value for their property.

4. Sale Negotiations - REALTORS^® are trained professionals who can answer the many questions posed by potential buyers and should work to alleviate any doubts buyers have about the process.

5. Financing - REALTORS^® should continually gather information on the latest and best methods of obtaining mortgage money and be prepared to assist the buyer to assure a speedy sale.

6. Continuing Education - REALTORS^® are constantly upgrading their professional abilities by keeping informed about market trends, the latest industry innovations, new legislation and civil rights. Members of the National Association of REALTORS^® have the right to earn professional designations by completing additional education.

7. Personal Service - REALTORS^® work cooperatively with the affiliate members of the AABOR to provide information on title and conveyance documents, termite inspections, home warranty programs, etc. REALTORS^® also make suggestions to sellers on how to make a home more saleable.

8. Protection for Buyers & Sellers - REALTORS^® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and accept the responsibility of promoting the interests of buyers and sellers by protecting them from fraud and misrepresentation.