Now is the Time!

As 2008 rapidly and thankfully comes to an end, we welcome in 2009. If the last three weeks are any indication, we can expect a huge jump in Real Estate activity in 2009 in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Yes, it is true, 2008 was a very slow year compared to some of our most recent years of activity – however, we still helped over 90 families achieve their real estate goals of selling their houses and buying new homes.

If you were considering placing your home on the market in 2008 but were afraid to do so because of all of the bad press – now is the time to get it done. Let me explain a few reasons why:

1. 
   There is a lot of penned up demand for homes. Buyers have been holding off on making new purchases, in part because of the media, in part because of the economy and in part because 2008 was an election year. We have seen an increase in buyer activity recently in our area and we know of several buyers who are now or will be making offers. You don't want to miss this opportunity.
   
2. Interest Rates are at all time lows. Believe it or not, interest rates can be found for 30 year fixed, FHA loans for under 4.5%. Buyers know they will not go lower – I mean, how much lower can the Fed Rate go – zero is zero right? Buyers are buying.
   
3. Incentives Abound. First time home buyers can receive a Tax Credit of up to $7,500, but the Tax Credit is only good for the next three months. How does it work, a first time home buyer or a person who has not owned a home in three years can purchase a home and receive a credit of up to $7,500 on their taxes. This amounts to a check in the amount of $7,500 added to their tax refund for the buyer. Yes, they have to pay it back - $500.00 a year – but it is interest free. There is also talk in Congress of removing the payback requirement. Buyers know about the credit and they know it disappears in three months.
   

So what does this mean to you? Iit means you need to get your home on the market today in order to be there for the buyers who are going to buy. The Bill & Ann Team believe 2009 will be a GREAT year for everyone who decides to sell and buy real estate!