Weekend update

A busy weekend with 3 of my listings receiving contracts. Maybe the
new tax credit that is part if the stimulus plan is getting buyers to
write contracts again. The homes that sold were in Southwest
Arlington, Northwest Arlington, and East Fort Worth. Price ranges of
$94,900 to $169,900.

Don Lawyer
Keller Williams Realty

(817) 657-9159

www.donlawyer.com

January 2009 Real Estate Statistics for our area

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New Mobile Search Tool for Real Estate

You can now search the entire MLS from your cell phone with a new application you can download to your cell phone! Check it out at....

http://www.smarteragent.com/keller_williams/donlawyer/index.html

You can be in any neighborhood and view detailed home information on almost any property for sale in that market at the touch of a button – including sales price, square footage, tax information, beds/baths, interior and exterior features – even pictures!

Home Buyer Tax Credit-update

Details...

The tax credit is 10% of the purchase price up to $15,000.The tax credit is for one year (from date of enactment).The credit is available for both new and existing home purchases.

This is for primary residences only, and the home must be owner occupied for two years after purchase.

There is no income cap (the $7,500 tax credit had an income cap of $150,000 per year).Unlike the $7,500 tax credit, the new credit does not have to be repaid over time.The credit is limited each year to the amount of taxes paid in any one year (with the $7,500 tax credit, buyers received the entire credit and a refund if the $7,500 was greater than taxes for the year)Buyers can split the $15,000 into two separate tax credits to be taken in successive years.

$15,000 Tax Break For Homebuyers

The Senate voted Wednesday night to give a tax break of up to $15,000 to homebuyers in hopes of revitalizing the housing industry. The tax break was adopted without dissent.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., who advanced the homebuyers tax break, said it was intended to help revive the housing industry, which has virtually collapsed in the wake of a credit crisis that began last fall.

The proposal would allow a tax credit of 10 percent of the value of new or existing residences, up to a $15,000 limit. Current law provides for a $7,500 tax break for the purchase of new homes only.

I will keep you posted as I hear more....

Current Market Observations!

The below $150,000 market has been steadily picking up steam, with interest rates falling to the 4.5% range. I believe this time will be viewed in the future as a time where people who took a chance on the market, and bought, got an incredible bargain with incredible financing rates.

I realize that selling a home right now is challenging, but if your goal is to get another home locally, you can make it up with what you purchase. Remember, Dallas-Fort Worth is still one of the strongest markets in the U.S.

MLS Activity Report For all of 2008 just released

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Thought this was probably accurate...

Interest Rates are at 40 year lows!

Just touching base to let everyone know that interest rates have dropped to 40 year lows! Depending on your credit score & down payment, you can get rates at low as 4.75%! These new interest rates combined with some great prices on homes provide a great opportunity if you in the market to buy a home. Don't forget to check out our website at http://www.tarrantcountylistings.com to searchevery home for sale in North Texas. It is designed to be easy to use and really let you narrow your searches to get just what you are looking for. Very user-friendly...

Activity Report for November 2008

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