The government has submitted a new program which offers $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers. While this is one of the most talked about measures in the upcoming new bill, it is also the most confusing. Simply, the government has created a monetary incentive, a tax credit for first-time home buyers, as a tool to stimulate the housing market. The tax credit will be 10% of the purchase price of a home, up to a maximum of $7,500. That means if the home costs more than $75,000 first-time home buyers (anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three (3) years) will receive the full $7,500 tax credit, this is not a new idea. Back in the 1970’s the government offered a similar program with one major difference: this new tax credit will have to be paid back over a period of 15 years, beginning two years after the credit is taken. Basically, the government is providing first time home buyers an interest-free loan  up to $7,500 to help them buy a home! If the home owner happens to sell the home before the 15 years is up, the remaining credit is due upon sale from the profit of the home sale. However, and here’s the best part, if there is insufficient profit, after the sale of the home, then the remaining credit due is forgiven. You really have nothing to lose. There are, of course, income limits to qualify for this incentive. With this new tax credit and down payment assistance, you are finally in the driver’s seat in a buyer’s market with some of the best interest rates to date. Let me help you find your dream home.

1. Homes are bought by comparison. I have a large inventory at my disposal through MLS while you have an inventory of one.

2. I am very familiar with competitive houses so I can help you position your home well.

3. It is hard negotiating for yourself. I have lots of experience in writing contracts and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

4. Buyers are not always forthright about their financial situation. I insist on pre-qualifying before I even bring you an offer.

5. My lender contacts and mortgage experience help buyers get the financing they need.

6. Most buyers don’t want to tell the seller why they don’t make an offer. I can probe the buyer or his agent for that information.

7. Any follow up you do with a buyer can be seen as desperation. I follow up as part of my job so that you are not perceived in a compromising light.

8. I can showcase your improvements better so that you don’t appear like you are “selling.”

9. Most sellers who spend their time as a For Sale By Owner end up by listing in the end. A recent NAR survey found that only 11% of sellers nationally ended up selling by owner. Why spend your time and money if in the end you will hire a REALTOR?

10. Unqualified buyers can tie up your home. I make sure that doesn’t happen.

11. Personality conflicts with a buyer can get in the way. I come between the buyer and the seller so that personalities don’t enter in.