Jim Ross and Linda Murphy Top Producers at CENTURY 21 Advantage

Jim and I would like to extend our gratitude to you for working with us this past year.  As a result of doing business with us, we have earned the #1 Top Producers here at CENTURY 21 Advantage in South Burlington for 2009.  This is a tremendous accomplishment for us and it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to professional excellence and customer satisfaction.

We Have News To Tell…. the Home Buyer Tax Credit Has Been Extended and Expanded…

From now until April 30, 2010, first-time home buyers and move-up buyers have another great reason to get on the path to purchasing a new home!   The benefit to first-time homebuyers is a tax credit up to $8,000 and for move-up buyers a tax credit up to $6,500.

At a Glance:

FIRST TIME BUYERS
Credit: Equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, up to $8,000

Who Qualifies?

• Those who haven’t owned property in the last three years
• Those with income up to $225,000 for couples or $125,000 for individuals (credit phases out for people who make more than these amounts)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to claim credit
• Purchase price must be $800,000 or less

Deadlines:

• Have until April 30, 2010, to enter into a contract for a home purchase
• Have until June 30, 2010, to close on the purchase

CURRENT HOMEOWNERS
Credit: Equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, up to $6,500

Who Qualifies?

• Those who have owned and lived in their principal residence for at least five consecutive years during the past eight years
• Those with income up to $225,000 for couples or $125,000 for individuals (credit phases out for people who make more than these amounts)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to claim credit
• Purchase price must be $800,000 or less

Deadlines:

• Have until April 30, 2010, to enter into contract for a home purchase
• Have until June 30, 2010, to close on the purchase

In addition, buyers have another year to take advantage of the higher loan limit for mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac set at 125 percent of local median home sales prices, up to a maximum of $729,750 in high-cost housing markets. The limit in normal markets will remain $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

PLEASE NOTE: The tax credit does not have to be repaid provided you live in the new home for a minimum of three years.  Military families are exempt from this stipulation. Purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to tax return.

View new listing this week at: www.VermontRealEstateExperts.com and sign-up for listing email updates.

First-time Homebuyers in Vermont have more time to get a tax credit!

WASHINGTON – Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.

The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of November.

Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time homebuyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years, said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

The tax credits would be available to homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes, said a congressional aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the deal.

Senators were still negotiating the expansion of a separate tax credit that lets money-losing businesses get refunds for taxes paid in previous years, providing them with an immediate source of cash.

Senators in both political parties were hoping to add both tax provisions to a bill that would give people running out of unemployment insurance benefits up to 20 more weeks of federal aid. The Senate could vote on the overall bill as early as Thursday, but lawmakers were still haggling over several unrelated amendments Wednesday evening.  Search homes for sale under $200,000 in Vermont.

Source: MSNBC Associated Press.

Directionally challenged at finding a farmhouse in Vermont!

Being, to put it kindly, “directionally challenged” I always pay close attention to the directions printed in all listngs. One in particular has been my favorite.   It said, “Route 7 North turn right where the monument used to be”. Another said, “lakefront property, call listing agent and bring boat”. Directions in Vermont are always unique. “2 miles past the big red farmhouse” are not so easy to follow when the farmhouse in Vermont is being painted blue and no one changes the directions. Then there’s the locations that are landmarks to some but unknown to others, “bear right at Joe’s Snack Bar and go straight until you see the vegetable stand, then turn right”. It doesn’t much matter whether it’s 1.5 miles or 2 miles past Kim’s Snack Bar on the right when Kim’s is a trailer that’s seasonal and moved in the winter.   I have a gorgeous  Lake Champlain property for sale,  and I believe it has easy directions that anyone can follow!

South Burlington Vermont home for sale

Ranch-style home that is much more spacious than it looks. Bright and freshly painted, this home is in a convenient location close to everything.  3 bedrooms! To see more information visit: www.VermontRealEstateExperts.com

Linda Murphy,
CENTURY 21  Advantage

South Burlington Real Estate for sale on Larch Road

South Burlington - 2 Bedrooms

Lovely townhouse in quiet, peaceful wooded setting. 3 levels completely finished with upgraded carpeting and flooring. Vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace in living room, large master bedroom opens to deck overlooking protected land with lots of privacy.

Home for sale in Milton, Vermont on .55 acres!

3 bedroom ranch

New listing on Kingswood Drive in Milton, Vermont

You’ll love everything about this 3 BR, 2 BA home: the kitchen was recently updated with granite countertops, tile flooring and backsplash and newer appliances. Other recent improvements include the windows, the roof, a large 4 season porch, a new bathroom, gutters and new garage doors. The large yard is fully fenced and 2x6s were used to construct this lovely home.

If you would like to see this home or if you’d like to view other homes for sale in the Vermont area, we would be glad to help you.

For more details and pictures, click here.

Jim Ross/Linda Murphy
CENTURY 21 Advantage
South Burlington, VT Real Estate

Vermont Real Estate Buyers…get an $8,000 tax credit!!!

As you may or may not know, the government is offering first-time home buyers an $8,000 tax credit if you close on a home by December 1, 2009. In addition, interest rates are low – 5.5% – 6%, prices in general have leveled off, and is there is a large inventory of Vermont real estate to choose from.

For all the above reasons, it is a great time to be a buyer. If you want more information and would like us to send you listing for Burlington real estate, please call us at 862-6433 ext 15 & 19 or email us: murphyross@c21-advantage.com. We also invite you to visit our web site at www.VermontRealEstateExperts.com. Here you will find more information and FAQ’s regarding the tax credit.

Time is running out…