Top 8 Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community

Senior couple having dinenr. Info on benefits of 55 and up communities.Designed with the needs of aging residents in mind, 55+ communities are becoming popular choices for seniors. While every homebuyer has his or her own set of needs in mind, the 55+ homebuyer is likely to find what they’re looking for in a community that is designed just for them.

1. A Home Designed for Seniors
Not to be confused with retirement homes or nursing facilities, senior communities can range from apartment complexes or condos, to single-family homes in gated communities. These communities often have special features that are specifically designed for aging residents such as wider doorways to allow room for walkers or wheelchairs. Additionally, most of these homes are one-level, allowing residents easy access to any room without having to go up and down stairways.

2. Fabulous Amenities
Senior communities don’t have to be boring! The 55+ communities typically have great amenities, including clubhouses, fitness centers, tennis courts, pools and spas, and golf course access. Some even offer fun, community events such as cooking classes or craft workshops. [Read more...]

5 Ways Homeowners Strengthen Communities

Family making dinner together.When you purchase a home, not only are you investing your money in that home, you are also investing in the surrounding community. Studies have shown that homeownership helps strengthen neighborhoods and communities in many ways. Here are some of the biggest boosts to a community, thanks to homeownership:

1. Homeowners Are More Involved
Statistically, homeowners are more likely to be involved in local issues than renters. Because they have invested their money and lives in a home that they will most likely be living in for several years, home owners will probably care more about local issues such as crime prevention, taxes or environmental topics.

2. Local Economy Thrives
Homeowners become part of the fabric of a neighborhood, especially when it comes to supporting nearby business. Retail shops, grocery stores and even mom and pop stores can benefit from being located near a neighborhood where homeowners make up the majority of the population. Homeowners tend to give their business to local establishments, not only because of the convenience factor, but again because they are invested in the area.
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What Was The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Couple watching their child in their front yard.In an effort to stimulate the housing market which was severely weakened in many parts of the country the US Government enacted a temporary tax credit initially available to first time homebuyers, and then expanded to offer the benefit to repeat home buyers who had owned their home for a certain number of years. Eligibility was based on the purchase price of the home (which was required to be used as a primary residence), the income of the borrowers, and previous home ownership. The tax credit was equal to 10% of the purchase price of the property, up to $8000 for first time home buyers, and $6500 for repeat home buyers. The tax credit expired on April 30, 2010, meaning that to qualify for the program buyers must have a home under contract by that date, and the closing must take place by June 30, 2010. There is an exception in place for members of the military who were on extended duty outside of the US for at least 90 days between January 1, 2009 and May 2, 2010. These individuals may qualify for a one year extension. Consult your tax advisor and real estate professional for details.
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Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

Couple carrying carpet into their new home.It’s never too early to begin planning your strategy for Spring-cleaning. When the weather warms up, the days get longer, and the promise of summer fun is just around the corner, getting your home in tip top shape clears the way for stress free enjoyment of some of the nicest months of the year.

 Air Out The Entire House. That’s right, fling open the windows and doors and let that stale, germy air that has been trapped inside all winter!
 Clean All Textiles. Now is the time to spot clean, dry clean or shampoo window treatments, carpets and rugs. Start by vacuuming them and then clean according to manufacturer’s instructions.
 Wash The Windows. Hot, soapy water and a scrub brush is the best way to tackle screens, and shutters. Blinds can be vacuumed with a brush attachment and then wiped clean. Glass cleaner takes care of the windowpanes.
 Scrub Shelves And Surfaces. Remove items such as books, pictures, and mementoes from all bookshelves and tables. Warm, soapy water and a clean cloth are ideal tools for wipe away months of winter dust and grime.
 Pamper Upholstered And Leather Furniture. Remove cushions from sofas and chairs, and take them outside. Gently beat the cushions with a broom handle or tennis racket and watch the dust fly! Vacuum the inside frames, spot clean fabric, and use a conditioner for any leather furniture.
 Get Down Under. Vacuum, mop, or sweep under every large appliance and piece of furniture in your home. Refrigerator coils and the space underneath beds are typically real dust magnets. [Read more...]

Some of the Benefits of a VA Mortgage

Military family of four at home.For military families, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers the VA home loan, a specific home financing program with its own set of unique benefits. If you are in the military, you may want to consider applying for one of these mortgages. Here’s why…

1. $0 Down
One of the only no money down home loans available today, a VA mortgage allows the borrower to finance 100% of the home’s value. This means you, as the buyer, don’t need to put and money down! Most home financing programs require 5-20% down.
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Debt Consolidation Through Refinancing

Financial checklist and calculator.Refinancing is a popular option for homeowners who want to take advantage of lower interest rates and save money. It can also be a way for homeowners to consolidate their debt into the loan, providing a more manageable way of paying it off over time.

Like with any other loan program, borrowers should take all options into consideration before signing anything. While refinancing may be a great option, it isn’t for everyone. It should also be understood that while rolling other debts into the refinance loan can help reduce the payments, it will most likely lengthen the amount of time it will take to pay them off. Not every kind of debt should be included in the refinance mortgage, either. It is important to know which debts to consolidate and which are better left separate.
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Home Builders Confidence Rises in October

Nice back porch with flowers and sunshine.More good news for the real estate industry – builder confidence for newly built, single-family homes increased this month, as shown on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The HMI was released on the 18th and showed a four-point increase in builder confidence, raising the total to 18. According to a press release by the National Association of Home Builders, “this is the largest one-month gain the index has seen since the home buyer tax credit program helped spur the market in April of 2010.”
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Home Sales Drop in September But Remain Higher Than Last Year

Home with stone entranceThe housing market saw a healthy increase in existing-home sales this past August. Unfortunately, September’s numbers weren’t as strong. The good news is, that number was still higher than it was a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors(R).

Existing-home sales are completed transactions on existing homes that include single-family, townhomes, condos and co-ops. While total existing-home sales dropped from 5.06 million in August to 4.91 million in September, the market is still ahead of the 4.41 million count from September 2010. Additionally, foreclosures and distressed property sales have also decreased, from 31% in August and 35% in 2010 to 30% in September of this year. Market professionals say that while the current state of real estate is gaining stability, there is still room for improvement.
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