The U.S. Government recently passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. It says that the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit “makes a qualifying individual or a couple, who is a first-time homebuyer of a principal residence in the United States from April 9, 2008 through April 1, 2009 eligible...
In a Nutshell: Property Taxes, Values and Assessments
Part of purchasing a home is taking on the responsibility of paying property taxes. Even those who have owned their own home for many years may not understand how the city assesses property taxes. Here is a rundown of what that final dollar amount on your property tax bill is...
The Housing Market is Not the Stock Market
For the past couple years, the housing market has gone through some tough times. Remember in 2005 when houses literally sat on the market for a day before going under contract? Well, after that boom, the market turned around, and the real estate market has now begun the road to...
3rd Quarter Virginia Home Sales Stats Are In!
The Virginia Association of REALTORS (VAR) has just published the 2008 Quarter 3 home sales statistics. See below for home sales versus 2007 3rd quarter sales in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. ——————————————————————————— Harrisonburg / Rockingham County 3rd Quarter 2008 Data Q3 2008 Home Sales: 280 Q3 2007 Home Sales: 353...
Coming Soon: Monthly Market Updates
As a real estate professional and data geek, I know how important it is to be able to review the facts and track the trends about the local real estate market. So, starting in December, I will begin reporting monthly market statistics (and will likely express my opinion of said...
Behind on Mortgage Payments? There May Be Hope For You!
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now owned by the federal government. They came up with a broad plan to reduce the burden of loans on many homeowners in the U.S. This plan could help as many as 300,000 families who are behind on their mortgage payments. Of course, there...