Zillow Names Spartanburg SC #5 Best City for New Home Buyers

Real Estate values across the United States are down, down, down.  However, just like any market segment, some areas are performing better then others.  While everyone knows this is true for stocks it is every bit much better for real estate.

Focusing just on First Time Home buyers, a Zillow study ranked the top cities for new home buyers with Spartanburg SC ranking the #5 Best City for New Home Buyers!

Here are the criteria used and the data for Spartanburg, South Carolina. Read more..

South Carolina State Housing Authority 2010 Program

The South Carolina State Housing Authority will be announcing a new program that they are starting on March 3rd called …”PALMETTO HERO”…READ BELOW FOR INFO:

TEACHERS – POLICE OFFICERS – CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS – FIRE FIGHTERS AND EMS

Here are the highlights of the lending program:

$7,000 REPAYABLE DPA (down payment assistance) AVAILABLE for Category I

$7,000 FORGIVABLE DPA AVAILABLE for Category II

5.125 % FIXED RATE for both Categories

$40 MILLION OF FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE

If you know of anyone that you think may benefit from this new government loan program, have them give me a call and I will get them started.  While $40 million dollars might sound like a lot it is amazing how fast these monies tend to go.

Keller Williams Continues to Grow Despite Falling Agent Numbers

Keller Williams Realty has carved out a unique niche in the competitive real estate market of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Boiling Springs.  It’s God first hierarchy of priorities has attracted agents from across SC and NC while agents in general are leaving the industry for greener pastures.  All 100% commission sales positions can be difficult and without the right on-going training and support all agents can feel overwhelmed  from time to time.

This is what sets Keller Williams apart from their core competitors.  A commitment to helping agents succeed.  If you have ever driven down the road and saw a “career night” sign out in front of a real estate agency week after week the normal question is “Why is there always an opening there?”.

This link will show you the change in the number of agents in SC and NC by company.  In an industry that is losing agents in droves, many agents are finding a home at Keller Williams.

FREE Homebuyer’s Seminar in Boiling Springs

One of my preferred Lending Professionals is holding a home buying seminar right here in Boiling Springs at the library on Double Bridge Road.  The First Time Home Buyer and the Existing Home Buyer Tax Credits are set to expire on April 30, 2010.

The word on the street is that they will not be extended again this time.  Interest rates are set to start rising at the end of March about a half a point and about 1.5 points by the end of this year.  The current LOW interest rates and the unique tax credits available make NOW the best time to buy a personal residence since most people can ever remember.  The tax credit expiration rush is just beginning now and if it is anything like the buying rush we had in October of 2009 the best deals will sell the fastest.

The take away from all this is that if you know of anyone who is considering buying a home make sure they know the facts and trends.  My business is based on referrals from satisfied clients because I tell it the way it is and then do my best to for them.  Of course you only want to send your friends and family to people you can trust.  I work hard to be that person.

Here is Joyce Smith’s invitation for her Home Buying Seminar:

Have you always dreamed of owning your very own home, but you aren’t sure about your credit record?

No worries!  We are offering a FREE Homebuyer’s Seminar that is totally focused on finding hope and professional direction to be able to own your own home and experience the American Dream!

There will be TWO seminars available for you to attend!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – 6 to 8 PM – Boiling Springs Library

871 Double Bridge Rd, Boiling Springs

OR

Thursday, April 1, 2010 – 6 to 8 PM – Spartanburg Library: Main Branch

151 South Church Street, Spartanburg

Seating is LIMITED so call Rob Turchetta at 864-583-1995 to reserve your seat!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Why Rent in Boiling Springs SC?

Have you ever wondered why apartment buildings charge so much more for rent then Single Family Homes (SFH) charge? It really does not make sense or cents! Apartment buildings have lower over head costs because they have more income producing units per square foot of land and building material. Put another way, apartments give you LESS for your Money then renting a SFH gives you.

A Boiling Springs SFH gives you more square footage of home and a yard for the dogs, kids, or garden to flourish in. It also does not compromise your lifestyle by infringing on the neighbors likes and dislikes. If you like you music loud, play it loud. If you want to learn the tuba, learn it. Might want to keep the windows up on that last one.

Here is a Boiling Springs home located behind the Wal-Mart available for sale for ONLY $79,900. Yes the fenced in back yard, carport, and nicely stained wooden deck come WITH the home. It is a 2 bedroom 1 bath perfect for someone burning their money on rent. And oh yes, it qualifies for the government home buyer tax credit of 10%. The government will not be paying 10% of your rent this month but it will pay 10% of your home purchase up to $8,000. With low utility bills and not a repair to be found this is a great home for someone looking to keep expenses very low.

Click here for detailed information about this Affordable Boilings Springs Area Home.

For a private showing of this home call Rob at 864-621-7900.  Estimated monthly payment should be around only $500 per month.  Your lender can give you a professional estimate.  Stop giving Your money away every month.  Build equity for yourself and your family by paying off your own home.  Go here to search for more Boiling Springs homes for sale under 100,000.

Red Fox Farms Subdivision Home

(UPDATE:  This home was sold in 2 weeks after being listed for 6 months with a large national Realty company)

 

If you don’t live in the Upstate of South Carolina you just might not know what you are missing.  Mild seasonal climates. Light snow falls maybe 1 to 3 times a year.  Extended fall and spring seasons with only the lightest of jackets needed.  That is until you get spoiled like us!

Even our housing is enviable to many across our great nation.  With very low taxes for owner occupied homes and low prices to match.  Take this home for instance:  3 bedroom 2.5 bath home with larger bonus room, over 2,400 SF for only $149,900.  This is not a foreclosure!  This is a move in ready home.  Freshly painted walls, new carpet, counter tops, and appliances.  Just unload the boxes out of the truck and most of the work is done with this home. Read more..

Keller Williams Realty named #1 Real Estate Franchise

This company really is great and the Spartanburg / Boiling Springs Keller Williams office is no exception.  Our God first culture and approach to business is the reason why we are also ranked #1 in buyer satisfaction.  If you are looking to buy or sell real estate you owe it to yourself to at least consider Keller Williams.

If you ever thought about becoming licensed and want to work with one of the best give me a call and I will be happy to talk to you.

Here is the press release.

Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine

AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 21, 2009) — Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world Read more..

Boiling Springs Home for under $50,000 with Owner Financing

I wanted to get this out right away just in case any of you are interested or know someone who might be. This Boiling Springs home was listed for $49,000 but is now on the market for $45,000.  It is a 3 bedroom 2 Bath Single Wide mobile home in a good area with district 2 schools.  Home includes all appliances, carport, and outbuilding/shed.  The master bath features a garden tub, separate shower, and double vanities.

The home qualifies for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and Owner Financing could be available. This is better and newer than the last one I sent out and that one is sold.  It will result in a low monthly payment that an equivalent rental can not compare to.

Here are the details:

Built: 2003
Sq Feet: 1,280
Bedroom: 3 (split floor plan)
Full Bath: 2
Master Bath includes: Double Vanities, Garden Tub, Separate Shower
All Appliances Stay including the Refrigerator and Washer & Dryer!)
Security Alarm
Ceiling Fans
Smoke Alarms
Smooth Ceilings
Car Port
Storage shed
Location: Boiling Springs
Schools: District 2

Click here for pictures

Feel free to call me at 864-621-7900 with questions anytime. I don’t think this one will last long at all.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Details for Spartanburg

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Here are the latest details on the government sponsored tax credits for new home buyers and existing home owners living in their current Spartanburg and Boiling Springs area residence for 5 consecutive years over the last 8 years. Read and use the links below to learn about this potentially valuable resource.  If you have any additional questions feel free to call me for help.

Updated Nov. 6, 2009, to reflect new legislation — more to be added soon New Legislation New legislation, the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was signed into law on Nov. 6, 2009, extends and expands the first-time homebuyer credit allowed by previous Acts. The new law: Extends deadlines for purchasing and closing on a home. Authorizes the credit for long-time homeowners buying a replacement principal residence. Raises the income limitations for homeowners claiming the credit. Under the new law, an eligible taxpayer must buy Read more..

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension

Stay tuned for final word but the UI bill including the home buyer tax credit extension and expansion has passed the House by a vote of 403-12 after passing the Senate last night 98-0. Realtors sent over half a million letters to Congress and it looks like the grassroots effort has paid off.

The new provisions take effect as soon as President Obama signs the bill, which we expect will be before the weekend. I’m including below some questions about the new credit:

1.  Existing homeowner credit:  Must the new house cost more than the old house?

A.  No.   Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

2.  I am an existing homeowner.  On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home.  I have lived in my current  home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits.  I will go to settlement on November 20.  If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

A.  Yes.  The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed).   There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

3.  I am a first-time home buyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009.  I will be covered, however, by the new income limits.  If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?

A.  Yes.  The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill.  The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date.  So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you’re within the phase-out range).

4.  I am an eligible existing homeowner.  I have a fair amount of equity in my home.  I have found a home with a non-negotiable price of $825,000.  Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?

A.  No.  The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000.  Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit.  The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

5.  I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since.  If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?

A.  Yes.  Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit.  For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be  eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is “consecutive.” As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight, what he did since 3 years doesn’t impact eligibility.

6.  I am an eligible first-time home buyer.  I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009.  Do I have to go to closing before December 1?  How does the extension date affect me?

A.  You do not have to close before December 1.  Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed.  Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Feel free to call me with additional questions.

Home Buyer Tax Incentive Breaking News

There is still going to be plenty of time to take advantage of the Homebuyer Incentive from the U.S. Government for first time homebuyers (should remain at $8,000), and now it looks like for second time homebuyers as well who have lived in their current homes for 5 years ($6,500 proposed incentive to sell that home and buy a new one)!

Read the link below and give me a call with any questions.  This has not been formally written into law just yet, but it appears to be all but finalized.  There should be ample purchase opportunities to go around through the spring of 2010 and still take advantage of these benefits. The tax credits would be available to buyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April 2010. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes.
This is a preliminary report, details and conditions may change as the legislation becomes finalized.

Thank you for your business and give me a call anytime I can help out with questions.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/29/senate-likely-extend-tax-credit-time-home-buyers/

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