Congress Weighs Buyer Tax Credit Expansion   Legislation introduced in Congress Wednesday would expand the tax credit now limited to first-time homebuyers to any purchaser of a home and increase the maximum available to $15,000.  The tax credit passed earlier this year is limited to $8,000 and has income caps.  U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican, introduced the legislation, and Senate Banking Committee Chair Christopher Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, quickly stepped up to co-sponsor. The National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Home Builders have said they would like to see the tax credit improved.   Source: The Wall Street Journal, Jessica Holzer (06/10/2009)

It's time to get off the fence

Buying a home is one of life's most important decisions - and one of the most gratifying. Yet today's economy has kept home buyers "on the fence" - and paralyzed about moving forward in pursuit of their goals and dreams.

"Lack of decision making results in deferred dreams and lost opportunities," said Rhoda and Jeffrey Makoff, authors of Get Off the Fence! "But you want to feel that you have made the right choices at each opportunity, especially the major crossroads."

"When you have decided what your dream is, what your goals are and what your plan is, all you need to do is get off the fence and just do it," said business philosopher Jim Rohn. "Making the effort to get off the fence is the hardest move, as after that, everything will flow easily as you put your plans in motion."

Lower home prices, interest rates at 25-year low, and a strong inventory make this a perfect time to buy a home. If you're ready to make a move - or just thinking about it, Allen Tate Realtors will make sure you're standing on solid ground. Let me know how I can help you get off the fence and get on with living the best possible life.

The Job Loss Protection Program is an optional, seller-funded mortgage protection program that helps home owners with monthly mortgage payments if they experience a loss of employment. The Job Loss Protection Program is part of the HELP (Home owner Education and Loss Protection) program administered by the Rainy Day Foundation.

Seller: How does this help me sell my home and why would I pay the expense of $500?  In today's job market, it gives Buyers --  that are sitting on the fence -- confidence to make the purchase knowing they will have up to $1,800 per month for up to six months if they loose their job.  This is currently offered in our market only listings through Allen Tate. Certain conditions apply.

Buyers: I'm not buying a home listed by Allen Tate, can I get Job Loss Protection?  Yes, if you're working with an Allen Tate buyer's agent, you may be able to get Job Loss Protection.  Certain conditions apply. 

As part of the new economic stimulus plan as passed on February 13, 2009, Congress has created a new federal tax credit to provide an incentive for first-time home buyers. This legislation is another positive step to help stabilize the current housing market and make the dream of home ownership more attainable for many Americans.  A tax credit of $8,000 will be available for first-time home buyers who purchase a principal residence through December 1, 2009. The provision is retroactive to purchases made on or after January 1, 2009. This new tax credit replaces the previous $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.