Don't Be Surprised! - 1st Time Home Buyers

First Time Homebuyers Session

The Snyder and Associate’s first time homebuyer’s session is designed to walk people through the steps involved in that process. It is our aim to help these buyers understand each step involved and to avoid any “surprises” along the way. We believe taking the time to go over this material helps the first time buyer make a better, more informed choice. Call or email me to set this session up at your convenience. Average time for this is about 45 minutes. Barb.

Topics we cover include:
Buyer’s agency
Lenders, financing, and pre-approval, incentives
Assessing their wants and needs
Geographic
Features
Price range
Timing

The home search process – internet, home tours, email, market research

Touring homes – The decision process

Making an offer – earnest money, warranties

Negotiating on your behalf

Steps from contract to close:
Title work
Inspections
Appraisal
Closing

Questions?

We typically meet with the buyers in our Platte Woods office for approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on how many questions come up. We invite anyone who may be thinking of buying their first home to sit down with us and go over these details. We can schedule at the buyer’s convenience.

If you have any family members, neighbors or co-workers who may be thinking of purchasing their first home please let them know of this opportunity to be a better informed consumer.

Government Gives Cash to First Time Homebuyers!

Don't Tax you
and
Don't Tax me
Tax the Guy behind the Tree!

Do you or family members qualify for the 1st time home buyer’s tax credit of $8000? If so here are some guidelines to follow:

1. This must be your first home or 3 years since previous ownership.
2. It must be your principle residence.
3. Need to live there for 3 years.
4. Can be an R.V., houseboat, mobile home, up to a 4 plex, and still qualify.
5. $8,000 tax credit but limited to 10% of the purchase price.
6. You must purchase and move in between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009.
7. Three friends can get the $8,000 maximum on one structure but must meet the maximum combined income limits.
8. There are maximum income limits of full credit of $75,000 – 150,000 for a couple.
9. A proportionate reduction of tax credit over these income amounts until the tax credit is disallowed at 95,000 and 170,000 for a couple.
10. US based not overseas.
11. If building new – move in before Dec. 1.
12. A consignee or parent assistance is okay – as long as buyer is on the hook financially and it’s the principle residence.
13. On multiple units – the proportionate value to the 10% rule applies (but see Wayne)
14. The Tax Credit is not assignable
15. Avoid refund anticipatory loans – BEWARE
16. File for tax credit with IRS form 5405
17. You can file for the refund or credit by amending your 2008 filing or in your 2009 tax filing.

St. Patrick's day really means blessed

Just a quick note to remind myself to use the day to remember all the great things that we are privileged to enjoy and to stay grounded on what really counts. Our family and the future they represent. Enjoy our little irish guy. Trent the floor is yours.

Life is Good

Two Really Good Movies
Man on Wire (Amazing and Intense)
Frozen River (Sad and Intense)

Barbara and I would like to see Australia - sounds good.

Favorite Videos: Dave, Groundhog Day, The Greatest Gift, The Notebook, Blues Brothers and Fireproof.

We are starting a business directory this week on our website. If you need typical services like painters, Handy-men or specialty people like locksmiths, we will try to get them on the list. If you have a business you want posted email Barb or Wayne. You can help - send us names of those you have had a good experience with and we will use your referral to let everyone know of them.

Speaking of referrals, you can help us by joining the SNYDER Referral Army. Our friends, you, are the key to expanding our services. We promise to provide the same great service and "Focus on YOU" to your family, friends and work associates. With the RE/MAX network we can get referrals for your friends selling Real Estate internationally, New York City, to a farm sale in Fargo, ND.

Have you ever owned a pick-up and found out how popular you are when your kids are moving? We laugh about our almost serious rule "Our help quota is 5 moves per kid per lifetime".

Our son Jim has published a children's "Excellent Behavior" system. This is directed toward creating a positive and fun behavior habit for your children using an Excellent Behavior Calendar, Success Stickers, and fun names for positive activities such as "Homework Hero" or "Excellent Eating". This is just released; grandparents and parents can find out more by emailing Jim at info@excellantchild.com. A more complete website is coming soon: http://www.excellentchild.com/. Seven day samples are available now just email info@excellantchild.com. We will carry the link to that website soon.

For you serious financial analysis people, the annual report for Berkshire Hathaway is on the KMBZ.com website under Business News. The Chairman's report by Warren Buffett is insightful, funny and a look inside one of the most remarkable financial stories of our century. The Report also gives serious thought to the current economic situation facing our country. The book "Snowball" by Warren Buffett not only is his story but an interesting look at history. The annual meeting for Berkshire is this Friday.