A Winter Walk

I live in the old part of Loveland and I take a walk every day - even when my streets are icy and snow packed. If you are a walker, you know the challenge. I think a winter walk on icy streets is a great analogy to life.

You have to decide on your route. Where will there be the longest stretches of good dry street. Don't even think about not walking that day because once you get started it goes pretty good even on a bad day. You have to look ahead, of course; but don't look too far ahead. If you keep moving, the bad spot you noticed up ahead looks less formidable as you get closer. Sure enough, when you get there you find some little dry spots that you couldn't see from a distance. Pick your way through and away you go again.

Isn't if funny how much this mirrors our lives.

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT

I believe that nothing has done more in the past year to revive our housing market than the $8,000 first time home buyer credit. Since the tax credit was extended and expanded, I think we have another window of opportunity, but many folks I visit with are not aware of the details.

In a nutshell: To qualify for the credit, Buyers must have a home under contract by April 30, 2010 and must close on the property by June 30, 2010. The credit is $8,000 for first time buyers (or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years) and $6,500 for existing home owners (must have owned their home for at least 5 years).

The surge we normally see in the spring may well occur in late winter because of these deadlines. Hopefully, the credits will help Sellers also and reduce our “homes for sale” inventory.

Be sure to check with your accountant for any details that might affect you differently. This can be a great opportunity for Buyers and Sellers.

Interest Rates Are Great!!!