Let’s face it, for those of us who are first time homebuyers or our upgrading to another home, the tax credit has been very helpful. But how exactly do you get that money?

I just received an email today that states exactly what is needed…

If you’re a first time homebuyer, go to the IRS website and download Form 5405. You’ll include it with the rest of your documents when you go to file... Full Story

If you’re a first time homebuyer, things can be pretty confusing right now. With the tax credit deadlines, who qualifies, new F.H.A. standards, etc. there’s a lot to keep up with.

Just recently the Federal Housing Administration announced they are going to be increasing the mortgage insurance premium on F.H.A. insured loans. The new premium will be 2.25%, a .5% increase from what it was before.

In addition to the insurance premium, beginning this summer... Full Story

Every week I receive an e-newsletter from realtor.org with the latest updates in market trends, lending info. and tips to pass onto my clients. The issue I received today had the following article regarding changes being made to FHA loan applications:
The Federal Housing Administration will raise the minimum down payment for its least credit-worthy borrowers, the agency announced Tuesday.

The change is among a number of major changes the FHA is... Full Story

It’s undeniable. The Austin downtown skyline has changed dramatically over the past decade, with dozen of new buildings popping up, namely various condominium and apartment buildings.

Many speculated that “downtown living” would not take off here, but a recent article seems to disprove that. Recent estimates state that there are roughly 400 units left to purchase in the downtown area. With lenders tightening their ropes and loans getting harder to obtain, it is unlikely that... Full Story

Looks like a few developers have had to endure a good dose of reality. The latest to stall their project is the Star Riverside luxury condominiums. They decided something more affordable would be more realistic and I couldn’t agree more.

Major competitors for the high-end market include the Austionian, a 56 story high-rise whose amenities include a private party area and fitness center. It will also include an “urban” dog park, swimming pool, a variety of... Full Story

I’ve been reading a few great articles recently about downtown living in Austin. As much resistance as there has been to change, the inevitable is happening and the downtown skyline is changing.73% of the 1,562 condos that have already been built or are currently under construction are occupied. The most anticipated  projects nearing completion are the Austonian and W Hotel and Condominiums. With no new construction slated to start for another 4-5 years, demand may... Full Story

I’ve been hearing rumors for the last few months that the government is considering extending the first time homebuyer’s tax credit program, but I had never read anything about it – until now. I receive a weekly newsletter from the National Association of Realtors and in this week’s edition was the following article:Daily Real Estate News  |  August 24, 2009  |   First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Extension Possible Bills to extend the maximum... Full Story

Many first time homebuyers don’t know about the City of Austin’s Down Payment Assistance Program. Check out the link below and feel free to contact me if you need help or have any questions. Now is the time to take advantage of this program along with the homebuyer tax credit if you’re thinking about buying a home, I know the perfect Realtor to help:)

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ahfc/downloads/dpa_faqs_updated_080709.pdf

With the Brazos Lofts going up on the auction block earlier this year and Bel Air Lofts just auctioning off the remainder of their condos, another community, Sage Condominiums, located on South Lamar, is slated to put its remaining 23 condos up for sale with 10 of those units selling absolute, with no minimums and no reserves.

The units for sale cover seven floor plans, each with two bedrooms and... Full Story

President Barack Obama has made if official by signing the stimulus bill which includes a bit of relief for first time homebuyers. I recently visited the Federal Housing Tax Credit website and found some great information that I thought I’d share. Here are the basics:

• The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the... Full Story
  Categories : Real Estate