Becky Babcock's Blog

Tax Credit Deadline April 30!

beckybabcock — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:04:43 +0000

April 30, 2010 is the deadline for first time buyers and move up buyers to have a contract on a home and be eligible for tax credits! Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight years will qualify. To qualify as a first-time home buyer the purchaser or his or her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors, the price of the home and the buyer’s income.

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close to be eligible for the credit. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if the buyer occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three year period, the full amount of the credit will have to be repaid on the sale.

For more information on these tax credits, consult with your CPA or tax attorney. You may visit www.BeckysRealEstate.com/library.html and read more about this topic in the 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credit document.

IPhone App from Realtor.com

beckybabcock — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:59:51 +0000

I love the new iPhone app from Realtor.com. It has a GPS enabled feature to search nearby homes.

Technology has made real estate more efficient and smart. My listing presentation has an entire section just showcasing some of the technology I use. It helps my team do a better job for our buyers and our sellers!

National ERA Sales Award

beckybabcock — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:33:10 +0000

The ERA corporate office just notified me that my team has ranked in the top 10 for ERA’s 20,000 agents nationally! Thanks to all my clients and to all the agents who we had the opportunity to co-op with in 2009! I am blessed to work with great team members who put our experience, energy, and enthusiasm to work for our clients!

2009 Sales Exceeded 2008

beckybabcock — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:56:48 +0000

Just turned in sales for last year and had $25 million (110 sales) in sales in 2009, compared to $24 million(94 sales) in 2008! Watch out 2010! It is already starting out great for our team. Check us out at www.BeckysRealEstate.com.

Minimum Standards for Politicians

beckybabcock — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:07:57 +0000

I believe any politician who fails to pay their taxes on time should be removed from office and any politician who isn’t debt free or with a 750+ credit score should not be allowed to make financial decisions with taxpayer money. We need responsible poeple managing the people’s business!! It is time for Personal Responsibility to have it’s own movement, similar to the environmental movement or the tea party initiative!

2009 Market in Review

beckybabcock — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:37:27 +0000

Overall in 2009, sales numbers were up slightly and sales prices were down. Expectations for higher interest rates the second half of the year plus expiration of the homebuyer tax credits April 30 should make the first half of 2010 a better time for sellers and buyers than the second half of 2010. Check out the deals, including Cherokee, Fulton, Forsyth, Cobb, and Pickens Foreclosures at www.beckysrealestate.com.

2010 Home Buyer Tax Credits

beckybabcock — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:39:38 +0000

Nationally, good news for the real estate market was announced late in 2009 as Congress extended and expanded the Home Buyer Credit to include not just first time buyers, but also move up buyers. There are guidelines and deadlines to follow, so if you are interested in the details, they are posted on my websites at www.beckysrealestate.com, www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com, and www.bradshawfarmhomes.com. Eligible first time buyers can receive up to $8000 and move up buyers up to $6500.

Lake Arrowhead 2009 Review

beckybabcock — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:33:24 +0000

In Lake Arrowhead GA, the number of home sales has actually increased from 2008 to 2009, with 44 closings in 2008 and 63 closings in 2009. The number of lot closings remained the same, at 11 lots sold each year in Lake Arrowhead. The range of lot prices for 2009 was $4000 to $265,000, and the range of home prices was from $53,000 to $651,145. There were not any condo sales reported in MLS for 2009, although there are currently five condominiums listed for sale. Currently, there are 78 homes and condos listed, ranging from $64,900 to $799,000. There are 123 lots for sale, ranging from $4,500 to $399,000.

2010 Blog Launch

beckybabcock — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:17:11 +0000

Welcome to my new 2010 blog, used to communicate the lastest real estate news from North Metro Atlanta, including Cherokee, Fulton, Cobb, Forsyth, and Pickens Counties. Visit my primary website at www.beckysrealestate.com and my specialty sites at www.lake-arrowhead-ga.com and www.bradshawfarmhomes.com for info on the latest homes for sale from the local MLS, as well as my featured listings!