The NEW IMPROVED Home Buyer’s Tax Credit
On November 6th the President signed a bill passed by the US Senate and House of Representatives extending the current First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit AND creating a tax credit for 2nd time and subsequent primary residence purchasers. The First Time Home Buyer credit has not changed except to be extended through the end of April 2010. Any home buyer qualified under this program and is under contract to buy a home by the end of April; closing by the end of June will be able to receive an $8,000 credit from the government. This particular tax credit has really help stabilize our area homes which fall into the typical First Time Home Buyer segment. For example, befo

Ray and Margaret share their home and pets with Currents Magazine
Ray and Margaret, agents in my office, had the opportunity to share their home and lives with their pets, Harley and Davidson, in a recent issue of Lake Norman Currents Magazine. I think it is a very fun spread, well written and beautiful photography. This home is on the market for sale as well if you are interested.

Coldwell Banker President and CEO on TV Today talking about the housing market.
Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, will appear live today at 4:45 p.m. CNBC’s Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo. Jim will discuss the state of the housing market. He will also appear tomorrow on Fox Business News live at 11:15 AM EST to discuss the housing market and the Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index.

Timing the market
The most recent Case-Shiller price index shows home prices up in 17 of the 20 markets it tracks. This is a good sign but what does this really tell us about the Real Estate market? The Case-Shiller price index that came out October 27th is actually based on numbers from August. The good news is we should continue to see positive signs from this widely monitored index for at least a few more months. From the indicators I watch September and October have been steady as well. What indicators do I watch that the big economist do not? A less scientific approach for sure. I follow Real Estate Professionals in major markets on Twitter and Real Estate Blogs. I realize true economist can

Vacant Home Freeze Warning
With the cold over night temperatures this week it is important to make sure any vacant home in your charge has the heat turned on to a low setting to prevent freezing pipes.  Pipes that freeze often crack.  When they thaw the water begins to flow and then you’ve really got a mess!  Typically setting the thermostat to the lowest temperature, around 50 degrees, should be sufficient. You can also winterize the home by shutting off the water and draining all the water lines. Some pros also force water out with compressed air but I have found that opening the faucet at the lowest point in the home works as well. That is often the outside water faucet for washing your car. You wil