Thursday, December 9, 2010

Measuring Square Footage


Measuring Square Footage

Homes in Northern Nevada are generally sold on the basis of Square Footage. In other areas emphasis is put on “rooms”, how many rooms are in a house. We feel that can be misleading as room sizes differ with the property. You can have different sized bedrooms or dining rooms offering dramatically different utility of the home. The total Square Footage under roof, however, gives one a good idea of the extent of the living area improvements. If there is enough minimum square footage the Buyers can look at the floor plan, how the home is laid out and how it will work for their intended use.

With square footage being so important, it is critical to get accurate measurements. This can be easier said than done on some properties where the property can be measured by the Assessor, Agent, Owner, Appraiser, or Buyer and you may end up with five different measurements. The difference isn’t always in the math, it can be a sag in a measuring tape, a fraction that is treated differently, a mistaken interior garage wall location determination, etc.

Understanding how a home is measured is critical. All measurements are from the outside of the house. When determining Square Footage the agents are seeking to establish the “Living Area”. Living area is space intended for human occupancy, a definition which helps to understand why there are minimum height requirements, requirements for a finished interior, that it be directly accessible from other living area, and that it be heated by a conventional, permanent heating system.

It sounds simple, but there will be discrepancies on how a tape measure is read, conversions from inches to decimals, how to treat a bay window (to be included it must have a floor and a height of 7 feet according to some standards), and bonus rooms over garage with sloped ceiling (slope can’t meet the floor, height at least 5 feet, at least half of room with minimum height of 7 feet), and second story of a two story open foyer (should be excluded from square footage – is good cubic footage which applies to utility and aesthtics, but not square footage.) Beware, too, of above and below grade value differentiation, separate guest quarters being included in the main dwelling Square Footage, and the “bonus” room language. Commonly called a bonus room because it isn’t a family or living room and is extra Square Footage of good utility, a bonus. It is not a true “bonus”, however, as in “something in addition to what’s expected”- you are paying for it.

Our Advice: It is important to understand this as in our area Square Footage is second only to Location as a contributing factor in making a home buying decision. Not only does Square Footage assist in the preliminary determination of a home meeting a Buyer’s space needs, it also provides an easy means to estimate a home’s value using comparable property sales. Make sure you understand where the Square Footage you are relying on came from. Many local agents use Assessor’s Office figures when listing properties. Those were measured by professional appraisers and are usually accurate unless the home has been modified. If the size is being determined from plans understand that the as-built product can differ from the plans. One should always measure for peace of mind.

Confused? Hire an appraiser to measure, not appraise, your home. Have some fun – measure your home and do the math. See how close you get. Good luck!

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs … Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com



Saturday, November 27, 2010

New How-To Home Buying Videos were just release at the National Association of Realtors

New How-To Home Buying Videos were just release at the National Association of Realtors

Three new how-to home buying videos were just released at the National Association of Realtors Convention in New Orleans. HUD produced the three consumer education videos in coordination with NAR. The videos help educate the consumer on shopping for a home they can afford, a mortgage they can sustain, and what to expect when its time to close escrow.

“Educating consumers about the home buying process is at the heart of what Realtors® do,” said 2010 National Association of Realtors® President Vicki Cox Golder at the video release announcement. “Informed home buyers create the conditions necessary for responsible, sustainable home ownership, and we’re very happy to be a part of this project.” Here’s a summary of the three videos:

Shopping for your Home – The home buying process begins with finding a place you’ll want to call home. This video instructs viewers on assessing how much of a home they can afford, how to work with a real estate agent and what happens once they find the home they want to buy.

Shopping for your Loan – Once you’ve found the right home, the next step is to shop for a loan. This video helps consumers use the good faith estimate (GFE), a form that spells out the terms of a loan offer, to shop for the best loan for them. Consumers learn how to use the GFE to determine how long an interest rate is available for a particular loan and how to identify key loan terms and costs of a particular loan offer.

Closing the Deal – This video walks consumers through the actual closing process including how to make sure the loan they were offered closely matches what they receive. Of particular interest, HUD will walk the viewer through the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and demonstrate ways for the consumer to compare their actual costs with those on their Good Faith Estimate.

The videos are accessible from both HUD and NAR’s websites. Additionally, HUD has a youtube site that is easy to use, www.youtube.com/HUDchannel. They are free, informative, and could make a difference to you in your home buying process. Check them out. All it takes is one good bit of information that helps you in your home buying undertaking to make the time worth your while.

Our Advice: First time home Buyers will find these videos informative and helpful. During the release announcement, a HUD spokesman said, “These videos go a long way in identifying key aspects of the home buying process that a consumer should be aware of. Our goal is help make the process more transparent through educating consumers who in turn can make informed choices about their home purchase. We partnered with NAR because a real estate agent is often the primary point of contact for homebuyers and we believe real estate agents are in a great position to provide these videos to their clients as they move through key areas in the home buying process.”

Between the videos and your good agent you’ll have a more informed and therefore a more confident, pleasing experience. So pop some popcorn to watch the videos with, and get ready to buy a house! Prices and rates are great! These are the good ole days – don’t miss out.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.net or www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Friday, November 26, 2010

Reflections Of Thanks And Gratitude

Reflections Of Thanks And Gratitude

This is the time of year for giving thankful reflections of gratitude and we have many. We are thankful for the ultra low interest rates helping so many right now to buy or refinance. We are thankful for realistic Sellers; Buyers buying with confidence; Real estate agents that are helping Buyers and Sellers gain perspective to navigate these challenging times and not whining as they help them accomplish their goals; The deliberate efforts to understand and effect Short Sales by Sellers, Lenders, and Buyers.

We are thankful for the renewed opportunity for young families to obtain home ownership and enjoy the American Dream of home ownership due to the low prices today; For the young people that are having the confidence to step up and buy a home; For the loan programs available to them that, combined with the current low interest rates and low homes prices, make for a truly magical buying experience. We are thankful for cooperative lenders that understand Borrowers are often the victim of circumstances these days and are treating them with more compassion and understanding. Many governmental agencies and departments have adjusted their practices in recognition of the need for leniency by developers and builders and we are thankful for their understanding.

We are thankful for the natural beauty and wonderful people of our communities; the wonderful life enhancing opportunities available for our children such as Pop Warner football and cheerleading and the many other superb youth organizations filled with great civic-minded volunteers; We are thankful that the Youth are still and always important in our communities, and that Values are respected and a way of life for most. We are thankful for our many Seniors that stay active in the community and impart their experience and wisdom along the way so we don’t lose our way. The large network of compassionate social services for those down on their luck is something to be truly greatful for.

We are thankful that we can still enjoy free concerts in the park; That people still stop to help one another; People still say hello to strangers with a smile. Drivers are courteous – let you in rather than cut you off. We are thankful for the incredible strength of our community as we suffer together the sickness or passing of loved ones and help them recover or celebrate their life; The right to vote and the many freedoms we enjoy in this great country of ours.

Our Advice: Be thankful for your health, your family and your community. Be thankful for the strength and understanding to carry on when you have a hiccup in the well-being of one of the above. Be thankful for the ability to learn the lessons coming to you during such times, and the good that will result. Every cloud has a silver lining … every cloud. Be a shining example of gratitude and be thankful for what is … not resentful for what isn’t. The real estate market is what it is today, not what it was yesterday, or what it will be tomorrow. Be thankful you can establish your priorities and keep the reality of real estate challenges you might be encountering in perspective – its only money and, thankfully, you can get it back. You can’t get back health and the time with your family so be thankful you can keep them both strong now while you weather the storm.

These are the good old days… be thankful we can share them together. We are very grateful to have so much to be thankful for. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472.
carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com , www.carsonvalleyland.com

Eagle Ridge At Genoa ... Executive Homesites $150,000 to $170,000

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Description
Prices between $150,000 - $170,000 - call for specific lot prices and details.

The developers of Eagle Ridge at Genoa have, like all of us, been weathering the storm of a declining economy and housing market. While remaining completely committed to the project that has been their focus and passion for the past six years, the developers are now compelled to restructure their ownership position.

The restructuring includes the retirement of debt to enable the developers to remain significant investors and owners in the project while working through these stressful economic times. To accomplish their goal it is essential that they sell lots, and the only way to sell lots in these times is to incentivize Buyers such that they can’t pass up buying their dream lot, or make a good investment by buying one, or more. The best incentive being price, the developers are offering a limited number of lots at unbelievable prices, THE SALE.

Opportunities like this don’t come along often, and are talked about for years afterwards by the fortunate ones to capitalize on them.

THE SALE of Eagle Ridge at Genoa will be talked about for years to come. The developers will retain approximately one third of the lots they own. Their continued investment and participation in the development are sure signs of their commitment to the project, and that they will take care to protect their significant investment … and yours.


Features
Acreage: 3 - 9 acre homesites
Zoning: Single Family
Sewerage: County Sewer
Water: County Water system
Subdivision: Eagle Ridge at Genoa
School District: Douglas County School District
Agent Name: Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine
Broker: John Fisher
MLS #: several
Protective CCR's: Yes - Eamil forcomplete package

Location
Powered by vFlyer.comvFlyer Id: 3688902

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Tales From The Trenches in Northern Nevada Real Estate

Tales From The Trenches in Northern Nevada Real Estate

Frustrated or confused in this market? Consider some of these recent experiences, all true stories. Think your lender is giving you fits? How about this one – A couple was looking to refinance their home to take advantage of the new low rates. They were seeking $100,000 on an appraised value of $360,000, 28% Loan to Value. Their credit scores, husband and wife, are 840 and 820 (not a typo) respectively. They were turned down. Why? The stated reason is because they are tearing out their deck and replacing it with a patio, and they used two pieces of siding on their expansion that didn’t match the rest of the home. This is the same asset that the company is already using to secure a higher rate loan. True story. Think the lender didn’t want to give up a higher rate loan? They are appealing to upper management and to their Senator.

We had a Buyer write full price on a bank-owned property. Excellent agent on the other side, no problem, right? Fourteen days later the madness continues. Some adventures along the way: Lender countered with 10% down to a Buyer that is getting a 100% loan. The next Counter they allowed the 100% loan, but said the transaction wasn’t conditioned on the Buyer getting a loan. The last go ‘round included the bank removing the agents’ selling fees. Sound like the asset manager was punching the wrong buttons on the portal, or simply didn’t know what he was doing? Either way, the Buyer has been on an unnecessary roller coaster ride.

We wrote full price on another bank-owned property. They countered one item because “they had to” – the close of escrow. They extended it from 15 days to 30-plus. The Buyers went along and we proceeded. A week later the bank started requesting an early close. They had it to begin with, held up the acceptance to counter with an extended closing, and then reversed their course. This after they took days to accept and then demanded acceptance within 24 hours. This last item is very common these days with bank owned properties.

Then there’s the ex-wife that won’t sign docs for a short sale. Refused to cooperate. She recently went to buy a new home and is running in to problems with her loan because of the late payments on her old home that the ex got in the divorce. They could have been minimized if she would have cooperated 9 months ago when he was current but struggling! She’s threatening suit on the ex-husband because he couldn’t make the payments after he lost his job. Remember, they bought the house on both of their incomes, he now has zero income. Hmmm – what’s a judge to do?

Our Advice: These are just snippets of what’s going on around town. There are many, many more examples that are simply jawdroppers. Hard to believe, but it is the reality and must be dealt with. Whether buying or selling, it more important than ever to have a good seasoned agent to help you navigate this tumultuous Market. It is important to stay calm, stay focused, and proceed to your objective. Things are really quite exciting right now and you can be a part of it – just be ready for surprises.

Keep your eye on your goal and don’t get emotionally wrapped up in the brushes of insanity you’ll experience along the way. Make sure it doesn’t rub off on you and you’ll be just fine. The end game is what counts for you and your family – remember that as you laugh at the ludicrous scenarios that unfold before you and you’ll have fun while you succeed. A good way to live.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

As A Home Buyer in Northern Nevada ... Keep Your Eye On The Goal !

As A Home Buyer in Northern Nevada ... Keep Your Eye On The Goal !

Real estate is personal, it's about what your wants and needs are. Despite what you read, see, or hear in the media, or at the water cooler, be sure to understand that those comments may, or may not, apply to you. What do really want? If we all had the same wants we'd all drive the same car, wear the same clothes, and live in the same two story home.

Your real estate endeavors are really about you ... and only you. It doesn't matter what your neighbor did, or what somebody in Timbuktu did, it's about your wants and needs and your ability to achieve them. Think about it - you meet with your agent and tell them what you want. Sometimes you tell them what you need, but do you ever tell them what you really want ... your dreams? Isn't your goal to live your dream? Share your optimum goals with your agent, how you envision your life in your new home, and how your life will be. You will be amazed how much quicker your dreams will become reality.

This applies to Sellers as well as Buyers. As you contemplate your sales process, consider the probability of your sale, how your move will go, and the benefits afforded to you by the sale of your property. Forget the price that you didn't get four years ago, what counts now is what you are doing now. If your goal was to sell then you would have. If your goal is to sell now ... you will. Look past price ... to your real goal in selling. The bigger/smaller house, new neighborhood, or the debt relief. Whatever it is, it will be, if you focus on what it is you really want to result from your sale.

Your agent will find you a property, or get yours sold, in accordance with your desires. It is important that you know what those are and that you convey them to your agent. A good mix of your input with the services and perspective of a good agent can produce miracles. Think about the details of your vision - the dog pen, the color of the granite, the neighbors, the flowers, cash in pocket before you move out, clean inspections, friendly counterpart in the transaction - Buyer or Seller, etc. Don't get paralyzed by the minutia causing you to miss a good opportunity, but likewise, don't be surprised if it becomes a reality in your life because your had it as a goal. If you have twenty specific items that you want in your new home, or in the sales process of your present home, and you get eighteen of them, you are much better off than if you had three and got two. You are truly getting much more of what you want in your life, achieving more of your personal goals.

Our advice: The only thing that counts in a real estate transaction is you ... your wants and needs. As you look at the real estate market, be sure to consider what you are looking to achieve before you respond to rumors, media goings on, and your neighbors' experience or philosophy. Despite the many media stories, neighbors' hype, or any other influencing factor that may cause you to make an emotional decision, be strong and steady in your decisions for your real estate benefit. Your agent will help you with perspective, but your agent isn't living in the house you are buying or selling. Take the information, process it, and live for you.

There are many factors that affect your ultimate happiness. Prioritize them and work towards those most impactive on you. Decide accordingly and you'll be happy with the results.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com , www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

666 Long Valley GARDNERVILLE NV 89460 ... Cozy Family home with Million Dollar Views!

788 Hornet GARDNERVILLE NV 89460 ... Beautiful family home!

What In the World Is HAFA?

Legitimate Negotiations Or “Gotcha” Real Estate

Things change in a real estate transaction as it runs its course, you can count on it. Most people enter the transaction taking everything at face value – what you see, or perceive, is what you are receiving. There are as many components to a transaction, however, as there are systems to a house, and just about anything can happen. As things happen, there can be a need for an adjustment by one or both parties. When everyone contracts with integrity, and is committed to keeping things on a par from the base agreement that the parties originally agreed to, everything works out well for all parties given the changed circumstances.

In a changing transaction make sure that you understand the extent of the “new” thing and what it means to you. If an inspector finds a window with a broken seal you don’t need to have every window in the house replaced. You have a nominal repair, not many thousands of dollars of remodeling. Asking for the windows to be replaced in such a situation, as incredulous as it may seem to most readers, happens. It may be disingenuous, or predatory, but it happens. Not good and the request is not warranted or valid.

Be sure your agent understands what you want in your transaction, and that you understand your contract. Do you want the Seller to pay for recurring and nonrecurring closing costs up to a certain amount or percentage of the purchase price, or are you instructing your agent to have the Seller pay for all the closing costs? There is a big financial difference – be clear in your communication and understanding. You have a responsibility to know what you want and to communicate it to your agent so he can work effectively on your behalf. Not telling your agent exactly what you want in a transaction is like telling the doctor, “I hurt doc, find it.”

Real estate form contracts are written with plain, easy to understand, language. They cover many topics with clauses that have evolved from decades of litigation stemming from misunderstanding or abuses. Don’t invite litigation or cause it unnecessarily. Be clear about what you want, make sure that your contract addresses your wants and needs so you can achieve your objective. When things change, don’t look for the gotcha, look to the contract details to see how you are protected and what your options are as you move forward.

Our advice: What was your intention when you signed the contract? When you sign your name on a contract you should mean it. Its about integrity. Cheating people out of a few dollars will leave you miserable from not only the bad feelings of the other party, but the innate shame and guilt that will reside within, consciously or subconsciously. Were you planning all along to come back and nibble, or do you have a real concern about something new in the transaction? Do you think a gotcha is okay when it comes to money – the quickest machete wins? Do the right thing and you will benefit in many ways – most of them not known at the time you decide to do the right thing. When transactions go sour by parties looking for the “gotcha” in a transaction, the joy leaves the transaction and so do many of the subtle benefits that are forthcoming when everyone gets along and continues to give as they approach the close of escrow. Continuing to give can be leaving the riding mower without it being in the contract, overlooking a missed deadline and staying committed to the other party, etc.

The best transactions are win/win – both parties benefit! It isn’t always about price – there are many ways to balance the “win” factor in a transaction other than price. The art is to find out what the biggest “win” is for your counterpart so your win comes with less of a loss from your win criteria. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmai l.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Choosing An Agent in Northern Nevada … Ask A Lot Of Questions

Choosing An Agent in Northern Nevada … Ask A Lot Of Questions

Whether selling or buying real estate in
Northern Nevada, you’ll undoubtedly find the services of a Professional Real Estate Agent invaluable. There’s a reason the most savvy and successful investors always use good Agents. Good Agents not only get the job done, they keep you safe along the way. The art is to find a good professional Agent.

The biggest ad, the biggest claims, or being the biggest pest does not the best Agent make. Ads cost money, but many agents use them to simply “buy” business. They look to attract new customers for any property, not the listing they are purporting to advertise. If there is little or no inventory in the ad then it is clearly image advertising. Important for business to an extent, but understand it for what it is.

Virtually every agent is Number One at something. There’s the top producing agent types that you are seeking and then there’s the qualified Number One, like “the #1 listing agent that has seven grandkids, owns a black and white dog, and two cats”. What is really important is an agent’s production, and more importantly, their production for the type of property you are buying or selling. If you want a horse property with water rights on ten acres you don’t want to hire a condo specialist, and vice versa. Yes, in our region many agents are truly diverse in their knowledge and experience and can actually professionally serve those extremes, but you must be certain for yourself that the Agent you are working with is capable.

So how do you select an Agent? Initially, you will have some method of introduction. It could be a referral from a friend, an attractive ad, or an internet website. You might just walk in the office and meet a stranger. Once you’ve made contact, understand that you are both interviewing one another. The agent should be learning about your wants and needs, what it is that you are looking to accomplish. They should probe, ask you questions. You, too, should be asking questions … many questions. Do they handle the type of property that you are looking for or selling? What is their experience – both in real estate and in dealing with the type of property you are working with? This is especially important if you have a need for specialty knowledge, i.e. – short sale, bank owned, water rights, floodplain, seven figure price range, ag-deferred property, remodeling, etc.

Our advice: Not all Agents refrain from venturing in to the unknown … potentially at your expense. You don’t want a lawsuit to get what you want, you want good professional service. Ask a lot of questions. You should be able to get references from the Agent, the names and contact information for other people that had a similar situation that the Agent successfully assisted. Learn about their business. What areas do they work? How many listings do they inventory? How many listings sold? How many short sales have they closed? What is their typical List Price:Sales Price ratio? While asking your questions observe the answers closely. Are they appeasing you, or are they heartfelt.

One of the most important things you should look for in an agent is that they will work for your interest, not theirs. It is your real estate… they are facilitating your transaction. Some let their preferences, or needs, get in the way of the customers’ which can cause you to miss your ideal opportunity. Don’t be a victim to a self-serving incompetent agent – it’s your money on the line! We’re proud of our work and Our References. The other good agents are as well. Find the good ones – you deserve it.

Real estate is truly a people business. The real estate itself is what it is, but the people involved make the difference in the success of the transaction, Buyers, Sellers, and Agents. Evaluate the people you are dealing with so your best deal is made for you and your family. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs … Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in
Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County , Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Real Estate Deadlines Are Approaching Fast

Deadlines Are Approaching Fast

Timing is everything in life, and it is absolutely essential for successful real estate transactions. Some things you have no control over, but there are many aspects of the real estate transaction that you can control. There are several deadlines or events approaching that may have a significant effect on the success of your transaction.

If you are a First Time Home Buyer, or replacing your primary residence, and looking for the Tax Credit, the deadline for being in contract is about a month away. You must have a signed contract by April 30th. To qualify for the Credit, you must close your escrow by June 30th. These are important dates – especially if you are shopping for a Short Sale property as those can take time to position for closing.

Some lenders are doing a very responsible and responsive job processing their Short Sale requests. Some lenders, however, take forever. The risk is too great for you to wait to close with “forever” lenders if you are counting on the Tax Credit. Caution – look at your transaction in its entirety without getting too wrapped up in the Tax Credit. If you are buying the property $20,000 under today’s market, that is better than buying something at market and getting an $8,000 Tax Credit. You might want to hold on to your deal even if you realize that there is a good chance you will be closing after June 30th.

HAFA is coming. On April 5th the new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program will go into effect. HAFA provides incentives to both the lender and Seller in connection with a Short Sale or Deed in Lieu used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program. For example, Sellers will be given $1,500 relocation assistance. Under HAFA, if a Homeowner is found to be either ineligible for mortgage modification under HAMP, or been ruled unable to sustain payments under a trial plan, the lender must offer a short sale in writing to the homeowner within 30 days of either of the above occurring. HAFA will expedite Short Sales for those loans that qualify. Under HAFA, the lender must make a decision to accept the qualified Short Sale within ten days of receipt of a written offer.

If you are considering a USDA 100% Guarantee loan be advised that once the existing money pool is disbursed there is uncertainty as to when additional funding will be available. If you need/want that loan program to buy your home we highly suggest that you act fast in buying your home and getting your loan process underway.

Our advice: If you are buying or selling real estate today it is important that you pay attention to real estate news daily. Things change and your real estate success could be directly affected by a new program, the expiration of an old program, etc. Interest rates are rumored to be going up. Knowing that you can decide if you want to buy now … or wait. Your agent is working hard to stay current with events and trends and how they affect you so be sure to keep in close and frequent contact with your agent. Call your agent – ask if anything new has happened since you last talked that affects your situation.

If you are a Seller be assured that Buyers are buying right now. A Buyer? These are the good old days! Who thought we would ever see prices like this again? Don’t time the market drop … that’s like catching a falling knife. Buy the home you want at these great prices and interest rates and enjoy it. There is so much opportunity out there – embrace it. Do it before something changes for that is the only thing you can definitely count on … change itself. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472. carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com