Staging!

Even if your many collections, shag carpet and harvest gold appliances make you feel at home, these just might be turn-offs to a buyer. This is why "staging" has become so popular in helping to get homes sold. According to Stagedhomes.com the final sale price on staged homes increased an average of 3 percent versus those that were not. Staged homes also typically spend 80% less time on the market. This does not have to be expensive or overwhelming. Since I am an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), I can help you stage your home and get it on the market to get the highest dollars in the least amount of time. If you are interested in learning more, contact me at www.margecrouch.com

Indianapolis is Affordable!

According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, Indianapolis ranks as the most affordable housing market for the 15th consecutive quarter. Check out this report from CNN Money.

Additional Opportunities for Homebuyers to Consider

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indiana (FHLBI) offers up to $10,000 in Neighborhood Stabilitzation Assistance to match an NSP investment. Many of the programs that I have been talking about in my recent blogs can be layered on top of one another in order to maximize assistance. Homebuyers can use these funds for closing costs and downpayment assistance. There are income restrictions on these programs as well as the home you are purchasing must meet the location requirements. Now is a great time to become a homeowner and make your money work for you. Questions? Let's talk! 317-557-5478.

Why rent when you can own?

Declining home prices and record low mortgage rates along with the tax credits now make home purchases more affordable and are creating a great environment for renters to convert to homeowners. There will continue to be a tremendous number of foreclosures, along with lower prices which provides wonderful opportunities to buy homes at amazing prices. In many markets, home values are at the lowest level since 2003. With fixed mortgage rates at or slightly under 5%, the tax credit that is available and a vast selection of homes to choose from, many buyers are beginning to recognize that this is a great opportunity to break out of renting and into homeownership.

$15,000 for Foreclosed Homes

Those individuals who buy a foreclosed home to use as a primary residence can qualilfy for a $15,000 loan (not to exceed 20% of purchase price) from The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) Market Stabilization Fund. These are available to assist home buyers w/the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of a foreclosed residential property located w/in an area of greatest need. To learn more about this program and others, visit the IHCDA website at www.in.gov/ihcda.

First Time Home Buyers..............

.......$8,000 tax credit available for first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. This credit does not require repayment and will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. There are many great opportunities in the real estate market today and this is just another added benefit for all first time home buyers. Note: a first time home buyer is considered to be anyone who has not owned a home within the last 3 years.

Houses are not just an investment

A house is much more than an investment, though historically houses increase in value more than the rate of inflation. Houses are homes, a place to raise families, a place to provide shelter from the elements, a cozy place to read a good book, or a place to break bread with friends and family. I should know 40 years ago my wife and I bought the perfect home, and it is still perfect. It was the only home my children ever knew, it has seen 40 Christmas, two marriages, and 6 grandchildren. It is still a place to escape the "real world", a place to relax and commune with nature. It has seen countless facelifts, but at its core it is still the same beautiful home we fell in love with in 1969. Yes our house has steadily increased in value, but most of all it is still our wonderful home.