Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Today We Celebrate ALL Veterans

Veterans Day is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 11 to coincide with the signing of an armistice that ceased most major conflict during World War I. In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson made Nov. 11 Armistice Day which would later be renamed Veterans Day.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Web site says that Veterans Day “is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans.”

It is also a day of remembrance for those serving in overseas conflicts and any who have served.

I know that alot of you have family or friends that have served or are serving in the military. There are many sacrifices that these brave individuals and their families make every day and because of these sacrifices we are fortunate to have the freedom to live our lives as we do.

Today I say thank you to those brave men and women and reflect on how fortunate I am to live in this great country.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

"President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!

The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.

The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.

To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it."

Home Buyers and Home Owners of 5 years, take advantage of the tax credit NOW

President Obama has signed into law the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit.


The bill provides a new incentive for existing homeowners who have owned their current homes at least five years, making them eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase a new home. I believe this provision benefitting existing home owners, combined with historically low interest rates, will help engage a large number of qualified move-up buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to list their current homes… if they act now!

The bill also extends the previous incentive for first time homebuyers – or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years. Those buyers will still get up to an $8,000 refundable tax credit.
The legislation includes other qualification provisions. For example, the credit is available only for the purchase of principal homes (no second or vacation homes) costing $800,000 or less and the credit is scaled back and gradually eliminated for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 or couples with incomes above $225,000.
To qualify under either provision, buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30. This is likely to be the last tax credit that the government will offer to first time and move-up buyers. The window of time is shorter than it may seem, especially for potential buyers who need to list and sell their existing homes. We must do everything we can to help them take complete advantage of it.

Myths vs facts

From the guru of agency, John Reilly: Regarding the Bright Analysis by Lisa Sturtevant, PhD Bright Chief Economist Our analysis shows that t...