Pennsylvania Real Estate News, Views and Rants

Enola, Cumberland County  -  Announcing a price reduction on 732 Belle Vista Drive, a 2,943 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Ranch". Now MLS® $299,900 - HUGE Price Reduction!.

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Thornhurst Country Club Estates, Thornhurst Township  -  Announcing a price reduction on 154 Laurel Drive, Thornhurst, PA, a 1,600 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Contemporary". Now MLS® $169,900 - Steal this home!.

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Fairview Township, Etters  -  Announcing a price reduction on 445 Shuler Road, a 1,950 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Ranch". Now MLS® $179,900 - Just Dropped TEN GRAND!.

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Do you HATE yardwork?

• 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $119,900 - Owner Wants it SOLD!

Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County  -  This is the home for you if you like to come home and not have to cut grass. Brand new white eat in kitchen with ceramic tile floor, tile backsplash, built in microwave, dishwasher and smooth top range. First floor laundry and half bath. Formal living and dining rooms with large windows and two tone paint scheme and fresh carpet. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and a new full ceramic bathroom. The front bedroom has a fretwork ceiling and ceiling fan, the rear bedroom boasts a large closet and private outside balcony. The third floor is finished and coud be used as a family room, office or den.

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Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County  -  Announcing a price reduction on 10 W. Locust Street, a 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now $119,900 - Owner Wants it SOLD!.

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Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County  -  Announcing a price reduction on 4611 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, a single story. Now MLS® $390,000 - Reduced to for Quick Sale.

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April 2009
Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
29	30	31	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9

York Haven, York County  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 299 Stevens Road on April 19 from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM.

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Plus you can subdivide off 3 lots!

• 1,751 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® $332,000 - Price REDUCED $7000!

Pennsylvania, United States  -  (Right from the Montana Homes Brochure)

"Our energy efficient homes are made from Nature's best insulators, the great trees of the Northwest Rocky Mountains.

We build with dry, seasoned log stock. By utilizing only dry logs we eliminate most of the shrinking and twisting associated with green or fresh cut logs.

Hand peeling with traditional drawknives brings out the natural coloring of each log. But more importantly, it leaves the protective insulative layer of the log untouched. This thermally efficient layer of the log is removed when milled down, as in typical "kit" log homes.

The strong interlocking "saddle notch" in the corners and the chinkless "V-Notch" cut in the bottom of each log assures an incomparable log fit. Creative logsmiths using chainsaws and sharp-edged hand tools carve the giant Montana trees into custom crafted homes. Full length logs are used throughout. Since there are no splices, the solid log walls enhance the character of your individual home.

Skilled craftsmen hand-calibrate and scribe every inch of each log to accurately measure every curve and indentation. Our "key-way" and V-groove system of construction secures the logs vertically, preventing even the slightest of shifting. Finally, a slender inconspicuous bead of caulk seals the mated and matched logs handsomely, inside and out, assuring air-tightness.

This Montana Log Home will, by virtue of the cellular structure of the logs themselves, radiate warmth and cheeriness through the coldest of winter nights, and "breathe" the coolness of a primeval forest into your home during the heat of summer. A Montana Log Home is crafted for practical function as much as it is for its timeless beauty.

It will be a source of contentment, comfort, and security throughout all the seasons, and for many years to come. "

This home is a "must see" to appreciate the quality and the setting.

SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

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How to Keep from Getting Ripped Off When you Buy a Short Sale

By John Rainville, Broker, Realtor®, CSP, RECS, LTRS Certified

As banks foreclose on several homes in the area, buyers will find some amazing garage-sale priced homes; but buyers have opportunities to buy homes through a "short sale" before a home goes into foreclosure.

What is a "short sale?" A short sales may be defined as the sale of a foreclosed home at a price less than the existing mortgage balance; however the ultimate price of a short sale lies in the willingness of the bank to negotiate terms. This is a complicated process and,up until now, has rarely occurred. Short sales will without a doubt be prevalent in the next year.

It is good advice to consider hiring professional help when you are looking to buy a home. There are so many legal loop holes that the average person could be taken advantage of. Realize that the majority of lawyers and real estate agents have little experience in these sales. In order to be successful, you need to be very careful in who you select to be your helper. The most important point to consider is: Going it alone when purchasing homes in foreclosure will significantly increase your chance of failure at the bank.

The steps in the process are:

1. Locate homes which are in default, as early as possible, even possibly before the formal non-judicial foreclosure begins.

1. Search foreclosed homes with plenty of lead time before the Trustee's Sale (you may need weeks or months of lead time.)

1. Once you have created short list of such homes, narrow that list to only those homes you would likely purchase for yourself.

1. Complete an accurate Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using sold homes with similar features, via a good database such as the local MLS.

1. Determine the exact mortgage balance and status of default or foreclosure.

1. Be sure to find out if there is a second or third mortgage on the house.

1. Research the possibility of other liens (tax liens, mechanic's liens, labor liens, state liens, etc.)

1. Determine how best to talk and negotiate with the loss mitigation department of the bank or mortgage holder (email, fax, phone, etc)

1. Determine whether or not purchasing via the short sale will negate any subordinate loans or liens (another trap for the unwary.)

1. Know which costs and fees in addition to the mortgage balance can be compromised and by how much (experience is the best teacher.)

1. Prepare a comprehensive package to present to the mortgage holder, which is the most critical step in closing a short sale. This should include the Purchase & Sale Agreement, and a thorough analysis of the home, prices, the local market, and justification of your offering price. Your offer must be prepared very professionally or the bank will merely overlook you, without giving your offer a second look. You have to be able to make a case to the bank, as to why they should sell to you at this price.

1. In order to close on a deal in a short sale, you must follow through with all parties involved.

The complexity and difficulty of closing short sales should never be underestimated, even under the best of circumstances. It is hard to find a buyer of foreclosure properties through the short sale process, despite what con artists would like you to believe. You should have some experience before purchasing foreclosure properties. The reckless need to be aware of entrapment.

Buying a foreclosure may be a fast way to lose money if in the process you make major mistakes. On the other hand, because the purchase price is below the current market value of the home, it can be a great way to pick up equity immediately the day of closing. Many people have also come to a dead end with this process after months of frustration.

If you are thinking of doing this, contact me and I will get you on the right track. At this time you need to have a FICO credit score of at least 620 to get a mortgage, unless you have some cash saved. I have a contact who can help you get your credit cleaned up if you need it.

If you are serious and motivated to get in a home now and get the buy of a lifetime --- call me!

John Rainville, Broker, Realtor, CSP, RECS, LTRS Certified

PA State License # RM-419701

My cell phone is the best number to call me on (717) 554-7430

BrokersRealty.Com

(888) 774-8488

This is right from the NAHB.com site and is the most easy to understand explanation of just "who" is going to qualify for this money!  Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Buyer Tax Credit The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation. Who is eligible to claim the tax credit? What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? How is the amount of the tax credit determined? Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit? What is "modified adjusted gross income"? If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit? Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined? How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008? How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application? What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit? I read that the tax credit is "refundable." What does that mean? I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead? Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit? Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program? I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit? I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit? Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction? I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit? Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return? If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return? For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest? Who is eligible to claim the tax credit? First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner. What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit. However, unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as may occur if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. Ownership of a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence does not disqualify a buyer as a first-time home buyer. How is the amount of the tax credit determined? The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit? The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts. What is "modified adjusted gross income"? Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains. To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for higher-education costs. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit? Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $8,000 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined? Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000. Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800. Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008? The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid. Because it had to be repaid, the previous "credit" was essentially an interest-free loan. This tax incentive is a true tax credit. However, home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application? Participating in the tax credit program is easy. You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit? Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences. I read that the tax credit is "refundable." What does that mean? The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit. For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $7,000 ($8,000 minus the $1,000 owed). I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns. How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead? Home buyers in this situation may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit? Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been "purchased" on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program? Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may not claim the tax credit if they are participating in an MRB program. I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the Washington, D.C. first-time home buyer credit and this new credit? No. You can claim only one. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit? Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of "nonresident alien" in IRS Publication 519. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction? No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS. A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $8,000 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives an $8,000 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,200 (15 percent of $8,000), or lowered from $8,000 to $6,800. I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit? No, but if you purchased your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009, you may qualify for a different tax credit. Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return? Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment. Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties. Further, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. Some state housing finance agencies, such as the Missouri Housing Development Commission, have introduced programs that provide short-term credit acceleration loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should inquire with their state housing finance agency to determine the availability of such a program in their community. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return? Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose ("elect") to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount. Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this. For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest? Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

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About this program

If you’re looking for a great deal when you buy your new home, you should look at HUD homes.  They have a program that allows you to buy a HUD home with only $100 down.  You will be required to put up some earnest money, but it will be refunded at closing if you get an FHA loan and your offer is accepted. For homes below $50,000 the deposit is $500 and for homes over $50,000 the deposit is $1,000. HUD pays up to 3% of your closing costs which usually is enough to cover them.  Normally an FHA loan requires 5% down, but with this special program, you only need to put down $100. Talk about saving some money!!!

What the heck is a HUD Home?

A HUD home is one that had a FHA-insured mortgage which has gone into foreclosure.  HUD pays off the bank and then puts the property up for sale to get some of their money back.  The price is set from a recent AS-IS appraisal, which is the price the house would most likely sell for in today’s market in its current condition.

So how do HUD homes get sold?

Any real estate broker who is registered with HUD can submit an offer for you. The house is sold through an auction process where all the bids are sealed. To qualify for the $100 down program, the offer must be for the full sale amount and the bid will go to the buyer with the highest offer.

And who gets to buy a HUD Home?

Anyone who qualifies can buy a HUD home. Initially, bidding is only open to owner occupied buyers; however, if no bid has been made after a period of 10 days, properties are made available to all buyers, including investors.

 

So how do I buy a HUD home?

Buying a HUD home is a lot different than buying a regular house. For a conventional purchase, usually you write up an offer, the seller looks at it and then accepts it or makes a counter offer. As stated before, HUD homes are sold through an auction. You can bid anything you want, but the home usually goes to the highest bidder and if you want to take advantage of the $100 down program, you must offer full price.

OK, I’m in. What do I do now?

1. First you have to get pre-qualified. You will need a letter from me as your lender saying that you meet the guidelines for purchasing the home.

2. If you are using the $100 Down payment program, you will need to make sure that you have been through the checklist I provide!

3. You need to provide a cashier’s check for your earnest money.

4. You bid on the property using my experienced agents.

5. The bid gets sent in on an electronic bidding website.

6. When the auction closes, your Realtor checks to see if you have won. 

1. If you are the one with the winning bid, we will proceed with your financing. This should move quickly since we pre-qualified you.

I’m ready, What’s my next Step?

Give my office a call and let’s get you pre-qualified. It only takes a few minutes and will be well worth your time. Then I will match you up with one of my qualified Realtors and you can start looking for your house.

Call me today before the Government closes this program. Guidelines change daily so you may not have much time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Rainville, Broker, Realtor, CSP, RECS, LTRS Certified

BrokersRealty.Com

(717) 554-7430

(570) 245-1007

Plus you can subdivide off 3 lots!

• 1,751 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® SALE PENDING $332,000 - Price REDUCED $7000!

Pennsylvania, United States  -  (Right from the Montana Homes Brochure)

"Our energy efficient homes are made from Nature's best insulators, the great trees of the Northwest Rocky Mountains.

We build with dry, seasoned log stock. By utilizing only dry logs we eliminate most of the shrinking and twisting associated with green or fresh cut logs.

Hand peeling with traditional drawknives brings out the natural coloring of each log. But more importantly, it leaves the protective insulative layer of the log untouched. This thermally efficient layer of the log is removed when milled down, as in typical "kit" log homes.

The strong interlocking "saddle notch" in the corners and the chinkless "V-Notch" cut in the bottom of each log assures an incomparable log fit. Creative logsmiths using chainsaws and sharp-edged hand tools carve the giant Montana trees into custom crafted homes. Full length logs are used throughout. Since there are no splices, the solid log walls enhance the character of your individual home.

Skilled craftsmen hand-calibrate and scribe every inch of each log to accurately measure every curve and indentation. Our "key-way" and V-groove system of construction secures the logs vertically, preventing even the slightest of shifting. Finally, a slender inconspicuous bead of caulk seals the mated and matched logs handsomely, inside and out, assuring air-tightness.

This Montana Log Home will, by virtue of the cellular structure of the logs themselves, radiate warmth and cheeriness through the coldest of winter nights, and "breathe" the coolness of a primeval forest into your home during the heat of summer. A Montana Log Home is crafted for practical function as much as it is for its timeless beauty.

It will be a source of contentment, comfort, and security throughout all the seasons, and for many years to come. "

This home is a "must see" to appreciate the quality and the setting.

SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

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CV schools, bilevel

• 2,076 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm bi-level "Great Location" - MLS® $239,900 - Just Reduced

Silver Spring, Mechanicsburg  -  Beautiful brand new bi-level finished top to bottom on nearly 1/2 acre in Mechanicsburg in the popular CV Schools. 3 bedroom 2.5 bath, kitchen/dining room combo with center island, hardwood floors in dining and kitchen, carpeted in bedrooms and LR. Exp LL features Family Room, and 1/2 bath! 2 car garage, viny/stone ext., central air, master bath, fenced in backyard, deck, and much more. Call to set a private showing. Open House 11-9-2008 1-3

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I have been pondering almost daily this great financial debacle that we have gotten ourselves into and how it happened. Now I understand Barry Obama likes to point the finger at the GOP or George Bush, but it started way before "W" became Number 43.  It seems to me that this whole mess can be traced back to Post WWII America and the advent of the "walk in closet" to entice people to move to the new "burbs" outside of town.  WHAT? you say!  That's LUDICROUS!  Now hear me out...

Most of us real estate professionals have been through our share of homes built all different years.  So think about it...the 1800's and before we had armoires and PEGS for god sake to hang your clothes on---we only had a few shirts and pants IF we had more than one!   Around the turn of the century we start to see what most bueyrs perceive to be miniscule closets in homes---now you coud hang maybe up to a dozen garments!  The next jump is post WWII and the advent of the @#$ walk in closet----WHAMO! the world changed!

Now we started to hoard clothes, etc that we could hide in our WALK IN closets.  Remember Lucy and Desi?  She was ALWAYS hiding outfits!  But now the "cow was outta the barn" and we havent' looked back----until now.  At the same time we went from no garage to a one car to a two car to a three car---the third bay just to hold all the crap that WON'T fit in our WALK IN CLOSETS! But WAIT WE DIDN' T STOP THERE!

Hell, I've seen homes with 1500 Bottle "wine cellars"!  We've got basements and attics and now we even RENT STORAGE UNITS for all the @$%# that won't fit in our @#$% WALK IN CLOSETS!  What are we NUTS! We're renting space to store stuff we should have given away or sold on E-bay!  In the rural areas where I live some of the folk who live in small houses or mobile homes have had to start storing their assets on the FRONT LAWN! 

Hellooooo, why not sell that old AMC Pacer or cherry Gremlin that you are saving from the junk yard to someon who might actually be able to use it?  Or at least scrap them gems and let us sned it to China to be melted down and sold back to us.Ohhh, I can hear some of you already laughing out loud, but hey what's YOUR closet look like?  And I know I will hear from some Al Queda wannabe that this all goes back to a damn American Carpenter!

So Barry---back off George W. and the GOP and let America know where the blame outta be.

As always,  IMHO.

Pending Home Sales Rising... By: Dacia Turner Tuesday, February 03, 2009 8:15 PM According to National Association of REALTORS® pending home sales have significantly increased due to the affordability in the market right now. The Appointment Desk used by my office reported record showings over the past two weeks. In Nashville, showings tripled from numbers for last January. Buyers are ready to take advantage of the current incentives. As of now, the $7500 tax credit applies only to those first time buyers who close by June 30, 2009. Since closing can take anywhere from one to three or more months (depending on the conditions of the sale), those who don't make the decision to buy within the next month or two may lose out on these deals. That doesn't mean anyone should make hasty decisions, but it should help anyone on the fence jump one way or the other.