By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 21 Dec 2009
In some parts of the country, borrowers with good credit are more likely to be able to borrow 95 percent of the purchase price than they were just a few months ago.

In Florida and other troubled markets credit remains tight and mortgage companies continue to scrutinize property appraisals, which makes it difficult for some borrowers to get financing. But in most areas of the country where prices are stabilizing or falling only slightly, standards are relaxing.

“We are starting to see...moderation," said Neil Librock, head of credit risk for Wells Fargo & Co.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Ruth Simon (12/19/2009)

It's Official! Tax Credit has been Extended & EXPANDED!
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 09 Nov 2009
While the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended to April 30th, 2010, it has also been opened up to current homeowners.

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Home Composting
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 29 Oct 2009
Home composting can be an easy way for your household to make a direct positive impact on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food residuals and yard trimmings account for 24% of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States. The EPA estimates that 56.9 percent of yard trimmings were recovered for composting or grasscycled in 2000, a significant increase from the 12 percent recovery rate in 1990.

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Buying Tips As We Approach the Off-Season
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 22 Oct 2009
Is it the "best time to buy"? The answer is, and has always been, dependent on the individual and their specific situation. That said, now is a GREAT TIME TO BUY.

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You Bought a Home & Are Eligible for the Homebuyer Tax Credit, Can You Get it Now?
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 12 Oct 2009
Yes. You do not have to wait until you file your 2009 taxes in January, February, March, or with me on April 15th. Here's how...

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Many are Calling October 16th the REAL Drop-Dead Deadline
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 29 Sep 2009
Even October 16th is going to make it difficult to close in time for the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit.

The majority of loans today are taking 45-60 days to finalize (which is probably why they are calling the 16th the "Drop-Dead Deadline".

There are a few additional details that also need to be considered.

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President's Neighbors Trying to Sell
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 15 Sep 2009
Buyers interested in the home next door to President Obama's in Chicago will have to prove they can spend at least $1.5 million and pass a Secret Service investigation.

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New data suggest housing market may have turned a corner
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 26 Aug 2009
A closely watched index shows home prices posted their first quarterly increase in three years, signaling the housing market has turned a corner.

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FHA Program Offers Purchase, Renovation Aid
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 17 Aug 2009
The Federal Housing Administration is encouraging use of its little-known 203(k) loan program.

The 203(k) lets an owner-occupant borrow money for both the purchase and renovation in one loan, and put down only 3.5 percent.

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Decision Time Draws Near for First Time Buyer's Credit
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 28 Jul 2009
While the economy continues to show signs of improvement and many housing markets are beginning to heat up, scores of would-be buyers are still waiting on the sidelines for further positive housing trends. But for first-time buyers, time is running short on the federal government's $8,000 tax credit.

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Home Buying for Young People: Plan Ahead
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 07 Jul 2009
Here are five recommendations for young people who want to position themselves for homeownership.

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Easy Ways to Revitalize Your Outdoor Spaces
By: ReMax Hometown Advantage, 15 Jun 2009
At about this time every year, we begin to venture out from our living rooms and dens into the porches, backyards and patios that will be our fresh-aired habitat for the next few months. Summer is here.

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