If you could sell the home you are in now, move to a home that better fits your new lifestyle and get paid up to $6500 to make the move, plus get 100% financing at a competitive rate (currently 5 to 5 3/8%), would you put a new home on the front burner?

There's never been a better time to buy your first home or move to a new home that better fits your needs. We have not seen interest rates this low since 1955; homes priced this competitively since 1999; and you get $$ back (first on your tax bill with the balance in cash).

The Stars are Aligned. If you are thinking about , dreaming about making a move, email me today! craig@craiglamar.com

We usually see most activity from March through May/June, but because of the government giving money to first time buyers and qualifying move-up buyers we will see a slow down after April 30 this year. The deadline for writing a contract that will qualify for the tax credit is controlled by the fact that the closing must occur by June 30, 2010.

Who qualifies?

• $6500: Home owners who have resided in a previous home for five consecutive years (within the last eight) are eligible for the $6500 tax credit.
• $8000: Anyone who has not owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase is considered a “first-time home buyer” and is eligible for the $8000 tax credit.

There are income limitations in either case:  Unmarried buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 may receive the maximum tax credit.  However, some home buyers with income exceeding these limits may still be eligible for a reduced tax credit.

Which properties are eligible?

Any single family residence located in the United States that will be used as a primary residence and is purchased for $800,000 or less is eligible. Generally, a primary residence is the place where an individual spends most of his/her time. This includes single-family detached homes, condos or co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling.

 Huge benefit to you as a Seller....as well as to Buyers:

There is no cost to home sellers, so this tax credit is a huge benefit to you as well as to home buyers.  That’s why I suggest you get your home on the market as soon as possible to take advantage of this boost to the spring real estate market. 

Check out homes for sale now.

Just click on the tab at the top of this page to find out what’s on the market at this time.  While you are there, you can register for a free email subscription to find out about new listings as they come on the market.  For home buyers, the benefit is obvious.  However, knowing what is on the market can help sellers and future sellers when they get ready to list their property. 

Now is the time to buy: Prices will only go up; Interest rates this low not seen since 1955; Plus Uncle Sam will pay you to buy a house ($6500 to $8000).  

Need more info? Call Craig at 256-509-6571 or email craig@craiglamar.com

The reality is that the best way to stop the spread of H1N1 is to know the symptoms and to take steps to protect yourself-and others-from it. The following information can help.

What are the symptoms of H1N1... and how are they different from the common cold?

If you think you have the H1N1 flu, you should take a few common-sense steps to protect your friends, family members, and coworkers. For instance, if you feel sick, stay home until you feel better and have gone at least 24 hours without relying on medicine to break your fever.

In addition, wash your hands, linens, dishes, and so on thoroughly. And cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze--and then throw the tissue away immediately. Finally, if you have to share a small space with other people, consider wearing a facemask to help make sure you don't spread the flu to the people around you.

Inventories of unsold existing homes dropped sharply to a 7.8-month supply from a 9.3-month supply in August. This marked the lowest inventory levels in two and one-half years.

September Housing Starts remained at depressed levels, which removes pressure on future inventory levels. Building Permits, a leading indicator, also held at low levels.

In short, home sales improved, while inventory levels moved lower with a relatively light supply of new homes in coming months.

$200,000 at 4.75 = apx $1045/month

$200,000 at 6.00 = apx $1200/month

RATES* AS OF October 20, 2009

"LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID." And those aren't just the words from Paul McCartney's hit song of the same title...they're also words of advice for anyone who's considering buying a home or refinancing.

Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that as the economy heals, the Fed will be very vigilant to protect against inflation. While inflation is not a problem at present...it will most certainly become a problem down the road.

So why does this matter if you are considering purchasing or refinancing? Because inflation is the arch-enemy of Bonds and home loan rates, and just the knowledge of it coming has been causing both Bonds and home loan rates to worsen in recent days. Along with the fear of inflation, the Fed's purchasing program of Mortgage Backed Securities is already slowing down, with the end of their buying in sight - and the reduced demand for these Bonds is also driving home loan rates higher.

Bottom line: home loan rates are already on the rise, and we won't likely see these low historic levels again.

Interest rates are still very near historic lows - George Washington couldn't have gotten a better interest rate - and the opportunity these low rates present is huge for homebuyers or people looking to refinance. If we haven't talked recently about your own home loan situation - or if you have a friend, family member, neighbor or coworker who needs advice - please call or send me an email. There's no time to waste.

-----------------------

On the topic of inflation - Gold has been on a tear higher of late, reaching a record high of $1048 an ounce. Remember that Gold is seen as a "safe harbor" or hedge against a falling Dollar and inflation - as Gold is not likely to lose much value in periods of rising prices. Again, fears of future inflation are pervasive, particularly in light of the massive economic stimulus that has been injected into the US economy...and inflation will drive home loan rates higher.

Also last week, the labor market is still very weak. In fact, just last week former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan also commented that he sees unemployment rising beyond 10%.

Avg DOM (Days on market) is reflective of the economy and competition of new construction. Apx 5 1/2 months to sell and close. 2 homes currently available. 3012 Waterman Drive is priced at $249,900 (appraisal of $270,000 in June 09) is an exceptional value. More info at www.3012WatermanDrive.com

Status	Total	Avg Price	Avg $ Per Sqft	Median	Low	High	Avg DOM
ACT/CNT	2	$274,900	$108.95	$274,900	$249,900	$299,900	219
PND	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
SLD/RNT/LSE	2	$256,750	$111.12	$256,750	$243,500	$270,000	161
WTH	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
EXP	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
Total	4	$265,825	$110.03	$274,900	$243,500	$299,900	190

Current absorption rates are leaning towards a seller market with a lower than market average of 89 days to sell and close. Buyers looking to move up are motivated by the low lending rates and they are getting their homes ($180,000 to $250,000)under contract. So it is a great time to sell in Deford Mill !

Avg DOM (Days on market) is reflective of the economy and competition of new construction. Apx 5 1/2 months to sell and close. 2 homes currently available. 3012 Waterman Drive is priced at $249,900 (appraisal of $270,000 in June 09) is an exceptional value. More info at www.3012WatermanDrive.com

Status	Total	Avg Price	Avg $ Per Sqft	Median	Low	High	Avg DOM
ACT/CNT	2	$274,900	$108.95	$274,900	$249,900	$299,900	219
PND	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
SLD/RNT/LSE	2	$256,750	$111.12	$256,750	$243,500	$270,000	161
WTH	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
EXP	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
Total	4	$265,825	$110.03	$274,900	$243,500	$299,900	190

It's a great time to sell if you own a home in Colinwood! And if you are buying, interest rates are below 5%, selection of homes is exceptional and it's the perfect time of year to be selling and buying.

Status	Total	Avg Price	Avg $ Per Sqft	Median	Low	High	Avg DOM
ACT/CNT	3	$181,467	$85.40	$185,500	$174,000	$185,500	195
PND	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
SLD/RNT/LSE	8	$161,400	$94.16	$160,750	$145,000	$179,900	23
WTH	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
EXP	0	$0	$0.00	$0	$0	$0	0
Total	11	$166,873	$91.77	$166,400	$145,000	$185,500	70

What you practice today, you will get better at tomorrow. If you practice worry, fear and anxiety today, guess what you will get tomorrow?

Of course, practicing these rob you of any present moments of peace and happiness; so instead, practice being happy, prosperous and free. Focus on the positive things around you.

What you focus on is influenced by what you think, so stay on guard of what you’re thinking. If you should happen to think frightening thoughts, change them for positive ones. If you find worry thoughts creeping in, overcome them with thoughts of things you are thankful for or happy about in that moment.

An excellent way to influence your thoughts and thus your focus is to practice gratitude.

When you focus on what you are grateful for, your sense of the fullness and abundance of your life will increase. Try focusing on gratitude by creating a daily gratitude journal. Jot down what you are thankful for and focus on those thoughts whenever fear or doubt or anxiety try to creep in and influence your day.

If you catch yourself indulging in worry, fear or anxiety… STOP! And practice gratitude instead.

SLOW GROWTH + HIGH INFLATION = STAGFLATION

The Fed can expand growth with lower rates;

The Fed can lower inflation with higher rates;

But it cannot do both at the same time.

Could Stagflation be in our future?