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Not surprisingly, real estate industry lobbiest are attempting a full court press as they make a final push for extension of the first-time buyer tax credit.   

And, it’s little wonder.  The IRS estimates that 1.4 million homebuyers have claimed the credit through August, and the Realtors Association estimates the credit was crucial in pushing 355,000 of those buyer’s off the fence.   

If the real estate industry gets it’s way and the amendment passes, the $8000 tax credit would be extended to June 30th, 2010 and it would allow more taxpayers to qualify for the subsidy.  The amendment would increase the income limit to $150,000 for a single filer and $300,000 for a couple, up from the current limit of 95,000 and $170,000, respectfully.

The Pro’s: Why Vote “Yea”

1. Lenders are still in trouble, as more people default or fall behind on their mortgages.  Experts predict an additional 1.5 million foreclosures in 2010, increasing supply and further eroding prices and demand. 
2. Dems and Rep like it.  The proposal was introduced by a GA Republican, Johnny Isakson, and it is also supported by Democratic heavy-weights.  House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid support the extension, President Obama hasn’t taken a position for either side.
3. Still too Many Houses.  Although the supply of existing homes on the market has fallen from 1-5 months down to 8.5 months, a healthy market has only 5-6 months supply of house.
4. Unemployment is Rising.  With national unemployment levels at 10 percent, and some states reporting a far higher number, extending the taxpayer subsidy of housing market would likely create and preserve jobs.  In addition, people out of work usually means more loan deliquency, foreclosures and further downward pressure on pricing.

The Con’s:  Why Vote “NAY”

1. The Cost to the Taxpayers.  The extension comes with a heavy price tag of $16.7 BILLION over 5 years.
2. As bad as Sub-Prime.  Opponents argue that the subsidy has artifically propped up the prices of inexpensive homes, targeted by first-time buyer’s, thereby creating another potential mini-bubble in affordable housing.
3. Both Opponents and real estate industry admit that most people who claimed the $8000 deduction, would have purchased a home anyway due to historical low rates and steep price declines.
4. Fraud.  The IRS has identified over 100,000 cases of fraud involving the tax credit.  On Thursday, the House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to take a closer look.
5. Did we mention the cost to taxpayers is $16.7 BILLION?

Yea or Nay???  We thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and rent website.  The website provides free legal forms and contracts, marketing and sales tools, real estate advice, news and updates for buyer’s, sellers, agents and builders.  We invite you to subscribe to our feed or leave a comment in the space below.

A new website The Bed Bug Registry is a free, public database of bedbug infestations. Use it to check for bedbug reports before booking a hotel room or renting an apartment.

The Bedbug Registry gives travelers and renters a reliable and neutral platform for reporting their encounters with bedbugs. Though most Americans have still never encountered one, these retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across several American and Canadian cities.

Bed bugs are easy to transport in luggage and very hard to get rid of. For this reason they have become an especial nuisance for hotels, who are not eager to publicize their infestations. You can’t tell whether a building or hotel room has them based on cleanliness - the bugs can thrive anywhere there are cracks and crevices to hide in.

Until a reliable, safe pesticide becomes available, avoiding bedbug encounters will be the only reliable way to ensure they don’t spread into your own home.

To Read More About How to Spot and Stop Bed Bugs Before You are Eaten Alive,  CLICK HERE!!!    

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Creative real estate or housing anyone???  A friend sent me an email with pictures of a very sweet little pad.  I love this and wanted to share it.

Entry Way and Stair Case

Kitchen and Living Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath with Walk in Shower

Doesn’t this home seem very modern?  Perhaps, something you would see in a swanky highrise condo in a big city????

SURPRISE:  HERE’S THE INCREDIBLE PART I LOVE

The one bedroom, one bath loft apartment was built inside a 1940’s grain silo.

The old grain silo was recycled into this upscale apartment, after it was purchased and relocated to the grounds of the Homestead Inn, located in New Braunfels, TX in 2007.

If this isn’t an example of creative craftmanship, I don’t know what is.  Love those Texan’s!!!

Thank you, Pat for forwarding this wonderful property information to me.  Hopefully, it will encourage others to think “out of the box” when it comes to creating affordable housing and perserving our resources.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.  Feel free to place a free property listing, or search our database for thousands of great deals on real estate from coast-to-coast.  

If you know of a unique or smart piece of property, please send us the details and pictures.  Our readers love real estate and we love sharing the resourceful and creative spirit of the American people with our readers.

Tax Perks of Homeownership

1. 100 percent of the mortgage interest you pay is tax deductible, which can add thousands of dollars to your bottom line each year.   Click Here to FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN DEDUCT, if you own a home.
2. Property taxes (real estate taxes) paid to state and local governments are 100 percent deductible on your federal income tax return.
3. Up to $500,000 ($250,000 for singles) in profit is tax free when you sell your home.

2009 Housing Stimulus Increases Tax Savings of Ownership

1. Deduct $8000 from Your Tax Bill.   To qualify for the $8000 tax savings you must be a first-time (have not owned in the last 3 years)homebuyer earning less than $150,000 (married, filing jointly) per year.  You must live in the home for 3 years after purchase.
2. Go Green and Take a $1500 Tax Credit.   The requirements for energy tax credits have eased.  Take advantage of a $1500 Tax Credit for home improvements such as energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, appliances and mechanical systems.  
3. Save 30 percent on Alternative Energy for your Home.   Earn a 30 percent tax credit for each dollar spent on things like solar heating, heat pumps or fuel cells.
4. Save up to $2 million on foreclosures and short sales.   Taxpayers get a free pass on mortgage debt forgiveness until 2012.   Filers can exclude up to $2 million in forgiven mortgage debt, where the home sold for less than the amount owed on the loan.

Owning a home certainly has its privileges, both emotional and financial.  And, real estate is still the granddaddy of tax deductions.   Buy a home and save thousands of dollars, or rent and pay thousands to Uncle Sam.   If in doubt, ask your landlord why they own???

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.   Place a Free Property Listing or Search our Database for Thousands of Homes for Sale.  

It is very important that everyone understands that carbon monoxide is a deadly, silent killer. 

So, what is it?  Where does it come from?  How can you protect yourself and your family?

What is carbon monoxide?  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.  The gas is created when fuels containing carbon are burned.  The most common fuels containing carbon are coal, wood, oil and gas.  Carbon monoxide is poisonous and extremely harmful to all humans and animals.

Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?  It can be found wherever fuel is burned.  Sources of carbon fuels are wood, coal, charcoal, oil, propane, natural gas, fuel oil and kerosene.  Most applicances, fireplaces and machines burn carbon fuels, as do lawn mowers, grills, bbq’s, generator’s, heaters and cars.

How can I Protect Myself?  Carbon monoxide is not usually harmful or deadly, if an area is properly vented.  Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and can be easily installed in area’s of the home prone to leaks or problems.

What are the Signs of a Problem?  People complain of nausea, headaches and extreme fatigue.  Often, people think they have a flu or bug and do not seek medical treatment until it is too late.    If unexplainable symptom’s present themselves, immediately get outdoors into fresh air.  If you find yourself feeling better, call a professional inspector and stay out of the house.

Wintertime = High Alert.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for numerous deaths and severe illnesses each year.  Obviously, winter is a time of heightened risk, as heating systems and fireplaces are in use, and windows and doors are closed. 

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.   Please feel free to post a free property for sale or lease listing, or search our site for great deals on real estate.

A lack of buyer’s in the housing market is making things tougher on divorcing couples.   Sadly, many people are stuck, unable to find a buyer for their co-owned property.    While one solution may be for one spouse to buy out the other, please take the time to understand the consequences and future liability.   If not, you may end up paying the ex much more than you planned.

 Things to Know Before You Buy Property From Your Spouse or Ex

Internal Revenue Code 1041:  Section 1041 states that gains or losses are NOT recognized by the IRS on transfers between spouses during marriage, or on transfer’s between ex’s, if the transfer was a part of the divorce settlement.  

For example, if you agree to pay the ‘ex’, or to ’ex’ to be, $200,000 for their equity in your co-owned property, the cost basis of the property will not increase.  If you sell in the future, you will pay income taxes based upon the original cost basis of the property, excluding your $200,000 payment.

State Taxes:  Many states do not recognize gains or losses on property transfer’s to spouses or ex’s.  Check on the tax consequences about a future sale before making an offer.

Real Estate Fee’s and Transaction Costs: Take into consideration what the costs of the sale would be.  Calculate what each of you would expect to receive (net) today, after paying real estate commissions, repairs and closing costs in order to determine a fair purchase price.

Summary:  When determining the value of co-owned, marital property, consider that the spouse who is buying will effectively pay the selling costs, along with the federal and state income taxes, on the other’s share, so account for it.   And remember, it is always advisable to seek the council of a tax professional when discussing issues dealing with real property.

Thank you, as always, for checking in with InfoTube.net homes for sale website.  If we can help you or answer your question, please send an email to tommi@infotube.net or leave a comment in the area below.

While battered, beaten down and bruised, the US housing market is not dead.  In fact, it is beginning to show some signs of life.   Those looking for an opportunity to Buy Low and Sell High should pay close attention.  These Signs could be an early Signal that we have reached the Bottom.

1. Foreign Buyers are overwhelming interested in acquiring property in the US.  Recent polls show the deep correction, weak dollar and once in a lifetime pricing opportunities have investors salivating for US real estate.  Foreign investors are bullish and ready to buy, especially in hard hit Florida, Arizona and California.
2. Investors which specialize in distressed assets are grabbing up properties at bargain prices all over the US.
3. Buyers recently snapped up thousands of foreclosures, bank-owned property and deeply discounted property owned by desperate sellers.
4. The Credit Crisis is Over.  The latest poll of mortgage applicants showed that 80+ percent experienced no problems in obtaining financing at historically low rates of interest.

The real money has always been made by the Brave who Buy when Everyone Else is Selling.   Smart investors should pay close attention to the bullish signs and be prepared to act on the deal of a lifetime.

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                                                                                                                                     The phrase “One man’s loss is another man’s gain”…is certainly true when it comes to real estate.  A number of factors have converged to make 2009 a great year for the first time home buyer. 

1. 1.  Interest rates are at their lowest levels in decades.  With Fixed rate mortgages hovering at or below 5 percent fixed for a 30 year loan, homeownership is within the grasp of many people that were priced out of the market.
2. Home Prices are down in all area’s of the country, and it is unlikely they have much further to fall.  This means that bottom fisher’s can lock in a great price on a home.
3. The FHA has a first time buyer program that requires only 3 percent down and is available to people with less than perfect credit.
4. Tax rebates and incentives.  First time buyers will receive a tax credit up to $7500 on the purchase of a home.

The weak housing market and economy have presented quite an opportunity for individuals who have never owned a home.  If you are a first time buyer, everything you need is in place to make the deal of a lifetime.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  Happy New Year and House Hunting!

In light of the numerous frauds, schemes and lack of regulation in the “once revered” securities and banking industry, real estate is beginning to look like the only safe haven for your money.

Unlike stocks, bonds and other exotic investment vehicles, real estate investors own something that they can see, touch, smell and enjoy.  In other words, “Real estate is Real”. 

While many unfortunate victims of the Madoff and banking ponzi schemes, may be forced to fire sale their mansions on millionaire road, I don’t see a huge negative impact on area’s like Palm Beach, FL.   There are simply too many ultra rich people on this planet, licking their chops at the prospect of getting a deal on trophy property, that was at one time unattainable.  These individuals are simply waiting on the sidelines, with cash in hand, to swoop down on a deal of a lifetime, with bragging rights included.

We are also beginning to see “the real estate is real” phenomenon take hold in other parts of the US, as well.  Housing sales are up in Las Vegas, Palm Springs and other desirable second home communities.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website.  Please feel free to anonymously post any comments or questions you may have.

InfoTube receives a number of questions about buying and selling property.  But, the two questions ask most often are “Are there any photo’s of this property?”, closely followed by “Is there more than one photo of this home?

The importance of providing quality, multiple property photo’s and video tours can not be understated.  By referencing the Point 2 chart above, you quickly see that the more photo’s equal more interest.  And where you find interest, you find more offers and more sales.

When observing buyers who are shopping for a home on the internet, the following pattern is obvious and consistent.  

1. Ad’s with NO Photos:  Buyer’s completely ignore these listings and move onto the next house.
2. Ad’s with One Photo:  Buyers’s click on these ad’s, but when they look for more pictures and find none, they become immediately disappointed and skip to the next house.
3.  Ad’s with Multiple Photo’s:  These ad’s are viewed 10 times more (exposure) than those without photo’s.  Buyers stay focused on these ad’s (interest) for 5 times as long, as those without multiple photo’s.  These ad’s are bookmarked 90 percent more often (offers), which drives the buyer back to your listing.
4. Ad’s with Multiple Photo’s and Video Tours:  These ad’s receive the most attention, by far. They are also more “sticky”, with Buyer’s spending an average of 4 minutes gazing at these home ad’s.  For seller’s who know they need to make their listing memorable, nothing does the job like a simple Video and multiple photo’s.

If you have a home to sell, don’t under estimate the power of visual media when it comes to web appeal.  90 percent of all home buyer’s shop on the internet, which is a multi-media platform.  If you aren’t supplying a lot of high quality pictures and a good video, buyer’s simply ignore your property and spend their time researching your competition.

If you are not providing great photo’s or video of your property, then you are not doing the marketing, which is necessary to sell the home.  If your agent isn’t providing these things, they aren’t marketing your property, either.  

Take some sage advise.  Grab your digital camera and start shooting today.  If you don’t know how, make it your New Year’s Resolution to learn something new.  In any type of market, pictures and video can make the difference between selling or not.

InfoTube.net offers Featured Home Listings with video tours and a 20 photo slideshow for only $19.95.  The upgrade never expires and is good until your home sells.  If you don’t have a computer or digital camera, InfoTube will create your Featured Home listing for only $10 more, so no excuses.  Upload those photo’s and video’s today, or let InfoTube do the work.  Buyer’s are waiting.

If you have a property to sell, we have 5 proven marketing idea’s that you should consider.   In addition to our guarantee of more buyer attention for your property, these tips are FREE and EASY to do. 

5 Surefire, Guerilla Real Estate Marketing Tips for Sellers

1. Use an InfoTube or InfoBox and keep them FULL at all times.  Buyers love the convenience of curbside home info, which is the reason your brochures disappear so quickly.  Nothing is more disappointing than an empty InfoTube, and it leaves the impression that you could care less about selling.   Print plenty of brochures and be vigilant about keeping your tubes and boxes filled.    There is no better advertising, and the price is literally a piece of paper.
2. Place a listing for your home on every website that provides free home classified’s.   90 percent of home shoppers begin their search on the web and multiple site listings increase the odds of your property being seen.  3 MUST’s for your real estate listings are InfoTube.net, zillow and craigslist.
3. Network- Place your home listing information on your myspace or facebook page.  If you Twitter…Tweet your house
4. Post on Real Estate Forums.  Contribute to real estate forums and include the link to your home listing in your signature.
5. Do a Video Tour.  Video is a great way to show off your property and surrounding neighborhood ammenities.   Highlight scenes that enhance your still photo slideshow.  For example, if your area has a park, new school, nice shopping or great view, grab your digital camera, shoot and show us.  Sites like InfoTube.net feature home video tours on their home page and they upload them to youtube automatically.

If you have a few bucks to spend, nothing increases your exposure to home buyers like an MLS listing.   For $399 you can buy a showcase listing on Realtor.com for 6 months, and still sell your home yourself.  The combined traffic to the MLS real estate hubs is around 8 million visitors per month.  6 months times 8 million shoppers=48 million prospective home buyers.  

Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for visiting InfoTube.net.

When it comes to making or losing money in housing, the main question to consider is often whether it makes better financial sense to rent or buy.  

While a lot of formula’s exist to determine the answer, I stumbled across a great tool for calculating your strategies that doesn’t involve math.

Check out the New York Times slide calculator.  This slick tool instantly reveals the answer to all rent vs buy dilemia’s.   Just enter in some basic information about your housing or investment idea, and the chart reveals how much time, if ever, it will take for your investment to pay off.

Thanks for visiting InfoTube.net, a great website for discovering unknown properties seen no where else on the web.

Real estate contracts are legally binding, and often, complex documents.  Whether you are selling by owner, with an agent, or are preparing to sign a contract to purchase, hiring a lawyer can prevent disputes or surprises later on.

What will an Attorney Charge?

1. The typical fee for reviewing a real estate contract is $250.00 for an average residential sale.  
2. Attorney’s can also perform a title search, procure title insurance and close the sale, for as little as $500, or as much as $1500, if the sale is more complicated.

What Legal Services Should Be Included?

1. An attorney will review the contact and terms to ensure that they are clear, legal and enforceable.
2. They will explain all technical terms and may suggest improvements, if necessary.
3. An attorney will look for clauses that are problematic and will make suggestions to correct the situation, before a problem occurs.
4. A lawyer will outline the rights and responsiblities of all parties to the contract.
5. They will explain who pays for what, and what will happen if something goes wrong.
6. In most states, your attorney can hold escrow monies and disburse funds at closing.

Tip:  Whether buying or selling, you should have a lawyer review any legally binding documents BEFORE you sign them.   If you find yourself in a situation where you must sign a contract before you consult an attorney, write the following phrase into the special provision section.  Have all parties initial the change, then, see a lawyer as soon as possible.

“Contract is subject to approval by buyer’s/seller’s attorney.”

In conclusion, a lawyer can be an invaluable asset when buying or selling a home.  Their expertise can go a long way to ensure a legal, smooth sales transaction.   

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  Please let us know if we can answer any questions for you.

Prediction:  2009 will be a good year to be a landlord, as five factors collide to make rents rise in 2009.  

1. 1.  An estimated 1.9 million homes will be foreclosed upon in 2009, which will tranform these former homeowners into tenants.
2. New construction will grind to a halt, which means fewer rental properties will be available.
3. As credit remains tight, potential buyer’s will be forced to renew their current leases after they are turned down for a mortgage.
4. Consumer fear and an uncertain employment picture will keep would-be, credit worthy buyer’s on the sidelines, meaning less turnover in rental housing.
5. Thousands of Americans who have been burned by recent homeownership will decide that ownership is not worth the risk and trouble.  They will sign a lease for the ease and flexibility, and happily return to rental living.

Investors and Landlords Take Note:  This convergence can be summed up in two words.   Higher Rents.  As the demand for rental units outstrips the supply, the upward pressure on rental rates will occur naturally.

To view great deals on homes for sale by owner, visit InfoTube.net.  Click the link to Search anonymously for the freshest listings on the web, without pesky ad’s or dead listings.

 A new loan modification program was just unveiled that may help thousands of homeowners, that are facing foreclosure.  The loan modification program is the latest attempt by the federal government to stabilize the real estate market.  Thr program will not provide direct financial help, but it does provide assistance to those at risk of losing their homes.

The program will benefit borrowers who are at least 3 months behind on their mortgage payments, if they live in the home and have not filed for bankruptcy.

Borrower’s who fit the criteria would be offered a mortgage loan that would bring the payment to no more than 38 percent of their monthly household income.   Loan payments would be adjusted downward through interest rate cuts and longer terms of repayment.  Borrower’s would be allowed up to 40 years to repay the debt versus the traditional 30 year mortgage most of us are familiar with.

Borrower’s who are in danger of foreclosure should immediately contact the lender who services their loan.  The loan modification program was designed to be swift and efficient in stopping foreclosures.  It is expected that 1.6 million Americans will lose their homes this year, and another 1.9 million are projected to lose their homes in 2009.

Efforts by the government to work with borrowers and homeowners and keep them in their homes is good news for neighborhoods and communities.   The program is also good news for lenders and taxpayers as foreclosures typically cost the lender 50 percent of the loan value.  Ouch!

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