Marcia

Another great reason to buy is the $7500 tax credit for first time home buyers. It's like a 0% loan. You must purchase between April '08-July '09 and the definition of "first time home buyer" is that you haven't purchased a principle residence in the past 3 years. If you qualify, you can deduct the credit on your tax return. You have 15 years to pay off the loan-or if you sell the home before the 15 year time period the balance is due from the profit of the sale.

For more information on the New Home Buyer tax credit, visit my website and check out the FAQs.

Marcia - Wed Oct 29 2008, 06:02

Juli,

These are all great suggestions. Here's just a few other things to consider.

Cats generally aren't a problem, but the catbox can be. Make sure the box is emptied twice a day and an air freshener nearby might help. If you don't want the cat outside, be specific with your showing instructions so that the buyers and their realtor know not to leave the backdoor open when they go out to look at the yard, etc...

I agree that barking dogs can be distracting and hard to talk over. I've also had clients who wanted to leave their dog "running free" because he was the friendliest dog in the world. Remember, animals are very sensitive and strangers are coming into their homes. This can frighten even the friendliest of dogs causing them to bite or have an accident on the floor. And a segment of the population doesn't like dogs (believe it or not!) and they won't even go in to see your home, just like T.E. pointed out.

My last point is make sure to ask your realtor to be honest with you and tell you if the house has an animal odor. This can be a big turnoff to buyers and make them hurry through or not want to stay. If you are going to use an air freshener like plug ins, or the like, stick to the same smell throughout the home, not a different flavor in every room, and something like "Linen" that covers odor but isn't overpowering. In my opinion, it's almost as bad to walk into a home that is overpowered by air freshener...it gives the impression the owner is trying to cover up an odor.

Just some food for thought. Good luck to you!
Marcia - Sun Sep 7 2008, 06:08

Wyndsor Estates is a pretty area of Richardson that falls in the Plano School district. Plano schools are known for being very good and high demand (Miller Elementary is an exemplary school and Murphy Middle school is recognized). This area also has easy access to 190 (Bush Frwy). The homes were built in the mid to late 90's and you get quite a bit for your money.

If you have specific quesions, feel free to contact me or go to my website. - Fri Aug 29 2008, 13:56

Hi Carmen,

Welcome to Texas! There are a lot of great areas in McKinney. The best way to help you would be for you to get a little more specific in what your needs might be. Do you work? Are you looking for something close to work, or is commuting not a problem? You already know the schools are very good-are you planning on driving your children to school or do you need to live within walking distance? Do you want a pool? What about living in a neighborhood that has a community pool? Then there's number of bedrooms, baths, square footage, etc...

Please feel free to contact me-I'd be happy to help you narrow down your search.
Marcia - Thu Jul 10 2008, 12:08

Russell,

In cases where it is not a property listed "as is" or a foreclosure, just a standard transaction, I counsel my Buyers to look at the inspection report carefully...we go over it together and make a list of the items that could cause damage or harm to the home first, then we address any cosmetic issues and then we prioritize. Sometimes Buyers want everything repaired-this is where you must remind them that a) it's not a new home, b)compare the price they're paying to the repairs needed and c) to ask themselves "what if they were the Sellers", what would they consider fair?

As Dominick and Juan have already pointed out, everything is negotiable and it depends on what each side considers reasonable in how they will agree. Sometimes the Sellers will just offer money in lieu of making the repairs themselves. This can be a win win for both sides-the Seller doesn't have to worry about doing the work and the Buyer can choose who they want to do it and make sure it's done the way they want it, etc..

Hope this helpful!
Marcia - Wed Jul 9 2008, 07:32