#2 - Top 10 Govenment Grants and Rebates for BC Home Buyers and Sellers

Well...... We're onto #2. This ones for the First-time Home Buyer!

#2 - FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT (HBTC)
This is a non-refundable income tax credit for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. It's calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2009) by $5000. For 2009 the maximum credit was $750. Sound confusing? Go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hbtc to watch a short video clip or call 1-800-959-8281. 

Be a friend..... Pass this along! 

Stay tuned for #3. Coming on MONDAY. 

Lacey Forward
604-910-LACE (5223)
www.homeswithlacey.com 

PS: Please don't keep me a secret! The referral of your family and friends is the greatest compliment. Thank you. 

Top 10 Government Grants and Rebates for BC Home Buyers and Sellers

NO MORE SITTING ON THE FENCE!  For all of those who are sitting on the fence keeping it warm... it's time to get off and take advantage of the savings!  Whether you're planning on buying a home or you already own a home, here are 10 grants and rebates that will help you save money.  Some are old and some are NEW but, will only be available for a limited time.  Be sure to stay tuned over the next couple of weeks while I share them with you.

#1. HOME BUYER'S PLAN

Qualifying homebuyer's can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can draw up to $50,000) from their RRSP's for a down payment. Homebuyer's who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time. (Go to http://www.cra.gc.ca enter "home Buyers Plan" in the search box or phone 1-800-959-8287).  The benefit? It's one of the best ways to save for a home while receiving a rebate on your personal taxes.  Save for a home and pay less taxes? YES PLEASE! Go ahead.... make a contribution today. 

Stay tuned on WEDNESDAY for #2 from the Top 10 Government Grants and Rebates available for BC Home Buyers and Sellers.   

Be a friend .... Pass this along :) 
Questions? Feel free to reach me on my direct line below.

Lacey Forward 
604-910-LACE (5223)  
www.homeswithlacey.com 

PS: Please be sure to keep me in mind whether you or a friend are looking to purchase or sell your existing home.

AN EXPERTS TAKE ON THE "HOUSING BUBBLE"

I read an interesting article today from BC real estate association's chief economist.  Most of the 2 second clips on the news these days are playing with our emotions including mine.  It's really kind of them to educate us with a whole 2 seconds news flash.  (sarcasm)  Always get the whole story before you make big decisions and look at your personal scenario. The news is out there to get great reviews not to be your financial advisor.  Look to the experts and get the WHOLE PICTURE. Take a look at the link below.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/docs/economics-forecasts-and-presentations/2012-11bulletinarticle.pdf

2012 CURRENT MARKET UPDATE

As everyone has returned from summer holidays, activity has picked up and the fall market is in full swing.  In the recent Real Estate Weekly, CIBC’s chief economist wrote a column stating that BC will lead in housing sales over the next decade and that current media coverage is highly exaggerated. (Click here to read full article: http://issuu.com/rew1/docs/ly-sep7 )That being said, when you are making a home decision, plan to be in the home for 5 years. Don’t make a decision based on fear or speculation—make a decision based on what you want, need, and can afford. Be realistic. 

First Time Home Buyers Opportunities = FREE MONEY & Candy Store Selection of Supply

-  $10,000 Buyers incentive that is only available until March 31, 2013 

   (New Construction purchase)

-  Save on the property purchase tax (Properties under $425K) 

-  Use your RRSP savings towards your down payment 

-  $750 tax credit (CASH). 

For those of you who have not owned in the last 4 years, you can also qualify for the $750 CASH incentive. I will be hosting a short, informal seminar later this month for home buyers. I will be covering these grants, as well as what you need to do to get them.

With prices being steady, it presents a great opportunity for those who want to upsize. Interest rates are still at all time lows, and for properties that have suite potential, often times it costs less per month to live in the house than it would to live in a townhouse: more space, a backyard, and a similar monthly payment. 

Be sure to call me before you decide to buy or sell. 

604-910-LACE (5223) 

Buying or selling? You made a decision that this is the time for you to move. I can provide a number of options to speed up the process and save you time and money. Please take a moment to read over some of the options that have assisted many of my previous clients.

Are You Tired Of Waiting?!?!?...

I Do More Than Just Put a Sign On Your Lawn:

Over the years I have developed many options tailored to my client’s needs. Let me help you end the wait. I offer more than just a sign on your lawn!

My clients have found the “We Trade Homes” option of great value in purchasing or selling their properties. I also encourage my clients not to overlook these other great solutions. Often a little help is all that is needed to turn your dream into reality and in the process save you money!

What if My Trade Option Is Not For You? You may wish to consider my interim financing option. I can tailor a plan to your needs and budget. This will aid in completing your sale or purchase and avoid any disappointment caused by buying with a “subject clause”. I offer more options than with traditional banks and without the expense and red tape.

Save CMHC Fees: In many cases my clients find that with only a small supplement to their cash equity they can arrange for conventional financing rather than with CMHC. This option can save you many thousands of dollars in mortgage fees that may not be possible through other realtors or lenders.

Purchase With A Partner: I do not offer this option to everyone, but this is an option that I offer to a few select clients each year. I invest the down payment, and rather than a loan, I may partner in sharing the equity for your first purchase. If you feel that home prices are getting away from you faster than you can save the required down payment, then this amazing option may be just what you are looking for.

Financial Challenges: From time to time clients find themselves in some tight financial spots through unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. Give me a call. I have provided a number of solutions to help in keeping the wolf from the door. This can range from cashing you out on your property or providing easy financing to satisfy creditors until your property is sold. When challenges strike give me a call.

Tailor Made Options: I am in the habit of creating solutions. Bring your real estate needs to Westridge Realty Co. and see what I can do to assist you. In most cases I should be able to provide a solution to whatever challenge you may have. I have been specializing in creative forms of financing and have many satisfied clients to prove it. My motto has always been “All your real estate solutions under one roof” and for good reason.

If you would like more information on any of these solutions, or have any questions, please call me direct at (604) 910-LACE (5223) or email me at lacey@homeswithlacey.com. I look FORWARD to speaking with you soon!

How to Get Top Dollar - Part 2

In my continuing series on “How to Get Top Dollar” I would like to talk about de-personalizing and editing your space.

As I mentioned in my last post in this series, making your home as appealing as possible to a wide array of people is the ultimate goal. One of the first things to understand is once you put your home on the market you must shift your thinking; now it’s time to approach your home as an object for sale– not as your home.

Start by de-personalizing your space. Remove the majority of personal photos and precious personal mementos. While these items are special and important to you, they don’t matter to those coming to view your home. People want to see your home – and the architectural elements that make your home special – not your family pictures.

Second, edit your space. Make your house clean, simple and easy to view by maximizing the space in each room. This means taking some time to sort through your belongings. You may end up donating things you no longer need or packing up items that are not needed until after you move.

You want your rooms to feel spacious, your closets to be organized and your home to feel welcoming. Making your home feel move in ready will help you get top dollar, as potential buyers won’t feel as though they will have additional expenses upon move-in.

If you’d like more information on getting top dollar I’m happy to chat or come by your home to give you some pointers. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Introducing LOVE MONTH

I'm excited to share my current promotion with you.

For February, the month of LOVE you will SAVE:

20% off your listing fees

$200 refer a friend bonus - gift card to Home Depot - Costco - or The Keg
(*Referral gift will be delivered when friends move into their new home*)

Looking to buy? Call about our special buyers home credit.

PLUS We're doubling our giving: 20% of all profits from new business between
February 6 - 20 will be donated to the charity of your choice

There's something for everyone!

2Gether WE CAN BRING CHANGE!

If you would like to talk with me directly about this promotion or anything real estate please feel free to call me at: (604) 910-LACE (5223).

*Listing discount received upon purchasing and selling with Lacey Forward*