New Tax Credit for First-time Homebuyers Available
(July 30, 2008) A $7,500 tax credit is now available for any
qualified purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009,
as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Learn about the tax credit >
Understand the Housing and Economic Recovery Act >
How NAR Represents Consumers’ Interests
 From
educating consumers about the housing market to supporting
private property rights, NAR enables more Americans to
achieve and protect the dream of homeownership.
NAR Reaffirms Pledge to Every American's Fair Housing Right >
Read about more issues we're working on >
Why Use a REALTOR®
 Smart
home sellers realize they need the expertise of a REALTOR®
in the sales process. And only REALTORS®, who are members of
the National Association of REALTORS®, follow a time-tested
Code of Ethics, where other real estate licensees may not.
Learn what the Code of Ethics means for consumers >
More reasons why it’s better to use a REALTOR® >
Help Buying or Selling a Home
 Want
to educate yourself on the finer points of buying or selling
a home? NAR and your local REALTOR® can help.
Feature:
Preparing for Homeownership
Guide
to Buying vs. Renting >
Find a REALTOR® >
Learn more about how a REALTOR® can help >
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FEATURED CONTENT
Play NAR’s Member-Supported Television and Radio Ads
Guide to Buying vs. Renting
The guide contains statistics and studies on home owners and
renters as well as financing options and tips.
Read
more >
NAR Defends the Mortgage Interest Deduction
NAR stands in opposition to the President's Advisory Panel
on Federal Tax Reform, which may recommend converting this
century-long deduction into a tax credit. Reducing the tax
benefits of homeownership could endanger property values.
Read more >
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By
Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide to Home Buying /
Selling
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a
veteran, buying a home is a complex process. This home buying
guide will help you to figure out what kind of home you might
like, which amenities are most important to you and how to
estimate your price range so you don't fall in love with a home
that is too expensive, which you later regret.
-
Getting Started
-
Finding a Home
-
Working With Real Estate Agents
-
Home Buying Mistakes
-
Mortgages and Home Financing Tips
-
Purchase Offers and Negotiations
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Home Inspections and Disclosures
-
Home Design, Improvements and Maintenance
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Home Buying Purchase Contract Contingencies
By
Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com
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Wednesday October 1, 2008
Home buyers will have an edge in short sale negotiations if
they
find a short sale buyer's agent to represent them.
While you may be tempted to work with a DNA agent --
because you know and trust that relative -- if that person
has no short sale experience, you may as well hire a brand
new agent for all the help you'll get. Short sales are
complicated and involved. You deserve a short sale
specialist who will watch out for your best interests and
stay on top of the transaction.
Like snowflakes, every short sale is unique. Some short
sales can take 9 months to close, while others can come
together in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Some agents handle
short sales every day while their counterparts avoid short
sales like the plague . . . read more about
Finding a Short Sale Buyer's Agent.
More Articles by Elizabeth Weintraub:
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Buying a house is the largest investment most people ever
make, yet all too often it's a decision made in haste without
adequate preparation.
Read more >>
Read all Buying Articles
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