I think the Spring weather is finally here. Kansas is known for wind, sun and changing weather without much notice.
Now, the Real Estate Market in Kansas is known as "STABLE", for which we can be grateful. What this means is that the home prices have not drastically gone up (mostly a stable 2-3% a year), and our lenders in the area have not particpated in the speculative investment market that has caused so much trouble in this country.
Having said that, I remain hopeful and looking ahead into the rest of this year, I have seen an increase in buyers. As you might have heard (we cannot assume that everybody knows about this) if you are first-time homebuyer or you have not owned a home in the past three years, you are elegible for an $8000 tax credit, which you can either amend on your 2008 tax forms or you can claim it on you 2009 income tax return. Just remember you must have purchased your home by this year Novemeber 30th. The great thing about this money is that you don't have to pay it back. You probably are thinking that there are a lot of people who will be able to take advantage of this perk. Well, I'm seeing some challenges in that the first-time homebuyer can afford a house under $70,000, but that house needs some work. The appraisal requirements have changed and if you as a buyer apply for an FHA loan with your bank, they will require all sorts of things as well. That means that the repair requirements will have to be completed before you can close on a house.
I suggest you call me and you and I sit down and go over these items, so that you have a full understanding before you assume you can buy a house.
One more thing--you know that Earth Day is coming up and with all the hype about "going green", I just want you to check out this website
www.shaklee.net/hesston if you are interested in being more aware of what you can do to move in that direction. Being aware and trusting your information sources is very important, since the media is bombarding cyberspace with al lot of options. How are you supposed to muddle through all that information and know what to do?
The reason I'm involved as an independent Distributor with Shaklee Corporation is because of not only the golden rule, but because of the mission and ethics of this company, as well as the 50 some years it has been the leading health and wellness co. in the world. Call me if you want to join me in making our world a better place for our families and friends.
Blessings this Easter Season! Margie