7 Reasons You Should Get Off The Fence in 2009

Every day we are bombarded with conflicting information about the economy. Stock market down then up, unemployment up then down, interest rates low but climbing higher... Its a lot to figure out. One thing is clear and its that there has never been a better time to buy a home. If you are on the fence, here are 7 reasons to make your move in 2009:

1. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 enables first-time homebuyers to qualify for up to an $8,000 in federal tax credit for the purchase of a home.
2. It's a buyers market! Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power. Financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit.
3. The recent decline in prices has sellers pricing their homes competitively, allowing your dream home to finally be within reach.
4. Competitive pricing also means more inventory from which to choose in a variety of locations.
5. Interest rates are at historical lows - lower rates equal lower payments, or a larger home - you choose.
   
6. Builders are offering unprecedented incentives for new homes such as flooring upgrades, new appliances, and discounted financing.
7. Historically, homes are a solid long-term investment. For the past 40 years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you buy a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets.
   

The Auctions Are Back

Its been a few months but there are now two model home furniture auctions scheduled for this weekend. Read on for details:

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Warehouse Auction @ Jason Taylor Moving and Store
1445 Pilgrim Mill Road
Cumming, GA 30040

Preview Begins at 8AM
Auction Begins at 10AM

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 16, Pilgrim Mill Rd. Turn left on Pilgrim Mill Rd. Continue to warehouse.

Sunday, May 3, 2009
Overlook @ Hampton Station (Beazer Community)
204 Hampton Station Blvd
Canton, GA 30115

Preview Begins at 12pm
Auction Begins at 2pm

Directions: Take GA 400 North to exit 13, Bethelview Rd. Turn left onto Bethelview Rd. Drive 6.3 miles and turn left on Highway 20, Cumming Highway, and drive another 10.3 miles. The community will be on the left.

Tax Day

Today is the day I've been putting off. I'm not sure why but for the past few years I've procrastinated when it comes to doing my taxes. I'll be at the post office this afternoon mailing my return. Next year I'll do better. I'll file early and do it electronically.

After I'm done, I'll head to either Cinnabon to get some free tax day bites or I'll go to Maggie Moe's for their e-CONE-mic stimulus package (a free scoop of ice cream today only.) Its cheesy, I know, but I'll still take the freebie. Also, Papa John's is offering a discount on pizza today as well. For the price of a large cheese pizza, you can get 3 toppings for free. Its their 1040 promotion.

If you don't think you'll be able to complete your taxes in time, be sure to file an extension today. You can get the form by clicking here.

Tax Deduction for New Cars

After doing a lot of research, I bought a new car this weekend. If you're looking to buy a car, you should know that you can deduct the sales tax paid on any new vehicle purchased from February 17th through the end of the year. Click here for details.

A Day at the Auction

A couple of weeks ago I attended a real estate auction. This wasn't a foreclosure auction or tax sale on the courthouse steps. This was one of the many auctions that is advertised on tv or billboards throughout the city. These homes have already been foreclosed and the banks that own these properties use auctions to quickly sell their inventory.

The auction can result in a great deal for a buyer but there are a few things you should know.

1. Inspect the home before the auction. Do your due diligence upfront because there is no negotiating on the price once you have the winning bid.
2. Don't expect to get the property for the opening bid. Even if the area is undesireable and the starting bid is $500, you can expect the price to jump from $500 to $1,000 to $10,000 in a matter of seconds. This is because the bank that owns the property may be bidding against you because they want to obtain a certain amount for the home.
   
3. Don't go it alone. If you are working with a real estate agent, you don't have to abandon them if you purchase a home at an auction. They will still receive a commission and can best advise you on the market value of the home, financing options, etc.
   

If you are interested in the auction, there is one this Wednesday at the Georgia International Convention by the airport. Click here for details.

Discover the Difference

Do you ever wonder why some people easily accumulate wealth while others struggle? What exactly is the difference between the two people? I've often questioned this and now I may have an answer.

Jean Chatzky is a financial expert and her new book, The Difference, is about the reasons some succeed financially while others fall short. Its available as a free download for Oprah.com members by following the link below.

Take advantage of this now as its only offered for a limited time.
Download The Difference for free

Affording the essentials is essential

The Publix weekly circular has a section worth checking out. It features inexpensive grocery items that you can stock up on. For instance, you can get a loaf of bread, a bag of salad, or a chicken leg quarter (per pound) for less than a $1. Add another dollar and you can get a box of cheerios or a 4 pack of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup. Even in the current economic climate, there is no need to go hungry with deals like this.

Click here to check it out.

Thanks to Julian Price for sharing this with me!