As your personal Realtor I want you to think of me as your one stop resource for all things Tucson. I have lived in Tucson my entire life and been a Realtor here for 10 years. I have been through the good and the bad when it comes to local service providers and vendors.
If you are looking for a referral to a great trade’s person call me first! Please don’t just go to the phone book (or Dex online) hoping to pick the right one. My vendors have proven themselves to be the best of the best.
So if you are looking for a service provider, anything from Dentist or Vet to Plumber or Painter, and anything in between, call me first and I will make sure you are well taken care of.
Often times my preferred vendors will give special discounts exclusive to my clients so be sure to tell them I referred you!
I look forward to being of service.
Renée
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Oprah’s Debt Diet
Today Oprah aired the final installment of her Debt Diet series. Helping American’s gain control of their finances and get out of debt.
All the experts agree the #1 investment for ALL Americans is to own a home. The average net worth of a home owner is 34 times GREATER than that of a renter.
Do yourself and your future finances a favor and buy a house.
There is no better time in history than now. Prices are low and so are interest rates.
Take the step; you (and your finances) will be glad you did.
If you would like to consult about the Debt Diet steps laid out by the financial experts on Oprah’s panel I would be more than happy to sit down with you and set up an action plan to put you on the road to wealth.
Call me anytime.
Your Realtor and your Advocate.
Renée
All the experts agree the #1 investment for ALL Americans is to own a home. The average net worth of a home owner is 34 times GREATER than that of a renter.
Do yourself and your future finances a favor and buy a house.
There is no better time in history than now. Prices are low and so are interest rates.
Take the step; you (and your finances) will be glad you did.
If you would like to consult about the Debt Diet steps laid out by the financial experts on Oprah’s panel I would be more than happy to sit down with you and set up an action plan to put you on the road to wealth.
Call me anytime.
Your Realtor and your Advocate.
Renée
Monday, December 21, 2009
What you need know about Real Estate in 2010.
1. 40% of all transactions take place in the first 90 days of the year.
50 years of research from the National Association of Realtors has proven that.
If you are a seller don’t wait to put your house on the market, take advantage of the high amount of sales activity that takes place all before the end of March!
2. NAR (National Association of Realtors) forecasts that first-time buyers will again be a dominant force in 2010 at 45% of the market. A 2009 NAR study revealed that 53% of first time buyers were referred to an agent to purchase their home.
3. Home sales prices are expected to increase in 2010
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of NAR, expects a 20% boost in existing home sales in the first half of 2010 compared to the same time last year. This will further reduce inventory and set the stage for price increases in many parts of the country.
One factor underlying the home sales forecast is that mortgage rates will continue to remain at near historic lows-under 6%.
4. Studies show that 84% of all homes are sold by professionals who were referred to buyers and sellers.
When your friends mention they are going to be buying or selling a home (or both) please think of me and refer them. I would love to be of service and provide a wonderful buying and selling experience.
Thank you!
Renée
50 years of research from the National Association of Realtors has proven that.
If you are a seller don’t wait to put your house on the market, take advantage of the high amount of sales activity that takes place all before the end of March!
2. NAR (National Association of Realtors) forecasts that first-time buyers will again be a dominant force in 2010 at 45% of the market. A 2009 NAR study revealed that 53% of first time buyers were referred to an agent to purchase their home.
3. Home sales prices are expected to increase in 2010
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of NAR, expects a 20% boost in existing home sales in the first half of 2010 compared to the same time last year. This will further reduce inventory and set the stage for price increases in many parts of the country.
One factor underlying the home sales forecast is that mortgage rates will continue to remain at near historic lows-under 6%.
4. Studies show that 84% of all homes are sold by professionals who were referred to buyers and sellers.
When your friends mention they are going to be buying or selling a home (or both) please think of me and refer them. I would love to be of service and provide a wonderful buying and selling experience.
Thank you!
Renée
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tax Credit Bill Summary
How the homebuyer tax credit would work:
· Tax credit: Ten percent of the purchase price of a primary residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. First-time homebuyers are defined as people who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Repeat buyers must have owned their current home at least five years. The credit cannot be used for houses costing more than $800,000.
· Deadline for qualifying: Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.
· Military deadline: The deadline is extended by a year for members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009, to May 1, 2010.
· Income limits: Individuals with annual incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
· How to apply: Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
· New anti-fraud limitations imposed.
· Cost: $10.8 billion.
Source: Bloomberg Press and Associated Press and confirmed information with the content of the Senate bill.
· Tax credit: Ten percent of the purchase price of a primary residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010. First-time homebuyers are defined as people who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Repeat buyers must have owned their current home at least five years. The credit cannot be used for houses costing more than $800,000.
· Deadline for qualifying: Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.
· Military deadline: The deadline is extended by a year for members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009, to May 1, 2010.
· Income limits: Individuals with annual incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
· How to apply: Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.
· New anti-fraud limitations imposed.
· Cost: $10.8 billion.
Source: Bloomberg Press and Associated Press and confirmed information with the content of the Senate bill.
Homebuyer Tax Credit Update!
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
What are the New Deadlines?
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It’s important to remember that the tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Higher Income Caps
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.
Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible
Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.
Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.
------------------------
Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email me today.
Renee
First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.
Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.
What are the New Deadlines?
In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It’s important to remember that the tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Higher Income Caps
The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.
Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible
Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.
Maximum Purchase Price
Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.
------------------------
Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email me today.
Renee
Monday, October 26, 2009
Shred It
Do you have a stack of papers that you don’t want to just throw away for security reasons? Or old files that you no longer need but you don’t know what to do with?
Thursday, October 29th from 9am to 1pm
Everyone is invited to bring all your old files, checks and other personal or business paperwork and clean out those cluttered file cabinets. The destruction equipment does not require the removal of paper-clips or staples and your documents are shredded in your presence. There is NO limit to the amount of files or boxes you can bring and this is FREE.
If you bring a non-perishable food item, or money, to donate to the Community Food Bank you will be entered into a raffle to win a new personal shredder.
The shredding party will be located in the back parking lot of the Southern Arizona Community Bank at 6400 N Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ 85704
Thursday, October 29th from 9am to 1pm
Everyone is invited to bring all your old files, checks and other personal or business paperwork and clean out those cluttered file cabinets. The destruction equipment does not require the removal of paper-clips or staples and your documents are shredded in your presence. There is NO limit to the amount of files or boxes you can bring and this is FREE.
If you bring a non-perishable food item, or money, to donate to the Community Food Bank you will be entered into a raffle to win a new personal shredder.
The shredding party will be located in the back parking lot of the Southern Arizona Community Bank at 6400 N Oracle Rd Tucson, AZ 85704
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tucson Ranks Top Place for Simple Living by AARP
USA Today printed an article that was titled:
Tucson is the top go-to place for simpler living, says AARP
Demographers used statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources to evaluate towns and cities on a variety of criteria. They looked at places with a low cost of living and that offered a wide range of activities. They looked for affordability, low rates of unemployment and the ability to walk and bike to work along with other “outdoor amenities” such as farmers markets and hiking. They also looked at low rates of suicide, crime, divorce, depression and other factors that play into how stressed people feel living there. Once they came up with 25 the editors at the magazine picked the top cities in different areas of the country to make sure that every region was represented. Tucson made the top!
1. Tucson, AZ
2. Greenville, S.C.
3. Montpelier, Vt
4. Logan, Utah
5. Ames, Iowa
6. Northampton, Mass.
7. Lexington/Fayette, Ky.
8. Texas Hill Country
9. Oxford, Miss.
10.Walla Walla, Wash.
For more information on all that Tucson has to offer and the quality of life here, please give me a call. I was born and raised here in Tucson and would be happy to share with you all the splendor this town has to offer.
If you want to live simply and enjoy each day, Tucson is the place to be.
Renée
Tucson is the top go-to place for simpler living, says AARP
Demographers used statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources to evaluate towns and cities on a variety of criteria. They looked at places with a low cost of living and that offered a wide range of activities. They looked for affordability, low rates of unemployment and the ability to walk and bike to work along with other “outdoor amenities” such as farmers markets and hiking. They also looked at low rates of suicide, crime, divorce, depression and other factors that play into how stressed people feel living there. Once they came up with 25 the editors at the magazine picked the top cities in different areas of the country to make sure that every region was represented. Tucson made the top!
1. Tucson, AZ
2. Greenville, S.C.
3. Montpelier, Vt
4. Logan, Utah
5. Ames, Iowa
6. Northampton, Mass.
7. Lexington/Fayette, Ky.
8. Texas Hill Country
9. Oxford, Miss.
10.Walla Walla, Wash.
For more information on all that Tucson has to offer and the quality of life here, please give me a call. I was born and raised here in Tucson and would be happy to share with you all the splendor this town has to offer.
If you want to live simply and enjoy each day, Tucson is the place to be.
Renée
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