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Peabody & Smith Monthly Newsletter!
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Peabody & Smith Realty, Inc.
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"One Click and You're Home!"
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Copyright © 2008 Realty Times
All Rights Reserved.
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First Time Buyers'
Dos And Don'ts
 If you are a first time home buyer, you have a lot to learn.
Working from a blank slate you must build an understanding of the housing market, determine what you can afford, land a loan and hone in on a home that's a good fit for your lifestyle.
The transaction will likely become your largest asset ever so there's little room for error.
It is a daunting task, but you can ease your concerns if you take the process step-by-step, watching your footing as you move along the path toward the American Dream.
Below is a list of "Dos and Don'ts" to
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help first timers turn that stress into the self-confidence you'll need to move closer to your first home.
The list focuses on areas first-timers typically stumble over in their initial home buying attempt. Knowing what you could
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Taking The Real Estate Investment Plunge
 Just like buying a home to live in, taking the real estate investment plunge requires taking stock of your financial goals, planning and lifestyle before taking the plunge.
Pretty much like buying any property.
If you've got the time, the money and the lifestyle that lends itself to managing a real estate investment, you are just about half way there.
However, both halves are pretty big halves.
The National Real Estate Investors Association says you've still got a lot of work to do.
Here's what.
Buy your own home first. Buying a home will not only put a roof over your head, but also teach you the true cost of property ownership beyond the monthly mortgage payment; give you a primer on financing; school you on how location and changing market conditions affect property values; give you the angle on tax and other home-owning benefits; help you learn about property maintenance;
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Tax Rebate Uses For Buyers
 What should a smart home buyer do with that fat federal tax rebate check?
Well, it's not that fat, but it could come in handy for buyers before, during and after the home buying transaction.
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 includes, among other provisions, tax rebates, bureaucratically dubbed "economic stimulus payments."
Starting in May, the U.S. Treasury Department will begin sending rebates to taxpayers, who had $3,000 of income and filed a 2007 tax return and have a valid Social Security number. Eligible taxpayers will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples). Parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.
If you are a retiree, disabled veteran or low-wage worker who is otherwise exempt from filing a tax return, you must file a tax return this year in order to receive a rebate.
The rebate -- both the basic component and the additional funds for qualifying children -- begins to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) over $75,000 and married couples who file a joint return with AGI over $150,000. The combined payment is reduced by 5 percent of the income above the AGI thresholds.
You can estimate what your tax rebate take might be with the Economic
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Peabody & Smith - Welcome!
Peabody & Smith May News
Agents Attend LeadingRE Conference
P&S Wins Marketing Contest
Andy Smith Meets Ben Stein!
P&S Warm Weather BBQ!
P&S Participates in Road Clean-Up!
NH&VT Real Estate Market Stats & More
Real Estate Strategies for You
7 Deadly Sins for Home Sellers
Wall Street Journal - Good Time To Buy
Things to Buy After Buying a Home
Many first-time home buyers, after weeks of waiting for mortgage approval and then closing might think a major hurdle has passed when they finally close. However, that stuff is only the beginning. So, with keys in your hands, you open the front door to your marvelous new home. This is where you ask, "But where are the window coverings?" Things to Buy After Buying a Home: Keys & Locks: The first thing you should do is re-key or change your door locks. Lawnmower: Unless you plan to hire a gardener you will need to buy a lawnmower. Garden Supplies: Every home needs a garden hose. Don't forget about weed-whackers, shovels, rakes or hoes. Tools & Repair Items: Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Essential items are: hammers, assorted screw drivers, hacksaw, pliers, small drill & drill bits, staple gun, tape measure. Snow Removal Equipment: Look at flat- and curved-snow shovels, plus ice-chippers and a bag of salt or sand come in handy when the ground freezes. Window Coverings: You can choose from blinds, drapes, curtains and more. If your budget is stretched too thin, check out self-adhesive paper blinds with clips. They cost less than $5, and serve as a good temporary solution. By Elizabeth Weintraub from About.com
Daily News and Advice
Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.
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