Green Real Estate in Idaho

Are you a first time home buyer or do you happen to know someone that is considering the purchase of their first home?  If either are true would an extra $7500 help to secure that purchase?  Call or email me today and I can help.

The basics of the plan are as follows.  The government is making available $7,500 interest free, for first time home buyers (or anyone who has not owned a home for the past 3 years).  This money can be applied for prior to the purchase with your 2008 tax return using an additional, but easy to use form.  As with all things there requirements but they are quite manageable.

• The borrower can not make more than $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing jointly) to qualify for the maximum amount of $7500.
• Home purchase must fall between April 8, 2008 and July 1, 2009
• Did not own any other main home during 3 year period ending with date of purchase.

In times when cash can be hard to come by for down payments and associated out of pocket expenses this is a real boon to buyers that qualify.  If a home is not purchased prior to the July 1 deadline the money can be returned to Uncle Sam (no shopping sprees…).  There is a repayment plan in place that is extremely reasonable.  Repayment begins 2 years after the year in which you claimed the credit.  So, if you apply on your 2008 tax return, with your 2010 tax return you would include your first payment of $500.  You make payments annually for 15 years, at $500.  Yes, the math is correct, the buyer pays no interest charges.  The tax benefits of home ownership could well offset the repayment meaning that from a bottom line perspective, the $7,500 is “free money”.  Of course, because every person’s tax situation is different you should consult with your tax advisor.

This is money that could be in hand prior to your purchase.  Interest rates are very low, prices are down and there is a fantastic selection of homes on the market.  If you’re considering purchasing your first home this is the time to act.  Call me today so that we can put a plan in place to have you in your new home this Spring!

Ben Moore

208-373-1063

If you’re new to the valley and this is your first Winter you may find yourself wondering, “What is going on with the weather?”  Well, this eclectic back and forth between snow with a brief transition to slush and then warming just enough to melt it all away is fairly typical.  While our snowfall this season, at least this December, was the second snowiest on record, this come and go is the norm here in the heart of the valley.

The benefits of the crazyness are that we typically have the opportunity to enjoy winter activities like sledding, snowman building, snowball fights, snow angels etc. without being completely snowed in with 10′ of paralizin, life halting conditions that some areas are saddled with year after year. Within a few days, or sometimes by the end of the day, its warmed enough that the roads are clear and it’s smooth sailing.  Another perk of living in the valley is that we are within a quick drive of winter activities that require a bit more snow.  With 3 resorts within just a few hours, and one just 30 minutes from downtown there is always great skiing to be found without having to pack the family up and going on a major outing.  Of course, if you would like to get out of town for a bit it’s a quick drive to McCall, Tamarack, or Sun Valley resorts.

Today we’re a little overcast with no snow to speak of, except that which has been piled in parking lots or lawns from recent shoveling.  We’re expecting the daytime high to be flirting with 50 and should be holding steady there for the better part of the week.  It’s a great time to be planning a trip to see the Treasure Valley and see for yourself how great life can be.  There is something to be said for Boise as we continue to grow and incorporate many of the benefits of “big city living” while avoiding many of the pitfalls.  If you’re considering a move and have plans to visit let me know.  I’m happy to help make sure your stay is fantastic with recomendations from where to say and what to see and do while you’re here!