12 June 2009
The Value of a Real Estate Agent
Many companies have popped up offering sellers the chance to list on the MLS for a fraction of what they might pay at a traditional real estate brokerage. What is the difference? The short answer is a real estate agent. Sure these companies have to be Read More...
10 June 2009
Backpage.com expands into Montana
Until now Montana was a black hole as far as Backpage.com was concerned. The nearest area to post for sale listings was Spokane Washington, until now. Backpage now has a dedicated place for all of Montana. http://Montana.Backpage.com This is not ideal Read More...
04 June 2009
HUD's Welcome Home Program (or the HUD $8,000 bridge loan for First Time Home Buyer)
Even though Montana's Governor decided that a bridge loan for first time home buyers to use their tax credit at the closing table was not a good idea, HUD had a different opinion. HUD Officials announced that they are going ahead with plans to develop Read More...
15 May 2009
Welcome Home Program is Dead!!!
Yesterday Governor Brian Schweitzer vetoed the Welcome Home Program. He passed HB 645 which contained the Welcome Home Program, but he cut out that program and meth project funding before signing the bill into law. Here is his comments on the Welcome Read More...
14 May 2009
Top Ten Reasons to Not Buy a Home This Year
10. I bought a home last year. 9. I dont need the extra tax benefits of owning a home. 8. My landlord is such a nice guy I think I am going to keep paying his mortgage. 7. I dont like moving. 6. The $8,000 incentive is just not that enticing. 5. I live Read More...
23 April 2009
Welcome Home Program Update
The good news is that both the State Senate and State House has approved HB 645 which includes the Welcome home program. The not so good news is that they approved different versions. Now a joint committee of the House and Senate has been created to hash Read More...
16 April 2009
Get the word out about the First Time Homebuyers Class
The buzz has started. In today's Ravalli Republic there was an article about our First Time Home Buyers Class being held next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Read the full article Follow the State's Welcome Home Program This is a free class for any and everyone Read More...
11 April 2009
First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Seminar ..... and its FREE
On April 21st from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in Hamilton we are hosting a free seminar explaining the ins and outs of the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. We will show you what you need to know when buying your first home, how to use the tax credit, Read More...
09 April 2009
Welcome Home Program almost approved
The Welcome Home Program is designed around the federal tax credit for first time homebuyers. This program would loan $8,000 to the buyer on a temporary basis until they can file their taxes and get the money from the federal government. Those funds would Read More...
26 March 2009
Government Affairs Update
Every month I write a Government Affairs Update (since I am Co-Chair of the Government Affairs Committee) article for the Bitterroot Building Industry Association's Newsletter. I thought that I might as well post it here for my clients and friends Read More...
20 March 2009
2009 Montana Legislature tackles Property Tax Reappraisal
The state legislature has been discussing property tax reappraisal. The current bill has many aspects to it. I mainly want to discuss one aspect specifically. The legislature is attempting to have an increase on property owners who live elsewhere, or Read More...
13 March 2009
Streamside Setbacks Knocked Down but not Out
HB455 may not see the light of day in this years Montana Legislative Session. The House Local Government Committee are split down the middle on this one. In order for the committee to pass the bill to the House Floor they have to have a majority of the Read More...
19 February 2009
NAHB has created a webpage to help buyers navigate the Federal Housing Tax Credit
Just a couple of days is all it took for the National Association of Home Builders to update their tax credit site for the new 2009 Federal Tax Housing Credit. This is a much easier site to navigate than the governments own Recovery.gov . The government's Read More...
16 February 2009
Fix Housing First AXED in Stimulus Bill
The federal stimulus package has been finalized, and unfortunately it does not contain the NAHB "fix housing first" plan. After a week of successfully overcoming votes and motions to remove the housing tax credit, the provision was removed on Read More...
13 February 2009
For Sale By Owner Home Tour
I am interested in coordinating a massive open house tour of FSBO Sellers. Why do a Tour? Everyone is looking for that “good deal” For sale by owner listings are considered one of those “good deals” The First time home buyer $7,500 Read More...
More Posts Next page »