The sand in the hour glass has just about run out. The home buyer tax credit expires on April 30. It was a great party while it lasted and, according to the National Association of Realtors,  it had a significant positive impact on the housing market. I was able to help many  buyers take advantage of this opportunity and saw first hand the excitement and sense of urgency the program generated.  I hope home buyers who have not yet found a home or who were not able to take advantage of the tax credit will not be discouraged when the program expires at midnight Friday. There will be new listings and new opportunities for home ownership in Andover and the surrounding areas.  While you may not get the tax credit, there’s a good chance you’ll  be able to negotiate a favorable purchase price for your new home. Remember mortgage interest rates are still low and the spring market is alive and well—not just in Andover!  It’s not too late to start your home search—don’t wait for prices and mortgage rates to rise.

Home Buyer Workshop on April 26 2010 When:  April 26   7-9 PM

Where: Memorial Hall Library, Andover, MA

Home Buyer Workshop on April 26 2010

Come join Jim Wilde of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Beth Phelan of Enterprise Bank, Lisa Schwarz Andover Senior Planner, Attorney Scott Lakin and myself Paulette Zuena of REMAX Partners to learn about home buying opportunities in Andover and the surrounding region. Learn about the steps to buying a home, how to qualify for a mortgage and get legal and real estate advice from local experts.  Best of all it’s free.

Print your invitation, and forward this to a friend!  Hope to see you there!

Remember the home buyer tax credit has been expanded to include current homeowners who have lived in their current homes for 5 of the previous 8 years.  There are income restrictions and homes must be under contract by April 30, 2010.  Find out here how to take advantage of this tax credit and start searching for your new home here in the Andover area.

Turnkey! Bright, sunny and beautifully maintained both indoors and out this 2 bedroom condominium has much to offer. Appealing floor plan, private deck, plenty of windows,central air conditioning, new windows,ample closet and storage space, in-unit laundry and detached garage all conveniently located near shopping, schools and highways. Great location, terrific value offered  at $199,000.  Search the MLS for other condominiums and single family homes for sale in the Andover area.

Yes, it’s still doable.  Together we can find and close on your new home before the November 30th deadline.  That’s when the federal tax credit program expires.  But we’ve got to get started right away.  We need to find out how much home you can afford, put together a plan and start looking at homes. The timeline doesn’t mean we throw caution to the wind….of course not.  As your Andover buyer agent I will guide you through the home buying process diligently and carefully…tax credit or not, buying a home, especially your first, will always be l a critically important financial decision and one that deserves the guidance of an experienced professional. Contact me at RE/MAX Partners for a free no obligation buyer consultation. There has never been a better time to buy a home.

Time is running out…November 30, 2009 is the target date. You must close on your new home by then to qualify for this historic tax credit.  Whether you’re looking for a home in Andover, North Andover or a nearby community the time to act is now!  Take a look at this video and then start searching the MLS  for your new home in the Andover area today and contact me, your Andover RE/MAX Real Estate Agent.

Click on the photo to find out more about the first time homebuyer tax credit

Time is running out…November 30, 2009 is the target date. You must close on your new home by then to qualify for this historic tax credit.  Whether you’re looking for a home in Andover, North Andover or a nearby community the time to act is now!  Take a look at this video and then start searching the MLS  for your new home in the Andover area today!

New price $329,900!

 If you just drive by you’ll never see the surprisingly peaceful backyard retreat that comes with this charming Cape style home.  From top to bottom this bright and sunny home is in truly move in condition.  Close to Andover Center and commuter routes this home offers expansion possibilities as well as an oversized 2 car garage with plenty of storage.  Abuts acres of conservation land!  Contact me for more details or more listings in Andover, North Andover and the surrounding communities in the Merrimack Valley.

If you are in the enviable position right now of looking to buy a home, enjoy the current market: the buyer’s market. Home sellers in Andover and North Andover are happy to start a dialogue with a potential buyer, so arm yourself with any and all information to get the best deal possible!

• Right now you have more time to look, so you will be better armed with the knowledge of which houses have been sitting on the market for a while. These homeowners might be more likely to negotiate.
• Consider looking at new construction. Builders sometimes offer incentives and sometimes have very attractive financing programs.
• In certain areas that have been hit a bit harder by the market downturn, you certainly do have the upper hand whilst negotiating - and can always ask for an upgrade or a major repair before finalizing the deal.
• Sellers are often happy to work with your timeline. Don’t be afraid to ask for a closing date that's convenient for you.
• Even some lenders are willing to negotiate. You might ask for free private mortgage insurance, a better interest rate or even lower closing costs.
• Hire a Buyer Agent who is familiar with the area.  A good buyer agent will know her local market and be well equipped to negotiate the sale on your behalf.
• Sign up for free MLS listing alerts so you can see what homes are available in your Andover and North Andover neighborhood.