Featured Home of the Week / 4520 Seven Hills Rd / Evansville IN

Nestled among a broad array of mature trees and extensively landscaped is an exquisite estate on over 5 acres!  Providing both Privacy and Tranquility.  Flowing Floorplan, Gorgeous kitchen, and lovely lake view!  Call today for your private showing!

Janice Miller
812-453-5000

$6500.00 Tax Credit

Does a current home owner qualify for the NEW $6,500 credit?
Yes, Buyers that have lived in their home for at least 5 out of the 8 years may qualify for this new credit!
The home they buy must become their primary residence, but buyers don’t have to sell their previous home. They can use the previous home as a rental or a second home and still claim the credit.  Janice

Home and Business Space Potential

4 Eble Rd - Contemporary style home with spaces for a home based Business.


4,790 sq ft, not including the full, partially finished walk out basement with garage access. Full length rear deck sits on a 5.65 acre lot with a stocked lake.

Warehouse sized basement w/10 ft. ceilings, garage door, half bath, kitchenette, heating and air, phone lines, 3-200 amp electric service plus much. There is also a separate space with offices, kitchen, full bath and private entrance that can be easily turned into an apartment to rent or use as an in-law suite, temporary housing for loved ones or enlarging the main space for larger main living use. ((additional acreage available for sale up to 21 total acres more or less)).

For more information; Contact Janice Miller @ 812-453-0779

IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit

IRS Sets New Rules for Tax Credit

The IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property.

When a home-owning parent of an adult child co-signs for a mortgage and both names appear on the note, the IRS says that under some circumstances, the first-time home buyer can qualify for the whole amount.

The IRS says the parent doesn’t qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn’t owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit.

When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer.

Source: Washington Post Writers Group, Kenneth R. Harney (12/04/2009)

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR HOMEBUYERS AND HOMESELLERS

The # of homes with sales pending in October

reached its highest level in three years!!!

Next April we are likely to see a similar sales jump as the extended home-tax credit draws to an end.
It is predicted that Two Million Americans are expected to take advantage of the current credits being offered!

This is especially important news to Home Sellers as we enter the traditionally slow months in the real estate market.  If you have been thinking about putting your home on the market, do not let the holiday season deter you!  People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers, there are fewer homes to choose from so you have less competition, Homes “show better” when decorated for the holidays and
many people want to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!

Now, we also have increased home buyers wishing to take advantage of the Tax Credits that are out there,

SO this becomes a "hot season" for you
to list your home now!

If you are a homebuyer looking for a home, check out the Link to all my Visual Tours  ~ the home you are looking for, may be in my inventory right now! 

If you are a homeseller, check out what a visual tour can do for your home!  Afterall, the National Association of Realtors states that 87% of all homebuyers, begin their search on the Internet!  

Choose a Realtor that has a STRONG internet presence!

Janice Miller
ERA First Advantage Realty
812-453-0779

Featured Home of the Week / MLS #170153 / 2688 Colorado

Cozy ranch style home located in the lovely Westwood Subdivision. Recent updates including yard barn, deck, roof, water softener, hot water heater, flooring and heating and air.  Huge fenced backyard ideal for pets or little ones to play. Floor plan features a great room with wood burning fireplace and opens to the eat in kitchen with oak cabinets and laundry closet.  Immediate Possession.  Call Janice Today!

Click Here for a Visual Tour
ERA First Advantage Realty
812-453-5000
http://www.janicemiller.com/

Home Maintenance

Being a Realtor and knowing the importance of Home Maintenance for resale value, Marc and I are always striving to keep our home in tip top shape.   If there is going to be a problem, we want to catch it early and keep the cost for repair low.  NAR, The National Association of Realtors has developed a great website that I would like to share will all of you.    HouseLogic.com  is a source of information and tools to help you increase and protect the value of your home by helping you to make smart and timely decisions about your home.  And its FREE!

Content covers home improvement, home maintenance, taxes, finance, insurance, and even ways that you help enrich your community.  For example you may like to read the article is "7 Signs you may have Drainage Problems"

For more tips on retaining and enhancing your homes value, or for a free market analysis on your homes value in the current market, give me a call, Janice

Featured Listing of the Week / Apartment Building / MLS 170230

DOWNTOWN Newburgh River Front Historic District. 6 - unit apartment complex with 3 garages.  Great investment opportunity, possible conversion to condo's or single family. All units currently rented except owners penthouse.

Offering the BEST views of the Ohio River!

For a Visual Tour of Newburgh Indiana Click Here!

For more information on this property
OR the Newburgh Area,
Call Janice
812-453-0779

Should I provide a Home Warranty

Real Estate Tip:  Home Warranties

You have just found a new home that you love and are planning to place your current home on the market. When the day arrives for your first open house, you may begin to think of all of the things that could break down or go wrong. The air conditioner may stop working or your trusty old dishwasher might "bite the dust" the morning that the structural inspection is scheduled.  Purchasing an ERA Home Warranty Protection Plan is one way to reduce these worries for you and your buyer.

The most popular warranty plans cover the home from the date of the listing to one year from the closing date.  Although policy details vary, there is usually a standard deductible of $35 to $100 (this amount differs from state to state).  Many sellers purchase these warranties to make their property more attractive to potential buyers and to limit their liability in the event that a problem is discovered after the closing.  For more information or tips on selling your home, contact "Your Single Solution Agent!"
 
Janice Miller
ERA First Advantage Realty
812-453-5000

Call for your Raffle Tickets! ~~ All Proceeds go to MDA!

Win a Playhouse!

Tickets $10 each or 3 for $25. All proceeds contributed to MDA. Drawing to be held Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 2301 N Burkhardt.  You do not have to be present to win.  Tickets available at all ERA Open Houses and Offices!  Janice Miller

Real Estate Agent Advantage

How do real estate agents sell homes? 

When a professional real estate agent is retained to sell a home, the agent will develop a marketing plan that has proven effectiveness for selling homes quickly and for the maximum price the market will bear.

He/She will perform an analysis, comparing the home with similar homes in your neighborhood that have recently sold.  Your agent will evaluate the current real estate market conditions, economic situation for the area and other important factors, and come to a educated opinion on a listing price opinion for your home.

The next step a good real estate agent will do, is to make recommendations about preparing your home so that it is presented to its best advantage.  A well worded description of the home will be uploaded into the local Multiple Listing Service, and your agent will implement the advertising and marketing plan tailored for your home.

By listing with an experienced full time real estate agent, your property will be expose to thousands of real estate agents throughout the region.  MLS and Internet exposure is one of the most valuable services a real estate agent can provide sellers.  Real estate professionals also network with other agents in their office when they bring new listings to the market. Does this system work?  Yes, statistics show 85% of the homes sold today use this method.  By choosing an agent in a larger office, you are increasing the "word of mouth" networking that give your home maximum exposure.  The more agents and buyers that hear about your home, the more showings!  Doubling and possibly tripling your chances of an offer! 
 
To reach "Your Single Solution Agent",
Call Janice Today at 812.453.0779

Featured Home of the Week / 4244 Forest Lake / 5,85 Acres

Private weekend getaway on almost 6 acres with a lake to host bonfires, hayrides and nature walks????

Enjoy the GREAT OUT OF DOORS right here!  Fantastic wraparound deck faces the large stocked pond. Upper level bedroom and a Pole Barn.  Deer, wild turkeys and fishing. Call Today!


For more information, Call Today!
812-453-5000

Seasonal Tips for Selling Your Home

If your home is located in Southern Indiana where we have seasonal changes, having a few photos on hand of your homes exterior at various time of the year is a very smart thing to do!  Be prepared to list your property any time of the year with appropriate phtotos.

Spring and summer provides a wonderful backdrop for your home.  The fall offers some of the most vibrant and dramatic colors in the rainbow including reds, oranges and greens.  As the Fall colors past and Old Man Winter sets in, be aware of additional days to go out and snap photos of your home, the lawn and subdivision scenes.  Christmas decor, cold cloudy days, freezing icy days and of course snow fall . . . try various times of the day too!  Early morning can be very different from high noon.  After a rainfall . . .  late in the afternoon when the sun is low, as dusk falls and lights go on, can create a warm dramatic photo also.  If you build a fire, the bright flame and crackling of the fireplace wood, would be a great time to snap a photo. 

So, whether you're selling you home now, in the spring, or a year from now, turn on your radar and be aware of "photography" moments!  I love it when I go to list a house and the homeowner has these kinds of awesome photos!

For more tips on selling your home today OR a year from now, give me a call!  I'd love to counsel with you!

Janice Miller
"Your Single Solution Agent!"
812-453-0779

San Diego California / NAR Convention

10251 Saint Paul Dr / Mt Vernon IN / Featured Home of the Week / MLS #169899

Like new 5 bedroom home with finished walk out lower level and lots of upgrades. Property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac and sits on a 1.81 acre lot with lots of trees and a view of the pond. Home has a 3 car side load garage with 7ft. garage doors and 12ft. ceilings, a wonderful deck to enjoy viewing all the wildlife and a covered front porch great for sitting in a comfortable rocking chair and enjoying a good book. Family room with a gorgeous wall of custom built ins and fireplace is open to the eat in kitchen with beautiful cinnamon stained Amish maple cabinetry and granite counter tops. Huge master suite, 3 additional bedrooms, 2 Jack and Jill baths, a spacious bonus room with sitting area, 2 walls of custom built Amish bookcases and window seat with storage. The walk out lower level has a bedroom with double closets, 2 additional storage closets, rec room with door to the patio, full bath and a sewing room/office with closet.  St Charles Place / West on 66 past USI-turn right on St Phillips, 1st left on Walfinger, right on Hausman-left on St Paul Dr (gravel road).  10251 Saint Paul Dr

For Additional Information, give me a call
Janice Miller
Click Here for a Visual Tour

Featured Home of the Week Revisited! / Blue Lake Estates

2822 Briarcliff / Wonderful home with Full Walk Out Basement, In Law Apartment and a Gorgeous Lake View! Light filled kitchen opens to the great room with 14ft ceiling, fireplace and a wall of windows.  Fabulous oversized deck, Covered front porch and a Side Load 3 Car Garage.  Click Here for a Visual Tour

Janice Miller
ERA First Advantage Realty
http://www.janicemiller.com/

NAR Conference Update / Friday the 13th!

San Diego Architecture

I’m in beautiful San Diego at the NAR (National Association of Realtors) Conference and EXPO.  I have been meeting with some of the TOP Realtors in our industry and discussing news that is impacting and will be affecting how our business is conducted. 

One of the things I would like to share with my readers is "BUY Today!" 

Mortgage rates this time next year could be one to two percent higher than todays interest rates!

FHA downpayments may be raised from 3.5% up to 5%

Four of the nations largest banks are doubling and tripling the size of their short sale departments to handle the influx of short sales

Future foreclosure inventory is being underestimated, not overestimated

FHA has a federally mandated reserve requirement of 2%.  The most recent audit has come in at only 0.53% in reserves.  It was expected to be less than 2% but . . . NOT this Low!  Conventional loans normally have "regional" guidelines, but FHA is FHA . . . regardless of the area of the country.

With this news in hand, I am geared up to come back to Southern Indiana and help EVERY buyer that calls me!  The good thing . . . the tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less, so give me a call!\

I want to help!  Janice
812-453-0779

204 E Old Petersburg Rd / MLS #169845 / 24.48 Acres

Princeton IN, Lovely contemporary style home with lots of square footage that can be utilized in a wide range of configurations to fit your lifestyle.  24.48 acres of beautiful land with lots of trees and a gorgeous stocked lake. Floor plan offers a Main level with a formal dining room, half bath, 3 full baths, 3 bedrooms including the master bed and bath with huge walk in closet with built ins. From most rooms you can view the exquisite acreage.  In addition there is a Lower Level and a Pole Barn.  Offered by Janice Miller, ERA First Advantage Realty

HomeBuyer Tax Credit Update 11 7 09

It's Official!

Today, President Obama signed a bill that will extend the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit to sales contracts signed by April 30, 2010 and will have until June 30, 2010 to close.  The bill also creates a $6,500 credit for those who buy a home after living in their current house at least five consecutive years out of the last eight.

Eligibility - A “first-time home buyer” must not have had an interest in a principal residence for a period of 3 years prior to the purchase.

Limitation on cost and income - Effective Nov 7th, 2009  ~~ $800,000 or less (vacation homes and investment properties are NOT eligible).  Income up to $125,000 for single purchaser and $225,000 for joint filers.  Additional $20,000 phase out.

Anti Fraud Rule - Taxpayers must attach documentation to their federal income tax returns.  If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue payment.  Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.

Repayment - The tax credit will not need to be repaid, IF the buyer occupies the home for a minimum of three years.  However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped at the time of the sale.

This is GREAT news for buyers and sellers!  For additional information about this or any of your real estate questions, contact "Your Single Solution Agent" Janice Miller at 812-453-0779

Tax Credit Update 11 2 09

FROM:  US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT:  An extension of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit appears all but certain after the Obama administration called on Congress to give house hunters more time to claim the popular tax perk. The move comes shortly after Senate lawmakers stuck an agreement to not only push back the measure’s looming deadline but expand it to allow current homeowners and more affluent buyers to claim the credit.

The deadline for first-time home buyers to claim the $8,000 credit would be pushed back to April 30, 2010. But the term “deadline” doesn’t mean the same thing as it does in the current credit. The Senate agreement stipulates that buyers must have a sales contract on a house by April 30 to be eligible, but it gives them an additional 60 days to close the purchase…the effective deadline of the credit under this agreement is actually the end of June.

The agreement would allow current homeowners to claim up to $6,500 as long as the property they are vacating has been their primary residence for at least five years.

Senators moved to increase its annual income limits from $75,000 to $125,000 for single buyers and from $150,000 to $225,000 for married couples. These limits apply to both first-time and move-up buyers, although neither can purchase a home for more than $800,000 and still get the credit.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed!"   Janice

November Featured Home / 4111 Triple Crown / MLS #169596

Large, updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Newburgh location! Tons of updates including...carpet, paint, flooring, appliances, roof (2005), and heating and air (2006).  New patio with a brand new awning! This home has an awesome backyard-both large and flat! Privacy wood fenced, shed, and patio round out this wonderful home! Seller is including a Home Warranty.
Visual Tour of 4111 Triple Crown, Newburgh IN

For more information on this Great Home,
contact Janice Miller at 812-453-0779

My Little Sophie / Miss Piggy / Halloween 2009

BabyCenter.com has conducted a poll of 25,000 U.S. Women and found that 63% of online mothers now use social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter regularly, compared to only 11% three years ago to stay informed.  44% said they use social media for finiding information regarding parenting and products.
"They don't watch TV as much and they are not reading magazines as much, but instead they are checking out Facebook, Twitter ..." said BabyCenter's editor-in-chief Linda Murray.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Hoping everyone has a Happy Halloween out there!

Dual Agency ~~ What it means for me?

What happens when you are interested in purchasing property that is being sold by the same real estate agency in charge of your buying needs?  You may have concerns about a dual buyer/seller agent.  Will this form of agency protect your interests, or that of the seller?  Will you as buyer be able to share confidential information about your needs?

In states such as Indiana, where dual agency is legal, the real estate agent will serve the needs of both parties fully, because good business practices and professional integrity require honesty and fairness.  As Realtor's we abide by a Code of Ethics!   If a buyer and seller are both represented by the same agency, they will be asked to sign a dual agent contract acknowledging the affirmative obligations of the real estate agent.  Neither party should fear being shortchanged because the other party's interests will come first.  Because the real estate agent will honor the code of confidentiality, both parties may share sensitive information without undue anxiety.

ERA First Advantage Realty, as a reputable real estate agency will help to reach a satisfactory outcome to negotiations for both parties in the transaction.
 
I Hope you have enjoyed this Real Estate Tip!  If you have any questions about this tip - or any other tips you may have heard elsewhere - please give me a call!  There is no obligation and you'll hear back quickly!
Janice Miller
ERA First Advantage Realty
812-453-0779

Featured Home of the Week / 5179 W Sherwood / MLS #169544

Featured Home of the Week / 5179 W Sherwood / MLS #169544
Newburgh 1.5 Story Family Home with 2,308 sq ft! 
Offering 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths

For addtional information on this home, OR any of Janice's Homes call Today  812-453-0779 or Visit http://www.janicemiller.com/ for details.