Archive for June, 2009

Don’t miss out on one of the best times to purchase a home in years

June 25, 2009

First Time Buyers:

By now almost everyone has heard of the possibility of the onetime $8000.00 tax credit available to first time buyers, however, many people are unaware of the other benefits which may be available to first time buyers.

For instance, there is also a “Mortgage Credit Certificate” (MCC)program. The MCC program allows the buyers to not only take advantage of the $8000.00 credit, but also take an additional 20% annual tax credit for the life of the loan. (A dollar for dollar reduction in the taxes paid)

What this means is that you would take a normal deduction of 80% of the interest paid on your mortgage, while the other 20% becomes a tax credit.

Here’s an example: Annual Mortgage Interest Paid $9500.00
80% IRS 1040, deduction $7600.00
20% MCC Credit $1900.00

If your yearend tax liability was $2000.00, you would subtract the $1900.00 credit reducing your tax liability to $100.00

Here’s another example: Mortgage amount $175,000
Interest Rate 5.5%
Monthly P&I $994
Total 1st Year Interest $9566
MCC Credit X.20
MCC First Year Savings $1913

As a new home owner, you could reduce your withholdings thru your employer, thereby taking more money home with each paycheck to subsidize your payments.

Wait there’s more:

Down payment assistance programs are also available, potentially reducing you’re out of pocket expenses to as little as $750.00 to buy a home.

We also participate in the Mpls/St Paul heroes program where $15000 grants are available for buyers who are employed in the Military, Firefighters, Police Officers, Teachers, Public Employees and more.

To not miss out on these great opportunities, or for additional information, please contact Tony Ashworth at 952-997-8899 or Blaine Peterson at 651-905-6207.

Please view www.homesbytonyandlori.com for all of your real estate needs!

SOLD another listing! We need more!

June 23, 2009

The real estate market continues to move forward…and homes are selling.

Short sales & bank owned properties still continue to flood the twin cities real estate market, but traditional sales are happening and we are starting to see appreciation in certain price ranges.

Although most people will not see the 10% appreciation per year again, the days of 30% depreciation may be gone! Hopefully for good!

The first 1/2 of the year has been strong for the Ashworth Team! But, we need more listings!

If you are needing to sell your home please give us a call. We specialize in homes likes yours in the Mpls area, with an emphasis being on homes in Dakota and Scott counties.

For additional information, please view our website at www.homesbytonyandlori.com or give me a call at 952-997-8899.

Tony Ashworth

PS….We love buyers too!