Many home buyers are scrambling to find the perfect home and close escrow before the November 30, 2009 deadline.  The current First Time Home Buyers Credit is slated to end on November 30, 2009.  This means you must own the home by then, not just have your offer in by then.  Closing in Central Oregon is taking 35 to 60 days on average. If you have not found the perfect home, or the loan yet do not panic.

It appears that congress is looking to extend, possibly make some changes and revise this plan.  Remember that being a first time home buyer does not mean you have never owned a home.  It means you have not owned a home in the last 3 years.

Pat & Wayne Harriman are REALTORS® in Wallingford, Ct, they too have been watching this closely and found the following;

HR 2801, The Home Ownership Moves the Economy (HOME) Act of 2009 would extend the availability of the credit through 2010, expand it to include all home buyers, not just first timers, and would also remove the income restrictions of the current credit. Currently, the buyers must not make more than $75,000 if single or $150,000 for couples filing jointly, and there is a reduction in the credit for buyers with incomes up to $95,000 and $170,000, respectively.

Many of you may ask if the first time homebuyer tax credit is going to extend should I wait?  My answer to you is NO – we have no idea what will come to be all of this is speculation. If you wait because of what might happen you may loose the credit completely or your loan may no longer be available.

Some of the changes being talked about would change this from a first time home buyer’s tax credit to a home buyer’s tax credit. Those of you looking to upgrade, downsize or buy a recreational home you may find waiting to be to your benefit, although the income restrictions will most likely bump you out of qualifying for this credit.

It has often been said that not all agents are equal.  As a buyer or a seller you have the opportunity to work with anyone you choose to.  Many times as a seller’s agent I am asked about a commission rate, and although I can be flexible and work with my seller to see what works under each circumstance.

Do you realize that there are agents that will “boycott” your listing or not show you a home because of the amount being paid to the buyer’s agent.  Sad but true and finally some agents are stepping up and taking a stand.

Melina Tomson a good friend and an real estate agent in Salem Oregon recently posted a great article she calls  The Iron Grip.  In this article she calls out agents that are publicly stating they will not show properties listed with a “discount broker.”  These brokers do offer business model that some feel will work better for them.  And maybe it sounds good – but remember that if it sounds too good to be true it just may be.

Locally, I have heard of agents not showing a particular agent’s listings or short sale listings and even bank owned homes.  The moral of this story is make sure the agent you choose to work with is providing you with service you need and deserve.

Personally – as a buyer’s agent I always make it clear to my buyers it is my responsibility to help them find the best home at the best price that fits their needs.  It does not matter who or how a property is listed I will show it to a buyer if it fits their needs… this is how I work, but does everyone?  The answer is NO – there are agents that do not show these properties and a buyer may never know the property exists – and the seller may never know there is a problem.

Remember it is your right to work with the person you want to – so be sure that your agent is looking out for what is best for you!

Looking for a great home that backs up to Forest Land? Then look no further this great home has been completely restored, updated. Feels new yet still has the greatness those older homes have.  Originally built in 1939 for a supervisor of the Old Gilchrist Mill.

Spacious, warm and hidden storage in almost every room this home will meet the wish list from everyone! A huge RV shop, additional garage out back and multiple other out buildings.

The living room features a cozy fireplace, bay window and is large enough for seating for everyone! Formal Dining has beautiful built-ins you expect to find in a home of this era. The French doors lead to a covered patio for all your outdoor dining and entertaining.  The patio even has a wonderful water feature.

Kitchen is fully updated with all the modern conveniences we love in a newer home, appliances flooring and tons of cabinets with great use of space. A breakfast nook is the perfect place to have your morning coffee while watching the wild life right out the back.  Current owners enjoy feeding the birds and have several species that keep them entertained for hours.

Master suite is just that a full suite you step down into your own world.  With a gas stove that looks like an old fashioned wood stove in the corner with room for seating then step into the master bath that features great counter space and windows that open to the back of the property looking out to miles upon miles of nature. The walk in closet has a built in drop down ironing board and room for the most organized person.

The den or office is towards the front of the home just off the entry allowing you to work in quiet yet be close to everyone!  The den has a great old world feel and a large window brings in the Central Oregon sunshine.

Heading upstairs –the staircase reminds us of days gone by but so sturdy and beautiful.  The two guest rooms upstairs and guest bath are all spacious.  the bigger of the two bedrooms has 3 count them 3 closets and built ins in each closet.  The “smaller” bedroom (although not really very small) features a built in desk too.  This home even has a basement.  In the basement you will find the newer heater, 2 hot water heaters, a shower, the laundry area and a fully finished room to store all those extras without ever leaving the house.

Many home buyers of Central Oregon properties look for the perfect shop on the property. Shops come as many styles, sizes and finishes as homes do. Today we are going to talk about 3 homes that are currently featured properties on my website.

53318 Deep Woods – $249,000

This 4 bedroom home features 2 bathrooms, a family room and is located just off the paved section of Dawn Road. You will find a paved driveway that leads to both the garage and the shop. The shop was built by Perry Walters Construction and has oversized doors and measures approximately 36’ X 40’. Lots of room for your RV, toys and work shop area – come see this beauty and know that there is a place for all your Central Oregon toys.

15577 Pinedale Ct – $434,900

This beautifully updated home features hardwood floors throughout, new vinyl windows, new exterior siding additional insulation and stainless steel appliances including a subzero refrigerator /freezer. The property is like owning your own low maintenance yet beautiful park. The shop is 55’ long and fully insulated, it has it’s own bathroom a warm room, work bench and upstairs storage with a comfortable staircase.

1620 Micah – $474,800

5 beautiful acres fenced and gated with a log style home this home has the touches of the Pacific Northwest you would expect for your country home. Pine and log accents throughout with beauty and taste throughout, every room in this home has a spacious feel. The shop is a 30’ X 60’ with 12 foot doors great overhead lighting and ready for your hobbies or big rigs.

Yesterday I wrote a post about homes in La Pine for first time home buyers.  A couple of locals chimed in, this made me realize that some people are not aware that homes truly are still selling in La Pine.  Because we were discussing first time home buyers I have pulled the information for  homes under $200,000 and between $200,001 and $250,000.  The links below will take you to a CMA for each Category, as you can see, homes are selling.  Yes the days on market is longer and yes there have been price reductions, but sales prices are still higher than they were a year ago. 

There are a lot of homes to choose from that a year ago would have not been on the market.  Today I was speaking to Rick Grand, a mortgage professional in Eugene and he informed me that there are a couple of great programs available to first time home buyers and for those that maybe have owned in the past.  Rick has one program that is 100% financing that is one loan – not a first and a second with great rates, and no mortgage insurance.  That is huge when it comes to 100% financing.  Programs change everyday, before these programs are gone you might want to consider now as the time to buy that home you have been dreaming of.