Wednesday, March 31, 2010

$18,000 IN COMBINED HOMEBUYER TAX CREDITS FOR A LIMITED TIME



Californians have a brief window of opportunity to receive up to $18,000 in combined federal and state homebuyer tax credits. To take advantage of both tax credits, a first-time homebuyer must enter into a purchase contract for a principal residence before May 1, 2010, and close escrow between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, inclusive. Buyers who are not first-time homebuyers may use the same timeframes to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits if they are long-time residents of their existing homes as permitted under federal law, and they purchase properties that have never been previously occupied as provided under California law.

Under the federal law slated to soon expire, a first-time homebuyer may receive up to $8,000 in tax credits, and a long-time resident may receive up to $6,500, for certain purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 that close escrow by June 30, 2010. Additionally, under a newly enacted California law, a homebuyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time homebuyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied. The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)). California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)). Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits.

For more information, C.A.R. offers a Homebuyer Tax Credit Chart with a side-by-side summary of the federal and California laws. C.A.R. also offers a legal article entitled Homebuyer Tax Credit Update.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

HK LANE’S FIRST OPEN HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA IS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!



HK LANE’S FIRST OPEN HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA IS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!

In an effort to attract buyers and satisfy sellers HK LANE® REAL ESTATE recently held its first Open House Extravaganza showcasing nearly 60 residential listings. Upwards of over 1000 prospects attended the two-day open house event with many of them being serious buyers, a positive indication that the real estate market is rapidly improving.

To help draw visitors HK LANE advertised the event in the Desert Sun and via the web on hklane.com, openhouse.com, and hundreds of other syndicated web portals. “Our Open House Extravaganza was an overwhelming success” reports HK Lane’s Executive Vice President, COO, Ron Gerlich. He adds “As a result of this special event several properties were even sold.”

Factors such as lower median house prices, an exciting inventory and attractive interest rates will help close the deal for many buyers. “But to attract buyers agents need to be creative and come up with unique ways to showcase their listings,” said Harvey Katofsky, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The market is much different than it was a few years ago. For example, at HK Lane we launched virtual caravans for our sales associates to give better exposure to our listings. This is super proactive and forward thinking,” said Harvey. “And, by doing the caravan digitally, many more agents get to view each listing.” It looks like the agents at HK LANE are heading in the right direction.

Due to its success, HK Lane REALTOR ® PR Roll is very excited about the event and stated, “I had a great Open House Extravaganza…lots of traffic! Much more than I anticipated and most came in off the ads I ran and the HK Lane Extravaganza ad. Very Successful!!”

REALTOR®, Meg Nadeau adds, “My Extravaganza Open house on Saturday was very busy, one of the best I have had thus far.” Gene Darr, Manager of HK Lane’s La Quinta office comments that “This is a sure sign that people are indeed looking and the market is getting a lot more activity.”

For more information on HK Lane properties or for information on a career in real estate, visit hhlane.com.