Being green-

 

When people talk about being green or looking for a “green” home they are normally talking about a property that is made of environmentally friendly material and may use solar power or water harvesting. There is a wide range of ways to make a typical house more environmentally friendly.

Here is a really great website with lots of great ideas to help you save both money and possibly the planet-

http://www.greenhomeguide.org/features/15_inexpensive_green_projects.html

 

Doing simple projects around the house like getting a programmable thermostat and changing your light bulbs to compact fluorescents will cut down your bills because you are using less energy.

 

 

USDA loans-

The United States Department of Agriculture has a loan program and you though they just dealt with farm land and cattle!

One of the only 100% financing loans left. That is right, No down payment, and closing costs can usually be included also! These loans have to be on a house that is considered to be in a rural area. In the Tucson Area that includes most of Marana, Vail, Green Valley, Sahuarita, and parts of Southwest Tucson. There are certain income limits for this program. For Pima, Pinal & Santa Cruz Counties the 2009 income limit is $73,600 for 1-4 people in the household.

 

If this program interests you, give us a call and we can tell you what specific areas qualify and direct you to a mortgage person that knows the in and outs of this great program. 

 

 

 

The $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers!

 

For buyers that have not owned a home in the last 3 years you are most likely eligible for up to $8,000 from the federal government after buying your new home. The amount you receive depends on your tax liability. One of the great things about this tax credit is that even if you already did your 2008 taxes you can file an amended tax form and get your refund within a month or two. You can also wait till you file your 2009 taxes to get the refund. You do not have to pay this money back.

 

Just Announced on May 12, 2009, HUD is going to allow you and your lender to use the up to $8,000 tax credit as your down payment!!

 

 

For those facing foreclosure Beware of scammers!

 

For those that may be facing foreclosure we want to make sure that you are not taken advantage of by scammers that say they can help, when all they want is the little money you have left.  We have seen some of these letters and they are scary. If you need help, we are available for no cost consultations in which we will show you all the options that you have. If we can’t help you we will give you the names and numbers of trustworthy companies that can.

 

It is always advisable to talk to a real estate lawyer and/or CPA before you make any huge decisions that may impact your future, your credit and your home.