Good prices, low interest, and many houses to choose from: These are good reasons to buy a home.

     But they aren't the most important ones. These are: because you want one, because you need one, because you can afford one, and because you can get the home you want right now.

     These reasons for buying trump all others, no question about it. But aside from want, need, and availability, a few other considerations make the timing right.

     The greatest benefits of home ownership include the fact that the place is your own. You can enjoy it any way you want for as long as you want. It will reflect your personal style and interests.

     Consider the long-term view. Rent money is gone forever, but a home is  an investment. Part of what you pay each month is yours to keep.

     You can deduct property taxes you pay as a home owner. And over time, the value of your home will increase.

     * Low down payments of 3.5 percent are available through FHA.

     If you haven't saved much toward a down payment, or if you are a single parent or have other qualifying circumstances, you could be eligible for a state of federal grant that would cover the down payment.

Buying into the 'American Dream’

     Your real estate agent is familiar with these grants and can guide you through the application process.

     * Remember the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit (for anyone who hasn't owned a home in three years). The credit is equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home, but capped at $8,000. 

     The credit applies to any home bought between January 2009 and December 1 2009. Singles an income of $75,000 or less to qualify, for couples, it's $150,000 or less.

     It is refundable, which means you can get it even if you don't have $8,000 in tax liability.              

     Now is the time. Look around, make an offer on the home of your choice, and start on the way to becoming a homeowner.

 

Susan Maxwell and Gabe Sanders, Premier Realty Group, 2 N. Sewall’s Pt. Rd., Stuart, FL 34996

July is National Picnic Month

Break out the cooler and the paper dishes. It's National Picnic Month, time to eat, play and enjoy the sunshine. It's also National Hot Dog Month, National Recreation and Parks Month and National Ice Cream Month. What better time could there be to pack up your family and friends and head out to have dinner on the grass?

     A few cautions, however, are in order. To avoid food poisoning, have very clean hands when you are making the potato salad. Be

sure to keep that and other cold foods in a cooler until you are ready to eat.

     If you are taking hot foods, make sure they are hot at the start and kept hot until you eat them. If

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”

Benjamin Franklin

Susan and Gabe’s July 2009

they stand out and become less-than hot for a couple of hours, throw them away.