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President Barack Obama has extended the first time home buyers tax credit until April
30, 2010. As part of the economic stimulus bill, it also expands the program
to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least five years. ( also must be under
contract by April 30, 2010 - must close prior to July 1. 2010.)
Key components:
1. Extends First time home buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 to first time home buyers
until April 30, 2010.(must not have owned a home 3 yrs prior to purchase)
2. Extends the tax credit to grant up to $6,500 to current home owners purchasing a new or existing
home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
There are income restrictions as well as maximum allowable tax credit. The credit does not need
to be repaid if the home is occupied for 3 or more years. The property must be a primary residence
$800,000 or less.
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit
On Saturday, I attended the Luxe Home Open House at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
The event featured Nicole Facciuto the host of HGTV's Red, Hot, and Green discussing
eco-friendly remodeling of the kitchen and bath's Nicole mentioned that she grew up
on a walnut farm and that is where her interest came from how the environment affects
our lives.
Nicole is an extremely vibrant, passionate speaker whose focus is on making conscious
eco-friendly choices while re-modeling. At the beginning of the speech, she questioned the audience
as to how many make an effort too be eco-friendly in their homes. The response
was about 10-15%. As well as educating the audience about some of the terminology
used, she shared a slide presentation of some of her projects. Some of her
suggestions for choosing eco-friendly products where the type of paint used,lighting,
re-cycled glass counter tops, bamboo and cork.
My favorite part of the presentation was when she featured a piece of art on the bedroom wall.
It was made from old books which she had climbed in a dumpster to retrieve.
She had bound them together and put an antique finish on -stating anyone in the
audience could do it. A lot of her purchases where from vintage shops, keeping the
cost low. She had found drapes and matching cushion covers for about $200.
She concluded with be aware, but not overwhelmed, of different options that we can all
use.
The Luxe-home open-house was delightful. I visited quite a few of the boutiques.
I loved the tile work. I took a tour of the Dream Home - done by the designers.
It was exquisite. Most of the boutiques had appetizers, wine, or Perrier. At Kohler,
it was Champagne. I was tempted, but I was drinking a Starbuck's. The craftsmanship
was truly worth seeing and it made for a very enjoyable Saturday.
8:41 AM - Oct. 5, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Ecofriendlyremodeling
As of 10/2/09 40 condo's and single family residences have sold in the beach area.
(Long Beach, Duneland Beach, Shoreland Hills, Sheridan Beach, Michiana) The
prices ranged from $120,000 - $1,000,000. The total sales volume was $16,000,000.
The average sales price was $408,000. There are 210 active listings in the beach
market. There are 13 properties either pending or with contingent offers.
It is a buyers market - which creates a wonderful opportunity for the
savvy buyer to purchase in a vibrant Lakefront community.
9:42 AM - Oct. 2, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Longbeachin, Market Conditions
Fall has arrived in Long Beach, IN. The days are shorter and noticeably cooler. Lake Michigan
roars at times. It can go from being flat and serene to waves rippling to shore. The children
are back at school working and visiting the pumpkin patches. I think that is one of my favorite
pictures from pre-school - the class picture in front of the great pumpkin. I believe it was Arndt
orchard. It was always a great field trip.
Football is synonymous with Fall in the mid-west. When we first moved to Indiana (1988),
we awoke early one Sat. morning to music. It was the Purdue song. Our neighbors had
put up the Purdue flag and were packing up the car to head to the game. Long beach
is within 45 minutes to the University of Notre Dame, so there are plenty of Irish fans
here too. One of my favorite rituals of fall is going to a Notre Dame game. The tradition
is wonderful and exciting. Everyone leaves their homes early to tailgate. It is truly
something to see the Irish band march down the street towards the stadium and
then of course when the team runs through the tunnel onto the field. It is always
a fun-filled day at the game usually followed by a quaint dinner in a warm restaurant.
Long Beach can be vibrant and exciting in the fall too. There are plenty of activities to enjoy
with family and friends. True the days are cooler, but it's perfect for that delicious pumpkin spice lat tee!
8:03 AM - Sep. 30, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Longbeach In, Family Friends
Living in the beach area (Long Beach, Duneland Beach, Shoreland Hills. Sheridan Beach)
along the shores of Lake Michigan one comes to appreciate the natural beauty and
all the fun of the summer season. I love the summer! This morning as I was walking along the
beach, while the waves gently touched the shore, in the warm summer sun, I watched as
two men in a boat pulled the buoys out of the water. The realization that summer is quickly winding
down came upon me.
I look back with fond memories of another summer season in Long Beach. The 4th of July
parade and the fireworks. Smores and cook-outs on the beach. Golf parties at the country
club. Friends and family relaxing and enjoying days at the beach. Haning out with friends
at Tree House, Duneland Beach Inn. Lake Shore Art Festival, boat show, tri-state regatta, etc.
I enjoyed running into some clients over the Labor-Day week-end. One of the pleasures
of being a Realtor in this area is that you can see the joy in your clients faces that they are
here in Long Beach. Whether they are looking for the "cottage' or land to build quite the
cottage. You can see that they are genuinely happy to be here.
One of the traditions in Long Beach is everyone walks downto their stop to watch the sunset.
We have beautiful sunsets here. This time of year, it is right across the lake over Chicago.
My neighbor, and a good friend, has her Halloween decor up. The stores have their
Christmas displays started. I am still going to treasure the warm sun on days like today,
the brilliant sunsets over Lake Michigan, and the gentle summer wind.
The Michigan City In-Water Boat Show is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary Aug 27-30.
LaPorte county residents get in for free on opening day. Since its inception, the
boat show has contributed an estimated $68 million into the local economy.
I have visited the boat show many times, and have truly enjoyed the variety of boats.
From sailboats, to fishing, race, whatever your pleasure and of course Squiggy
the water-skiing squirrel.
Boat show hrs.
- Thurs. Aug 27 noon-8
- Fri. Aug 28 noon-8
- Sat Aug 29 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Sun Aug 30 10:00am-6:00 pm
Hope to see you there!
http://www.michigancityboatshow.com/M
Delightful 2 br, 2 ba cottage $835,000 on picturesque Lake Shore Dr. Expansive lake views from living
room. Nice floor plan(1,724 sq. ft.), front patio situated raised above the drive. House situated on 2 lots (80x150)
Private access thru drive in back/plenty parking. Enjoy a beautiful beach, great sunsets, with
a central Long Beach, IN location. Agent has interest in property.
- www.mickygallasproperties.com
New Buffalo is a vibrant lake shore community approximately 1 hr 15 min. from Chicago.
It is known for quaint shops, great restaurants, boating, and care-free living. As the
summer is winding down it is the perfect time to consider investing in a home that
you could enjoy the beauty and serenity of this scenic community. From 1/01/09
to 8/13/09 forty one single family residences and condominiums have closed.
The prices ranged from $36,000- $1,100,000. The average sales price is $331,000.
The total sales volume was $14,000,000. There are a lot of wonderful properties
on the market for you to choose from.
If you are in town this week-end, you might want to check out.
1) Harbor Country- Relay for Life Sat. Aug 15th
2) 6th Annual Great Lakes Surf Luau - Third Coast Surf Shop- Aug 15th
Fri Night- unofficial Welcome Stray Dog Bar and Grill 7:00 pm
In 2009 in Long Beach and the surrounding communities consisting of Duneland Beach,
Sheridan Beach, Shoreland Hills, and Michiana 29 single family properties and condo's have sold.
The prices ranged from $136,000 - $1,003,325. The average sales price was $431,000.
The median price was $410,000. The total sales volume closed so far this year is
$12,504,325.
10:34 AM - Aug. 6, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Long Beach, In, Market Conditions
All real estate markets are local. There are many different variables which can determine
how long a property stays on the market. When you first meet with your Realtor,
they will give you a CMA, (comparative market analysis), which is an opinion of value as to
your properties worth. A Realtor will look at sq. footage, bdrms, ba, condition of property, location etc.
and compare your home to other similar homes which have sold. Absorption rate looks
at in a particular price range, for a particular time period, how many properties have sold.
Then your Realtor will look at the number of active listings in that price range. This
will give you the supply of inventory in your price range. Why is this important? If you would like to sell your home
fairly quickly, you might consider pricing it more aggressively. A typical buyer will have
a certain price range in mind when they are looking at properties. They are going to look
at many homes before they purchase. If your property has a lot of unique features
that are more attractive to buyers, you might be ok at the upper part of that price range.
Conversely, if your property is similar to all of the other homes, price accordingly.
4:55 PM - Jul. 14, 2009 - {0} -
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According to Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors, and EVP Gary Walters, southwest
Michigan is continuing to see positive indicators in the real estate market. Mr. Walters
stated, "Houses closed and sold were up thirteen percent over those sold in April. May of
this year was only six percent behind May 2008. The total dollar volume for the month
was down 11% vs May 2008. ($ 35 million'09 vs $40 million '08) " The areas that these
numbers reflect are western pt. Van Buren, all of Berrien, and Cass counties.
It is encouraging to see positive indicators in the overall area. However, New Buffalo
continues to be a buyers market. Currently, twenty-seven properties have closed
with a sales volume of $9 million. The prices ranged from $43,000-$1.1 million.
This is substantially lower than 2008. As of June 30, 2008 42 properties had closed
with a sales voluume of $24 million. There are currentlly 18 properties under contract.
There are 234 active listings. http://www.redarrownews.com/Housing-May2009.html
8:55 AM - Jul. 2, 2009 - {0} -
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The parade in Long Beach begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. It's a wonderful
tradition(very casual) of decorated bikes, wagons, and golf carts (themes).
Micky Gallas properties is hosting our annual pre-parade festivities with coffee
and doughnuts. If possible, we would love if you could bring a canned good for
the Salvation Army.
We are grateful for the Long Beach Civic Association who so generously donates
their time and talent to organize the event. After the parade, enjoy brats, pop, beer,
music, games and most importantly friends. The fireworks are on the golf course at dusk.
As of 6/29/09 23 homes/condo's have closed in the beach area. The prices ranged from
$136,000 to $1,003,000. The average sales price was $430,000. The sales volume of the
property closed, so far this year is $10 million. There are currently 239 active listings.
There are 176 single family residences on the market. There are 63 condo's on the market.
With mortgage rates still at historic lows(but fluctuating),it's a great time to buy.
There are some pendings in the higher price ranges.
12:16 PM - Jun. 29, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Long Beach, In, Market Conditions
The National Association of Realtors Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey for 2009
reported sales of vacation homes declined 30.8 percent last year, while investment
homes sales fell 13.2% According to the NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun,
"We expected vacation- home sales to fall given the impact of a declining economy
on discretionary purchases." On the positive side, 80 percent of second home buyers
are confident that now is a good time to buy. Because of a large segment of the
population is in the prime age for buying a vacation or investment property,
Yun believes the demand for second homes remains favorable. Some reasons
cited for buying a vacation home: vacation or family retreat 89%, diversify investments
27%, provide rental income 27%, primary residence in future 26%, for use by a family member,
friend, or relative 17%.
10:30 AM - Jun. 18, 2009 - {0} -
View more entries tagged with: Secondhomes, Investment
If you are visiting Harbor Country this week-end and are looking for something fun to do,
the Heartland Alliance housewalk on June 6th looks like a winner. It features 7 distinctive
homes. The proceeds benefit affordable housing initiatives.
http://searchchicago.suntimes.com/homes/news/1598192,harbor_country_housewalk.article
Memorial Day week-end starts the beginning of the summer season. It is great to socialize
with friends, spend an afternoon at the beach, or an evening cooking smore's around
a campfire. Please, keep in mind Lake Michigan can be very dangerous with rip
currents. Just as the weather can change daily ( hourly), so can the lake.
Have a fabulous and safe summer!!http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2009/05/31/features/526047.txt
"Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It
trains the mind through they eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors
flowers, so does art color life" John Lubbock, Sr.
May 1-3 is the 16th Annual "Art Attack" in Harbor Country. Journey to Southwestern
Michigan lakeside resort for a week-end featuring gallery receptions, artists workshops,
demonstrations, exhibitions, theater, music, and food. All participating establishments
will have an "Art Attack" logo. It will be an entertaining eclectic week-end, an interactive
celebration of "All that is Art"
Some Highlights of the week-end:
Custom Imports, New Buffalo MI owner Dee Dee distributed cameras to her
Balinese/Sumatran friends on a trip to Indonesia. They were asked to take pictures
of whatever they liked to share of their village. Their photos share their homes,
work, and play bringing their world to us.
Elizabeth Nuti Studio of Art Design of Art Design features oil paintings with
chicken and eggs. "Sunny Side Up" is like life there is always a bright side
to every story.
Studio B in Three Oaks, MI theme is "Spring for Green" The artwork
incorporates recycled elements, utilizes sustainable materials, or is
about nature. (paintings, ceramics, sculptures.)
It will be a wonderful week-end. Hope to see you there!
visit harborcountry.org for specific times
New Buffalo is a picturesque community on the shores of Lake Michigan known for
its quaint shops, casual restaurants, boating, and care-free lifestyle. It has always been
a haven, and a quiet respite from city life. Now with the vision and fortitude of Jim
Gierczyk, the developer of Light Harbor Preserve, condo's at Whittaker St. and Oselka
Dr, Chicagoans might have the ability to enjoy the care-free lifestyle year round.
Mr. Gierczyk put up the $1 million to build the new platform on his property. The
trains will go directly from New Buffalo to Union Station and back. They will
arrive in Chicago at approximately 10:45 am and 9:50 p.m. CST. Trains from Chicago
will arrive in New Buffalo at about 5:10p.m. and 8:15 p.m. EST. The fare will be about
$9 each way for advance tickets.
The limited frequency of the train indicates that the Chicago-New Buffalo train will
not launch as a commuter route. For people with flexible schedules, it gives them
the opportunity to enjoy a fun lifestyle year-round. With increased ridership,
the possbility exists for more stops in New Buffalo. After a hard day at work,
you could enjoy an amazing sunset at the beach or sail under the moon-light.
Mr. Gierczyk should be commended on his vision. It gives the village of New Buffalo
the opportunity for growth and for Chicagoans a lifestyle opportunity.
Harbor Country consists of the picturesque towns of Michiana(MI), New Buffalo,
Three Oaks, Grand Beach, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer MI. The
name is derived from the areas scenic 'harbor' (along Lake Michigan), and
the bountiful lush landscapes. It has been featured in national publications and
is referred to as "the Hamptons of the mid-west"
Saturday April 25th - (12-4 Michigan est time)
Over 100 great homes, cottages, and condo'savailable for viewing, all on one day.
"After Party" at Round Barn Tasting Room and St. Julian's tasting room Union Pier(4-6 pm)
Looking to buy in beautiful harbor country - please call me for an invite.
The developer of NewPorte Landing, a proposed 150 acre retail development north of
downtown La Porte, has pulled out of the project. The developer, Miller-Valentine,
cited the reason for withdrawal as declining market conditions. Former Mayor
Leigh Morrison had hoped the project would be intstrumental in repositioning
La Porte as a vital community with a major retailing role. Mayor Chroback is
trying to remain optimistic about the news focusing on the progress of cleaning
up the land. Miller-Valentine has a "spirit of co-operation" with La Porte
leaving a chance for future involvement.
LaPorte Herald Argus Michigan City News Dispatch
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