This morning, my inbox has received several notifications about the formal extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit which will provide financial assistance to many New Home Buyers and Existing Homeowners who are considering the purchase of their next home.  Later in the day, a conversation with a client underscored our need to make sure that as real estate professionals, we provide accurate information from the Federal Government about this tax credit.  Here's the question:

Question:  If an existing homeowner sells a home and qualifies to utilize the extended Tax Credit, is the date on the contract OR the settlement closing date the one which is used to determine qualifying eligibility? 

I spoke with 2 mortgage officers, both of whom were not certain about the answer.  Than I visited the Federal Tax Credit information site (which has not yet been updated to reflect the news of the morning) and also read the FAQ from our State Association & the National Association of Realtors. Why was this necessary?  Well, the answer in part my be the result of changes which are happening very rapidly and the fact that sometimes there is a lack of clarity initially. Here's the response from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) which was obtained from my local  and state Board.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?

Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

This is just on example of the types of questions which consumers will be asking.  Do you know where to send them to get accurate information? The Michigan Association of Realtors has been proactive in getting information out about this program. Other detailed questions about the change in the provisions for the Tax Credit can be found here. 

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Just about 3 years ago, I decided to write a blog post. Within a month, I stumbled upon Active Rain and signed up.  I had absolutely NO idea how much that simple decision would change my life and career.

Yesterday, 2 extraordinary events intersected together in 1 day aka 1,440 Minutes. During the Annual Broker Meeting of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®, I was nominated by Pat Vredevoodg, 2007 NAR President for the position of President-Elect (2009) & elected by the board of Brokers of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.

It was a moment ripe with symbolism on a variety of levels.  Pat captured a unique essence during her brief nomination speech which she termed as a 'tweet' about why the Brokers present should cast their vote in favor of the nomination.

Here's Pat's insightful Twitter nomination: Vote for Lola Audu because she is "Smart, Caring, Cutting Edge, Daring, Forward & Clear Thinking, Humble, Funny, RE Pro, Motivator, Responsible, Experienced, Mom, Inspiration"

Later that afternoon, I picked up a direct message on Twitter from Todd Carpenter, NAR's Social Media Manager who asked me to check my in-box for a message from President-Elect of NAR, Vickie Cox Golder. Here are excerpts from the e-mail which showed up this morning,

Dear Lola,

Congratulations!  You have been identified as an influencer in progressive ideas about real estate and, as a result, we invite you to participate in a new pilot program for the National Association of Realtors ®.  NAR's leadership would like to include your voice in our governance system in 2010 and have selected a national NAR committee for you to join. .....

By serving on a national NAR committee, you will have the opportunity to bring your ideas about today's competitive and evolving marketplace to the industry's leaders and you will be in a position to spark change within the business......

NAR has made a commitment to elevating the voice of young professionals and early adopter of social media in the real estate business, and we want to hear from you.....you were recommended to serve on the Housing Opportunity Committee.

What an opportunity!  I'm so grateful to God that the tapestry which He weaves in our lives through our experiences is never conventional nor is He ever limited by pre-conceived limitations about who we are or can become.

Relationship Marketing is not a new concept, however the rapid emergence of social media as a dominant tool for online communication has rendered new significance to the term.  

You may not have heard the term before, but you're most certainly aware of sites such as Twitter, Facebook & Youtube.  These constitute the new frontiers of Relationship Marketing where the fight for turf doesn't revolve around simply attracting 'eyeballs' but rather has moved into a more holistic approach to building client relationships.

Lola Audu, CRS, GRI, e-Pro will be giving an educational seminar about Relational Marketing to the Grand Rapids, Mi chapter of the Womens Council of Realtors ®  entitled "How to Expand the Groundswell in Your Business" on October 15, 2009.  The venue is the Wild Fire Grille - 1144 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  Lunch will be served at noon with the session commencing shortly thereafter.  The cost is $20 for Members and $25 for Non-Members.

RSVP: RSVP to pamela.manus@lmcu.org

 I thought it was going to be a normal listing appointment.  The call came into the office and went something like this: 

There are a number of metrics which one can use to get a handle on the current housing market in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  However, the one which captures my attention as we head into what is traditionally the busiest season in real estate is the Spring Parade of Homes. Here's what I wrote about the tour last year...

It’s a spring time ritual in Grand Rapids, Mi.  For residents like myself and many others who love to peek into gorgeous homes and pick up the latest tips for home decor and furnishings, the Spring Parade of Homes Tour is an event which is highly anticipated.

However, this year, the Parade of Homes will feature a tour with significantly fewer offerings than in recent years.  In 2006, there were 200 homes featured in the Parade of Homes, last year (2007) the number was 133.  This year, 83 homes will make their debuts in the Parade…far fewer entries than just 24 months ago. (click here to continue reading)

This year, the Parade of homes will feature less than 1/2 of the homes entered in the 2008 year.  The 2009 Parade debuts with 42 homes as it marks 50 years.  A search for the nucleus of this story traces back to the number of building permits issued in Kent County in 2009.  A number which has been declining for the past several consecutive months to just 25 for the entire county in March of 2009; down from 61 in the same month of the previous year 2008 according to data obtained from the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors®.  

For the first quarter of the year, permits are being issued at about 1/2 the rate of last year 2008...which was already a less than stellar year for new home construction.

But, West Michigan has always been a resilient community which prizes innovation and creativity.  This year, the Parade of Homes will feature six Green Homes, a Brand New offering.  Not only will the public be able to view quality built, affordable, environmentally sustainable home construction, there will be classes available for those who would like to learn more.

Last year, I visited a green built home in my neighborhood.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the builder and learned a lot about how smart investments can save a future homeowner money and increase the enjoyment and comfort of the residence.  If you'd like to tour a Parade home, look for the signs which mark each home or visit this site for additional tour information including scheduling for the Green Homes which are open on Thursdays.

Visit www.auduhomes.com to view NEW home construction in all price ranges!

Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

BLOG DISCLAIMER

The information contained in the articles on this, blog is the property of Audu Real Estate. Comments posted in response to individual blog posts are the opinions of the respondents. Audu Real Estate is not responsible for the opinions, thoughts or ideas expressed by visitors to this blog nor for any liability for any damages or losses direct or indirect that may result from the use or reliance on information contained herein. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. Readers are advisedto contact a real estate professional for specific counsel related to their individual real estate needs.

Blogging is taking the nation by storm. In case you haven't noticed...they're everywhere! Infact, according to Technorati, a leading aggregator of "all things blogs related," over 175,000 new blogs are being created every day.

Blogs are becoming a part of every type of business. They span the relm of politics, religion, education, sports, real estate, retail, electronics, medecine...you name a topic or interest...someone, somewhere in the world is blogging about it.

Perhaps, you have wondered how to start a blog. You may have even bought a book or taken a class to help you get started. But you still find yourself stumped. You're paralyzed at the prospect of starting or...maybe, you just need a little personalized direction to help you to develop your blogging voice.

Don't worry. Help is on the Way! We have developed two Training Options for professionals who want more in depth instruction about blogging. These tools are designed to:

1. Help you to overcome Your Resistance to Getting Started

2. Evaluate the Focus of your Blog.

3. Suggest Topics to Write about

4. Enable New Bloggers to Find their "Voice."

5. Provide helpful critiques to enhance the effectiveness of a blog post

6. Teach Blogging Etiquette.

7. Make Your Blog an Effective Lead Generation Platform

The following class options are available:

Blogging Therapy^TM ~ Individualized Coaching Sessions (one hour) These sessions are designed to allow for individual attention. They are available for Brand New Bloggers and more experienced Bloggers.

Sessions are tailored to address specific issues such as: Creating an Effective Blogging Style, Making a Blog Post Attractive, Cultivating a Blogging Community, Developing a Blog Theme, Optimizing & Expanding your blog's Reach On Line, Generating Leads & Profits from your Blog.

Requirements: Access to a computer, phone and Internet connection. Highly recommend high speed wireless connection to make the best use of the session training. Payment for all sessions must be received in full prior to commencment of training.

*Training for Individual coaching sessionswill be conducted via telephone by appointment. Live coaching sessions are available.  Please call for price quote.

Cost per session: $120. Call or e-mail for quote regarding a Package of 3 Sessions.

Option #2 ~ Blogging Boot Camp^TM~ This option is available for groups ranging between 5-10 individuals per session. Group Sessions are 2 hours in length. Topics covered include many of the topics available in the Blogging Therapy^TM  option. Group sessions can also be customized by written requests recieved at least 1 week in advance of the session. Customized requests are not guaranteed.

Group sessions can be conducted at client's premisis. These sessions will require participants to bring a laptop. A room rental fee of $150 will be assessed in addition to Blogging Boot Camp^TM costs for groups of 6 or more individuals unless suitable accomodations are available at the clients premisis to include access to computers with high speed internet availability.

Blogging Boot Camp^TM Costs: $100 per person for a 2 hour session. A Non-Refundable $100 Fee is required to reserve a date for Blogging Boot Camp^TM. Payment must be received in full prior to the commencement of training. An Advance booking of at least 2 weeks is strongly suggested to reserve a date for Blogging Boot Camp^TM.

Cancellation policy: Full refund 10 days prior to the event, 50% refund 5 days prior to the event. All other cancellations less than 5 days prior to the event will be charged the full fee. A Non Refundable Deposit of $100 is required to hold and reserve a date for the Blogging Boot Camp^TM.

NEW OFFERING 2008!

Marketing Your Brand in a Web Connected World!

Did you know that "Who You Are" online has become a very valuable commodity?  Your online Branding is key to your success in the emerging business marketplace.  Learn how to create a Successful online presence and connect to new opportunities for business and networking in this interesting and interractive course. 

Time:  2 hours

Cost:  $75

For further inquiry or to book a Session, please e-mail: laudu@grar.com. or call 616-791-0511.

To Read articles that Lola has written about a Variety of Blogging Related issues...Click here

Visit Lola's Blogs on line:

http://www.activerain.com/blogs/auduhomes

http://laudu.realtownblogs.com

*Policy is subject to change without notice.