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"There are Great Things Happening in Michigan"

On July 30, 2008, President Bush, signed a major housing bill (HR3221) into law. As part of the housing bill, Congress has created a new, temporary tax credit to provide an incentive for first-time buyers. The $7,500 credit will be available for the purchase of a principle residence on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.    

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Federal housing tax credit should boost real estate market, home builders say

by Jake LaDuke | Business Review Western Michigan

Thursday July 31, 2008, 11:21 AM

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The 'Handyman special' doesn't cut it with today's buyers

With thousands of properties for sale, buyers know they have leverage, and they're using it. They search for the best amenities and price.

The National Association of Realtors reported recently that sales of existing homes have dropped by 19.3 percent, and more in certain areas and price brackets, in the past year.

Sellers need to fight back, preferably with broom and brush in hand.  Homes that attract interest are priced right and show well. The grass is cut and the shrubs are manicured, rooms are free of clutter, and ratty carpeting has been replaced with neutral-color updated carpeting. 

When the market was hot, buyers were willing to overlook things, Not anymore.

Curb Appeal
This is arguably the most important part of preparing your home for sale because it's the buyer's first impression. Your home may not necessarily need to be repainted, but it needs to look fresh, with no cracked paint. Get rid of any debris, weeds and toys in the yard. Sprinkle mulch around the trees and trim the hedges so they are not hiding windows. Plant colorful flowers no more than 6 inches high. Red, purple, orange...those colors create excitement in a buyer.

Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens are the No. 1 seller of homes, with bathrooms a close second. Consider replacing the kitchen countertops if they're old and bland. Everybody loves granite, but laminate, black formica, or four inch tiles with grout aren't bad alternatives and cost less. Granite 12-by-12 tiles with thin grout are another possiblility, but you have to do alot of cutting, depending on the depth of the countertop. If the house is listed near the $350,000 price and above, you probably need to spring for granite.

To spruce up the bathrooms, replace the fixtures and the sliding shower door. Hang some fluffy white towels. Above all, the bathrooms must be spotless.

Other areas a homeowner should consider are the Doors, Flooring, Lighting, and more....

How to Decide if it's Time to Own Rather than Rent

By Suze Orman

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Is it time to make your move?
by Jonathan Clements
Saturday, March 15, 2008provided by

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